Window dressing is a crucial part of any home.
Perhaps it's not as vital as laying a floor or installing a working kitchen. But if you're talking trimmings, it's up there.
Though practical, blinds can be a winning choice over standard draped curtains. Choose the right ones, and they'll become a pretty feature in our room, while protecting your privacy and adding an extra layer of insulation - something you'll come to appreciate when the weather turns chilly.
What are Roman blinds?
Roman blinds are a style of blinds that whisper quiet luxury from every corner. The shades are typically made from nice fabric that gathers up into pleats when pulled towards the ceiling, and down in one flat panel when closed.
Best room to install Roman blinds
Roman blinds are a popular choice in various rooms including living rooms and bedrooms and offer a flexible level of shading. Since you only need one panel per pane, they can often work out cheaper than buying a pair of curtains for each window too.
Where did Roman blinds come from?
Their history stretches back millennia. As you may have gathered, the design is an invention from the Roman Empire where they were devised out of necessity rather than for aesthetics alone. Like Roman numerals, the postal service and aqueducts, Roman blinds are still favoured by many today (although we’re happy to leave other Roman interiors features like the vomitorium in the past).
If you're looking for thermally-efficient coverings that allow you to enjoy the sunshine when it makes an appearance, Roman blinds are your bag.
Luckily, we've scouted the best styles to get your hands on now.
Shop below
Morris & Co. The Brook Tapestry Made to Measure Roman Blind, Tapestry Red
Like the idea of turning your blinds into works of art? William Morris' prints are timeless and many tap into the ongoing cottagecore trend since they feature floral prints.
John Lewis works with Herbert Parkinson, a Lancashire-based manufacturer, to create custom drapes depending on your measurements and lining requirements. Roman-style blinds are part of the selection, allowing you to add the look anywhere, from the bedroom to the hallway.
Buy now £189.00, John Lewis
Dunelm Luna Bordered Natural and Black Blackout Roman Blind
More of a sharp, clean lines kind of person? Banish the frills but keep Roman style with Dunelm's monochrome design which comes with thick black borders to frame the windows.
Dunelm sells its blinds in pre-measured styles, so they're great if you've got standard window shapes and frames to cover.
Buy now £40.00, Dunelm
Barnes Blinds Atlanta Lined Roman Blinds
There's no need to seek out a professional fitter - these blinds can be installed by anyone with a bit of DIY nous. Designed to cover one panel but with four sizes available, these polyester Roman blinds come in calming pastel hues, making them ideal for a kid's bedroom.
Buy now £25.00, Amazon
Harlequin x Sophie Robinson Meander Made to Measure Roman Blind, Emerald/Aquamarine
For a splash of colour teamed with textural interest, check out this design by Harlequin x Sophie Robinson. The vibrant green squiggles on a cream background offer a refreshing take on Roman blinds, meaning it's best placed in busy areas like the kitchen or bathroom.
Buy now £95.00, John Lewis
Paradys Tumeric Roman Blinds
Best for: jewel tones
Rolling up and down, a Roman blind offers the best of both worlds; that is light when you want and privacy when you need it.
This botanical print comes on a rich turmeric-coloured background, light enough to allow daylight to stream through without sacrificing your modesty (especially prudent if you're looking for something for bathroom windows).
Made from 100 per cent cotton, the blinds are easy to care for and promise to bring colour and pattern to any interior space.
Buy now £82.25, Graham & Brown
Blinds by Post Mara Scarlet Motorised
Blinds can be as pretty as curtains if you choose the right pattern. If you’re into arty florals, this elegant design from Blinds by Post will check all the right boxes. The blind itself is offered in a Roman style, with the drapery adding to the elevated look. Motorisation brings a level of seamlessness to the proceedings.
Buy now £192.39, Blinds by Post
Dunelm Sian Made to Measure Roman Blind
Roman blinds are probably the most aesthetic in the world of blinds, collecting in a chic drape when pulled fully open.
This option comes with three linings and can be attached inside the window recess so that it blocks light completely. However, if you don’t want the blind to be visible from the outside when it's drawn, it's best to fit it outside the recess.
The price is a little more than what you might expect from a retailer like Dunelm, but that’s down to the bespoke nature of these made-to-measure blinds.
Buy now £90.00, Dunelm
Tuiss Electric Dartmouth Oatmeal Roman Blind
When in doubt, stripes always offer a crisp, contemporary look in the home. The timeless pattern is featured on these cafe-style Roman blinds which are screaming out to be installed in the kitchen or dining room. The cosy palette combined with a linen-like texture tricks the eye into thinking the windows are much longer than they are, elevating the entire room.
But the best bit is that the blinds are compatible with Blinds 2Go’s SmartView system, which means they can be operated via app control. Genius.
Buy now £66.06, Blinds 2Go
Dunelm Panama Cotton Made to Measure Roman Blind
If you’ve chosen to keep your kitchen neutral, a pop of colour can be the livener the room needs to bring it to life. Offered in a hue the colour of paprika, the Roman-style Panama blind is made to measure from cotton, making cleaning straightforward. You can choose different linings from blackout to thermal which could be useful in the winter to help lock the heat in. The blind can be fitted inside the window recess or outside it, giving you variety in your look.
From £66.
Buy now £66.00, Dunelm
