Guide to buying - Roman blinds.

What are Roman blinds?

Roman blinds are neat, elegant and practical window coverings, which can be made from a wide-variety of fabrics. They hang straight and flat against the window or recess when closed; and can therefore be extremely effective in blocking out sunlight.

When fully-raised or open, the blinds stack neatly in horizontals folds at the top, offering a clean, contemporary, minimalist look. The pleated, folding style also gives plenty of options between fully open or closed, depending on your lighting and privacy requirements.

There’s a reason Roman blinds have been around for hundreds of years. Their simple timeless style, energy-efficiency and suitability for a huge range of rooms and window-sizes, has ensured they remain an extremely popular look in both domestic and commercial settings, including new build and period properties. 

Why choose hand-made Roman blinds?

Bespoke, made-to-measure Roman blinds offer an almost infinite number of classic and contemporary design choices. Many types of fabrics, including cotton and linen – both plain and patterned – [see more fabric ideas] can be used to create Roman blinds of almost any size, complemented by numerous options for headers, pelmets and operating systems.

Every window is different. Our hand-made Roman blinds are measured, made-and-fitted to the highest standards, ensuring an absolutely perfect fit whatever your window size. Unlike some ready-made options, that have visible stitches across the fabric, we use stab stitching that ensures the fabric and lining move together perfectly when your blind is drawn, and you don’t see any stitches.

What type of Roman blinds can I choose from?

With Roman blinds, there are two options for how they fold. At Emma Claire Interiors we offer both. The choice will come down to personal taste and preference, as the cost is not affected. Do you want “stacked” Roman blinds? Or “cascade / waterfall” Roman blinds? The difference is fairly simple. 

Can Roman blinds be fitted on the inside or outside of the window?

Both. Roman blinds can be fitted either within the recess of your window, or on the outside. The choice is totally up to you, but there are several factors worth considering.

Inside the recess creates a neat, tidy, space-saving finish, and objects on the window sill can remain on display even when the blinds are completely closed. However, when the blind is up, less light can enter the room. Also, if your recess measures a depth of less than 10cm, it’s probably too shallow to fit a Roman blind within it. 

If Roman blinds are installed outside the recess, more light can enter the room when the blinds are retracted, but when lowered, the blind will block out most of the daylight. However, this approach does mean that a baton or cassette will need to fitted above the window, which isn’t always practical and may not suit the interior design look you’re after. 

Which types of fabrics can I use to create Roman blinds?

Many types of fabrics and curtain materials can be used to create made-to-measure Roman blinds.

Different weights and thicknesses can be easily accommodated, but a medium weight fabric is ideal, with each type creating a distinctive texture and look.

The best fabrics for Roman Blinds:

• Medium-weight cotton

• Polyester / cotton blends

• Linen / blended-linen

• Wool

• Faux silk (as long as it’s not too lightweight)

• Lightweight damasks & jaquards

Fabrics to avoid:

• Heavily-embroidered fabrics

• Bulky, heavy material with a pile like velvet

• Soft, silky lightweight fabrics