Roman blinds, made to measure for Kent homes

Where a Roman blind earns its place

Romans suit rooms where the fabric is part of the decoration. A patterned weave over a sofa window, a heavy linen in a bedroom or a plain cotton in a study all read as furnishing, not hardware. They work best on windows that are taller than they are wide, because the folds stack neatly above the glass.

They are less suited to steamy bathrooms and to kitchens right behind a sink, where splashes mark the fabric. For those spots we usually point people to a roller or a faux wood Venetian instead.

Linings change how the blind behaves

The face fabric sets the look; the lining decides what the blind does. A standard lining protects the fabric from sunlight and gives body to the folds. A blackout lining stops light passing through for bedrooms and nurseries. A thermal or interlined option adds a soft layer that helps keep heat in on cold glass.

We bring lined samples to the visit so you can hold each one against your own window and see the difference before choosing.

Fold styles and how they hang

There is more than one way for a Roman to sit. We talk through the options at the visit and pin up samples so you can see them against the frame.

• Flat fold: crisp, even pleats that stack tightly. The most tailored look.
• Relaxed or soft fold: a gentle curve at the bottom edge for a more informal room.
• Cascade: permanent folds that stay visible even when lowered, good for tall windows.
• Inside or outside the recess: inside keeps the frame on show, outside makes a small window look larger and blocks more light at the edges.

Measuring and fitting

Roman blinds are unforgiving of a guessed measurement, because a few millimetres too wide will catch the reveal and a drop that is too short leaves a gap. That is why we measure on the free home visit itself, check the window is square and note anything in the way, such as handles, tiles or a radiator shelf.

Standard Romans are usually fitted within two to three weeks of ordering. If you are moving in or decorating and need cover sooner, we can supply temporary blinds while yours are made.

Controls and child safety

Romans can be corded or fitted with a chain, and some can be motorised through our Luxaflex range. Every corded blind we fit comes with the safety devices that keep loose cords out of reach, and we fit them properly rather than leaving them in the box. If you have young children, tell us at the visit and we will suggest the tidiest control for the room.

Choosing a fabric that lasts

Heavier weaves hold a crisp fold for longer than very light fabrics, and plain or small patterns forgive a slightly uneven window better than a bold stripe that shows every millimetre. In a sunny room, a lined blind protects the face fabric from fading. We point out which samples suit your window and your light before you fall for one that will not fold well.

Pairing Romans with shutters or voiles

Some customers fit a Roman over a café style shutter for evening cover, or a sheer voile roller behind a Roman for daytime privacy. Both work on a double bracket. We sketch the arrangement at the visit so you can see how deep the finished stack will sit.