Roman or Roller Blinds?

Roman or Roller Blinds?

It’s easy to get stuck between Roman and Roller Blinds because as a matter of fact, they are quite similar. At A1 Blinds we often get asked this very question! Roman or Roller Blinds?

Well, while both styles are similar in certain ways, they do come with their differences. So, there are still some factors you might want to consider when choosing Roman or roller blinds for your home.

The key differences between the two are the mechanisms, how they look, and how they work. The clue is in the name; roller blinds roll up, whereas Roman blinds fold up. Both are made of a single piece of fabric; however, the fabric sits differently on each when open. Both styles are operated by chains used to pull them up. This can be done by motorisation too.

What Are Roman Blinds?

Roman blinds are a traditional choice – they have been around for hundreds of years! They are recognisable for their soft fabric composition and the classic folds that form when raised.

Available in a large range of colours, fabrics and prints, Roman blinds make a good décor decision for all interiors!

Roman Blinds

What Are Roller Blinds?

Roller blinds are the go-to for thousands of households each year. They’re more modern than Roman blinds and offer a sleek appearance to suit every room in the home.

Again available in a wide assortment of colours and prints, roller blinds can be subtle or a statement, depending on what you choose!

Roller Blinds

Choosing Between Roman and Roller Blinds

So, you’re here because you’re considering Roman or roller blinds for your home? Let’s compare the two!

Roman or Roller Blinds for Daylight in a Room?

If daylight is a priority, roller blinds are your best bet. Roller blinds are an ideal shading solution if your window is small or you have a large room with few windows.

When Roman blinds are folded up, they still tend to cover a portion of the window (unless you have them on the recess and high above the window, that is)! This means that even when opened, Roman blinds tend to block some of the light coming into your room.

With roller blinds, this isn’t an issue. Roller blinds can be completely rolled away and take up minimal window space when opened. Therefore, you’ll allow more light into the room.

Roman or Roller Blinds for Style?

Roman and roller blinds can provide different looks for different interiors.

Typically, roller blinds are more modern and would suit a contemporary home perfectly. Roman blinds are considered traditional, and therefore are perfect for a classic interior.

However, the above is not true for every Roman or roller blind. Both blinds offer a stylish design that can be tailored to suit your interior beautifully. You could go for a roman blind in a modern plain print or a roller blind in a traditional pattern.

The good news is we have so much choice when it comes to fabrics, so you’ll easily make each style your own.

Roman or Roller Blinds for Easy Maintenance?

This is an easy one. Roller blinds are your best option if you’re looking for a low maintenance blind that will stay looking new for longer.

Cleaning roller blinds is much easier than cleaning roman blinds. When machine washing roller blinds, you simply take down the fabrics, wash them, and then leave them to air dry before putting them back up. Many can even be wiped clean, making them ideal for kitchens and bathrooms where splashing is an issue.

To clean Roman blinds, you have to take down the entire blind, and depending on the fabric you choose, you may have to have them dry cleaned. Rehanging them can also be difficult without expert help.

Have You Considered Vision Blinds?

If you like the style of Roman and roller blinds, then vision blinds could also be for you! Vision blinds are the perfect balance between roller and Venetian blinds. They offer the best of both worlds. Effortlessly control the light while maintaining the view when you choose vision blinds.

They work by moving two layers of striped fabric through a free-running bottom bar, enabling various ways to shade your windows depending on your preference! View our vision blinds here.

Vision Blinds

Have we made your decision any easier? Roman or roller blinds, which are you going for? We suggest that you think about what you need your blinds to do, then go from there. Either way, we’re sure they’ll look great.

If you’d like to hear more about any of the styles we offer, order your free samples or book a free home consultation, you can visit our website or contact us at info@a1blindsuk.co.uk or 0800 193 0417. Our team are always on hand to help!

 

Case Study: Bradley Hall Head Office

Case Study: Bradley Hall Head Office

Custom Branded Roller Blinds for Bradley Hall’s Grey Street HQ

Client: Bradley Hall
Location: Grey Street, Newcastle upon Tyne
Sector: Commercial Property
Scope: Custom Branded and Non-Branded Roller Blinds Across Two Floors
Project Status: Delivered to Spec, On Time, Within 2 Weeks

The Project

We were commissioned to design and install a combination of branded and non-branded roller blinds for Bradley Hall’s stunning new head office on Newcastle’s iconic Grey Street. The blinds not only enhance the aesthetic of the new space, but also provide practical year-round comfort.


What the Client Needed

As the building is listed, Bradley Hall were unable to use external signage to display their brand identity. They needed an interior solution that would subtly represent their brand in a stylish, professional way, while still providing effective solar shading and heat retention.


The Challenge

  • No external signage permitted due to the heritage status of the building.
  • No parking for unloading equipment.
  • 4-metre-high windows requiring specialist ladder access.
  • Narrow spiral staircases, making it difficult to manoeuvre materials without damaging freshly decorated walls and doors.

The client also required a rapid turnaround ahead of moving into their new space.


How We Overcame It

Our team designed and manufactured a blend of branded and non-branded roller blinds, ensuring a cohesive look across two floors. The installation required exceptional care and expertise to work safely within the constraints of a heritage building.

Despite the logistical hurdles, we delivered the entire project from initial enquiry to completion in under 2 weeks, meeting Bradley Hall’s deadlines without compromising on quality.


The Result

The finished installation delivered:

  • Stylish integration of Bradley Hall’s branding into the new office.
  • Effective shading and thermal control for year-round comfort.
  • Seamless delivery within a limited timeframe.
  • A high-quality installation, despite the challenges of restricted access and building constraints.

Client Feedback

“Huge thanks to you and the team Kevin! Fantastic service from start to finish, quick turnaround and quality product and installation. They look great!”

– Sharon Boyd, Chief Operating Officer, Bradley Hall North East / Yorkshire


The Bigger Picture

This project demonstrates our ability to combine branding, design, and practicality, even in heritage or conservation-area buildings where signage is restricted. It also underlines our expertise in overcoming complex site challenges and delivering under tight time pressures.

Perfect Fit® Shutter Lite – The Smarter Way to Add Style to Your Windows

Perfect Fit® Shutter Lite – The Smarter Way to Add Style to Your Windows

When it comes to window style, shutters are always a favourite – but traditional plantation shutters can be pricey, time-consuming, and invasive to install. That’s where our new Perfect Fit® Shutter Lite comes in.

Exclusively from A1 Blinds, this innovative system gives you the clean lines and light control of classic shutters – without the complications.


Why Customers Are Choosing Shutter Lite

  • Great Style, Great Value
    Perfect Fit® Shutter Lite offers an accessible alternative to traditional shutters – ideal for modern homes looking for elegant simplicity.
  • Quick & Simple Fitting
    No drilling. No mess. These shutters click neatly into place using a Perfect Fit® frame – meaning less disruption and more convenience.
  • Works With Doors and Tilt & Turn Windows
    The shutter moves with your window or door – making it perfect for inward-opening frames, patio doors, and even French doors.

🌞 Let the Light In – and Keep the View

Thanks to its minimal framework and slim louvres, Perfect Fit® Shutter Lite lets in plenty of natural light while maintaining excellent privacy. The clever design also gives you a clearer view to the outside than bulkier shutter systems.


❄️🔥 Comfort All Year Round

Perfect Fit® Shutter Lite does more than just look good. These shutters help create a more comfortable indoor environment by:

  • Reducing heat loss in winter
  • Blocking direct sunlight in summer
  • Helping improve energy efficiency throughout the home

By regulating room temperature, they can even contribute to more consistent energy use over time.


💷 Style That Elevates Your Home

Shutters are known to enhance both kerb appeal and interior finish. Shutter Lite can:

  • Add a high-end look to any room
  • Signal quality and practicality to potential buyers
  • Enhance the overall presentation of your property

A stylish upgrade that makes a lasting impression – especially when fitted professionally by A1 Blinds.


🧼 Practical, Waterproof & Wipe-Clean

Built for everyday living, these shutters are:

  • Easy to remove for cleaning or decorating
  • Wipe-clean and waterproof
  • Perfect for kitchens, bathrooms, and busy family homes

No caulking. No damage. Just a smart, practical solution that fits effortlessly into your lifestyle.


Made in the UK

We’re proud to offer a product that’s:

  • Made in the UK
  • Fitted by our trusted A1 Blinds installation team

📞 Upgrade Your Windows Today

Stylish. Practical. Versatile.

Perfect Fit® Shutter Lite proves you don’t need to compromise on looks, light, or lifestyle.

Contact A1 Blinds today to find out more and book your free home consultation.

Case Study: Newcastle Airport Control Tower

Case Study: Newcastle Airport Control Tower

40 Custom Tension Pleated Blinds for Newcastle Airport Control Tower

Client: Newcastle International Airport
Location: Newcastle upon Tyne
Sector: Aviation – Air Traffic Control
Scope: 40 Bespoke Tension Pleated Blinds
Project Status: Delivered to Spec, On Time

The Project

We were commissioned to design and install 40 custom tension pleated blinds for Newcastle International Airport’s Air Traffic Control Tower. This wasn’t a straightforward job – the tower’s unique architecture and operational restrictions made it one of the most complex installations we’ve ever delivered.


What the Client Needed

The brief was simple but critical: shading and light control in an environment where visibility is paramount. The blinds needed to perform flawlessly to reduce glare, enhance comfort, and maintain clear sightlines for air traffic controllers at all times.


The Challenge

The tower’s design created a unique technical challenge: the windows are narrower at the top than the bottom. This meant the blinds had to operate in reverse, raising issues with tension and stability. Getting them to stay in place was no small feat.


How We Overcame It

Our team engineered a bespoke solution using:

  • Maximum tension throughout each blind system
  • Reinforced top bars for durability
  • Discreet magnetic strips to keep blinds secure

We worked closely with the client throughout, being completely transparent about the technical hurdles. To build confidence, we produced working samples that were tested and signed off before full manufacture began.


Working in a Live Air Traffic Control Tower

This wasn’t just a technical project – it was also about precision planning. Working in one of the UK’s busiest control towers meant strict security measures:

  • All staff were vetted and security checked
  • Passports had to be presented at each entry
  • Access was tightly restricted and visits limited

To meet these requirements, we planned every step of the installation around an agreed programme of works, ensuring accuracy, efficiency, and minimal disruption to airport operations.


The Result

The new blinds have transformed the tower environment, delivering:

✅ Glare reduction
✅ Improved visibility for controllers
✅ Greater comfort in a high-pressure workplace

The client praised not only the quality of the finished product but also our communication, professionalism, and how smoothly the installation was managed.


The Bigger Picture

This project highlights our ability to deliver bespoke blind solutions for even the most complex environments. From innovative design to meticulous project management, we can adapt to buildings where standard systems simply won’t work.


Ready for the Next One

If you’ve got a project that demands a tailored shading solution – whether it’s an airport, a commercial office, or a uniquely shaped building – we’ve got the expertise to deliver.

Get in touch with our team today to discuss how we can design, manufacture, and install blinds that meet your exact requirements.

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