The primary downside of Roman blinds is that they can be more challenging to clean compared to other types of blinds. The fabric can collect dust and may require professional cleaning to maintain their appearance, especially if they are made from delicate or luxurious materials.
Additionally, when fully drawn, Roman blinds can block some light even when open, as the pleats stack at the top of the window. This can be a consideration if maximum light exposure is desired in a room.
Which is better, roller or Roman blinds?
The choice between roller and Roman blinds depends on personal preference and the specific needs of your space. Roman blinds offer a more luxurious and elegant look with their pleated fabric design, making them ideal for living rooms and bedrooms where aesthetics are a priority.
Roller blinds, on the other hand, provide a more minimalist and functional look, often being easier to clean and maintain. They are typically better suited for kitchens and bathrooms where practicality is more important than style.
Do Roman blinds look better inside the window or outside?
Roman blinds can be installed both inside or outside the window frame, and the choice depends on the desired aesthetic and practical needs. Inside-mounted Roman blinds offer a sleek and tailored look, fitting snugly within the window frame and allowing for other window treatments like curtains.
Outside-mounted Roman blinds can create the illusion of larger windows and allow for more light blockage when closed. This option is often chosen for rooms where maximum light control is desired or when the window frame is not deep enough to accommodate an inside mount.
How long will a Roman blind kit last?
The longevity of a Roman blind kit largely depends on the quality of the materials used and the conditions in which they are installed. High-quality Roman blinds, when well-maintained, can last for several years, providing both functionality and aesthetic appeal.
Regular maintenance, such as dusting and occasional professional cleaning, can extend the lifespan of your Roman blinds. Additionally, choosing durable fabrics and ensuring proper installation can further enhance their durability.
Where can I buy Roman blinds in South Africa?
You can buy high-quality, custom-made Roman blinds directly online right here at Blinds Direct!
While stores like Mr Price Home or Leroy Merlin offer standard, off-the-shelf sizes, shopping online with Blinds Direct allows you to order made-to-measure blinds crafted for your exact window dimensions.
We offer a wide variety of styles and fabrics to suit different tastes and budgets, and we deliver nationwide across South Africa.
Are Roman blinds suitable for all rooms?
Roman blinds are versatile and can be used in almost any room, providing a sophisticated and stylish window treatment. They are particularly well-suited for living rooms and bedrooms, where their elegant appearance can enhance the overall décor.
However, in areas with high moisture, such as kitchens and bathrooms, it might be better to opt for materials that are moisture-resistant or to consider other types of blinds that are easier to clean and maintain.
What types of fabrics are available for Roman blinds?
Roman blinds are available in a wide range of fabrics, including cotton, linen, silk, and synthetic blends. Each type of fabric offers different levels of light filtration and insulation, allowing you to choose based on your specific needs.
For instance, blackout fabrics are ideal for bedrooms where light exclusion is important, while lighter, sheer fabrics can be used in living areas to allow natural light while maintaining privacy.
Can Roman blinds help with energy efficiency?
Yes, Roman blinds can contribute to energy efficiency by providing an additional layer of insulation to your windows. The fabric can help retain heat during the winter and block out heat in the summer, reducing the need for heating and cooling.
The energy efficiency of Roman blinds depends on the thickness and type of fabric used. Thicker materials with insulating properties are more effective at managing temperature fluctuations.
How do I clean Roman blinds?
Cleaning Roman blinds involves regular dusting with a vacuum cleaner or a soft brush to remove dust and debris. For deeper cleaning, spot cleaning with a mild detergent and water can be effective for removing stains.
For delicate fabrics or significant stains, professional cleaning may be necessary to avoid damaging the material. Always check the manufacturer's cleaning instructions before attempting to clean your Roman blinds.
What are the benefits of custom Roman blinds?
Custom Roman blinds offer the advantage of a perfect fit for your windows, enhancing both the aesthetic and functional aspects of your space. They can be tailored to match your specific décor style and colour scheme, providing a cohesive look.
Additionally, custom Roman blinds allow you to choose from a wider range of fabrics and features, such as blackout lining or thermal insulation, ensuring that your blinds meet all your needs and preferences.
Made to Measure Roman Blinds
Roman blinds are still considered the most classic and elegant choice in window blinds. They consist of a piece of material that is pulled up into a pleated position when drawn upwards. Not only does this provide a classy aesthetic, but also a layered, textured, and luxurious feel that can't be achieved with any other blind type.
Can you be trendy and traditional at the same time? Yes! Take the classic roman blinds. This custom fabric window covering never goes out of style and works with the trendiest interiors.
The clean soft lines and pleats of Roman shades give an indulgent appearance without the heavy or bulky look which is sometimes created by the more traditional option of curtains. Roman blinds work by gathering panels of material vertical and horizontally with fabric cording. This means that when the blinds are pulled tight they will open allowing light into the room, but when dropped they provide excellent privacy and light exclusion.
Shop Roman blinds at Blinds Direct and create your custom Roman blinds from a variety of colours and fabrics, today! Our beautiful range of Roman Shades to suit any window in your home. Delivered nationwide across South Africa.
Why Roman Blinds?
Roman blinds are one of the most customizable blinds that you will ever come across. Blinds Direct offers you a wide range of colours and fabrics to choose from. This choice in fabric also alters the price, meaning that you can easily work within a set budget. The thickness and quality of the materials that you select for your roman blinds will play a large role in how well they manage light and heat. Thicker materials will expel heat and light in the summer, and retain it well in winter.
Classic Roman Blinds
Our Classic range has a firm, structured fabric with a crisp, clean finish. If you want privacy with a view, our classic made to measure Roman shades and blinds come in a wide variety of privacy enhancing and light filtering fabrics, from sheer to blockout. They are lightweight, easy to handle, a snap to install and made in 15 to 21 days before dispatch.
Every Classic Roman blind includes:
A premium Roman shade with aluminium head rail
White pelmets
A two year factory warranty
Installation instructions, screws, plugs and mounting brackets
Premier Weave and privacy: Premier Weave is not recommended for privacy locations, like bedrooms, as perforation allows inward visibility at night.
Linen (Blockout) and Premier Weave (Translucent) are stiff: the Linen Range (Blockout) has a stiff white PVC backing that stops the folds from laying perfectly flat. The stiffness also applies to the Premier Weave (Translucent) Range.
Made to measure Roman blinds and shades in our new premium decorative range, delivered nationwide.
Decorative Roman Blinds
Our Decorative range is soft and supple, with a premium, tailored drape. Choose from linen-look and natural cotton fabrics that add texture and warmth to a room.
Decorative Roman blind fabrics
Hemingway: linen-look Roman blinds in a woven polyester
Tabi Linen: a natural linen look, in a polyester and linen blend
Ticking Stripe: striped cotton Roman blinds, pre-shrunk
Bull Denim: denim-look cotton twill Roman blinds, pre-shrunk
Carnaby: a plain, double folded polyester
Choose your lining
The lining is sewn to the back of your blind. It helps the folds hang neatly and protects the fabric from the sun.
Poly cotton lining: soft and light-filtering. The room stays bright while you keep your privacy.
Blockout lining: blocks most of the light, ideal for blockout Roman blinds in bedrooms, nurseries and TV rooms.
Choose your operation: cord or chain
Choose how your blind is raised and lowered, and which side the cord or chain hangs on as you face the window.
Cord and cleat (standard): a baton headrail, raised with a cord and tied off on a cleat mounted on the side wall.
Mechanical headrail: a chain-operated headrail for smooth raising and lowering.
Decorative Roman blinds are usually made in about 2 weeks, and up to 3 weeks from September to December.
Tell me more about Roman Blinds
Did you know that roman blinds weren't actually invented by the Romans?! They were designed, and then widely used in the Mediterranean for a number of years. In fact, you will find that roman blinds are still the traditional choice of blinds in many Mediterranean homes today. It was, however, the Romans that made these blinds so popular. Their love and adoration is what sparked worldwide interest in it. When they were embraced by the Victorians, they spread among the western world as a décor fashion.
Feel free to contact Blinds Direct should you feel overwhelmed by the material. We will assist you in selecting the perfect material to suit your budget, décor style, and light and heat management needs.
Use roman Blinds as a window dressing option around your entire home or office, or use them to cover any glass areas such as doors and enclosed patios and entertainment areas. They're so simple to use making them great in any environment. For bedrooms, choose blockout lining for privacy and darkness.
The best feature is the fact that they are timelessly elegant. You never have to worry that your Roman blinds will go out of fashion, or won’t stand up to the latest décor trends. Rest assured that Roman blinds are a much-loved classic that will always attract the right attention.
Find your stylish alternative to curtains with our made to measure Roman Blinds. Easy to install & space efficient, take a look through our modern range today
Roman Blinds Trends for South African Homes
Roman shade blinds continue to be a go-to choice for South African homeowners who want a window covering that does more than just block light. Several clear trends are shaping how people are choosing and using fabric roman blinds this year.
Natural textures: Linen, cotton, and woven fabrics are among the most requested materials in 2026. These fabrics complement the earthy, nature-inspired colour palettes that are popular in South African interior design, from warm terracottas and sage greens to soft neutrals and off-whites.
Bold patterns: Geometric prints, abstract designs, and large-scale botanical patterns are being used to make roman window shades a statement piece rather than a background element. A patterned roman blind in a neutral room can anchor the entire space.
Blockout in living areas: Blockout roman blinds are no longer limited to bedrooms. More homeowners are choosing blockout fabric for lounges and home offices to manage afternoon glare, particularly in north and west-facing rooms that receive strong afternoon sun.
Layered window treatments: Roman blinds are increasingly being paired with sheer curtains or shutters for a layered look that offers both privacy and light control at different times of day.
Made to measure as standard: Ready-made roman blinds in standard sizes are losing ground to made-to-measure options, as homeowners prioritise a precise fit over convenience. Blinds Direct offers made-to-measure roman blinds for any window size, ordered entirely online.
