Your window treatment provides the perfect finishing touch to your room. The right choice isn’t just about style, it’s about light, privacy and insulation too. Two of the most popular made-to-measure choices are Roman blinds and curtains. While each has its benefits, they can suit different settings in different ways. 

Working out which works best for your bedroom, living room or kitchen can be tough, but you’re not alone! It’s one of the most common questions homeowners ask when decorating this space.

Use this handy guide to help you compare Roman blinds and curtains room by room, to help you make the best choice for your home. 

What’s the difference between Roman blinds and curtains?

Roman blinds and curtains are two of the most popular types of window treatments, but what are the differences between them? 

Roman blinds

Roman blinds are a type of vertical fabric blind that fold into neat horizontal pleats when raised. They help create a tailored, streamlined look, whether you have them raised or down. 

Curtains

Curtains, meanwhile, hang from a pole or track and are closed horizontally. There are many different styles of curtains, including simple, lightweight styles and more dramatic floor-to-ceiling drapes.

Now that you know the difference between the two, you can start looking into the different options for your home. 

Are curtains or Roman blinds better for a living room?

Your living room is one of the most used spaces in your home, with window dressings providing the ultimate finishing touch. 

Choosing made-to-measure curtains can work well in a living room if you want to create a cosy, warm and luxurious space. Not only that, but heavy fabrics like velvet or lined cotton can add a little drama, while also helping with insulation – particularly in larger rooms. If you choose to add long, flowing curtains, you can also help to make your living room look larger.

Roman blinds are a great choice if you prefer a cleaner, more modern aesthetic for your living room. They are ideal for smaller spaces, and can be a fantastic window treatment if you have radiators or furniture located under the window. 

Many people choose to layer their window treatments to enjoy the best of both worlds. You could add blinds to help control the light during the day, with curtains to help make things a little more comfortable. 

Which works best in a bedroom: curtains or Roman blinds?

Choosing window treatments for your bedrooms should be based on creating the right environment for sleep, which can influence whether you choose Roman blinds or curtains, or both. 

Made-to-measure curtains are a popular choice for bedrooms because they block out more light, reduce draughts and create a softer look, making the environment more relaxing. Choosing blackout-lined curtains can be an effective way to keep your room dark, especially if you live near some streetlights. 

Roman blinds are also a solid choice for bedrooms, especially smaller bedrooms, where you may not want to have bulky fabrics. You can buy these in blackout options and fit them within the window recess to help save space.

What’s the most practical choice for a kitchen?

There’s always a lot going on in your kitchen, so you need to choose window dressings that will cope with heat, moisture and splashes, while also adding some style to your space.

You won’t find many kitchens with curtains. This is because the fabric can absorb odours and isn’t practical for use around worktops or sinks. Shorter curtains may work well in traditional kitchen spaces, but they’re not the most practical for modern kitchens.

Roman blinds are a much more practical and popular choice for kitchens. They are typically made from durable, moisture-resistant fabrics and can be folded up when you need to get to work.

Are Roman blinds suitable for bathrooms?

Like kitchens, bathrooms are full of moisture, and also come with a privacy requirement.

Curtains aren’t a practical choice in bathrooms. They can retain moisture and develop mildew. While people use shower curtains, these are becoming less and less popular in favour of glass doors, and are very rarely found in use as a window treatment.

Roman blinds can help create a stylish bathroom look, but your material choice is important. You’ll need a moisture-resistant fabric and protective lining to avoid the same problems you’d have with curtains. You may wish to look at other bathroom blind styles to help you find the best choice for your space.

Should you choose curtains or Roman blinds for a dining room?

A carefully styled dining room is about creating the right ambience, and your window treatment can be the perfect way to finish the space.

Curtains help add a little formality to your space, adding a little atmosphere in the evenings. They can also look very sophisticated, especially if you choose heavier fabrics.

Choosing Roman blinds adds a stylish touch without overwhelming the room. They’ll be particularly effective in modern dining spaces where curtains might be a little too much or take up a lot of space.

Which window treatment is best for a home office or study?

Your office space should be somewhere you can be focused and productive, so minimising distractions is a must.

Curtains will make your office decor a little softer, but aren’t always a great choice in a professional environment, as they can be too distracting. 

Choosing Roman blinds for an office can often make more sense. They’ll look smarter, save space and help you control light levels throughout the day to help you avoid glare on your computer screen.

Are curtains or Roman blinds safer for children’s rooms?

Children’s rooms need to be safe and practical, which can impact the kind of window treatment you choose.

Curtains are fantastic for kids’ bedrooms. They’re available in many styles and patterns, and can be changed easily as your child grows and their interests change. Make sure the pole or track is secure to avoid them being pulled down – shorter made to measure curtains work best.

Roman blinds can be a safe choice for bedrooms when fitted carefully, and with cordless options to remove the risk of dangling cords. They’re also space-saving, which can be ideal in a smaller room. 

Every home is different, and each room within the home has different requirements that can impact whether you choose made-to-measure curtains or Roman blinds. While curtains can bring softness and warmth to spaces, blinds can make a space feel modern while also saving space. A mix of the two styles across your home can help balance both practical and aesthetic needs, ensuring style and comfort throughout your home. Browse our full selection of curtains and Roman blinds and discover hundreds of incredible styles to help you dress your home.