Roman Blinds For Contemporary Or Traditional Designs

 The design of Roman blinds hasn't changed since way back in time. They are pieces of fabric attached to a head rail that fold back on themselves in order to control light, and to some extent temperature, in a room in a decorative and practical way. There are no 'styles' as such with a lengthy catalogue of names reminiscent of a streets or areas with salubrious post codes or periods of history or art styles. Roman blinds are simple. The only things that differ between blinds are the types of fold in which they hang and the fabric from which they are made. Clever subtleties in the fabric design or in the pattern upon it can give different effects but essentially the Roman blind remains true to itself.

In a contemporary setting, hung against modern windows these blinds can provide privacy and control the amount of light delivered to a room in an understated style.

If a crisp, horizontal set of folds, say in a linen or jacquard finish, hangs from the window, the clean lines and lack of ornamentation - except for the delicate weave - favourably compliments contemporary shapes and materials. Geometric forms and glossy or brushed chrome mat finishes balance well with this type of style and some blinds have concealed automated control mechanisms for a really sharp look. Even against period windows with mouldings and architectural detail, the minimalism achieved by dressing them with these types of blinds is unsurpassed as they reduce the fussiness of such ornamentation and bring your room into the look you wish to achieve through your choice of furnishings, light fittings and general decor.

Similarly, these blinds can function well in a traditional room, especially if you opt for the more relaxed and loose 'hobble' fold that respects the layering of detail in accompanying drapes and mimics the softness and sumptuous comfort associated with traditional furnishings. They can function well, particularly over smaller windows where curtains might seem out of place and other types of blinds would appear too modern. By using a fabric that matches either your cushion coverings or curtains you have on other windows in the room you can achieve a look that coordinates the patterns and colours used in an appropriate style. Cornices, fire surrounds, skirting boards and light fittings with detailed carvings and patterns are perfectly paired with Roman blinds with cascading folds at any window. Occasionally a room is too small to really go to town with traditional treatments. Where the windows are not large enough to hang the sort of curtains the dimensions require, by using Roman blinds you can 'cheat' and have only a fraction of curtain fabric tied back to give the impression of full drapes with accompanying swags, tassels or bows that suggest the traditional treatment with the functionality of the blinds for privacy and light control in the room.

All that limits you when choosing Roman blinds is your imagination. They are easy to fit and you can buy them as a kit to make up yourself or ready made for immediate fitting. Choose your fabric, pattern and colour; decide on the fold type you desire and choose from the wealth of designs available.