When choosing how to cover and furnish their windows, many people prefer blinds for their sleek light-blocking abilities and clean design. If you prefer blinds that come down in one straight piece over your windows, then you have two options to choose from: roller blinds and Roman blinds.
Both of these options can come in many different colours and materials, making it easy to choose one that matches your home’s current decor. But otherwise, how do you decide which one is right for your needs?
We’re going to compare both types now so you can make an informed decision regarding which type of window furnishing is best for you–Roman blinds or roller blinds.
Roman blinds are made of soft material that can drape down over your window in elegant waves. They are designed to come down in three or four different lengths that are predetermined by the design of the blind sections.
Roman blinds have a very distinctive look that makes it clear early on if they’ll suit your home’s aesthetic or not. They can be styled to suit casual or more formal settings, and extras like contrasting borders, tassel fringes, pelmet boxes and timber laths are all great options that are available if you need them.
Their unique layered design also makes them easy to coordinate with other bedroom furnishings like pillowcases and quilts in your bedroom or with cushions in your living or dining room. Their plush and textured feel can give any space a more luxurious look!
Roman blinds can be operated by a chain, cord or even a motorised operating system. Chains and cords are easy to use, but can be choking hazards for small children, in which case a motorised system may be best.
Due to their layered design, Roman blinds can really only be up or down when in use–you’ll either have privacy in your home, or you won’t. If you want to enjoy the natural light from outside then you’ll need to have them open, but then anyone outdoors will be able to see into your home.
Due to their soft material, Roman blinds aren’t always suitable for certain areas of the home. Rooms like the kitchen, bathroom or laundry will often have moisture in the air, which can then cling to the fibres of Roman blinds. This moisture, if left alone, can cause the blinds to become damp, discoloured and eventually mouldy, becoming not only unsightly but also a health hazard!
Keep your Roman blinds clean with our guide on How To Clean All Types Of Window Blinds.
Roller blinds are a common sight throughout homes in Australia, due to their sleek design and ease of use. They consist of one, straight piece of material that can be raised or lowered using a rolling mechanism.
Roller blinds can come in a wide variety of colours and materials, with different functions available depending on the weave and fabric the blind is made from. Because roller blinds are usually made from tough synthetic materials, they can be used in any room of the home without worry about water damage or sun bleaching.
If you want the ultimate in light control, then blockout roller blinds are your best bet. Thickly woven and durable, blockout roller blinds will prevent all light from the outside from entering when they’re down. You can also combine blockout roller blinds with sheer blinds on a double bracket to combine light control with privacy, which allows you to enjoy natural light or total darkness whenever you need.
Like Roman blinds, you can also find motorised roller blinds on the market that eliminate the need for a chain or cord to open and close them. Motorised roller blinds can be operated from your home or connected to your property’s smart home system.
In order to effectively block out light, roller blinds need to be installed inside the recess of your window, otherwise light will still be able to seep in from the sides. You’ll need to make sure your window recess is wide enough for your blinds to sit in comfortably, especially if you are planning on installing a double roller blind bracket.
Many roller blinds have a weighted bottom to help them keep their shape. However, if you’d like to have your windows open to enjoy some fresh air, your roller blinds will probably move and make noise by banging around the windowsill when there is any strong airflow.
If you have very thin or unusually-shaped windows, roller blinds will also not be suitable as they only ever come in square or rectangular varieties. In this case, you’ll need to look for another option that is more flexible, such as curtains and drapes.
Want to know more about roller blinds in Melbourne? Check out our blogs on The Versatility of Double Roller Blinds and 4 Fun Ways to Layer Sheer and Blackout Curtains.
So, have you made up your mind what kind of blinds you’ll choose for your home? If you’re still undecided, here are some points you can consider to help you decide:
What room do you need new blinds for? Are you kitting out your formal dining room with new window treatments? Some elegant Roman blinds with a beautiful trim may be just what you need. Or are you looking for new blinds for your office? Some sleek and minimalist roller blinds might be perfect.
Make sure to consider what your blinds will be exposed to in their new location. Roman blinds can be damaged by the sun or by moisture, whereas roller blinds can shrug off most damages. Keep Roman blinds in areas free from these elements and they’ll maintain their good looks, while bathrooms and kitchens are best styled with durable roller blinds.
What purpose will your new blinds be serving? Are they needed to dress up some plain windows, or do you need them to block out that annoying street light across the road?
Both Roman blinds and roller blinds can block light out effectively, but if you need total darkness, like for sleeping or in a home theatre room, then blockout blinds (paired with sheers on a double bracket if you like) are the best option.
Do you want to up the level of style in your lounge room or formal dining room? The soft layers and plush material of Roman blinds may be just the window treatment you’ve been looking for, and can be dressed up with extra customisations to match the level of decor you need in the space.
Are you expecting your new blinds to get dirty? Whether it's from sticky hands, your pet walking by, dust, or food and drink stains, knowing how to wash your blinds is key.
Roman blinds, because of their soft and flexible material, can often be cleaned in your washing machine on a gentle cycle when needed. You can also vacuum them using a fabric or upholstery attachment to keep them fresh and bright.
Roller blinds cannot be machine washed, as this can cause them to shred and warp due to the heat and vigorous movements. Instead, they can be wiped down with a damp cloth and soapy water to remove stains and dirt as needed. You can also brush them over lightly to keep them free from dust and dirt.
| Roman Blinds | Roller Blinds | |
|---|---|---|
| Light Blocking | Good | Great |
| Privacy (open) | Poor | Great with sheers, otherwise poor |
| Privacy (closed) | Great | Great |
| Durability | Good | Great |
| Customisation | Great | Good |
| Ease Of Cleaning | Great | Good |
No matter which type of indoor blinds you decide on, you can find a fantastic range of both Roman blinds and roller blinds in Melbourne at Alfresco Blinds Co. We are proud to have offered our expertise in the curtains and blinds industry to our customers for over 35 years, and all our products are Australian made for the best quality.
Contact us for a free quote or with any questions you have on 1800 959 107 or leave us an online message. We are conveniently located in Epping and welcome you to browse our amazing range in-store, as well as online.
