Type, size, fabric, and color – we tell you what to consider when choosing Roman blinds and how to beautifully decorate windows with them.
Window decoration is an important final stage, which gives the interior completeness and makes the space truly cozy. Window textiles should be both beautiful and functional. In this article, we tell you why Roman blinds deserve your attention, with photos of beautiful examples in different styles.
Peculiarities
In design, Roman blinds are more similar to blinds than to classic curtains. They are a straight fabric with a lifting mechanism that collects the fabric upward in even horizontal stripes. They are often confused with roll ones since their appearance is practically the same. The difference is in the lifting mechanism: roll ones are wound on a cornice shaft, while Roman ones are gathered into folds under the curtain. Such window textiles have a number of significant advantages.
Pros of Roman blinds
- Versatility – you can choose a model to suit your desired interior style, as well as fit into any room.
- A large selection of materials – from translucent to dense, plain, or with ornaments.
- Unpretentiousness – easy to care for, no need to constantly clean, and if necessary, you can simply wash it in the washing machine.
- Savings – fabric consumption will be less, and this in turn affects the total cost of the product.
- Compactness is an excellent replacement for massive curtains for small rooms with small windows.
Most often they are used in rooms where there is little space or where curtains up to the windowsill are needed. Usually, this is a kitchen, a nursery, or an office; they are also often hung on a glazed loggia. But it is not recommended to use them on balcony doors.
Varieties
There are three types.
- Classic – when opened, they are a smooth canvas; when lifted, they gather into folds. This is a simple, laconic type that is suitable for any style, including modern ones: minimalism, scandi or hi-tech.
- Cascading is a more pronounced design, in which even when lowered, the fabric lies in beautiful large folds. Suitable for traditional interiors, as well as if you want to make the window an accent element.
- Frameless – the canvas is simply attached to the cornice, there are no rigid guides, and when lifted it gathers into folds. A good idea for country, eco or Provence and in general for romantic interiors.
Material
The choice of base for this type of window textile is vast, but there are a few limitations. So, too heavy fabrics will not work; fabrics with vertical seams or decorative elements that will interfere with the rise of the fabric; stretchy “liquid” coatings – they will not hold their shape. The most popular are cotton, linen, burlap, and natural silk. All these are natural hypoallergenic materials that can be used in any room, including a child’s room. In addition to the fabric itself, the basis of the canvas can be bamboo, jute or matting.
You can make canvases from blackout fabric. But it is better to place it not on the front side, but on the lining and fasten the canvas not inside the opening, but on it, so that there are no gaps. It is important to understand the characteristics of the material: blackout is an impenetrable material, so in a room with such textiles it will be either too light when the curtain is raised, or too dark when it is lowered. There will no longer be a middle ground between them—comfortable diffused light—so this format is more suitable for a bedroom or nursery, where the main task of window textiles is to block too bright light while relaxing.
What to consider when choosing a base for canvases
- It is better to choose dense or semi-dense elastic material without vertical elements that will interfere with lifting.
- If two different materials are used, combine those that have the same properties: for example, synthetic with synthetic, cotton with cotton, etc. You can combine thick fabric with lighter fabric.
- Matte coatings will look better on windows than glossy ones. In addition, the latter will highlight all the unevenness of the tailoring.
- If you want to use a light translucent canvas, it is better to have a pattern on it – and it should occupy most of the area.
- Coatings with texture look interesting: it’s good if it is noticeable not only to the touch, but also visually. These include raw linen, pile fabric, bouclé, coating with a 3D effect or weaving metal threads.
How to use Roman blinds in rooms
On one’s own
This type of curtain works great on windows on its own. There are two design options.
- As an invisible functional element. It is especially often used in modern styles, where minimalism prevails and the amount of decor is minimal. If the goal is not to attract attention to the windows, choose light canvases in neutral natural tones.
- Like a bright accent. In this case, the canvas can be plain, but bright in color. With a small or large active pattern. Be a combination of two contrasting shades: for example, light and dark, where the second is used in the form of an edging for graphics.
Together with tulle
A Roman blind can act as a main curtain and be combined with light transparent tulle. In this combination, it will not hide behind thick curtains but will be located on top of the main canvas and play primarily a decorative role.
A few years ago, the “day-night” model, which is a double Roman blind with tulle, became popular. This is not only a stylish, but also a functional solution that allows you to adjust the level of illumination at different times of the day and depending on the weather outside the window. So, for example, during the day you can lift the upper dense part, leaving only translucent tulle, which will softly diffuse daylight. If the sun is too bright, you can lower the upper opaque tier.
With other curtains
To make the window opening look cozier, rectangular curtains are often combined with other curtains. Most often these are beautiful flowing curtains in the living room or bedroom. This combination option is suitable for rooms where you need to create additional light insulation.
If there is little sunlight in the room, you can combine Roman curtains with curtains made of light translucent fabrics.
Beautiful examples
Let’s look at how to use Roman blinds on plastic windows with photo examples for each room.
Kitchen
In the kitchen, every element of the interior should be primarily practical. It is in this room that Roman blinds are most often chosen for windows – they are compact and fit the functionality of the room.
What is important to consider
- The kitchen is an area with high humidity, constant temperature changes, and a lot of dirt. Therefore, the material for window textiles is selected taking into account these features. A good option is a synthetic or combined fabric that can be washed frequently. It is also important that the material absorbs odors as little as possible.
- Based on the previous point, it is better to avoid snow-white curtains in the cooking area: they will wear out quickly, and all dirt and grease stains will be visible on them. For light textiles, it is better to choose light gray, beige, or white, but diluted with some other shade.
- The density and color of the fabric are chosen based on the characteristics of the room. So, if the windows face south or east and a lot of sunlight gets into the kitchen, it is better to choose a denser material – it will protect against too bright light and excessive heating of the room, where it is already hot from cooking. If the kitchen is small and there is little natural light, use light translucent curtains – classic or frameless.
Living room
Depending on the style, decorating windows in the living room can be either a practical decision or a decorative technique.
In the first case, the curtains perform their main function – to protect from the sun – and do not stand out in any way. Classic models in neutral tones that match the finishing palette or blend as closely as possible with the window frame are suitable.
In the second, you can experiment with color and material texture: choose a model with a rich color or with an active ornament. The pattern, if there is one, should be consistent with the rest of the color scheme or print on other interior elements: for example, upholstery or other textiles.
Bedroom
In the bedroom, the windows are designed to provide the owners with a comfortable sleep. Here, when choosing a material, environmental friendliness, density, and the presence of a light-absorbing layer are important (this is where it is appropriate to use a blackout lining).
Suitable materials are linen, jacquard, cotton, and silk. Such fabrics will create cozy twilight and additional sound insulation, and most importantly, protect from the bright sun in the morning. Roman linens are often combined with classic curtains for additional light insulation and to create a cozy, intimate atmosphere.
Textiles can be plain or with a pattern that complements the overall design of the bedroom and echoes other elements.
Kids room
For the nursery, choose hypoallergenic, eco-friendly products that allow air to pass through and do not collect dust. All natural fabrics are suitable, as well as combined materials, for example, satin interspersed with artificial fibers.
This type of curtain is chosen for a child’s room for several reasons.
- They are short – this significantly reduces the risk that during active play the child will touch the curtain, tear it, or drop the entire structure on himself.
- Laconic – this allows you to make them a universal element of the interior, and if necessary, they can be easily replaced.
- Practical – they protect well from bright light when the child is sleeping, and cool the room on a sunny day.
Balcony
Roman blinds are often used on glazed balconies where a workplace or lounge area is organized. If the loggia is not used exclusively as a storage area and residents spend time on it, bright direct light can interfere with rest or work.
Models for the balcony are selected depending on the design style, as well as the location of the apartment. The more active the sun, the denser matter should be. The color can be any; classic options are shades of beige, gray, or pastel tones.
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