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:
- Classic. This design forms horizontal folds as the fabric rises. The unopened canvas is smooth.
- 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.
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:
- Living room. In this room, long curtains are often used, and color combinations are possible.
- Bedroom. For the rest room, it is better to choose curtains made of thick fabrics. Calm pastel colors are preferred.
- 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.
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:
- 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.
- 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.
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.
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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.
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.
How are roller blinds different from Roman blinds and blinds, what are the similarities?
What common
These three types have one similarity: they are all equipped with lifting mechanisms. Otherwise, they have some differences or features.
Without going into design and tailoring subtleties, the similarities between roller blinds and Roman ones are as follows:
- a rectangular piece of fabric that is attached to the top of the window;
- equipped with lifting mechanisms;
- the lifting mechanism regulates the level of raising/lowering the canvas;
- canvases are placed (can be placed) on each sash;
- easy care.
What are the differences
- different designs of lifting mechanisms: roller blinds can be lifted automatically or manually, while Roman blinds can only be lifted manually (using a cord or chain);
- different features of movement: roll ones roll up into a roll when lifted, and Roman ones are pulled up by folding the fabric;
- different fabric designs: rolled ones have a smooth fabric fabric, with one strip at the bottom of the canvas - for rigidity, while Roman ones have many inserted horizontal strips, pockets, folds;
- different materials: rolled ones are often synthetic, impregnated with special protective compounds, and Roman ones are often made from natural fabrics;
- different methods of fastening: roller ones are attached directly to the frame, the canvas fits as close as possible to the glass, the sash opens along with the curtain, and Roman ones are attached to the wall above the window so that the slopes of the window opening are covered, or to the outer edge of the opening, although options for mounting on the sash are possible .
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The easiest way to visually distinguish the two types is to look at the canvas itself: for rolled ones it is smooth, often synthetic, for Roman ones it is natural fabric with decorative folds, with gathers, and overlay elements.
Blinds differ from both of these types of curtains in their unique design and other features:
- the curtain fabric consists of separate strips - lamellas, which can have a horizontal or vertical position;
- the presence at the bottom of connecting chains between the vertical slats;
- materials: made of plastic, aluminum.
beauty
Of the three types, the leader is undoubtedly Roman blinds. This type of curtain looks advantageous due to decorative folds and other decorations. They look very impressive and rich even in modest colors.
Although there can be a beautiful canvas in rolls. Roller shutters can be beautiful due to the design or pattern on the canvas, as well as an interesting color scheme.
Blinds can be attractive in their own way. This type cannot boast of beauty; they are simple and laconic, more often used in office spaces. Blinds are not suitable for all apartment interior options. There is no doubt that this is a good and practical option for a balcony or loggia.
However, in certain interior styles, blinds with wooden , bamboo , colored slats, as well as multi-textured models look harmonious.
There are many options to enhance the simplicity of blinds. For example, you can hang them with tulle. Thus, by means of blinds, you can successfully regulate the illumination of the room, but they themselves will be practically invisible due to the thin fabric framing the window with beautiful folds. This decor will attract attention, and the blinds will remain in the background.
Practicality
Roller shutters made of synthetic materials and blinds made of plastic and metal are more resistant to wear. Therefore, they are more practical to use. However, if lifting mechanisms are used carelessly, their elements may fail, which will make it difficult to use the curtains and require repairs.
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Roller blinds can be cleaned relatively easily: without removing them from the fastening, unroll the fabric and wipe it with a slightly damp cloth.
Note! The fabric in roller blinds is often impregnated with special compounds to prevent the settling of dust and soot and the absorption of odors.
Roman blinds can be cleaned with a vacuum cleaner, brush, or steam, but still some of the soot and dust remains in the fibers of the fabric. It is better to remove them from the mount and take them to dry cleaning.
Blinds can be cleaned in the following ways: without removing them from the mount, gently wipe each slat with a damp cloth, or remove them from the mount and wash them yourself in the bathtub or take them to a specialized establishment for cleaning. Consequently, in this regard, this type causes more trouble.
Ease of use
Before buying curtains, think about what exactly you want from them? They can be a decorative element, protect from bright light, or cover the window from prying eyes.
Roman blinds perform the functions of room decoration and effective darkening (blackout) best; they reliably dim daylight. You need to choose a very dense fabric or add a lining.
Blackout roller blinds
If you often change the level of daylight in a room, then blinds are better for you because their slats can be rotated at any angle. Also suitable for this purpose is a type of roller blinds called “day-night”, with alternating horizontal dense and transparent stripes.
