Roman Blinds are out of Style? Not a Chance!

Avert Your Eyes!

For a long time, I avoided eye-contact when a customer brought up Roman blinds.  Usually they contacted me because they needed a repair on existing Roman Blinds.  Unfortunately,  the guy I always used stop doing these repairs because they were too time-consuming and not worth his while.  Why would I want to sell something that I can’t even repair!?

Then I found a manufacturer of mine that makes absolutely stunning Roman Blinds.  They come in pre-selected fabrics that stand the test of time. These aren’t the standard materials that you can pick up in any fabric shop. No, these materials are made to sit in the sun day-in and day-out.  They’re durable, hearty, and beautiful. Not only that, but these are not your Mom’s Roman Blinds. These Roman Blinds have clearly defined panels, neat pleats and boast a modern mechanism that doesn’t go up skew.  They aren’t manufactured with wooden dowels so none of those irritations with Romans coming apart at the back.  Instead, they are pulled taut using a plastic rod that’s strong and reliable.  Additionally, the picture above shows a “cascading Roman Blind”.  These are the old-fashioned Roman Blinds.  Modern Romans have panels all of the same size and fit neatly behind each panel.  When they stack, they’re neat and orderly, modern, and symmetrical.

Roman Blinds in Bay Windows

We had a customer who had lots of bay windows throughout her house and needed blinds.  Bay windows are tricky because you don’t want big gaps where the blinds meet. Roman blinds are a good answer but it takes a trained eye and skilled measurements to get a blind that neatly lines up to the ones on either side.  We managed to get all three looking amazing. The customer chose a dark grey/charcoal heavy, warm, textured material. When done right, the material doesn’t rub on each other to cause fraying.  We take extra time to ensure our measurements are accurate.  We pay attention to details making sure the panels line up equally.

Roman blinds are difficult to measure perfectly.  They have to sit just above the windowsill that it can fully hang without being obstructed.  Nothing looks worse than a Roman blind that touches the windowsill without being fully extended.  It just bunches in between panels and looks so unsightly. That’s why we tell customers the blind might sit up to 5mm. Above the window sill, depending on how straight the window is (or isn’t).

Combo Deal

Another great idea is to combine Roller Blinds together with Roman Blinds within one space.  For instance, it might be more practical to have a Roman Blind in one window but in an adjoining room, a Roller is a better choice.  Luckily, all the Roman Blinds that we sell can also be manufactured into a Roller Blind.  It ensures continuity throughout the home while ensuring the customer’s needs are always met!  We can also coordinate similar color schemes.  There are some lovely materials that are available in similar patters but either Light Filtering or Blockout.  This allows the customer even more options to color coordinate perfectly based on his/her personal needs.

Roman Blind Chains

The other benefit of a modern Roman Blind is the fact that they’re on modern mechanisms with modern chains.  Tangled cords are a thing of the past.  No more excess string lying all over your floor.  You don’t have to worry about heaving heavy blinds up and down with a small string.  We only use metal chains, unless the customer specifies otherwise.  The stainless steel chains are durable, easy to manoeuvre, and sleek looking.  They’re simple to operate and are easy for kids or older adults to operate with ease.  Roman Blind chains are also available with cleat holders.  These beautiful clear lucite cleats hold the chain in place, making them a child-friendly option as well.

New Twist On A Classic

The type of customer who generally goes for a Roman Blind is a customer who is drawn to curtains but has had enough of heavy materials that always get in the way and are a burden to clean.  Usually they feel they want their wall space back in the room. The attraction to a Roman Blind is that they give the feel of a curtain and the customer doesn’t feel all the beautiful material is wasted rolled up all day.  They love the elegance of the panels and the practicality of the modern mechanism that makes them so easy to operate. They also have extras that can be added that really make a statement from designer ribbons to crystal tassels and scallops.

Roman blinds come in the same categories as Roller Blinds: sheerweave, light filtering, and blockout.  Most customers go for blockout but just the other day a stunning couple in a retirement estate needed something light filtering for their kitchen.  They chose a stunning print called “Mendoza” with a beautiful horizontal texture with contrasting colors.  Not only are the available in so many colors and textures but they can be split into multiple blinds per window.  This means you can half part of one slightly pulled up to let in air from a window, while blocking the rest of the light.

Whether it’s one window, a bay window, or a few windows in the room, Roman Blinds have a classic look that never goes out of style.