What is a roman blind?

Roman blinds are one of a variety of window treatments that you can use to embellish any window space of choice in your home. They are a fabric based pleated blind that with a simple pull of the attached cord allows you to adjust the blind level upwards and downwards as to your required preference.

What is the difference between a roller blind and a roman blind?

The difference between roman blinds and roller blinds are the mechanisms, the way they work and how they look. As in the name, roller blinds roll up, where as roman blind fold up. Both have chains that are used to pull up and they both sit differently.

What are the benefits of Roman blinds?

Why are they called Roman blinds?

Were Roman Blinds invented by the Romans? Yes, they were – Roman blinds originated from the peak of the Roman Empire over 2,000 years ago in Rome. As with many other household items created in ancient times, they were built out of necessity and for a specific function rather than fashion.

What is the difference between Roman blinds and Roman shades?

Roman blinds create a stack at the top of the window when they are opened or raised. This can block the upper portion of your window view and minimize light and air filtration. Roman shades do not usually come in different sizes and shapes, so you need to customize them to fit your window openings.

A simple roman blind by Debbie Shore

Are Roman blinds any good?

Unlike other window coverings, roman blinds give softness to the window like no other. Roman blinds are light and flexible. Compared to other kinds of window shades, they give better control of the temperature. During winters, you can draw them high to let sunlight into the room.

Are Roman blinds practical?

Yes, Roman blinds are a practical, functional, and very versatile window dressing. Roman blinds in certain situations can provide a brilliant solution to dressing a window especially if the surrounding space is limited.

Why are Roman shades called Roman shades?

The Roman shade got its name from awnings at the Coliseum that could be spread above the seats, to protect spectators from the bright Mediterranean sun, according to blindsgalore.com. These retractable fabric shades opened and closed in pleated sections.

Did the Romans use curtains?

The Archaeological Evidence. In discussions of the use of curtains in Greek, Roman, and even early Byzantine houses, the absence of sockets from the thresholds of interior doorways (where a wooden door's axle would be) is sometimes taken as an indication that curtains were used instead.

What are Roman blinds made of?

Roman blinds today are made from a range of fabrics from cotton to linen, with polyester being the favourite. With the evolution of the cloth and dye industry, and leaps made in digital design, roman blinds now offer the widest range of colours, patterns and finishes.

Are Roman blinds suitable for living room?

Roman blinds and roller blinds are made of a solid piece of fabric that can't be tilted or slanted; only opened or closed, which means that these aren't a good choice for living rooms that are overlooked by passers-by.

Can you have curtains with Roman blinds?

Yes, you can combine roman shades with drapery, giving a layered look. Curtains can help cover light gaps and make your windows look wider and taller. Layered window treatments add depth and elegance to any room. Custom drapery is quite useful when you happen to have light gaps around your window shade.

Do Roman blinds work on wide windows?

Since they are made of longer horizontal fabrics, they can easily fit even the widest windows. While traditional fabric curtains are typically about 137 centimetres wide, good quality wide roman blinds can be custom made up to 300 centimetres in width.

Do Roman blinds last?

Realistically, you can expect made-to-measure Roman blinds to last anywhere from 12-15 years as long as they're used appropriately; and those replaced sooner than this tend to be filed in the bin because their owners fell out of love with their style or wanted to update/redecorate rather than because of anything the ...

Can you have Roman blinds in a kitchen?

A more unusual choice for the kitchen, Roman blinds are a great way to introduce a splash of colour or a decorative pattern as a touch of glamour to an otherwise pared-back space. As humidity can be an issue in a kitchen, it's better to use Roman blinds in a dining area and not on windows above sinks.

Do Roman shades last?

How Long Do Cellular And Roman Shades Last? Shades, from heat-blocking cellular and honeycomb shades to stylish and modern Roman shades, outclass blinds in their longevity. With an average lifespan of 5-7 years, they can probably match the timing of when the average homeowner changes their entire home décor.

Did Romans have carpet?

The Romans used rugs on the floors and walls of their palaces. They even used them to pay taxes. When Egyptian Queen Cleopatra first met Roman Emperor Julius Caesar, she had herself smuggled in to him rolled up in a giant carpet.

Did the Romans have blinds?

They came to be over 2,000 years ago at the peak of the Roman Empire, and as with most household items in the ancient world, the blinds were created for the sake of function rather than fashion. It was another one of the Roman civilisation's most impressive features that inspired the invention of blinds: Roman roads.

Did Romans have cotton?

In Italy, most Romans wore garments made of wool or linen. Across the Roman world these were the predominant textiles – there was very little production of cotton and it was rarely used for clothing.

Do Roman Shades open all the way?

In addition, Roman shades do not offer the flexibility of having vanes to tilt open or closed; Romans are either up or down. While this is also true for honeycomb or roller shades, it is something to take into consideration when making your window treatment selection.

Do Roman blinds have to be lined?

Although the lightweight nature of the fabric means it will fold and drape beautifully Roman blinds need to be lined and placing an opaque fabric lining behind a transparent or semi-transparent defeats the object of choosing sheers.

Do Roman Shades need to be lined?

“If it's a bedroom and the shades are the only window treatment, I use a blackout lining.” But living rooms typically require only a lighter lining. Some fabrics also benefit from the addition of interlining, a slightly thicker material between the face fabric and lining that gives the shade a more substantial look.

Do Roman blinds look better in the recess?

In summary, for Venetian, roller and vertical blinds, we would recommend they be hung from within the recess. However, Roman blinds would be better suited outside the recess, as they are able to let more light enter into the room.

How do Roman blinds look from the outside?

When they are closed (i.e., down), it looks like plain fabric from outside; when opened, they do look like folds of fabric, and I think that looks fine. They look a bit like roller blinds when they are down - very plain. The look can vary depending on whether they are mounted inside the window frame or outside.

Should Roman blinds rest on window sill?

A Roman Blind should just rest on the window sill when fully shut to ensure you have the minimum amount of light entering.