Roller blinds, Roman blinds, curtains… with so many window dressings available, it can be hard to know which one will best suit your space. Each option has its own pros and cons, bringing a unique sense of character and style to your home. At Vanessa Arbuthnott Fabrics, we understand that choosing the right window dressing can be overwhelming. We’ve put together this handy guide on Roman blinds vs roller blinds vs curtains to help you make the right decision.

Why choose curtains?

Curtains are the most traditional window dressing, with the earliest examples being used in grand halls and stately homes to keep out draughts and add a sense of ceremony. Today, you’ll find many different types of curtains in a range of styles to suit all interior design schemes. Here are some of the main benefits of choosing curtains:

Warmth

Full-length, interlined curtains help to retain heat and reduce draughts, making them a practical choice for bedrooms and living rooms. They create a snug, welcoming atmosphere, while also reducing your heating bills.

Sound absorption

The weight and volume of curtains naturally soften acoustics and reduce outside noise. If you live in an urban area or your room faces a busy road, curtains can help to keep outside noise at bay.

Blackout options

Curtains are excellent for keeping your bedrooms dark and restful, especially when lined with blackout or dim-out fabrics. They also protect your furnishings from fading by limiting the amount of direct sunlight they are exposed to.

Style

Curtains bring a sense of cosiness and elegance to any room, helping to instantly soften your space and tie your interior design scheme together. There’s endless possibilities for fabrics, patterns, and heading styles to choose from.

Flexibility

Curtains can be altered or moved more easily than blinds. If you move house or change your interiors, you can reuse your curtains in a different space with minimal adjustments needed.

Why choose blinds?

Blinds are a wonderfully versatile choice, suiting rooms where space is limited or where you prefer a cleaner, more contemporary look. Here are some of the main benefits of choosing blinds:

Privacy

Blinds allow you to easily adjust the level of the light that enters your room, ranging from softly diffused daylight to complete privacy. This flexibility makes them perfect for home offices, kitchens, and bathrooms.

Space-saving

Because they fit neatly within or just above the window recess, blinds are an excellent option for smaller rooms. They provide all the function you need, without taking up extra wall or floor space.

Easy to maintain

Blinds are extremely easy to clean, as they only need an occasional dust or light wipe down. If you’re running a busy household with pets and children, blinds are the most suitable option for your space.

Affordable

As blinds use less fabric than curtains, they are typically cheaper to purchase upfront. This makes them a more cost-effective option if you enjoy updating your interior design scheme more regularly.

Blackout options

Roller blinds and Roman blinds can both be lined with blackout fabrics, making them ideal for bedrooms and nurseries where darkness is essential for a good night’s sleep.

Large windows

Need help choosing the best blinds for your large windows? Our Roman blinds and roller blinds can both be made up to 240cm wide, offering a stylish solution for larger spaces.

Check out our blog post on curtains vs blinds for more benefits.

Roller blinds: sleek & functional

When comparing roller blinds vs curtains, roller blinds are loved for their simplistic design and ease of use. Here’s why you might choose roller blinds: 

• Neat fit in recesses – Roller blinds sit perfectly within a recess and roll neatly at the top, letting the maximum amount of light flood into your room. You can also add a smart pelmet (inside recess only) for a polished finish.
• Easy everyday use – Roller blinds are easy to operate and require minimal maintenance, making them especially useful in kitchens or bathrooms.
• Simple installation – Roller blinds are extremely quick and easy to install, simply follow our step-by-step guide.

Discover how to measure for roller blinds in our dedicated blog post.

Roman blinds: classic & luxurious

Which is better – roller blinds or Roman blinds? Roman blinds give a much softer and more luxurious look, making them a popular choice for living and dining spaces. Here’s why you might choose Roman blinds: 

• Elegant finish – Roman blinds fold up into soft pleats, giving your room a tailored yet comfortable look. You can also have them interlined to add insulation and depth, making them ideal for draughty rooms.
• Showcasing fabric – They are perfect for highlighting patterned fabrics, as the design remains visible whether the blind is up or down. Fabrics such as our Lapland Stripe design or our floral Wildflower Collection look truly stunning on a Roman blind.
• Tailored details – Roman blinds can feature borders or pelmets for a bespoke finish, allowing you to coordinate them with the rest of your décor.

Read more benefits of made to measure Roman blinds.

Combining curtains and blinds

For many homes, the perfect solution is a combination of both. Blinds are a practical option that effectively filter the light into your room, and they look beautiful when combined with curtains for added softness and grandeur. This layered look not only blocks unwanted light, but also adds depth and visual interest to your interiors.

Helping you choose the best option for your home

There’s no right or wrong answer when it comes to choosing roller blinds vs Roman blinds vs curtains. The ideal option all depends on your room, your lifestyle, and your design priorities. We supply high-quality made to measure curtains, roller blinds, and Roman blinds in a huge selection of nature-inspired fabrics. If you’re still unsure which option is best for your room, we also offer free 30-minute virtual design consultations to help you make the right choice. Book your slot today and get ready to find the perfect fit for your interiors.