How do I measure sizes for my roman blinds?

Please refer to our Roman Blinds Measurement Guide for guidance on sizing and measurement.

What is the stacking height of your roman blinds? How much space will they occupy when folded up?

The exact stacking height of a roman shade when folded up depends on the total length of the blind, but you can expect it to be between 20 to 30 cms. Our tailors decide the exact fold and stack size at time of stitching to ensure your blinds feature symmetrical and aesthetically pleasing proportions.

I have an extra wide bank of windows. Should I order one wide shade or multiple narrow blinds?

We do not offer or recommend blinds wider than 240cm to ensure easy operability and longevity of the shades. And while it ultimately comes down to a personal choice, there are certain factors that can steer your decision. So, if you are not sure whether you should order a single wide blind (up to 240cm) or multiple narrower blinds, consider the following: For one single wide window, or multiple window panes positioned side-by-side, a single wide shade will offer a more seamless look, visually 'uniting' multiple panes. Even when folded up, the blind will serve almost like a valance - making a set of windows look like a single architectural unit. A single wide shade is often more cost-effective than multiple roman blinds. So, if you are on a budget, a single shade might prove to be a more economical option. On the flip side, extra wide or long blinds - especially if using a heavy fabric and/or lining - will be heavier and consequently strain the hardware more when operated. This may shorten the blind's overall lifespan. Multiple roman blinds offer greater flexibility in controlling light and privacy. You can choose to open one shade while keeping others closed, providing versatility to suit different preferences and lighting needs.

What are the different styles of roman blinds you offer?

Please refer to our Roman Blinds Style Guide for detailed information, illustrations and images explaining the different styles of roman blinds on offer at The White Window.

How do I install the roman blinds from The White Window? Where can I find the instructions?

Please refer to our Roman Blinds Installation Guide for images, instruction, and guidance on mounting the roman blinds from The White Window.

Do you provide hardware with your roman blinds?

Yes; our roman blinds are shipped with all the necessary hardware to facilitate easy installation.

My window frame is not too deep. Will I be able to mount your roman blinds inside the window frame?

Our roman blinds hardware requires at least 5 cms flat surface to be mounted securely. Therefore, the window recess/frame must be at least 5 cms deep to accommodate an inside-mounted roman blind. If the window frame (inside) isn't deep enough, please consider outside mount roman shades for your space. To learn more about the two mounting positions, please refer to our blog on Inside Mount Vs Outside Mount Roman Blinds.

How are your roman blinds operated? What's their pull mechanism?

Our roman shades are operated via a continuous loop pull cord. Our hardware also includes a chain lock/anchor piece to hold the cord securely in place so it's not dangling loose, thereby ensuring safety of little kids and pets. Please refer to our Roman Blinds Installation Guide for images, instructions and guidance on mounting and operating the roman blinds from The White Window.

What are the lining options available at The White Window?

Please check out our blog post on Lining Options for Roman Blinds for information on the various types of linings offered at The White Window.

Do you match the patterns across the blinds in an order?

Yes; for roman blinds of the same size in a single order, our tailors carefully match the patterns across all blinds, making them identical. In cases where the blinds are of different sizes in an order, pattern flow is matched at the top of all blinds.

Why is my new roman blind skewing to one side?

Given the long journeys our blinds make from our studios to their permanent homes - and the work involved during installation - some settings may 'move', and a rare shade may 'skew' when installed and operated. Panic not; this can be fixed in a jiffy. All you have to do is adjust the lift line levels at the back of the roman shades. Please refer to our blog on How to Fix Skewing Roman Blinds for step-by-step instructions and handy images/videos.

Do you accept fabrics from clients for making roman blinds?

Unfortunately not; we only work with fabrics from our own collection.

Do you offer cordless roman blinds?

Afraid not; we do not offer cordless roman blinds at this time.

Black & White Roman Blinds: Top Ideas & Tips

Black and white patterned roman blind above a kitchen sink

Black and white is the oldest contrast in decorating, and still one of the most striking. Black brings depth and a little mystery, white brings light and openness, and together they make a palette that never quite goes out of style. Put that palette on the smooth, flat front of a roman blind and a pattern reads like a piece of graphic art, which is why black and white roman blinds look at home in so many rooms.

They’re remarkably adaptable, too. In a lustrous damask they suit a formal, traditional room; in a slubby linen they feel relaxed and rustic; in a crisp geometric they sharpen a modern space. And because they’re made to measure, they’re as practical on a small window or in a busy family room as they are on a showpiece window. Below, our in-house stylists share how to choose one: finding the shades of black and white that suit your room, balancing the two colours, using texture and lustre, matching the blind to your decor style, going pattern-free with ombres and trims, and five favourites from our collection.

Explore the Universe of Greyscale Hues

Grey and white patterned roman blinds across a bay window above a charcoal freestanding bath

From zebra striations to yin-yang swirls, the bold high-contrast allure of black and white has made a lasting mark on the world of interior decor. But plumbing deeper into this apparently straightforward palette reveals a whole array of blinds in between, allowing clients to pick nuanced versions that may do more wonders for your specific settings than the stereotypical full-definition version.

For example, a dash of cream can add warmth and bring a welcome shift to an all-white Scandinavian room. Similarly, black with burgundy undertones may better synchronise with a Dark Academia library than a jet black.

Therefore, when shopping for your new black and white roman blinds, explore the possibilities hidden within what ‘seems’ to be a very sleek and absolute palette. Black can be as saturated as the indescribable depth of a dilated pupil or as fuzzy as an overcast stormy sky. Like scrumptious blackberries, it can hide a hint of purple or like ebullient red wine, a scarlet glimmer. By the same token, white brings along its own secrets. It may conceal a flavourful mild orange in the tarty layers of ricotta cheese, a misty grey in the brightness of a frosty morn and an opaline lustre in the milky crust of a white pearl.

So, scan your room for the covert mysteries buried in your blacks and whites. Perhaps, your white sofa bears a scintilla of pale blue or your black floors are a pewter grey. Therein lies the clue to the palette you can let your roman blinds wear. So, think beyond the ubiquitous and absolute black and white, and scour for versions and variations of the palette that rhyme with the undertones of your decor. This will not only help to sustain the cohesiveness of your design but also widen your choice range when shopping.

Note that the ability to garner attention will almost always rise in proportion to the saturation of the palette and the level of contrast. So, to create an alluring centrepiece, look for a high-contrast black and white fabric with bold details. And if you’re aiming for the roman blinds to blend softly into the space, look out for mellow shades and low-impact contrasts.

Balance the Palette

Black and white dotted roman blind in a black and white bathroom

In a monochrome palette, the colour that occupies substantial space will dictate the overall visual weight of your blind. So, take a moment to discern whether you want your blind to predominantly convey the breeziness of white or the drama of black.

White maintains a cheerful vibe, a summery feel and a sense of openness. If that’s the mood you’re aiming to create in the space, let white dominate the scene and black offer accent notes. This visually delicate formula of black and white is especially suitable for casual decor styles and light-welcoming spaces such as living rooms and kitchens.

Black, on the other hand, bears an enigmatic presence that suits moody rooms, grunge decor styles and academic settings. If that sounds like your agenda, let black lead the act and white follow in small proportions in the embellishments. This modulation is ideal for bedrooms, media rooms, man caves, traditional libraries and studies where blacks can masterfully set the mood.

You can also take the middle path where both colours share more or less the same level of presence. So, the blind does not come across as ‘black’ or ‘white’ but as ‘black and white’ as both hues carry equal impact. This route is ideal if your design style is highly invested in balance and symmetry or if you want to make your black and white roman blinds a pronounced statement of your overarching palette.

Play with Texture & Lustre

The visual interpretation of colour varies from fabric to fabric. Black may appear ‘deeper’ on lush velvet and relatively softer on coarse cotton. Similarly, white may look more delicate or tinted, warmer or cooler, based on the fabric material it is on.

So, when shopping for black and white roman blinds, pay special attention to the finish of the fabric. The weave, texture, weight and composition of the fabric will have a crucial influence on how the colours will come across to the eye.

Besides softening or deepening the colours, the finish of the fabric also adds visual interest in a very subtle way. Richly textured fabrics, for example, do not reflect light evenly - thereby lending a visual depth to the colours that flat-woven fabrics cannot deliver. A smooth and polished fabric, on the other hand, emanates a lustre that makes the colours brighter or darker when seen from different angles of the room. These nuances can add an element of glamour, drama or casual charm to your black-and-white roman blinds - a winsome detail that can enhance the visual appeal of what may otherwise come across as a rather muted palette.

So, when selecting the fabric, pay attention to these little details and consider how the fabric’s finish may influence the way your black and white roman blinds complement your decor.

Relay your Decor Style

Black and white striped roman blinds on arched windows in a library-style living room

Black and white roman blinds are blessed with tremendous capacity to blend with varied decor styles owing to the simplicity and refinement of the palette. In maximalist and colour-heavy spaces, they do a fantastic job of toning down the bustle and lending more scope for the showstopper pieces to shine. In minimalist spaces, they underscore a clean-lined and unadorned aesthetic. So, no matter where your decor style falls in the maximalist-minimalist/ traditional-modern spectrum, you can rest assured that your chosen palette will be on board. However, other details must also strike a chord.

A European relaxed fold damask roman blind rigged with exotic viscose trims immediately tells you this is a well-loved traditional home proudly flaunting its historic charm. A back-slatted flat fold geometric-patterned black-and-white roman blind reflects a modern home’s preference for minimal details and muted colours. Similarly, an iridescent silk blind airs a formal appeal suitable for dressy spaces whereas a slubbed linen roman blind wears an everyday vibe befitting casual spaces.

So, when choosing the roman blinds, make sure that you pay attention to all aspects of the fabric, especially the pattern, as it is an immediate giveaway of your decor style.

Probe the Non-Pattern Route

White relaxed roman blinds with a black border in a blue nursery

A two-toned roman blind will generally be presumed to be a patterned roman blind. But, be assured that pattern is not the only course to the destination. There are other ways, some pronounced and some subtle, extending your scope to embrace the black and white palette, even if you don’t want to rely on patterns.

Think of an ombre print roman blind that does not bear the typical characteristics of a printed motif and yet elaborates the two-tone palette so comprehensively. Flint Coat ombre blinds from our collection, for example, are a greyscale rainbow that aptly summarises all the accent tones of a monochrome setting and makes a point-blank statement of the palette.

Another way is to embrace the power of a border trim to introduce colour variation to a plain roman blind. So, you can choose a white roman blind and adorn its edges with black decorative trim, or vice versa, and voila, your black and white blind is ready without introducing a pattern. Our extensive selection featuring luxurious tassel and fringe trims, plush pompom trims and elegant ribbon trims will leave you with no dearth of choice.

So, a decor style that does not favour patterns or a room where pattern play has already gone overboard can circumvent the usual mode to tap into the ageless beauty of black-and-white roman blinds!

Window to Inspiration

Black and white spotted roman blinds above a kitchen worktop

The timeless appeal of a black and white roman blind lies in its unmatched versatility, while effortlessly elevating the style quotient of any space. Whether you choose to enhance the room’s glamour with plush furniture and opulent accents or embrace a more understated look with minimalist decor and muted tones, black and white roman blinds seamlessly adapt to both approaches. This means you can easily keep up with evolving design preferences without worrying about replacing your blinds. The sleek palette also serves as a subtle backdrop, allowing the fabric’s texture, lustre and weave to take centre stage. This understated sophistication invites you to refine your design choices, focusing on intricate details that will assuredly come under the gaze. For those with a keen eye for detail and a vivid imagination, The White Window’s collection offers an exquisite selection to match your taste. Let us take you on a journey through some of our most prized picks -

‘Countryside’ Damask Blinds

Countryside grey and white damask fabric

‘Countryside’ damask roman blinds merge the curlicued elegance of the classical damask motif with a streamlined palette of warm white and greyish black. They embody transitional design styles’ seamless balancing of classical and modern themes while providing a grounding contrast to overly ornate traditional spaces.

‘Rambling Beat’ Geometric Patterned Roman Blinds

Rambling Beat black and white geometric fabric

‘Rambling Beat’ geometric patterned roman blinds are a bold visual treat of high saturation, geometric patterns inlaid in vertical bands. The silence of the palette contrasted with the bustle of the pattern makes a stunning spectacle that can beautifully complement modern homes dominated by plain whites and wooden textures.

‘Queens Park’ Floral Roman Blinds

Queens Park black and white floral fabric

‘Queens Park’ floral roman blinds are an ecstatic floral treat for a home that wants to host nature-inspired themes without undermining its commitment to a skinny neutral palette. The vivid details of its lush flounced roses find a well-deserved frame on the clean frontage of a roman blind to be flaunted like an art piece.

‘Whispering Smoke’ Abstract Print Sheer Blinds

Whispering Smoke grey and white abstract sheer fabric

‘Whispering Smoke’ abstract print sheer roman blinds paint a bright and airy aesthetic with their substantial presence of white and a semi-transparent weave. Black appears in fading dabbles accompanied by silvery accents, making this a one-of-a-kind sheer blind deal for a formal living room, guest room or office room.

‘Space Sparkle’ Striped Roman Blinds

Space Sparkle dark grey and white striped fabric

‘Space Sparkle’ striped roman blinds merge the simple elegance of candy stripes with the no-nonsensical dark grey and white palette - a perfect choice for man caves, masculine decor styles and minimalist spaces.

Black & White Roman Blinds: FAQs

Which rooms suit black and white roman blinds?

Almost any room; what matters is the balance of the two colours. With white leading, they feel fresh in kitchens, living rooms and bathrooms; with black leading, they set a moodier tone in bedrooms, studies and media rooms.

Can a black and white blind suit a traditional room?

Yes. A damask, toile or floral in black and white, especially on a relaxed blind with a trim, sits beautifully in a period or traditional room while keeping the palette fresh.

Can you get the black and white look without a pattern?

Yes. Choose a plain white blind with a black border trim, or the reverse, or an ombre fabric that shades from one colour to the other, like our Flint Coat.

Which black and white patterns are the most versatile?

Stripes, small geometrics and spots suit almost any room and style. Damasks and florals lean traditional, while large abstracts and bold geometrics lean modern.

Do monochrome blinds work in a colourful room?

Yes, they’re one of the easiest ways to calm a busy, colourful scheme. They give the eye somewhere to rest and let the statement pieces in the room shine.

Will a mostly black roman blind make a room feel dark?

Lowered, a mostly black blind makes a room feel cosier and moodier, which suits bedrooms and snugs. Raised, it takes up little of the window, so daytime light is barely affected.

What lining colour suits a black and white blind?

White lining keeps the look crisp from outside. With a blackout lining you can also choose pale grey, which suits charcoal and grey-toned fabrics, or pale beige, and custom colours are available on request.

Shop Black & White Roman Blinds at The White Window

Black and white patterned roman blinds in a navy living room

What makes the black-and-white palette remarkable is its incontestable ability to deliver a brilliant discourse with the fewest of words. Aided by the smooth unhindered surface of a roman blind, the bold contrast renders patterns a clear definition, drawing the eye to linger on each line. Refined, understated and undeniably striking, black and white roman blinds can effortlessly elevate the room’s ambience. So, wait no more, bring your imagination to life here at The White Window where radiant silks and plush velvets, breezy cottons and easygoing linens, light-loving sheers and light-blocking blackouts await your creative vision to take over. Go on; colour your home with the enigmatic elegance of black and white roman blinds! Every roman blind is made to measure in any of our 2,500+ fabrics, handcrafted by artisans in India and delivered with all its hardware, ready to mount. If you need help, email us at info@thewhitewindowblinds.co.uk.

WINDOW WISDOM: MODERN & CONTEMPORARY ROMAN BLINDS: TOP TIPS & IDEAS | TOP TIPS TO MIX PATTERNS WITH YOUR ROMAN BLINDS

Back to blog

Your cart is empty