The stifling temperatures associated with the Mediterranean climate of ancient Rome are cited as one of the main reasons for the creation of roman blinds. Back in the days of old, the streets were paved with cobblestones, and due to the fact they were often used by those with horse and carts, it was inevitable that a great deal of dust would be present. Add to this the fact that the Colosseum was being erected at the time, and you can imagine how much of a burden the dust was for the residents of ancient Rome, especially in the sweltering heat.
Residents at the time were keen to keep the dust at bay, and so decided to hang damp cloths from windows and doors, thus the invention of roman blinds.
Although those of us who reside in the UK rarely have to deal with the amount of dust that was present back in the days of old, roman blinds have a number of other positive factors, meaning that they’re well worth your consideration when you’re looking to give your home a makeover.
While roman blinds ensure shade and privacy is at the forefront of its design, there are also a number of aesthetic qualities, making roman blinds a popular choice with those looking to give their window dressing that additional bit of flair.
What Style Do I Choose?
There’s no right or wrong answer here, as it really depends on your current décor, or the theme you’re aiming for when redecorating your home. There are two styles of roman blinds, that both offer shade and privacy, but have a number of aesthetic differences between the two designs.
Flat Roman Blinds
Flat roman blinds are normally created using a heavier fabric, although this again can depend on your choice of roman blind, and are thought to have fantastic insulation and draught-prevention qualities. This particular design is also popular when used in children’s bedrooms, as when a blackout fabric is applied, they ensure children aren’t disturbed during the lighter summer months.
Cuffed Roman Blinds
Cuffed roman blinds can be seen as a little more flamboyant when compared to flat roman blinds. They tend to have an irregular design, and are often created using light fabrics. Cuffed roman blinds are ideal for those looking for a window dressing that’s bound to make an impression, while still allowing light to pass through to compliment a room. As such, cuffed roman blinds are normally utilised in areas such as the kitchen or living room.
With so many choices in today’s modern world of décor, it can be hard to know what kind of window dressing to choose, but when making your considerations, you shouldn’t undervalue the benefits that roman blinds can bring to the table, regardless of which design you decide to use.
Image: Flickr, available under Creative Commons.