When it comes time to decorate a kitchen window, the question arises: what type of curtains is best to choose? Here you need a practical option, easy to care for, with the ability to choose a design that matches the kitchen interior. Not every model can satisfy these needs. Roman blinds are a simple, but at the same time elegant and functional solution to this problem.

Classic style kitchen-dining room with roman blinds
Roman blinds are elegant, comfortable and practical.

Their distinctive feature is the way the fabric is assembled. Its even horizontal parts are folded in a chain one after another and raised up. It is believed that the history of Roman blinds began in Ancient Rome thousands of years ago, which is why they got their name. The variety of designs and fabrics today makes it possible to use them in interiors of different styles, both in the living room or bedroom, and in the kitchen.

Roman and roller blinds: what's the difference?

The names of these types of structures are often confused. They do sometimes look very similar, representing a canvas whose level relative to the window opening is adjusted vertically. The canvases can be unfolded to cover the window completely. But the structures have fundamental differences.

White roman blind with green stripes
Roman blinds combine the practicality of blinds and the beauty of curtains

The main difference between roller blinds and Roman blinds is that they twist when lifted, forming a roller. The folds of Roman blinds are superimposed one on top of the other in turn, and when lifted, resemble an accordion. Most types of construction have several special inserts inside the fabric, which serve for its correct draping. A roller blind is a flat, solid piece of fabric without any additional inserts, except for a weight at the bottom.

Purple roller blinds on the kitchen window
Roller blinds look simpler and are definitely inferior to Roman models.

For closed-type roller blinds, a special box is installed under the ceiling, where the rolled-up fabric will be hidden. In open-type designs, the roller blind is rolled into a roller, which remains visible. Closed designs are not provided for Roman blinds. They are attached to a cornice equipped with a mechanism that provides lifting, lowering and fixing of the fabric. When assembled, they will not completely open the window opening, a small part at the top will remain hidden.

The procedure for cleaning roller blinds is quite complicated and time-consuming. It is strictly not recommended to wash them in an automatic washing machine. Roman blinds are somewhat easier to care for. Products made from some types of fabric can be washed in a washing machine using the delicate wash mode.

Washing Roman blinds with your own hands
Cotton Roman blinds are best washed carefully and by hand.

In terms of cost, roller blinds are more affordable than Roman blinds.

Roman blinds are an ideal option for decorating a home interior, while roller blinds are more modern and are also suitable for offices, cafes, restaurants, and shops. If you want to make the atmosphere of the room more comfortable, then Roman blinds are the best choice.

Roman and roller blinds: comparative characteristics

Roman Roller blinds
Fabric with special rod inserts that form even horizontal folds Smooth, solid canvas
They are attached to the cornice and fold like an accordion when raised. Rolled; design – open or closed with a box
Machine washable Hand cleaning only
Higher price There are economical options
More suitable for home Can be used at home, office, store, etc.

Advantages of Roman blinds:

  • simple design that you can make yourself;
  • not as difficult to care for as roller blinds: machine washable;
  • create a cozy atmosphere and look homey.
Kitchen window with white tulle and red roman blind
You can make a Roman blind yourself

The design includes the following elements:

  • rectangular canvas;
  • rods that fix the folds;
  • lifting mechanism + control chain;
  • weight on the bottom fold.
Simple DIY Roman Shade Design
The stiffening ribs serve to correctly assemble the canvas and form even folds.

Types of models

Modern models of Roman blinds are divided into three main types:

  1. Classic. They have a rigid frame that forms horizontal folds; when completely closed, they form a flat canvas.

    Colorful Roman blinds of classic type in the interior of the kitchen-living room
    Classic Roman blinds have crossbars to create even, uniform folds.
  2. Cascading. When the curtain is lowered, voluminous folds are formed, which, layered on top of each other, create a beautiful cascade.

    Cascade Roman blinds in the kitchen dining area
    Cascading curtains form beautiful folds even when unfurled.
  3. Frameless. The canvas has no rods, so when unfolded it is completely flat. The folds hang in waves downwards, towards its center.

    White frameless roman blinds on a plastic kitchen window
    In frameless curtains, the fabric is gathered without guides on the sides or in the center

Materials

The canvases can be made of fabrics of different density: from jacquard materials to tulle. Accordingly, they will have different degrees of light transmission and different purposes. When sewing Roman blinds, natural materials (linen, cotton) or synthetic (polyester) can be used. Mixed fabrics are also used, which include several different types of fibers.

Kitchen design with roman blind on the window
Curtains made of natural fabrics make the kitchen warm and cozy

Roman blinds can be made from non-woven materials such as bamboo.

Country house kitchen interior with bamboo roman blinds
Bamboo Roman blinds in the dining room of a private house

Roman blinds in the kitchen: ideas + photos

This type of curtains can be applied to almost any style. You just need to choose colors that harmonize with the room's design and select the type of model.

Roman blinds in a classic kitchen interior in the photo:

  • You can use them as an alternative to tulle curtains. This is quite a practical option, especially when there are flowers on the windowsill: the length can be adjusted as you like.
  • Floral patterns will create a cozy and calm atmosphere in the kitchen.
  • Choosing a bright color for curtains will help to create additional accents.

    Roman blind with a bright print in a classic style kitchen
    Roman blinds are very elegant and fit perfectly into a classic interior.
  • Or you can use more modest geometric patterns.
  • Frameless model of Roman blinds in the kitchen.

    Kitchen interior with frameless roman blind in red shade
    Frameless Roman blind with lambrequin

How to choose roman blinds for the kitchen

If you decide to purchase them for the design of the kitchen, pay attention to several parameters when choosing. This is the size of the canvas, then the material, type of construction and design.

Size

First, you need to measure the length and width of the window opening, and it is important to decide on the option for installing the curtains:

Important! It is better to write down these parameters - you will use them when further searching for a suitable curtain model.

Type of fabric

Each type of material has its own unique features and properties.

Flax is a natural material, usually used unpainted for sewing curtains. It has average light transmittance. It is perfect for ethnic or Provence styles.

Kitchen window with frameless roman blind in yellow
The main requirement when choosing a material is resistance to fading and frequent washing.

The durable, wear-resistant material holds its shape well, but it has a drawback: if creases form after washing, they will be almost impossible to smooth out.

Please note! After washing linen curtains, you must immediately hang them on the window and dry them in this way to avoid creases.

Cotton is rarely used to make curtains in its pure form; synthetic fibers are usually added. It is a fairly soft fabric in a variety of colors. Disadvantages of cotton: shrinkage after washing, susceptibility to sun exposure; the fabric wrinkles easily.

Lightweight transparent roman blinds
Curtains made of translucent material serve more for window decoration.

Synthetic fabrics (polyester or nylon) have their own special advantages. They are a variety of colors and textures, lightness, and varying light transmittance. They practically do not wrinkle; they are easy to care for.

Translucent synthetic roman blinds on kitchen windows
Fabrics made from synthetic fibers are easier to wash and last longer.

Blended fabrics are materials made from a mixture of different fibers. Combinations of natural and synthetic materials are possible, for example, cotton and polyester. Such fabrics combine the advantages of their components.

Decorating a window in the kitchen dining area with Roman blinds
Thick fabric curtains will save your kitchen from the summer heat

Regarding the light transmittance property:

  • jacquard, satin allow light to pass through;
  • translucent fabrics: cotton, linen, crepe satin;
  • Veils and organza allow daylight to pass through completely.

Design

Once you have decided on the light transmittance and material of the fabric, it is time to move on to choosing the pattern. Here, much depends on the overall style of the room, its color scheme. It is necessary to take into account the colors of the wallpaper, kitchen set, furniture.

A striped roman blind on a kitchen window in a panel house
Curtains should match the kitchen design and the interior color scheme.

For a small space, it is better to choose light, calm colors: beige, peach, lilac, light green, sky blue. Monochrome canvases are preferable, a minimum of patterns.

Corner kitchen with Roman blinds made of light fabric
For a small kitchen, it is better to choose light curtains made of light material.

For more spacious rooms, you can try using dark shades: rich blue, grassy or red; experiment with bright patterns: flowers, geometry or a solid composition of the design.

Asymmetrical curtains on the window of a modern kitchen
Asymmetry helps make the design of a kitchen window more sophisticated

Important! Warm shades can visually reduce space, while cold shades can expand it.

Striped roman blinds on a kitchen bay window
Striped curtains visually change the dimensions of the kitchen

In minimalist kitchens, where white plays the main role, you can safely use rich colors of curtains: they will act as accents. If your kitchen has bright wallpaper or furniture, you should choose a harmonious shade more carefully. Sometimes it is better not to overload the space with flashy patterns, but to choose a single-color canvas. Modest pastel colors will look boring; it is better to choose a shade close to the colors present in the interior, or to stop at white.

Beige Roman blinds in a Scandinavian kitchen
With the right choice, "Roman blinds" are good in any style of interior. In the photo, Roman blinds in a Scandinavian style kitchen-living room

Important! Decorating a window in a color close to the wallpaper tone will visually expand the space, while a contrasting color can reduce it.

The type of construction is selected according to the overall style of the room. For example, cascade models are combined with a classic style. The classic type of Roman blinds is suitable for rooms in modern styles. Frameless models look original and attract attention. For example, a linen model will suit a Provence-style interior.

Modern kitchen with cascading roman blind
Cascade models go well with straight curtains

Now you can easily distinguish Roman blinds from roller blinds, choose the right model, material, and also select a stylish design of curtains that will decorate your kitchen.

Video on how to make a Roman blind with your own hands

Photo ideas for decorating a kitchen window with Roman blinds