Roman Blinds and Roller Blinds – What is the Difference?
If you are wondering what the differences are between Roman blinds and roller blinds, then here is a definitive explanation.
There are many variations of these two styles of blinds, but the difference is in the method by which they are drawn up. Both roller blinds and Roman blinds hang above the window and are drawn down to block out the light. Roller blinds are always made of a flat piece of strengthened fabric which is rolled around a pole, usually made of metal. When pulled down, they unravel, and then roll back up again on a spring system, as required.
Roman blinds on the other hand are drawn up using a pulley system of cord or string which gathers them up in folds. Roman blinds are made of fabric and have a fairly simple construction. They have one vertical line of cord attached on each side which draws them upwards. The fabric is strengthened with a series of horizontal dowel rods so that it folds neatly into flat horizontal folds as it goes up.
There are several variations on Roman blinds, using looser fabric and without having horizontal rods. These are called Austrian and Festoon blinds and they have a more gathered or ‘ruched’ and fussy effect, rather than lying flat against the window. They often have several vertical lines of cord attached to the fabric to gather it up into ‘scoops’ as it rises.
Whilst roller blinds are best bought ready-made, you can make Roman blinds yourself, with the help of instructions. Roman blinds can be made of almost any fabric and are usually lined. The horizontal dowel rods can be either hidden in pockets or tucks within the fabric, or glued onto the back. Simple metal grommets are punched into the fabric to make holes for the cord.