Roman and roller blinds: what are the differences and which ones to choose for electric curtain rods?

Roman blinds and roller blinds only at first glance have similarities in design and the principle of their operation. Why are they often confused? But in fact, these two different window design options have fundamental differences, from appearance to price. What is better to choose curtains for the kitchen - roller or Roman? We evaluated each option and compiled a small buying guide for those who have not yet decided.

Speaking about the pros and cons of each type in a specific situation, one cannot help but talk about how they differ and how they are similar.

Features and types of Roman blinds

Modern Roman blinds are a flat fabric of a certain size, fixed to the curtain rod with special control rods. The rods regulate the opening of the folds. There is a weight at the bottom that pulls the fabric down, preventing it from losing its shape. The curtain is adjustable using a cord or chain.

There are two types of such curtains:

1. Classic. This design forms horizontal folds as the fabric rises. The unopened canvas is smooth.
2. Cascade. The difference from the classic ones is that the folds are visible when straightened and create volume.

The choice of one type or another depends on how the curtains will fit into the interior. The cascade shape gives airiness and smoothness of lines. The evenness of classic curtains makes it possible to show patterns and colors.

Mikhail asks a question:

What is the difference between Roman blinds and roller blinds?

Answer:

Roman blinds are very similar to roller blinds, at least for the average person. They are distinguished by almost identical mounting and appearance when they are placed on the window. Both options can be fixed both inside and outside the window opening, including on the ceiling. But at the same time, they require a perfectly flat surface for internal installation.

But installing it outside the window so that it covers part of the walls can help hide traces of recent renovations and exposed visual defects. Moreover, both types of curtains are practical, easy to maintain and can be quickly dismantled.

How Roman blinds are used in the interior

If you choose thick fabric, then such curtains will provide light insulation. If the interior is bright, thin fabrics are used. Roman blinds are suitable for windows in any room in the house:

1. Living room. In this room, long curtains are often used, and color combinations are possible.
2. Bedroom. For the rest room, it is better to choose curtains made of thick fabrics. Calm pastel colors are preferred.
3. Kitchen. Water-repellent fabrics are used, which, if dirty, can be easily wiped with a soft cloth or sponge.

Roman blinds are successfully complemented with accessories that will add a “zest” to the interior. Ribbons, bows, tassels, cords - the choice of decorative elements is quite diverse.

Roman blinds fit well into almost any interior, combined with tulle and organza. Disadvantages include soiling, accumulation of dust in folds, which can be easily eliminated with proper care of the canvas.

Main differences

Roman blinds differ from roller blinds in details, in particular in:

• Features of the lifting mechanism. For Roman blinds, the simultaneous and correct operation of all parts is important so that the curtain rod works well together with the control ropes, braid and lifting shafts. The entire system is connected to the fabric and driven by pulleys.
• In removing fabric. As a result of the operation of the mechanism described above, the Roman blind, unlike roller blinds, when rising, does not hide in a special box, but folds up like a drapery.
• Number of internal parts. There are many additional special inserts inside Roman blinds; they are necessary for correct and equal draping of the fabric.
• Control method. The curtain can be finely controlled using special ropes. With a slight pull, you can open or completely close the opening, creating the necessary twilight in the room and protecting it from excess light.

Where are these curtains used?

Roman blinds, like roller blinds, have gained great popularity and are often used in various interior designs. This is how they are installed:

• In the kitchens. There they are especially convenient if flowers are placed on the windowsill and classic curtains or tulle will get in the way.
• In the bathrooms. If they have a window, then fabric curtains will be impractical, but roller blinds or Roman blinds will fit optimally and complement the interior.
• On the balconies. In the case of large open spaces, such products will perfectly protect from excess sun by covering the windows.

Related article: How to properly hem tulle using tape with your own hands

When designing Roman blinds, various fabrics are used, covered with single-sided or double-sided patterns, which allows for great variety. They fit well into various interiors, complementing them no worse than ordinary tulle or curtains.

Roller blinds: types and features

The main component of roller blinds is dense fabric that does not allow sunlight to pass through and has antistatic properties. Unlike blinds, roller blinds are rolled up.

What types of roller blinds exist?

Modern roller blinds come in two types:

1. Closed. They are installed on the window opening. A U-shaped strip is fixed along the sides of the windows. When lifted, the fabric is wound onto a shaft located on top. The shaft itself is hidden under a rectangular box.
2. Open. A simple and lower priced roller blind model. The difference is that the fabric is not wound around the shaft, but simply rolled up. The canvas is held on special strings. This type of roller blinds allows you to install them without damaging the window frame.

Buyers more often choose the open type of roller blinds, despite the fact that their fastenings are short-lived compared to the closed type.

Using roller blinds in the interior

Roller blinds, like Roman blinds, can be used to design any room. The most popular are designer models with photo printing and “day-night”. They are usually used for the interior of children's rooms and bedrooms, as they allow you to regulate the flow of light.

Differences

It is the differences that will help you weigh the pros and cons of each option and decide on a purchase.

Roman or roller blinds: which blinds are better?

When choosing roller blinds or Roman blinds for your living room or kitchen, remember their differences once again:

• Rolled ones are hidden in a box when lifted, Roman ones remain above the cornice;
• Rolled ones are made from special, less vulnerable fabrics, Roman ones are made from textile ones;
• Roman blinds are more expensive due to curtain rods, design, and controls.

When choosing roller blinds, you should pay special attention to the selection of fabric, its color and transparency, since they are installed for a long time. This fabric is treated with a dust- and moisture-repellent composition.

Both options have advantages and disadvantages. If you are choosing curtains for electric curtain rods, contact our specialists and they will help you take into account all the characteristics, including the features of the interior and windows. They can also be sewn to order.

Similarities

Both Roman and roller ones have a similar principle of operation - they rise and fall along the window due to a lifting mechanism. But in each version it has a different device. When lowered, they create one effect.

Both options can be combined with tulle, curtains, and lambrequin. Long curtains in this case already perform a more decorative function.

This is a great solution for a small kitchen. Due to their short length, they are very practical and do not overload the space.

Both can be installed both inside the window opening and outside. Rolled ones can be installed directly on the window frame.

Both options have the same disadvantage - opening the window wide open for ventilation becomes inconvenient.

Roman and roller blinds can be purchased in any color and with any pattern. If the kitchen is already quite brightly decorated and does not need color accents, then it is better to choose discreet options or in the color scheme that already prevails in the interior.

With the help of bright curtains you can diversify the atmosphere and make the interior more lively and interesting. With curtains it's easy to experiment with bright accents. And even if you get tired of the chosen color, replacing the curtains is much easier than repainting the walls or replacing the kitchen unit.

What are Roman blinds?

These are fabric sheets that gather into folds when lifted . On the reverse side, rods are sewn to them, which create these folds. When lifting the fabric, the folds are carefully placed on top of each other so that their lower edges coincide.

To ensure that the canvas is evenly stretched when unfolded, a weight strip is sewn into it from below. Cornices for such products can be attached to the ceiling, wall, or window opening. They are usually not hung directly on the window sash. A mechanism for lifting the web is installed on top, which can be manual (using a chain) or automatic.

In addition to these basic design elements, decorative ones can be added, for example, fringe sewn to the lower edge of the fabric.

There are also frameless Roman blinds, which create free folds. These models look good in recreation areas, as they add informal comfort to the room. It is also possible to have curtains in which the folds are retained even when completely lowered. Such products are suitable for spacious rooms in Art Deco, classic or modern style.

Which is better to choose?

Purchasing the first or second option highly depends on the personal preferences of the buyer, as well as the features of the interior. For example, if an apartment or private house has already been renovated and there is furniture, then it is better to select the best option depending on the finished design. People who are just creating the overall design of the room will have more choice. If you need to purchase curtains that will provide increased protection from the sun, as well as ease of operation, then rolled products are better suited. The range of fabrics from which they are made is more than 700 types.

It is better to choose Roman blinds for people who value elegance and a more luxurious curtain design. Roman designs have better decorative qualities and look much more interesting. They go well with almost any interior. Their only drawback is that dust sometimes accumulates on the folds that form when they are lifted, which must be removed periodically. This problem can be solved if you buy a model that has special impregnation.

Types of blinds

Just 5–10 years ago, window blinds seemed like something outlandish and incomprehensible. Now, of course, such a spectacle will not surprise anyone; on the contrary, ordinary white aluminum blinds are becoming an outdated, more “office” option.

Models of “non-boring” blinds will help you avoid monotony: multi-colored, made of natural wood or bamboo, multi-textured, with a printed pattern or photograph.

Blinds are divided according to the following characteristics.

By location:

• horizontal;

• vertical;

• bay windows (arched).

According to the material:

• aluminum;
• wooden;
• plastic;
• fabric.

By mounting method:

• attic;
• interframe;
• protective roller shutters.

Decorative types:

• Roman curtains;

• multi-textured;

• photoblinds;

• pleated;

• roller blinds.

Having chosen the main purpose of the blinds and their location, you can narrow the search to two or three models. Here it should be taken into account that the choice of material will be a priority: traditionally metal ones are considered the most durable, but natural wooden blinds are a luxurious option that is ideal for any interior style. Plastic ones do not have any special strength characteristics, but are easy to care for and relatively inexpensive. A new product that confidently occupies a leading position is fabric blinds.

Advantages and disadvantages of blinds

First of all, I would especially like to note that the ideal option for all occasions simply does not exist. With proper care and operation, as well as with proper execution and installation, even inexpensive plastic blinds can perform their functions for a long time and correctly.

If handled carelessly, even protective roller blinds will eventually begin to act up and fail.

Positive sides

• Saving space , which is always in short supply everywhere. Blinds on windows practically do not take up space and do not interfere with opening/closing windows or the arrangement of potted flowers and other objects.
• Protection from light is the immediate “responsibility” of window blinds, which they cope with perfectly, regardless of the material made, color and texture. By adjusting the angle of the slats, you can partially darken the room or leave the same lighting, but without bright sunlight.
• Versatility: we have not yet come up with a window on which installing blinds would be impossible. Dormer windows can be easily equipped with these convenient devices; the ability to install blinds into the window frame will allow you to comfortably use them for inclined windows. Additional equipment with an electric drive and remote control will make the daily task of regulating lighting easy and quick.
• The decorative value of blinds is not fully appreciated; the most attractive in this regard will be photo blinds and the so-called multi-textured ones - a combination of slats of different textures and colors, creating an absolutely unforgettable sight.
• The durability of this design reaches the warranty period of the plastic window. There have been cases of irreparable damage to blinds, but this requires special “try” and considerable effort.
• Easy to care for . Caring for the structure does not cause any problems: metal blinds can be washed with a sponge along with the windows, wooden ones just need to be wiped with a damp cloth, and for fabric ones regular dry cleaning with a vacuum cleaner is ideal.

There are many advantages to such designs, but there are also a number of inconveniences when using them.

A blanket for a corner sofa is an excellent solution.

What is Lacoste fabric?

Dimensions of double bed linen: .

Negative sides

• Metal blinds can heat up in the sun, while wooden blinds can lose their original color, so they are not placed in places that are too lit.
• Manufacturers of plastic blinds sometimes use poor-quality PVC material, so always ask for a product certificate.
• The disadvantages of wooden and bamboo blinds can be considered their relatively high cost, which is not always justified.
• The use of wooden blinds is undesirable in bathrooms and kitchen areas. Despite the stated characteristics, over time the appearance will deteriorate significantly. Plastic varieties are also very susceptible to temperature effects, including deformation and destruction.

Recently, blinds have received a serious competitor - roller blinds. What is it and what are the advantages and disadvantages of using such mechanisms, we will consider further.

The link describes blinds for plastic windows in detail.