The Complete Guide to Choosing Roman Blinds for Your Home
At a Glance
Roman blinds are one of the most versatile window furnishings available. They combine the softness and fabric choice of curtains with the neat, space-saving profile of a blind, making them suitable for everything from compact kitchen windows to large feature windows.
Available in a range of finishing styles and almost any curtain fabric, Roman blinds can be fitted inside or outside the window recess, operated manually or by motor, and customised with different linings to suit the level of light control and privacy you need. This guide explains the key decisions to help you choose the right Roman blinds for your home.
Why Choose Roman Blinds?
Roman blinds are a popular choice for homeowners who want the softness and elegance of fabric with the clean, practical lines of a blind. Their versatility is one of their greatest strengths as they can be tailored to suit almost any room, interior style or window size.
Unlike curtains, Roman blinds fold neatly into horizontal pleats when raised, making them an excellent choice where space is limited. They work beautifully in kitchens, bathrooms, studies, hallways and bedrooms, while also creating a sophisticated statement across larger living areas.
Roman blinds can also be a smart design choice from a budget perspective. As they use less fabric than curtains, homeowners can often choose a premium fabric or designer finish while keeping the overall investment more manageable.
“Roman blinds are incredibly versatile,” says Amanda Stewart, Showroom Manager at Lahood. “Because they’re made using the same fabrics available for curtains, customers have a huge range of colours, textures and patterns to choose from. This means they can create a look that is soft and decorative, or simple and understated, depending on the style of their home.”
Which Fabric is Right for Roman Blinds?
One of the biggest advantages of Roman blinds is their flexibility. Almost any curtain fabric can be transformed into a Roman blind, giving you access to the same beautiful textures, weaves and colours used for curtains.
Lahood's Lifestyle Range offers a great starting point with a wide range of affordable textures and neutral, contemporary shades, while the New Zealand and International Design House collections provide an extensive selection of premium fabrics with a vast array of patterns, colours and textures to suit every style of home.
Because Roman blinds cover only the window itself, they use considerably less fabric than curtains. This often allows homeowners to choose a higher-quality fabric without significantly increasing the budget.
They're also an opportunity to be more adventurous with colour and pattern. A bold print, textured weave or striking stripe can become a feature without overwhelming the room, thanks to the relatively compact amount of fabric on display.
Seeing fabrics in person remains the best way to appreciate their true colour, texture and scale. Lahood's Mt Eden Road showroom showcases one of Auckland's largest collections of curtain and blind fabrics, making it easy to compare options and find the right fit for your home. Alternatively explore all the ranges online .
Can Roman Blinds be Lined?
Yes absolutely roman blinds can be lined. The right type of lining depends largely on how you use the room.
For bedrooms, Lahood recommends Armourguard blockout lining from the Protection Plus range , which provides excellent light control and creates a darker, more restful sleeping environment.
Living and dining areas often benefit from Serenity lining, which gently filters natural light while maintaining privacy and adding insulation.
A quality lining also improves the thermal performance of your Roman blinds, helping keep your home warmer in winter and cooler in summer while protecting fabrics from everyday wear.
Where Do Roman Blinds Work Best in the Home?
Roman blinds are a versatile choice that work beautifully throughout the home, particularly where space is limited and a softer, more tailored window treatment is desired.
Their slim profile makes them ideal for kitchens, bathrooms, studies and hallways, where full-length curtains may feel too bulky. They are also a popular choice above beds and in other compact spaces, as the fabric sits neatly within the window area rather than requiring additional room for curtains to stack.
In bedrooms and media rooms, an outside-recess roman blind with blockout lining provides excellent light control and privacy, while still adding the softness and texture of fabric. In living areas, roman blinds are often layered with full-length curtains, creating a sophisticated combination that balances practicality, warmth and visual appeal.
What are the Popular Finishing Styles for Roman Blinds?
The way a Roman blind folds when raised has a significant impact on its overall look. Lahood offers three popular finishing or stacking styles, each suited to different interiors and rooms.
The finishing style can completely change the feel of a room," says Amanda Stewart. Lahood Showroom Manager. "The Relaxed style has become increasingly popular for its softer, more casual look, while Flat Stack remains the favourite for clients wanting clean lines and a more tailored finish.
Should Roman Blinds Be Fitted Inside or Outside the Window Recess?
The best fitting depends on the room, the depth of the window recess and the level of light control you're looking for.
Roman blinds fitted inside the recess create a neat, tailored look and are ideal where space is limited, such as kitchens, bathrooms, studies and hallways. They sit neatly within the window frame, provided the recess is deep enough to accommodate the headrail.
An outside-recess fit extends beyond the window frame, reducing light leakage and providing better privacy and blockout. This makes it the preferred choice for bedrooms and media rooms, particularly when paired with a blockout lining. Outside-mounted Roman blinds are also a practical solution where the window recess isn't deep enough for an inside fit.
Manual, Chain-Driven or Motorised: Which Operating Option Suits You?
The best operating system for your roman blind depends on the size of the blind, how often it will be used and the level of convenience you’re looking for.
For smaller windows, a traditional cord and cleat system is a cost-effective option that works well in lower-use areas. Chain-driven systems offer a more contemporary finish and are a practical choice for everyday windows, with plastic or metal chain options available and safety tensioners fitted to help protect children and pets.
Motorised roman blinds provide the ultimate convenience and safety, removing cords and chains completely. They are ideal for hard-to-reach windows, skylights and larger blinds, and can be installed using battery-powered motors in existing homes or hardwired during a new build or renovation.
Beyond ease of use, motorisation can also be programmed to open and close automatically, helping protect fabrics and flooring from prolonged sun exposure while creating the appearance that someone is home when you’re away. You can find out more about available systems on our Automation page.
What Should You Consider for Wide or Tall Windows?
The size of your window plays an important role when choosing a roman blind, as the weight of the fabric and lining needs to be considered before selecting the right operating system.
As a roman blind becomes wider or taller, it becomes heavier to lift. For larger blinds, a standard cord and cleat system is often no longer practical, with a geared chain winder or motorised option making operation easier while reducing strain on the fabric and headrail over time.
For exceptionally wide windows, generally over 300cm, it is often better to divide the blind into two or three sections on one continuous headrail rather than creating one oversized blind. This helps prevent the fabric from bowing under its own weight, makes everyday operation easier and maintains a consistent, balanced appearance across the window.
Roman Blinds or Roller Blinds or Curtains? How to Choose?
Roman blinds, roller blinds and curtains each offer different benefits, and the right choice depends on your space, lifestyle and the look you want to achieve.
Roller blinds provide a clean, streamlined appearance and are a popular choice for contemporary interiors. Limited range of fabric options (sunscreen, light-filtering or blockout) and generally neutral or dark shades. Explore Roller blinds at Lahood here
Roman blinds offer a softer, more textured finish, adding warmth and character while still offering space-saving functionality and working beautifully in traditional or modern homes depending on fabric and style chosen.
Curtains create a fuller, more luxurious feel, adding softness, insulation and a sense of scale to larger rooms. For a minimal architectural finish, both roller blinds and curtain tracks can be recessed into the ceiling, creating a clean look where the hardware is hidden from view. Explore curtains at Lahood here.
Many homes combine these options, using roman blinds or rollers for everyday light control and curtains to add warmth, softness and decorative impact.
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