Modern & Contemporary Roman Blinds: Top Tips & Ideas

 

Are roman blinds fashionable? Very much so, and it’s easy to see why. Made to fit the window like a blind but sewn from drapery fabric, a roman blind brings clean lines and softness to a window at the same time. Yet the same blind can look grand and traditional or fresh and contemporary, so what makes modern roman blinds modern?

The answer lies in a handful of choices: the fabric and its finish, the palette and pattern, the fold style and the trims. Get those right and a roman blind can quietly underline a minimalist room or become the bold, artful focal point of a maximalist one. Our stylists take each choice in turn, then share five favourite fabrics for contemporary roman blinds from our collection.

Fabric Fit for Modern Roman Blinds

 

While fabric composition isn’t the sole determinant of a roman blind’s ‘modernity’, it plays a pivotal role in defining its texture and finish - two essential elements of any aesthetic. Where old-world charisma is defined by lived-in finishes for casual spaces and bold lustrous fabrics in formal rooms, the contemporary take leans towards understated sophistication overall. 

So, modern roman blinds are not overly formal and dressy but relatively more relaxed and polished. So, sheers, cotton and linen, and their blends are the default go-to. However, formal areas are sometimes treated with lustrous fabrics that are not too heavily embellished or extravagantly lustrous. That means a modern silk roman blind is subtly radiant, wrinkle-less and usually light-hued as opposed to the quintessential Victorian-style iridescent purple silk roman blinds embellished with ornate patterns and aureate trims. 

Another key aspect of a modern roman blind's fabric choice is the priority for easy upkeep. Fabrics that develop crisp folds effortlessly, and maintain a refined visual appeal without staining, fading, wrinkling and stretching are preferred. So, a colourfast cotton blend wins over less weatherproof pure cotton, for example, because the idea is to lower the number of maintenance cycles and boost the longevity of the roman blinds. 

Palette & Pattern that Spell Modern

 

Patterns are immediate giveaways of the eras that produced and popularised them. An ornate ogee or fleur-de-lis is unquestionably classical, although they have modernised versions adapted to new design sensibilities. Whereas, a stencilled-print floral is indisputably modern. 

But the same cannot be said of colours.

It is not easy to strictly categorise a colour as ‘modern’ or ‘traditional’ on its own, but the palette can be a telling sign. The iconic neoclassical palette of navy blue and beige is a staple in regal traditional decor styles, whereas many hues of these colours on their own will easily pass as modern. The same can be said about how earthy pastel hues resonate with modern Scandi interiors, but with few punctuations of soft pinks, creams and blues, they will perfectly define a classical French chateau. So, the palette of the roman blind has to be seen as a whole, and in relation to the pattern and finish, to identify it as truly modern. 

That said, it is possible to specify the preferred palette and pattern choices of modern roman blinds, based on the overarching leaning of the decor styles -

Modern homes are sleek, uncluttered and less detailed compared to traditional styles. For a modern minimalist approach, avoid heavily saturated colours and extravagantly detailed traditional designs. Instead, choose neutral colours that blend into the space rather than call attention to themselves. And, look out for patterns that are visually more quiet with subtle contrasts, low-profile structure and clean lines.

For a modern maximalist take, bold colours, modern patterns and high contrasts are the way to go. Further, certain colours and patterns have an unmistakable modern edge, making them topline choices for modern roman blinds. For example, a colour like turquoise green reads explicitly modern (on its own regardless of the overall palette) as opposed to chartreuse green - a distinct reminder of the 80s hippie era. A black-and-white geometric pattern or abstract pattern appeals to modern design sensibilities but an ornate gilded damask, on the other hand, finds its honoured place in traditional design. 

So, the bottom line is this - opt for colours and patterns that look contemporary and fresh, not dated and heavy with historic underpinnings.

Fold Style for Fashionable Modern Fabric Blinds

 

The hallmark of roman blinds lies in their accordion-style folds, where subtle nuances of folding technique add a layer of visual interest. At The White Window, we offer roman blinds in three distinct fold styles - the front-slatted plain fold style, the back-slatted flat fold style and the relaxed/ European style - each appeasing diverse design languages within the overarching theme of ‘contemporary’.

The back-slatted flat fold style features straight even folds, a straight hemmed bottom and a slat-free frontage, embodying the essence of a quiet minimalistic design. It is no surprise then that this unadorned fold style is a staple in contemporary homes. Its winning trait is its clean uncluttered appearance as its supporting slats are out of sight. For a hardcore minimalist home, the back-slatted style allows a neutral-toned roman blind to blend with the architecture, becoming almost unnoticeable and minimising visual clutter. Conversely, in a modern home that thrives on artistic expression, the roman blind itself can serve as a statement piece - its smooth uninterrupted frontage acting as a blank canvas for a striking pattern or texture. The only occasion when it may become an underwhelming choice is on an extra-large roman blind with a plain fabric, which, hanging like a big flat sheet, might risk looking too lacklustre.

The front-slatted plain fold style features straight even folds, a straight hemmed bottom and a ‘ribbed’ frontage. What distinguishes it from the back-slatted style is the subtle pattern of horizontal lines created on its frontage by the raised contours and visible silhouettes of the slats. This style comes as a blessing for plain fabrics as it lends an element of visual allure that saves a plain roman blind from coming across as too stark. Plain neutral roman blinds with defined slat lines complement modern design styles that lean heavily on visual texture and subtle details. If you’re opting for a patterned fabric though, the visual interruption of its slats might do a disservice to some patterns by distorting its shapes and details. 

The European relaxed style features gently curved folds and a scalloped bottom. Its construction does not entail having any supporting slats, and hence, this style is characterised by a soft flowy appearance, as opposed to the back-slatted and front-slatted styles that look geometrically clean-lined. Therefore, this fold style has found renewed interest in recent times when design trends are moving away from stark straight lines to soft wavy and organic contours. For a modern space designed with a tangible casual demeanour, rustic accents, organic themes or feminine undertones, the relaxed style proves to be the most fitting candidate with its soft silhouettes and informal appeal. 

Thus, you find that there is a fold style that resonates with each taste. The distinct features of each fold style can be used favourably to blend modern roman blinds into different design settings. Pick the fold style that best aligns with the mood and tenor of your room’s design, after you read about each fold style in detail in our Roman Blinds Style Guide.

Trims that Spell Bespoke in Contemporary Lingo

 

Although modern design strives towards minimal details, embellishing roman blinds with the right border trims is too tempting to resist. Trims can introduce colour, texture and pattern for a subtle allure, flaunting an unmistakable personalised touch and bespoke appeal. So, if you don’t want to miss the bus,  go for streamlined ribbon trims that will preserve the clean-lined edges of the blinds while bestowing a hint of garnishment, just enough to read bespoke, and not too elaborate to lose the modish appeal. We suggest avoiding heavy embellishments like tassels and fringes in a modern home, as they will alter the clean silhouettes of your roman blinds.

Five Choicest Picks from The White Window’s Collection of Modern, Contemporary Roman Blinds

Roman blinds are not mere functional additions, but spokespersons of your distinct aesthetic vision. They can be seen as empty canvases waiting to be transformed into a piece of art that scripts the statement of your taste. Fortunately, you have a world of choice available at The White Window comprising more than 2,500 premium fabrics so finding the mouthpiece of your unique style will be a breeze. Here’s a quick peek into our collection illustrated with a few select picks -

Darwin Crystal

 

Nothing beats a plain white roman blind in its timeless elegance! It is soft, neutral and light-welcoming, lending itself to a serene aesthetic that is impeccably charming. And it shines no matter where - offsetting vibrant decor styles with its calm, and enhancing modern minimalistic spaces with its simplicity.

Tough Spices

 

A dark neutral roman blind to make moody interiors cosier and bright spaces visually deeper! This dark grey/blue roman blind sheds its pensiveness on the rich herringbone texture, softening into a two-tone subtle allure. So perfect for industrial and masculine settings, sleek contemporary settings and modern minimalist homes!

Bora Bora

 

Flaunting the most loved modern palette, this black-and-white geo print roman blind effortlessly seals its candidature for contemporary spaces. The high-contrast formula enables the dynamic pattern to stand out with refined lines. Just a monochromist’s recurring dream taking the shape of a fabric!

Urban Cape

 

Florals are undying, but they are refreshed with new palettes and forms in this age and time. Bold scale, unexpected colours and modern prints reinterpret nature-inspired motifs as in this green poppy flower printed roman blind. It becomes a captivating focal point in any modern room it adorns.

Soulful Glow

 

Vibrant, energetic, even erratic, abstract patterns are the touchstone trait of modern designs. The undefined motifs of this roman blind depict a carefree, lighthearted and creative spirit while its luminous accents spell luxury with pizzazz. No better finishing touch for a formal modern space!

Modern Roman Blinds: FAQs

Are roman blinds still fashionable?

Yes. Their clean lines suit modern homes, and in contemporary fabrics such as textured neutrals, geometrics and abstract prints they look as current as any window treatment. Relaxed roman blinds are enjoying a revival too, as interiors move towards softer, curved shapes.

What makes a roman blind look modern?

A pared-back fabric such as linen, cotton or a sheer, a calm or confidently contemporary palette, a clean fold style and little or no trimming. The pattern is a giveaway too: geometrics and abstracts read modern, ornate damasks traditional.

Which roman blind fold style looks the most contemporary?

Back-slatted flat fold, whose smooth front suits minimalist rooms. Front-slatted plain fold adds subtle texture to plain fabrics, and relaxed blinds bring soft curves to casual and organic modern rooms.

What colours suit modern roman blinds?

Soft neutrals such as white, stone and grey for a minimalist look; clear, confident colours such as turquoise, or black and white, for a modern maximalist one.

Can silk roman blinds look contemporary?

Yes, in a plain or subtly textured silk in a light colour, without heavy embellishment. Save iridescent jewel tones and ornate patterns for traditional rooms.

Do trims suit modern roman blinds?

A slim ribbon border does, adding a bespoke touch while keeping the edges clean. Tassels, fringes and pom-poms tend to look more traditional or country.

Can contemporary roman blinds work in a period home?

Yes. A plain linen or a quiet geometric in a back-slatted flat fold style can freshen a period room without fighting its architecture, especially if the colours pick up the walls or woodwork.

Shop Contemporary, Modern Roman Blinds at The White Window

 

Modern roman blinds endorse a refined aesthetic that is reflective of the new age themes and advancements in textile science. But they serve their purpose best when they portray your taste and the overarching theme of your home’s decor. We hope the styling tips in this guide and the visual inspirations from our collection will assist you on your journey. As you explore our collection, luscious modern silks and velvets, and lovely cottons, linens and sheers will meet you, some with the allure of their texture, others with the ritz of their lustre. Let your vision guide your way and rest assured that whichever route you take, you will not be in want of choice at The White Window.

So, hurry now, to our fabric collection and find the roman blind that can double up as the banner of your contemporary decor approach. 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. And if you’d like curtains to match, our sister store, The White Window Curtains, has ideas for modern and contemporary curtains.

WINDOW WISDOM: MINIMALIST INTERIOR DESIGN: 10 SIMPLE IDEAS | BLACK & WHITE ROMAN BLINDS: TOP IDEAS & TIPS