ROMAN BLINDS vs. ROLLER BLINDS

Blinds are a popular window treatment that protects the room from direct sunlight. These window coverings come in numerous designs and provide adaptable light control. Their principal functionality lets you decide how much natural light can penetrate the room. Consumers often choose blinds because they offer a darkening effect. Consumers’ most preferred types of blinds are Roman blinds and roller blinds. These come with numerous advantages and disadvantages which shall be examined in this article. 

Roman Blinds

Roman blinds and roller blinds are quite similar in functionality. These two products mainly differ based on appearance and operation. Roman blinds often appear formal as they are made from fabric. When opened, they become flat, and this is because they are made with slats. These slats are installed at the rear of these slats and steadily slide into the back side of the fabric. To help them hang in the air, roman blinds are attached to cords designed to pull the slats together. This results in the blinds folding into overlapping pleats. The size of the slats mainly determines the appropriate size of roman blind pleats.

The various types of roman blinds are designed to offer different kinds of folds. The main varieties include relaxed Romans, balloon Romans, faux Romans, and tucked Romans.

Consumers often choose roman blinds because they are easily found in home interior stores. They can be bought in general designs or custom-made to the size of your windows. These blinds can be made from hemp, silk, cotton, linen, or synthetics. There are several key factors to help determine the material you should choose. These include temperature control, UV resistance, light control, and washability. Many consumers also choose roman blinds because they are suitable for outdoor installation. These blinds can be placed in outdoor areas such as the patio or gazebo. The only disadvantage is that the fabric material is less durable and not water resistant. 

Roller Blinds

Roller blinds are considered to be the superior design to roman blinds. These are the modern option as they are easier to install and maintain. Roller blinds are designed with a single fabric piece wrapped around a casing. They are manufactured to fit the top of the window frame without hassle. The consumer must pull a cord or sidewinding chain mechanism to operate these.

In terms of functionality, roller blinds are designed to provide excellent light blocking. They can be adjusted to block out light entirely or partially. These are more suitable for outdoor installation because they can be fitted with water-resistant fabrics. Maintenance is much easier to perform with roller blinds because they are easy to detach. Cleaning usually involves using a cloth to wipe off dust. This advantage is valuable, considering roller blinds are relatively more affordable. The blinds are also more durable because they come with a heavy-duty tube for rolling. The blinds are sleek and often found in formal offices. Organizations also prefer these as they help save energy due to improved insulation and reduced glare.

Advantages & Disadvantages of Roman Blinds and Roller Blinds

Advantages of Roman Blinds

  • Roman blinds are considered timeless. These window shades are versatile and can match most kinds of decor. The blinds come in various designs and fabrics, making them useful for custom designs. 
  • Roman blinds are designed to be heavy. The fabric chosen is weighted to allow for a dual lining. This lining is vital to achieving improved insulation. Consumers looking for advanced temperature control often choose roman blinds as they work in all seasons.
  • Roman blinds offer the ability to block out light entirely. These blinds are designed from a single piece of fabric. This whole piece prevents any gaps in the blinds from filtering light. This feature has the added benefit of maximum privacy.

Disadvantages of Roman Blinds

  • When roman blinds are fully opened, they can block a portion of the window view. These fold to form a stack at the top of the window. When raised, they minimize light and air filtration.
  • Roman shades often come in one size. It is rare to find these blinds in different sizes and shapes. Most owners order custom-made roman blinds to ensure they fit the window openings. This requirement can make this option more costly.
  • Roman shades are moisture-absorbent. When placed in a damp environment, these blinds can develop mold. Consumers often avoid putting these in the bathroom or kitchen as these areas are generally humid. 
  • Roman blinds are designed to function with a cord or chain drive. These control mechanisms are easy to break and can prove to be a strangulation hazard for children and pets in the home.

Advantages of Roller Blinds

  • Roller blinds are very adaptable to home window sizes. These blinds are designed to fit very closely to the window. When installed, these blinds only require a small amount of fabric. They mainly come in translucent fabric designs. 
  • Roller blinds are designed to be flexible. These shades are the safest choice for the home because the operating mechanism varies. You can choose roller blinds that are chain-driven, spring-assisted, or fully motorized. Motorized roller blinds are the safest version, as there are no hanging cords.
  • Roller blinds are considered highly durable. Modern roller blinds are usually constructed with durable steel tubes. These are combined with high-quality UV-treated fabrics. This feature helps the blinds resist fading. The systems are often user-friendly and child-friendly. These advantages are why roller blinds are more expensive than curtains and roman blinds. 

Disadvantages of Roller Blinds

  • Roller blinds are not suitable for older homes; These window shades are designed for modern architecture and therefore need to work better with colonial architectural features. 
  • Structurally, these blinds can be challenging to install. Visually, it is often difficult to match the contemporary look with roller blinds. It is also not possible to install roller blinds on windows with shutters.
  • Motorized roller blinds are made with electronic parts that can experience a malfunction. These systems require maintenance and need to be cleaned or replaced often. 
Elissa Smith
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