The idea that bigger is better, while classically associated with modern American design, also rings true for some Brits. Especially for those with Victorian homes or people who are looking to modernise existing decor. Whether you’re updating your home in line with trends that feature large glazing or looking for ways to decorate your Victorian bay windows, bigger can definitely be better. That’s where wide roman blinds come in.
Wide roman blinds are designed to fit larger windows and cover conservatory windows that may be too big for other blind styles. Here, we'll show you the benefits of wide roman blinds and offer advice on how to style these window dressings. Plus, you’ll find tips on how to measure for a perfect fit and where to buy big, beautiful window blinds.
How To Use Wide Roman Blinds
Roman blinds are similar to roller blinds in that they’re made of one large piece of fabric. The difference is that the fabric of roman blinds delicately drapes in peated layers when the blind is raised. This adds texture and depth to a room and this style of blind is considered to be among the more elegant options in terms of window coverings.
Wide roman blinds are larger than standard roman blinds. This type of blind can be made of one extra-large piece of fabric or several pieces of fabric stitched together. They are designed to fit larger windows such as bay windows and floor-to-ceiling windows.
These window treatments also often feature a heavier-duty cassette headrail to support the weight of the extra fabric. They also have smooth action sidewinder mechanisms to make raising and lowering the blinds easier. The beaded chain mechanisms also often feature safety clips to minimise the risk of accidents.
The added width of wide roman blinds makes them ideal for huge expanses of glazing. They’re also perfect for rooms with multiple bay windows when you want one large window covering rather than multiple individual shades.
Since they are made of longer horizontal fabrics, they can easily fit even the widest windows. While traditional fabric curtains are typically about 137 centimetres wide, good quality wide roman blinds can be custom made up to 300 centimetres in width.
They’re great for contemporary homes including modern cabins where large glazing is all the rage. They’re also ideal for classical designs like Victorian homes with sweeping bay windows.
Benefits of Wide Roman Blinds
These window blinds are popular thanks to a wide range of benefits including light control, thermal properties and easy maintenance. Here are some of the reasons why homeowners love wide roman blinds.
Huge Range of Fabrics
One of the biggest benefits of wide roman blinds is that they come in a large choice of fabrics. You’ll find natural materials such as cotton and wool as well as synthetics like polyester and PVC nylon blends. You’ll even find suede, silk and jacquard fabrics with complex patterns. Moisture-resistant and waterproof roman blinds are great for bathroom and kitchen windows and you’ll also find fire retardant fabrics that can make your home safer.
There are also thermal roman blinds that can help you save money on your heating and cooling bills. Thermal blinds are usually made of thicker fabrics that are designed to trap heat or cold air inside the home when the blinds are lowered. The fabrics and pleats create an insulating layer that is perfect when mounted on draughty windows.
Control Light and Privacy
Since roman blinds come in various fabrics, they’re a great choice whether you want to let light into your home or block it out entirely for better sleep. Wide roman blinds come in voile styles that let natural light filter into a room while offering a modest degree of privacy. These are great for spaces like living rooms, offices and entryways where you may want brighter light, but privacy isn’t a high concern.
In addition, there are wide roman blinds with blackout lining to offer complete darkness in rooms like bedrooms, nurseries and bathrooms. These blackout blinds are ideal for sleeping and increase privacy so passersby and neighbours can’t peer into your home. Since roman blinds don’t have slats, the light can’t leak in between the cracks, making them more effective at blocking out light compared to other types of blinds.
Easy To Clean
Wide roman blinds are also incredibly easy to maintain. You just need to vacuum the blinds using an upholstery brush every few weeks to remove dust. Some roman blinds can even be tossed in the washing machine if they get stained or develop grime buildup.
To maintain your wide roman blinds, make sure to read the care instructions. Some fabrics — like silk and chenille — require added attention to prevent pilling and tearing. Other fabrics including cotton and polyester are more durable. Use warm water to clean your blinds. If you need to use soap to remove a tougher stain, test the mild detergent on a small portion of the fabric first. Avoid using harsh cleaners and chemicals as these can damage the blind fabric.
How To Style Wide Roman Blinds
When it comes to interior design, beauty is in the eye of the beholder. With the wide range of options in wide roman blinds, you can truly create any design aesthetic you like. You can use a vibrant coloured wide roman blind to make a statement or opt for a subtle neutral hue to create an understated backdrop.
Patterned roman blinds are a great way to draw attention and create a focal point in a room. Floral patterns are right at home in conservatories with large bay windows while geometric prints are ideal for modern designs in sitting rooms and home offices.
Don’t be afraid to play with colour. Roman blinds have an elegant silhouette so you can get away with bold statements without overwhelming the space as you might with curtains. Bright, punchy colours are ideal to bring a touch of cheer into a room and you can pair the hue with other elements in the space — like coloured furniture, vases or art.
Alternatively, you can still make a big impact with neutral hues. Grey, white and black are great options when you want to create a contemporary look or when you don’t want your window dressings to command too much attention. Opt for warm tones — colours with browns, reds and oranges — for an earthy or uplifting effect. Cool tones like blue and green can add a soothing or calming element that’s perfect for nurseries, living rooms and home libraries.
How To Choose the Right Blind Size
When it comes to wide roman blinds, ordering the right size is essential. The first thing you need to do is decide how you want to mount the blind.
There are two options: inside the window recess and outside the recess. An inside the recess mount involves mounting the blinds on the inside of your window opening. This is the most common mount and offers a sleek, clean look. An outside the recess mount means you’ll install the blinds just above the window opening. This mount is ideal for wide windows that have narrow window sills or those with large obstructions like handles.
Once you know how you will be mounting the blind around the window frame, it’s time to measure for a perfect fit. We have an easy step-by-step measuring guide and video tutorial you can follow if you get stuck.
Here’s the general process when it comes to measuring for wide roman blinds for inside the recess mounts. Start by measuring the width of the window in three different places (across the top, bottom and middle of the window). Write down the smallest measurement. Next measure the height, or drop, of the window down the left, right and middle of the frame. Write down the smallest measurement. These will be the numbers you enter when ordering your wide roman blind and you’ll select the “recess” option for mounting type.
For outside the mount installs, you’ll first need to decide where you will mount the headrail. We recommend shaving an overlap of at least 5 centimetres on each side, though you can go larger if you like as this is really just a style choice. If you are concerned about light seeping around the edges, go for a larger overlap. Measure the width of where you want the blind edges to end and write down the number.
You’ll also need to decide how long you want the blind to be. We recommend a minimum of 7 centimetres at the top of the recess to account for the headrail. The overlap at the bottom of the window is a personal decision.
Keep an eye out for obstructions like radiators and make sure the blind doesn’t hang over these. In general, we recommend having the blind stop at the window sill or having at least a 5-centimetre overlap at the bottom. Enter your measurement when ordering your made-to-measure blinds and select “exact” as your mounting style.
