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: 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.

Blackout Blinds & Children’s Sleep: A Cosy Recipe for Rest

Blackout Blinds & Children’s Sleep: A Cosy Recipe for Rest

When it comes to getting little ones to bed, few things are as powerful as a pitch dark and well regulated room environment. Blackout blinds for children offer a proven solution – from boosting sleep hormone levels to keeping bedrooms cool in summer and warm in winter.

🌙 Why Darkness Matters for Children

Encouraging Melatonin Production
Exposure to light – even low light – can suppress melatonin by up to 90%, the hormone vital for sleep regulation. A darkened kids’ room enables natural melatonin levels to rise, helping children wind down and stay asleep longer.

Better Quality & Longer Sleep
According to the UK Sleep Council, around 30% of children aged 3-17 struggle with sleep onset or staying asleep through the night. By blocking early morning light or ambient evening glow, blackout blinds in nurseries and children’s bedrooms can help extend total sleep time – especially useful in summer, when dawn breaks as early as 4:30 AM.

    🗣️ Parents’ Real World Experiences

    From UK parenting groups, many families report that blackout blinds dramatically improve early-morning wake-ups and overnight sleep:

    We desperately need blackout blinds otherwise they’ll be up SO early… just won’t be able to get to sleep.” – Nichole.
    Blackout blinds saved the day… she slept through the night again.” – Shannon.

    While airflow can be a trade off – especially with Velcro fit or fixed sheets – parents often find blackout solutions for kids that still allow for ventilation, such as blinds with suction cups or thermal liners.

    🌡️ Temperature Control: Summer & Winter Benefits

    In Summer
    • Thick, opaque materials block sunlight and reduce solar heat gain, making children’s bedrooms cooler even without air conditioning.
    • Tips from parents: using reflective foil, keeping blinds closed during heat of day, and opening only when ambient air is cooler.

    In Winter
    • Windows are responsible for up to 40% of home heat loss. Thermal blackout blinds for children’s rooms act as an insulating layer, trapping warmth and reducing the chill from cold panes.
    • Retaining heat helps maintain a cosy sleep friendly environment even on frosty nights.

    📊 Sleep & Health Stats (UK based context)
    • Sleep struggles: 30% of children aged 3–17 experience sleep disruptions.
    • Ideal bedroom temperature: 16–18 °C for optimal REM sleep; both overheating and chilliness disrupt sleep patterns.

    Recommended sleep durations:
    • Ages 3–5: 10–13 hours
    • Ages 6–12: 9–12 hours

    ✅ What Blackout Blinds Offer for a Child’s Bedroom

    • Total or near-total darkness helps children fall asleep more easily and stay asleep longer without waking too early.
    • An added insulation and thermal layer keeps rooms cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter, ensuring year-round comfort.
    • Noise dampening materials reduce outside noise, making it easier for children to rest without disturbances.
    • A cordless or child-safe design improves safety in nurseries and bedrooms, removing potential hazards.
    • Easy-to-open and close blinds offer flexibility for daytime naps or letting in fresh air when needed.
    • Total or near-total darkness helps children fall asleep more easily and stay asleep longer without waking too early.

    🧸 Tips for Parents

    • Choose child-safe blackout blinds – cordless or securely fitted – to avoid hazards.
    • Go for a snug, custom fit to reduce light leakage and maximise insulation.
    • In summer, close blinds during the hottest part of the day. In winter, close them overnight to trap heat.
    • Consider blackout blinds with side tracks or thermal lining for better light and temperature control.

    🌟 Final Thoughts

    Blackout blinds are more than just sleep accessories – they’re essential tools in creating a calm, restful space for kids. They help regulate temperature, support natural sleep cycles, and reduce those early wake-ups that can disrupt the whole household. For children (and their parents), a well-fitted blackout blind might just be the most peaceful upgrade you can make to a bedroom.

    Case Study: St James Boulevard, Newcastle

    Case Study: St James Boulevard, Newcastle

    482 Roller Blinds Delivered for Student Accommodation – On Time, In Full


    Client: Private Developer
    Location:
    St James Boulevard, Newcastle upon Tyne
    Sector:
    Commercial – Student Accommodation
    Scope:
    482 Roller Blinds
    Project Status:
    Delivered On Time and In Full (OTIF)


    The Project

    We were proud to be chosen to supply and install 482 roller blinds for a major new-build student accommodation scheme right in the heart of Newcastle city centre. St James Boulevard is a fast-developing area – and this project was all about high-spec, modern student living. Our blinds now form part of that premium finish.

    How It Came About

    This one came through a LinkedIn referral – a great example of our work speaking for itself. Thanks to our reputation for reliability, quality, and our hands-on approach, we were recommended for the job. With in-house manufacturing and years of experience in student accommodation, we were the right fit from day one.

    What the Client Needed

    The brief was clear: style, safety, and performance.
    We supplied blinds that ticked every box:

    • Blackout fabric for full privacy and light control
    • Fire-retardant (FR) materials to meet regulations
    • Colour-matched components for a clean, consistent look
    • A solution that was cost-effective without compromising on quality

    Why They Chose Us

    We brought more than just products to the table:

    • We’re a local manufacturer with full control of our production schedule
    • We’ve got a proven track record in commercial and student accommodation work
    • We listened, adapted, and delivered exactly what was needed
    • Our team kept things simple, professional, and on track from start to finish

    How We Delivered

    From the first site visit to the final installation, we worked in phases, fitting in with the client’s build schedule. Each floor was carefully surveyed, manufactured, and installed without a hitch.

    • ✅ Delivered On Time and In Full
    • ✅ Zero defects across all 11 floors
    • ✅ Smooth installation with minimal disruption to other contractors

    What the Client Said

    “Thank you for A1 Blinds’ commitment to the project – much appreciated. The rooms look very crisp. A1 Blinds have done a very good job and have been very helpful throughout.”

    Nick Campfield, Project Director

    The Result

    This was a big one – and we’re proud of the result. The blinds we supplied don’t just look the part – they add comfort and functionality to every room. More importantly, we proved once again that we can handle large-scale commercial work without ever dropping the ball.

    In 2024 alone, we delivered over £250,000 worth of commercial blind solutions – and with more exciting projects already underway, 2025 is shaping up to be even bigger.


    Ready for the Next One

    With projects like St James Boulevard under our belt, our commercial division is going from strength to strength. If you’re planning a development and want a trusted, local partner for blinds and shading – we’re ready when you are.

    © 2025 A1 Blinds