Roman blinds are fabric blinds that fold up into soft, neat pleats when you raise them and hang as one flat panel of fabric when you lower them. They give a window the warm, finished look of a curtain with the tidy lines of a blind. At 1ClickBlinds, Roman blinds start from £32.49, in plain weaves, velvet, chenille, boucle, bold patterns and children's prints.
Because a Roman blind is one continuous piece of fabric, it feels softer and cosier than a roller or Venetian blind. It is a popular choice for living rooms, bedrooms, kitchens and bay windows.
Roman blinds: the quick answer
- What they are: fabric blinds that stack into horizontal folds as they rise.
- Price: from £32.49, with most designs between £38.99 and £54.59.
- Best rooms: living rooms, bedrooms, dining rooms, kitchens and children's rooms.
- Fabrics: plain weaves, soft velvet, chenille, boucle, herringbone, patterned and children's designs.
- Light control: a Roman blind is only blackout if it has a blackout lining.
- Not ideal for: steamy bathrooms and very wet areas, where a wipe-clean blind works better.
How do Roman blinds work?
Rods are sewn across the back of the fabric at even spaces. When you pull the control, the rods lift and stack on top of each other, so the fabric folds into neat pleats at the top of the window. When you lower the blind, the folds open out and the fabric hangs flat to cover the glass.
When the blind is fully raised, the folded fabric (called the stack) sits at the top of the window. Keep this in mind on short windows, as the stack covers a little of the glass.
Roman blind prices at 1ClickBlinds
| From price | Example designs | Style |
|---|
| £32.49 | Amira, Little Star, Safari Friends | Patterned and children's prints |
| £38.99 | Adana, Amora, Roscoe, Istanbul, Mersin, Bursa Soft Velvet | Plains, patterns and soft velvet |
| £46.79 | Alhambra, Boucle, Herringbone, Izmir, Laguna, Skyler, Litie | Textured weaves and statement patterns |
| £54.59 | Ankara, Bali, Chenille, Nora, Quinta, Ripple, Marrakech | Rich chenille, plains and designer patterns |
Which Roman blind fabric should you choose?
| Fabric | Look and feel | Best for |
|---|
| Plain weave | Calm, simple, easy to match | Any room, especially if you have patterned walls or cushions |
| Velvet | Soft, rich and warm | Bedrooms and living rooms that want a cosy feel |
| Chenille | Heavy, textured and luxurious | Living rooms, dining rooms and period homes |
| Boucle | Looped, textured, on-trend | Modern living rooms and bedrooms |
| Herringbone | Classic woven pattern | Traditional and country style rooms |
| Bold patterns | Geometric, abstract and floral | A feature window or a plain room that needs colour |
| Children's prints | Stars, animals and bright colours | Nurseries and children's bedrooms |
Shopping for a nursery or child's room? See our children's blinds for more fun designs.
Are Roman blinds blackout?
Not on their own. The face fabric of a Roman blind filters light. A Roman blind only darkens a room well when it has a blackout lining behind the fabric. Even then, a little light can come in around the edges and along the fold lines, where the rods are stitched in.
For a darker bedroom, fit the blind outside the recess so it overlaps the window, or layer it with a blackout roller behind. Read blackout Roman blinds: how dark do they get? and thermal Roman blinds if you also want to keep heat in. If darkness is your main goal, compare our blackout blinds.
Roman blinds vs roller blinds vs curtains
| Roman blinds | Roller blinds | Curtains |
|---|
| Look | Soft folds, tailored | Flat, plain and modern | Full, soft and dressy |
| Space used | Sits in or just above the window | Very slim when rolled up | Needs wall space each side |
| Warmth | Good, more with a thermal lining | Depends on the fabric | Very good when lined and floor length |
| Cleaning | Dust and spot clean | Wipe or dust | Wash or dry clean |
| Best for | Living rooms, bedrooms, bay windows | Kitchens, bathrooms, offices | Large windows and patio doors |
Compare in more detail: roller blinds vs Roman blinds and Roman blinds vs curtains.
Best Roman blinds for each room
| Room | What to choose | Why |
|---|
| Living room | Velvet, chenille or a bold pattern | Adds warmth and makes the window a feature |
| Bedroom | A deep colour with blackout lining | Feels cosy and helps with dark mornings |
| Kitchen | A plain or patterned weave, raised clear of the worktop | Soft look without hanging into the splash zone |
| Children's room | A fun print with a cordless or safety-fitted control | Bright design and safer for little ones |
| Bay window | One Roman blind per window panel | Each blind folds neatly in its own section |
| Dining room | Chenille, herringbone or boucle | Rich texture for a formal room |
Fitting a bay? Read Roman blinds for bay windows.
How to measure for Roman blinds
- Choose inside or outside the recess. Inside looks neat. Outside overlaps the window and blocks more light.
- Measure the width. Measure at the top, middle and bottom of the recess and use the smallest number.
- Measure the drop. Measure from the top of the recess to the sill on the left, centre and right, and use the smallest number.
- For an outside fit, add about 50mm each side so the blind overlaps the window.
- Use a steel tape measure and write every size down in millimetres.
Full guide: made to measure Roman blinds: how to get the perfect fit.
Caring for your Roman blinds
- Dust weekly with a soft brush or the brush tool on your vacuum.
- Spot clean marks with a damp cloth and a little mild soap. Do not soak the fabric.
- Raise and lower the blind gently and evenly so the folds stay straight.
- Replace worn fittings instead of the whole blind. We sell Roman blind spring brackets and chain connectors in our blind spare parts.
Frequently asked questions
What is a Roman blind?
A Roman blind is a fabric blind that folds into soft horizontal pleats when raised and hangs flat when lowered. Rods sewn into the back of the fabric create the folds.
How much do Roman blinds cost?
At 1ClickBlinds, Roman blinds start from £32.49. Most designs are from £38.99, £46.79 or £54.59, depending on the fabric.
Are Roman blinds good for bedrooms?
Yes. They look soft and cosy, and with a blackout lining they help keep the room dark. Fit them outside the recess for the darkest result.
Do Roman blinds block light?
A standard Roman blind filters light. A blackout-lined Roman blind blocks light through the fabric, but some light can still get in around the edges.
Are Roman blinds good in a kitchen?
Yes, as long as the blind sits clear of the hob and sink. Choose a fabric that is easy to spot clean.
Can you put Roman blinds in a bathroom?
We do not recommend them for steamy bathrooms, because moisture can mark the fabric. A waterproof blind is a better choice.
Are Roman blinds old-fashioned?
No. Plain weaves, boucle and modern geometric patterns give Roman blinds a fresh, current look in modern homes.
Are Roman blinds child safe?
Choose a cordless blind, or fit the safety device supplied with corded and chain blinds high on the wall, out of reach of children.
How do you clean Roman blinds?
Dust with a soft brush and spot clean marks with a damp cloth and mild soap. Avoid soaking the fabric or putting it in a tumble dryer.
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