A History of the Roman Blinds and their Current Use

Roman blinds are a modest and fashionable style of window dressing. When turned down, they lie flat against the window to block out light, and when raised, they form soft folds at the top of the window. The blinds are operated using a series of vertical cords, made from high-quality curtain fabric and made-to-measure material. Unlike modern blinds, such as vertical blinds and roller blinds, Roman blinds have been a practical and aesthetic solution to the problem of glare for millennia.

During the building of the ancient Colosseum, Roman blinds were developed to avoid dust or sandy shrubs getting in their homes. The amount of dust released when grinding the stone used to build the Colosseum was too much and as an answer to this problem, Roman blinds were born. Before their invention, ancient citizens used to hang a soggy rag on their windows to prevent dust from horse carriages entering their house. We’ve certainly come a long way since then!

Progression of Roman blinds

Though built for functionality, Roman blinds became increasingly ornate. That is, with different patterns and colours, the aesthetic of the blind became just as important.

On top of the developments in appearance, the modest design developed to incorporate wooden rods and a drawstring to lift and lower the fabric. Interestingly, the blinds originally folded backwards and away from the wall, the opposite to what we do now. The basic design of the blinds from then has undergone various changes. However, its core principles have not changed.

Modern use of Roman blinds

Roman blinds are still a popular choice for modern homes. They are available in a variety of styles and can be made from a variety of materials and fabrics. When choosing a specific material and finish for the blinds, it is worth considering cleaning. There are materials that are more delicate than others, so it is imperative to select the right material. The colours of Roman blinds provide sufficient insulation and give a very warm appearance to living rooms, bedrooms, offices and more.

Roman blinds in traditional fabrics cannot be used in damp places such as kitchens and bathrooms, meaning that you will probably want to limit them to living rooms and bedrooms. While this can be frustrating, the living room is where Roman blinds really shine, as you can match the warmth of your fabric upholstery with your beautiful new blinds.

If you’re interested in Roman Blinds and their storied history, and think they would look great in your home, Boyd’s Blinds have you covered. We can offer our wonderful selection of blinds and curtains to customers in Lincoln, Newark, Bulwell, Carlton, Grantham, Southwell, West Bridgford, Mansfield and the wider Nottinghamshire area. We offer plenty of colours and styles, so whatever your tastes, you can rest assured that we will have something you. If you would like to know more or simply want some professional advice, call our helpful team today.