Add Style to your Home with Roman Blinds

The timeless style and versatility of Roman Blinds make them an elegant choice for any room in your home. Unlike wooden or vinyl slat blinds or faux wood blinds, these shades are made of fabric that folds into pleats when the blinds are drawn. The pleats are available in two styles: the flat fold pleat which creates a clean, sleek look or the tear drop pleat which balloons to give an elegant, feminine look.

The cords of the Roman blind are strung along the back side through a series of rings. This allows for smooth operation of the shade. Dowel rods can be used at each pleat for added stability.

You're not limited to only one or two types of material used for Roman Blinds. Commonly they're made from a firm fabric, but they can also be made from wood, bamboo, and various materials.

They are popular not only because they look good, but because they're relatively cheap and they can be used on almost any window.

Roman shades are extremely popular today, and rightly so, as they suit a wide variety of styles or decor. They originated during the Roman Empire and were used to prevent dust and heat from coming into the house. (See, they've been around for a long time, so they must be good!) Although functionally they are used for the same reasons today, they are also used to add richness and warmth to a room.

The types of fabric used in constructing these shades are endless. Shades can be constructed with solid fabric, textured, patterned or weaved fabric. Fabric with stripes and prints also look great on a larger shade. The cost of the shades is most often based on the type of fabric used. Really, the only limitation a decorator has with this window treatment is their budget. Made to measure Roman blinds can be purchased pre-made in standard colors for a cost effective choice. They can also be custom designed and made with high end materials for a more expensive option. Additional trim, fringe or piping can be added to the blinds for an even richer appearance.

Roman blinds can be used in any room in the home. They offer a nice alternative to straight panels, typical slat blinds or roller shades and can even be used in conjunction with other types of blinds. For a layered look, designers often hang the shades on a window and flank them with a coordinating drapery on either side. They're also often used to showcase a scenic view window or to highlight a bay or other feature window.

Because they come in a wide range of sizes and are made from just as wide a range of materials, Roman blinds can be used in small kitchen or bathroom windows as well as in larger living room and bedrooms windows.

One very positive aspect of Roman blinds is that they are pretty easy to hang, which makes them an ideal choice for the DIY'er. Normally, when you order them, they come complete with all the things necessary to actually get them hanging in your window--such as dowel, screws, cords and rods. Instructions are generally pretty easy to follow and you really don't have to be an expert handyman to put up these ready made Roman blinds.

If you're feeling particularly handy, or if you're the type of person who loves to try to make your own blinds or other furnishings, you'll find that there's ample instructions on how to make Roman blinds available online or in how-to books. Roman blinds are, apparently, one of the most simple blinds to make yourself, from scratch! I haven't done this myself, but I am not very gifted when it comes to sewing, crafts, or any work that requires designing and creating. If you are, or if you have one small window you want to dress up, you could always consider trying to do it yourself.

Made popular in mansions and estate homes throughout Europe they are now found in homes all around the world.  Roman blinds bring a feeling of glamor to any room, from simple shades hung in your bathroom or over the kitchen window to striking blinds hung in the feature window in your living room.   Whether you're simply updating your decor or deciding on what to hang in the windows of your new home, remember, Roman Blinds are a great choice for adding style, versatility and function to any room.