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Are Roman Blinds Still Popular?

Posted on by BlindsDirect
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22
Oct

Are Roman Blinds Still Popular?

Yes, Roman blinds are still popular. They remain one of the most requested window treatments in South Africa and globally, valued for their clean fold-up mechanism, wide fabric choice, and ability to suit both modern and traditional interiors. Demand for custom made-to-measure Roman blinds continues to grow, particularly in linen, textured, and blackout fabric options.

Key facts

  • A Roman blind is a type of window covering made from a single flat piece of fabric that folds into horizontal pleats when raised using a cord or chain mechanism.
  • Roman blinds come in three main fold styles: flat (no folds when lowered), hobbled or classic (permanent soft folds), and relaxed (a gentle curve at the hem).
  • Roman blinds are consistently ranked among the top five window treatment styles globally and remain a leading choice in South African interior design.
  • Roman blinds can be fitted inside the window recess (recess fit) or outside it (face fit / outside mount).
  • Roman blinds are available in blackout, light-filtering, sheer, and decorative fabrics including linen, cotton, and polyester blends.
  • Made-to-measure Roman blinds are cut to exact millimetre specifications, unlike ready-made blinds which come in fixed standard sizes.

Why Roman Blinds Remain a Lasting Interior Choice

Roman blinds have stayed relevant because they do something most window treatments cannot: they look polished whether raised or lowered. The flat, fold-up profile suits contemporary South African homes without looking cold or clinical. They add warmth and texture to a room without the bulk of full curtains.

Blinds Direct has been supplying South African homeowners with quality Blinds since 2013, and Roman blinds remain one of the most popular choices across the range. Get an Instant Quote and see how affordable a made-to-measure Roman blind can be.

Fabric Flexibility

The fabric is where Roman blinds truly stand out. Options include:

  • Linen and linen-look blends for a natural, relaxed finish
  • Blackout fabrics for bedrooms and media rooms
  • Light-filtering sheers that soften glare without blocking the view
  • Patterned and textured fabrics to add visual interest

This range means one blind style can work across every room in the house, from a breezy kitchen to a light-controlled bedroom.

Made-to-Measure Fit

South African homes, particularly older properties, rarely have standard window dimensions. A ready-made blind that is even 20 mm too narrow leaves an obvious gap and lets in light at the edges. Made-to-measure Roman blinds from Blinds Direct are cut to your exact millimetre specifications, so the fit is precise every time.

Roman Blinds Are Back in Fashion in 2026

Roman blinds never fully left fashion. After a dip during the roller blinds boom of the early 2010s, they have seen a strong resurgence driven by the return of natural textures, earthy tones, and a preference for softer window treatments over harder alternatives.

Trending Fabrics and Colours in South Africa

Interior designers and homeowners across South Africa are gravitating toward warm neutrals, earthy greens, terracotta tones, and natural linen weaves. These choices reflect a broader move toward biophilic design, bringing natural materials and calming colours indoors. Fabric Roman blinds in these tones pair well with timber floors, rattan furniture, and exposed brick, all common in South African homes.

What Design Trends Are Saying

Current interior design direction consistently points toward soft, tactile window treatments over hard blinds. Roman blinds sit at the centre of that shift. They offer the light control of a roller blind with the warmth and visual softness of a curtain, which is exactly what the 2026 interior mood calls for.

Roman Blinds vs. Other Window Treatments

Roman Blinds vs. Roller Blinds

Roller blinds are practical, affordable, and easy to clean. Roman blinds offer more visual warmth and a softer profile. If your priority is a clean, minimal look with easy maintenance, roller blinds are a strong choice. If you want texture, fabric interest, and a more designed feel, Roman blinds are the better fit. Both are available as made-to-measure options at Blinds Direct.

The Downsides of Venetian Blinds

The main downsides of Venetian blinds are dust accumulation on individual slats, which makes cleaning time-consuming, and a harder, more industrial look that does not suit all interior styles. Each slat collects dust independently, and wiping them down one by one is a slow process. Aluminium Venetian Blinds are practical and durable, but for rooms where softness and warmth matter more than a crisp, structured look, Roman blinds are the more comfortable choice.

Curtain Styles That Look Dated

Styles considered outdated include swag and tail valances, heavy pelmet boxes, sheer nylon voile panels, and overly ornate tie-back arrangements. These styles were popular in the 1990s and early 2000s but now read as heavy and fussy. Roman blinds, by contrast, read as current because they are clean, simple, and fabric-forward without any unnecessary ornamentation.

Fitting Options: Inside vs. Outside Mount

Roman blinds can be mounted outside the window recess. Outside mounting is recommended when the window recess is too shallow for a blind mechanism, when you want to make a window appear larger, or when you need maximum light blockage at the edges.

Here is a quick comparison to help you decide:

Inside Mount (Recess Fit) Outside Mount (Face Fit)
Best for Deep recesses, clean built-in look Shallow recesses, larger visual impact
Light control Some light may enter at edges Better edge coverage
Window appearance Window looks as-is Window appears larger
Measuring Measure inside the recess Measure the face of the wall

When you order from Blinds Direct, you select your mount type during the quoting process, so the blind is made to suit your chosen fitting method from the start.

Choosing Roman Blinds for Your South African Home

Room-by-Room Guide

  • Bedroom: Choose a blackout fabric Roman blind to block early morning light. Linen blackout options give warmth without sacrificing function.
  • Kitchen: Opt for a wipe-clean polyester fabric that handles moisture and cooking residue without staining.
  • Living room: Linen or linen-look blends in warm neutrals work well. A relaxed or flat Roman blind adds texture without overwhelming the space.
  • Home office: A light-filtering fabric reduces screen glare while keeping the room bright.

How to Measure for Roman Blinds

Measuring accurately is the most important step. Follow these steps before you use the Blinds Direct price calculator:

  1. Decide whether you want an inside mount (recess fit) or outside mount (face fit)
  2. For inside mount: measure the width and drop inside the recess at three points and use the smallest measurement
  3. For outside mount: measure the width of the area you want covered, adding overlap on each side, then measure the drop from where the blind will hang to where you want it to end
  4. Note your measurements in millimetres
  5. Enter them into the Blinds Direct online calculator for an instant quote

Ready-Made vs. Made-to-Measure Roman Blinds

Ready-made Roman blinds come in fixed standard sizes and are a reasonable solution for windows that happen to match those dimensions. For most South African homes, that is not the case. Made-to-measure Roman blinds from Blinds Direct are cut to your exact specifications, with your choice of fabric, colour, mount type, and control side. The result is a blind that fits the way it should, with no gaps, no bunching, and no compromise.

“Affordable, easy to install, versatile, good quality product! With quick and helpful service. THANK YOU! Installation was very tricky because of some questionable building methods but the mechanism was so simple and versatile that I could work around this easily!”
Marike, Google review

“Stellar service! Blinds ordered preciselly to fit. Wide range of options + delivery. Significantly better priced than multiple other outlets.”
Chris, Google review

Get an Instant Quote at Blinds Direct and have your made-to-measure Roman blinds delivered directly to your door, anywhere in South Africa.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do made-to-measure Roman blinds cost in South Africa?

The price of a made-to-measure Roman blind depends on the fabric chosen, the size of the window, and the mount type selected. Blinds Direct uses an online price calculator that gives you an instant quote the moment you enter your measurements, so there is no guessing and no waiting for a callback.

Because Blinds Direct operates exclusively online and ships direct from the factory, the pricing is more competitive than most in-store options. Fabric choices range from affordable polyester blends to premium linen-look weaves, so there is a price point to suit most budgets. The best way to find out what your specific blind will cost is to enter your measurements at blindsdirect.co.za and get your quote immediately.

Are Roman blinds suitable for South African climates?

Yes, Roman blinds work well in South African conditions when the right fabric is chosen. In warmer, sunnier regions such as the Western Cape or Gauteng, a light-filtering or blackout fabric helps manage heat and UV exposure through windows.

For coastal areas with higher humidity, polyester or polyester-blend fabrics are a practical choice because they resist moisture better than natural fibres. Linen and linen-look fabrics are popular in drier inland areas where the aesthetic suits the earthy, natural tones common in South African interior design. Blackout Roman blinds are particularly useful in bedrooms across all regions, blocking the intense early morning light that is common throughout the country.

Can Roman blinds be used in a bathroom or kitchen?

Roman blinds can be used in kitchens and bathrooms, provided you choose a fabric that handles moisture and is easy to wipe down. Polyester and polyester-blend fabrics are the most practical choice for these rooms because they do not absorb moisture the way natural fibres do.

Avoid linen or cotton Roman blinds in rooms with high steam or splashing, as these fabrics may warp or develop mildew over time. For kitchens, a flat Roman blind in a wipe-clean fabric is the most low-maintenance option. For bathrooms, consider an outside mount to keep the blind mechanism away from direct water contact. Blinds Direct offers a range of fabrics suited to these environments, and the online calculator lets you specify your requirements before ordering.

How do Roman blinds compare to vertical blinds for large windows?

Roman blinds are best suited to single windows or narrower openings, while vertical blinds are generally the more practical choice for wide windows, sliding doors, and large patio openings. Vertical blinds stack neatly to one side and handle wide spans without sagging.

For a large window where you still want the soft, fabric look of a Roman blind, one option is to use two or three Roman blinds side by side rather than a single wide blind. This keeps the mechanism manageable and the fabric looking neat when raised. Blinds Direct offers both [vertical blinds](https://blindsdirect.co.za) and Roman blinds as made-to-measure options, so you can choose the style that suits the specific window you are covering.

How do I order Roman blinds online from Blinds Direct?

Ordering from Blinds Direct is straightforward. You measure your window, choose your fabric and mount type, enter your measurements into the online price calculator, and get an instant quote before adding to your cart and checking out.

Here are the steps in order:
1. Measure your window width and drop in millimetres
2. Visit blindsdirect.co.za and select Roman blinds from the product range
3. Choose your fabric, colour, mount type (recess or face fit), and control side
4. Enter your measurements to generate your instant quote
5. Add to cart and complete checkout

Blinds Direct delivers nationwide to Cape Town, Johannesburg, Pretoria, Durban, Port Elizabeth, East London, Nelspruit, and Bloemfontein, as well as smaller towns across South Africa. Your blind is made to your exact specifications and shipped directly to your door.

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