Roman blinds?! What the @$!% is a Roman blind?
You’re in the right place to find out.
Standing out for their unique, slim, square profile design, Roman blinds are an instant show-stopper.
Naturally elegant, this feature also makes them exceedingly modern and gives your spaces a refined, classic look. Done right, these blinds can last a lifetime in your home and turn it into a work of art.
The key trait about Roman blinds that set them apart from the rest, is their unique folds. The panels are spaced apart evenly, and designed to gather neatly like a pelmet at the top when rolled up. In fact, they do this so well you can’t even tell they’re blinds at first glance. They hang flat against the window, so unlike curtains they don’t need as much fabric for the folds.
AN OVERVIEW
It’s said that around 80 steps are required to create a Roman blind, and it’s perhaps this incredible craftsmanship that makes them stand out. Supposedly, if even one step is missed, one needs to start all over again. The level of detail and time that is needed, is testament to their grandeur.
Of course this would naturally have you thinking that they are expensive. And you are not wrong, there was a time they certainly were. However, things are different now. If DIY is an option, this can be a really cost-effective way to claim Roman blinds for your very own.
So if you’re thinking of getting new blinds with a difference, you don’t have to go very far. DIY Roman blinds are super easy to install, available in a wide variety of choices, and able to save you your hard-earned money. Here we share some tips to help you along the way.
1. Plenty of Design Choices
STYLE
When it comes to design options for Roman blinds, you’ll be spoiled for choice. There are many different styles, each with its own different look.
There are typically three common styles to handmade Roman blinds:
- Hobbled fold: Traditional, consists of loops of fabric running down the length of the blind.
- Flat fold: Contemporary, made with one piece of fabric. Ideal for patterns.
- Relaxed: Casual, has no rods that run horizontally through the blinds. Operation is by way of the cords vertically, on each side, and the overall look is loose.
They in turn fall into two broad categories, relaxed and constructed.
Constructed Roman blinds come with horizontal rods that are sewn-in, making the blinds stiffer and more structured to remain straight at the bottom.
Relaxed Roman blinds don’t have this, and as a result the fabric gently hangs at the bottom; prompting the nickname ‘soft smileys’.
For wider coverage, constructed blinds are the way to go as they can support themselves better than relaxed blinds.
Each of these Roman blinds designs offers your interiors their own unique look and feel. You can also include trimmings, piping and borders to add colour accents and customise it even further. For instance, you can use borders to frame the entire blind and give it a chic look.
Are you after a more relaxed vibe? Perhaps you’d like something with a coastal feel or something more formal? No matter the goal, Roman blinds will rise up to the challenge. Their power lies in being able to be both simple and dressy, depending on the situation. If you want to add texture, why not try layering Roman blinds with sheer curtains?
FABRICS
On that note, let’s move onto fabrics.
Much like day night roller blinds, Roman blinds come in two types of fabric: Blockout and light filtering. The best fabrics for Romans also tend to be cotton and linen.
Blockout
You may already know what blockout fabrics are, but if not, they’re exactly what you might’ve already guessed them to be. Designed to totally block out light, they’re great for when you want some decent rest. Plus, their thick lining means you get insulation benefits too for a cosy temperature and less outside noise.
Light filtering
Contrary to this, we have light filtering fabrics which are great for when you don’t want to shut out the outside world yet have some light coming in. Their fabric is woven in such a way that they can masterfully diffuse light, creating just the right ambience.
We recommend taking into account the size of the room before making a decision. This is because blockout fabrics look and feel heavy, while light filtering is the exact opposite. Larger spaces can afford to accommodate blockouts, as they have more room and won’t feel stifled. Smaller rooms pair well with lighter fabrics like light filtering, as anything bulky will make it feel constricted. You also want to let light flow into such rooms, as this can make them feel light and airy.
COLOUR
Now we’ve gotten fabrics out of the way, let’s look at colours and patterns, the part you’ve been looking forward to.
We want to start off by saying that here, it’s all about your own creativity and design prowess. There are no hard and fast rules, so you can let your imagination run wild.
However, seeing as how you’re likely looking to improve the overall look and design of your room, some attention to detail is needed. There are many beautiful designs to choose from, including neutral and muted block colours to light and fun prints, patterns, and bold shades.
Let’s say for example, that your room mainly features a neutral theme. In that case, you should look at breaking up the monotony with bright pops of colour and patterns. It would also be easier to change just your blinds when you need a refresher, than throw out everything else!
If on the flip-side your room is already bubbly, we recommend switching gears and opting for something neutral in white, grey or black to help achieve some balance.
2. Functionality and Control with Roman blinds
Now that we’ve gotten all of that out of the way, let’s look at functionality and control. Because what good are blinds that are just a pretty face? No good at all.
Here are some ways they’re a convenient feature in your home:
Easy to Operate
Roman blinds are pretty straightforward in their operation. With us, you can opt for cord or motorised Roman blinds, whichever works best for you. Simply lower/ raise the blinds to your desired level for the right setting.
Optimal light and privacy control
As Roman blinds are a solid block of fabric with no slats, your privacy is assured. Nobody can peep into your home, unless of course they are raised. And though you may not be able to control them as precisely as you would, say, Venetian blinds, you still get a good degree of light control as they’re adjustable.
Child-safe
For homes with kids and pets, child-safety is a primary concern. That’s why, like all our products, our Roman blinds are designed to meet child-safety standards.
Energy-efficient
We can thank the single block of fabric for this, as air can’t transfer as easily. In saying that though, it’s worth noting that blockout fabrics in particular excel at insulation. Their rigorous characteristics means that temperature will be maintained as evenly as possible throughout.
3. Measuring
Ah, one of, if not the most important thing when it comes to DIY. Measuring.
Taking the time to get your measurements right will make your life that much easier down the road. Now grab a tape measure, paper and pen, our guides and a stepladder for those hard to reach places and let’s get down to business.
Here are two step-by-step videos of how to measure for custom-cut Roman blinds accurately
OUTSIDE WINDOW FRAME
INSIDE WINDOW FRAME
Note: Always measure in millimetres only.
WIDTH
a) Measure the exact width you would like the blind to cover.
b) Measure to the outside of the architrave or at least 50mm past the window opening.
HEIGHT
a) Measure the exact height you would like the blind to cover.
b) Measure outside of the architrave or at least 50mm past the window opening.
NOTE: The blind will be supplied at the sizes provided (we won’t make any deductions).
Note: Always measure in millimetres only.
DEPTH
Measure the depth of the window frame to ensure you have enough space for the blind to operate.
WIDTH
a) Measure the width inside the window frame in 3 places from left to right.
b) Make a note of the smallest measurement.
HEIGHT
a) Measure the height inside the window frame in 3 places from top to bottom.
b) Make a note of the smallest measurement.
NOTE: We’ll make slight deductions to ensure the blind fits your window.
You will find that if you follow this accordingly, the end result will give you custom fit roller blinds for your intended space.
Our guides are designed to be as straightforward as possible, for anyone to follow. However, if you feel like you’re still running into any issues, know we’re here to help.
CONCLUSION
Of course by now, you’re probably thinking this will all cost you an arm and a leg and we don’t blame you. After all, customised products and services for competitive prices are practically unheard of.
Well, we’re here to tell you that at our blinds prices, it’s all in fact, affordable. Buying Roman blinds online armed with the right information and support can save you some serious coin. As we manufacture everything locally and have minimised the need for middle-men, we’re able to pass on any savings to you.
Our team is also here to help you whenever you need, whether you’re after some tips to clean vertical blinds or simply some ideas. Feel free to e-mail, call or drop us a message via social media, and a friendly member of our team will be in touch.
