Obviously from their name, Roman blinds are household objects steeped in history. First introduced as damp cloths to prevent dust from entering the homes of locals and ruining their food during the construction of the Colosseum in 80 A.D., they also provided a fantastic secondary function for the natives of blocking out the harsh mid-afternoon sun.
Such was the popularity of this new discovery that Roman blinds soon ended up in the homes of the great and good in society – although obviously they were not happy to make do with a mere damp piece of cloth.
However, Roman blinds have not been confined to the past – they are as popular now as they were then. Although used mainly for their shade-bringing properties as opposed to their ability to keep out dust during the construction of legendary sports amphitheaters, Roman blinds come in all shapes and sizes and are still immensely popular.
If you are thinking about incorporating them into your home, here are a few things to consider before you make your final decision.
Lining
Although not pivotal, choosing a lining for your blind may be a good decision. A blackout lining for example will keep your bedroom pitch black during the night, whereas a thermal lining will keep the space warm during those cold winter evenings – choose none at all for a bright and cool feel.
Material choice
As Roman blinds are predominantly fabric based, you therefore have a plethora of materials to choose from to complete that perfect look for your room. Silk and velvet are perfect for anyone looking for a rich feel in the living room, while linen is perfect for an open-plan kitchen. Interestingly, bamboo Roman blinds have appeared recently – perfect for a light and airy study.
Privacy levels
Compared to other blind types such as Venetian or roller, the main advantage Roman blinds have is the amount of privacy they provide while still allowing light into the room. If you choose a blackout lining method as mentioned above, you can create a space that is completely dark and private if you wish – perfect for that home cinema.
