Made-to-Measure Roman Blinds in York and North Yorkshire
Roman blinds bring the softness of a curtain to a window without the bulk, and every one we supply is handmade to measure. The fabric draws up into neat, even horizontal folds, so you get texture, pattern and warmth while keeping the window surround clear. At Inspired Shutters we have been measuring, making and fitting roman blinds for homes across York, Harrogate, Ripon, Knaresborough, Easingwold and North Yorkshire for over 30 years.
Because a roman blind is essentially a piece of soft furnishing, the fabric choice does most of the work. We bring the full sample books to your home so you can see how a fabric behaves in your own light before committing.
Designer Fabrics and Fabric Houses
We work with a wide range of trusted British and European fabric houses, so you are not limited to a narrow in-house range. Our sample books include:
- Iliv – an extensive collection covering contemporary prints, weaves and plains.
- Clarke & Clarke – bold prints, velvets and classic designs.
- Abraham Moon & Sons – Yorkshire-woven wools and tweeds, made in Guiseley since 1837.
- Edmund Bell – contract and blackout fabrics with excellent durability.
- Fryetts – traditional and country-style prints.
- Drapes UK and Eclipse – broad ranges of linings, sheers and coordinating fabrics.
If you are dressing a whole room, the same fabrics are available for our made-to-measure curtains, so blinds and curtains can be matched or deliberately coordinated.
Linings: Blackout, Thermal and Interlined
The lining you choose changes how the blind performs as much as how it looks:
- Standard lining: Protects the face fabric from sunlight and gives the folds a clean drape.
- Blackout lining: Blocks light through the fabric, making roman blinds a genuine option for bedrooms and nurseries.
- Thermal lining: Adds an insulating layer that helps hold heat in during winter and reduces draughts from older windows.
- Interlining: An extra soft layer sandwiched between fabric and lining. It gives the blind a noticeably plumper, more luxurious fold and improves insulation further.
Headrails, Controls and Child Safety
Our roman blinds are made on a proper corded headrail system rather than a simple batten, which gives a smoother, more even lift and a longer service life. Chain tensioners and breakaway connectors are fitted as standard to meet current UK child safety regulations. For windows above a cot, bed or sofa we would usually suggest a motorised roman blind, which removes the chain altogether.
Where Roman Blinds Work Best
Roman blinds are at their best in living rooms, bedrooms, dining rooms, studies and landings, anywhere the softness of fabric is welcome and the window is not exposed to constant moisture. They are particularly effective in period properties around York, where a heavier interlined blind suits the proportions of a sash window better than a flat roller.
We would steer you away from roman blinds directly above a hob, sink or bath. In those spots a moisture-resistant roller blind or a faux wood venetian will look better for far longer.
Get a Free Quote for Your York Roman Blinds
Tell us which rooms you are dressing and we will bring the relevant fabric books to your free home visit.
Why Choose Inspired Shutters for Roman Blinds in York?
Roman blinds are unforgiving of poor measuring. A few millimetres out and the folds sit unevenly, so we measure every window ourselves and make each blind to that window alone. Mark and Heather handle the consultation, the measuring and the fitting personally, and we will happily bring samples back a second time if you want to live with a shortlist for a few days. Our customer reviews reflect that unhurried approach.
Contact Mark at Inspired Shutters today on 07708 945435 to arrange your free fabric consultation and measurement.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a roman blind and a curtain?
A roman blind uses the same soft furnishing fabrics as a curtain but draws upward into neat horizontal folds rather than pulling to the sides. It gives you the warmth and texture of a curtain while taking up far less wall space.
Can roman blinds be blackout lined?
Yes. We can add a blackout lining behind the face fabric, which makes roman blinds a popular choice for bedrooms and nurseries where you want a soft, decorative finish rather than a plain blackout roller.
Are roman blinds suitable for kitchens or bathrooms?
We would generally advise against them directly above a hob or sink, because the fabric absorbs steam, grease and cooking odours and is not easy to wash. A roller or faux wood venetian blind is the more practical choice in those positions.
Can I match my roman blinds to my curtains?
Yes, and it is one of the most common requests we get. Because we make roman blinds from the same fabric books we use for curtains, you can run one fabric across both, or pick a coordinating fabric from the same collection.
How much space does a roman blind take up when raised?
When raised, the fabric gathers into a stack of folds at the top of the window. As a rough guide, allow around 20 to 25cm of stack depth on a standard window. Adding a thermal interlining will make the stack a little deeper.
Are roman blinds child safe?
All our roman blinds are supplied to meet current UK child safety regulations, with chain tensioners or breakaway connectors fitted as standard. Cordless and motorised operation is also available where a window sits above a cot or bed.
