When you’re choosing blinds for your home, two types come up again and again: Roman blinds and roller blinds. Both look good and work well, but they’re quite different. Knowing these differences helps you pick the right one for each room.
At The VIP Shutter Co Ltd, we help families across Kent choose the perfect blinds every day. With 20 years in the blinds business and all our blinds made right here in the UK, we know what works. We’ll explain both types in simple terms so you can make the right choice.
What Are Roman Blinds?
Roman blinds fold up in neat pleats when you raise them. They use a cord system that pulls the blind up from the bottom, creating horizontal folds across the fabric. When they’re down, they lie flat against your window.
The pleats give Roman blinds their classic look. You can get them in different pleat styles – some have crisp, sharp folds, others have softer curves. The fabric choice makes a big difference to how they look and work.
What Are Roller Blinds?
Roller blinds are much simpler. They roll up onto a tube at the top of your window. When you pull them down, they create a smooth, flat surface. When you roll them up, they disappear almost completely.
Modern roller blinds often have a spring mechanism or chain system for easy use. The fabric wraps around the tube, so you don’t see any folds or pleats. It’s a clean, simple look.
Key Differences
How They Look
This is the biggest difference you’ll notice. Roman blinds have a soft, fabric look with those pleats when they’re up. They add texture and interest to your windows. Roller blinds give you a smooth, flat appearance that’s very clean and simple.
Roman blinds look more traditional and decorative. Roller blinds look more modern and minimal. Both can work in any style of home, but they create different feels.
How They Work
Roman blinds fold up as you raise them. This means they take up more space at the top of your window when they’re open. The pleats stack up, which can block some of your window area.
Roller blinds roll up tight onto their tube. They take up very little space when they’re open, so you get the full window view. This makes them good for smaller windows or where every bit of light matters.
When Roman Blinds Work Best
Traditional Homes
Roman blinds suit traditional homes really well. The soft pleats and fabric textures work with period features. They add warmth and character to rooms in older houses.
In Georgian or Victorian homes, Roman blinds can complement the original style without looking out of place. They work especially well in living rooms and bedrooms where you want that classic feel.
Living Rooms
Living rooms often benefit from the soft, welcoming look of Roman blinds. They make windows look dressed and finished. The fabric adds warmth to the room, making it feel more comfortable.
Roman blinds work well with other soft furnishings like curtains, cushions, and throws. You can match or coordinate colours and patterns to create a pulled-together look.
Bedrooms
Many people love Roman blinds in bedrooms. The soft fabric look creates a cosy, restful feel. You can choose thicker fabrics for better light blocking, which helps with sleep.
The pleated look adds interest to bedroom windows without being too fussy. They work well with both traditional and modern bedroom styles.
When Roller Blinds Work Best
Modern Homes
Roller blinds suit modern homes perfectly. The clean lines and minimal look fit with contemporary design. They don’t compete with modern furniture or architectural features.
In new build homes or recently renovated properties, roller blinds often work better than Roman blinds. They complement the clean, uncluttered look that modern design aims for.
Kitchens and Bathrooms
Roller blinds work really well in kitchens and bathrooms. The smooth surface is easy to clean – just wipe down with a damp cloth. There are no pleats to collect dust, grease, or moisture.
In kitchens, this easy cleaning is important. Cooking creates steam and grease that can build up on blinds. Roller blinds handle this much better than fabric Roman blinds.
Small Windows
If you have small windows, roller blinds help make the most of them. When they’re up, they almost disappear, giving you the full window view. Roman blinds would take up precious space with their pleats.
Small bathroom windows, kitchen windows above sinks, and narrow windows all benefit from roller blinds. You get privacy and light control without losing window space.
Fabric and Material Choices
Roman Blind Fabrics
Roman blinds come in lots of fabric types. Cotton is popular because it’s easy to care for and comes in many colours and patterns. Linen gives a more relaxed, natural look but wrinkles more easily.
Heavier fabrics like velvet or thick cotton work well for bedrooms where you want to block light. Lighter fabrics like voile or cotton lawn let more light through but still give privacy.
The fabric choice affects how the pleats look. Crisp fabrics create sharp, neat pleats. Softer fabrics create gentler, more relaxed folds.
Roller Blind Materials
Roller blinds use different types of materials. Basic fabrics work well for most rooms. Blackout materials are great for bedrooms – they block almost all light.
Moisture-resistant materials work in bathrooms and kitchens. They won’t get damaged by steam or splashes. Some roller blind fabrics have special coatings that make them easier to clean.
You can also get roller blinds with patterns or textures. Even though they’re simple in design, the fabric choice can add interest and style.
Light Control
Roman Blinds
Roman blinds give good light control, but it depends on the fabric. Thick fabrics block more light, thin fabrics let more through. The pleats can let small amounts of light through even when the blind is down.
You can get Roman blinds lined for better light blocking. The lining helps them hang better too. For bedrooms, lined Roman blinds work much better than unlined ones.
Roller Blinds
Roller blinds can give excellent light control. Blackout roller blinds block almost all light – perfect for bedrooms or home cinemas. Regular fabrics let some light through, which is fine for living areas.
The smooth surface of roller blinds means they sit closer to the window glass. This can help with light blocking around the edges, especially if you have good side channels.
Cost Differences
Roman Blind Costs
Roman blinds usually cost more than roller blinds. They use more fabric because of the pleats, and they’re more complex to make. The mechanism for raising and lowering them is also more complicated.
Lined Roman blinds cost more than unlined ones. Designer fabrics add to the cost too. But you’re getting a more decorative window treatment that adds style to your room.
Roller Blind Costs
Roller blinds are generally cheaper than Roman blinds. They use less material and are simpler to make. The basic roller mechanism is straightforward and reliable.
Even high-quality roller blinds with blackout fabric or special coatings usually cost less than Roman blinds in similar fabrics. This makes them a good choice if you’re doing multiple windows on a budget.
Maintenance and Cleaning
Looking After Roman Blinds
Roman blinds need more care than roller blinds. The pleats can collect dust, and the fabric needs regular attention. You can vacuum them gently with a brush attachment to remove dust.
For deeper cleaning, many Roman blinds need professional cleaning. The pleating mechanism can be damaged if you wash them incorrectly. Some fabrics can be spot cleaned, but check the care instructions first.
Looking After Roller Blinds
Roller blinds are much easier to look after. The smooth surface wipes clean with a damp cloth. There are no pleats to collect dust or debris.
Most roller blinds can be taken down for deeper cleaning if needed. Some fabrics can even go in the washing machine, though you should check first. The simple design means there’s less to go wrong.
Installation Differences
Roman Blind Fitting
Roman blinds need careful fitting to work properly. The pleating mechanism must be set up correctly, and the blind needs to hang straight. Poor fitting can cause uneven pleats or operational problems.
The brackets need to be strong enough to support the weight of the fabric, especially with lined blinds. Our installation team knows how to fit them properly so they work smoothly for years.
Roller Blind Fitting
Roller blinds are generally easier to fit. The brackets are simpler, and there’s less that can go wrong. The mechanism is straightforward, and most problems are easy to fix.
However, getting the measurements right is still important. Roller blinds need to fit properly in their brackets to roll up evenly. Our experience ensures they’re fitted correctly first time.
Making Your Choice
Think About Your Needs
Start with what you need from your blinds. Do you want something decorative that adds style, or do you prefer simple and practical? Do you need easy cleaning, or is appearance more important?
Consider each room separately. What works in your living room might not be right for your kitchen. Different rooms have different needs.
Consider Your Home Style
Look at your home’s overall style. Modern homes often suit roller blinds better, while traditional homes might prefer Roman blinds. But there are no hard rules – it’s about what looks right to you.
Think about your existing décor too. Roman blinds work well with other soft furnishings, while roller blinds complement minimal, modern styles.
Budget Considerations
Be realistic about your budget. If you’re doing lots of windows, roller blinds might make your money go further. If you’re just doing a few key windows, Roman blinds might be worth the extra cost.
Remember that good quality blinds last for years. It’s worth investing in something you’ll be happy with long-term rather than going for the cheapest option.
Professional Advice and Service
At The VIP Shutter Co Ltd, we help you choose the right blinds for your home and lifestyle. We’re not pushy salespeople – we want you to get blinds that you’ll love for years to come.
All our blinds are made right here in the UK. This means better quality control, faster delivery, and we’re supporting British manufacturing. We can often get your blinds made and fitted much quicker than companies using overseas suppliers.
With 20 years in the blinds business, we’ve seen what works and what doesn’t. We’ll give you honest advice about which type suits your windows, your décor, and your budget.
The Right Choice for You
Both Roman and roller blinds are excellent choices – it just depends on what works for your home. Roman blinds add style and softness, while roller blinds offer simplicity and practicality.
The most important thing is choosing blinds that you’ll be happy with every day. With the right advice and professional fitting, either type will enhance your home and give you years of reliable service.
If you’d like to see examples of both types or discuss which might work best for your home, we’d be happy to help. Our team can show you samples, explain the options, and help you make the right choice with no pressure at all.
