Nursery & Children's Roman Blinds: Top Ideas & Tips

 

A nursery or a young child’s bedroom should be a haven of comfort and calm, and few things shape it as much as the window. The light that comes through it decides how easily your little one naps and how early they wake, while the window dressing sets the tone for the whole room. That’s why so many designers start a nursery scheme with the blinds, and why nursery roman blinds are such a popular choice: made to measure in fabric, they can darken the room for sleep and still bring colour, pattern and charm.

And because the right fabric can grow with your child, they make just as good children’s roman blinds in an older kid’s bedroom. Below, our stylists explain why we love roman blinds for nurseries and kids’ rooms, then share their tips on blackout lining, measuring and mounting to stop light leaks, choosing a fold style, picking colours and prints that last and finishing with trims, followed by the fabrics to look at, from cottons and linens to velvets, sheers and blackouts.

Why We Love Custom Roman Blinds for Nurseries & Kids’ Rooms

 

In the vast world of perfect-fit window treatments, roman blinds shine as a timeless favourite due to their immense aesthetic potential. While industrially produced perfect-fit blinds made of metal, vinyl and plastic fulfil their function, they lack personality and limit your choice spectrum down to a few neutral hues and fewer patterns. 

Fabric roman blinds - on the other hand - lend you a broad creative latitude to choose colours, patterns, weaves so that you can shape the nursery to your vision down to its last detail. Where mass-produced blinds look cheap, roman blinds are perceptibly bespoke and suit a space lovingly curated with timeless materials. Beyond this versatility, however, there are other specific qualities that make nurseries and roman blinds a made-for-each-other coupling, and here we sum them up: 

OUT OF REACH MEANS OUT OF DANGER: Child-proofing any space involves avoiding loosely draped fabrics. Since roman blinds stop at the window sill, there is minimal danger of your tiny tot getting caught between washes of fabric while crawling around.

NO ENTANGLING CORDS: The White Window provides cord anchors with all roman blinds so that you can fasten the cord and keep it out of reach for a toddler or young kid. When leaving the nursery for short periods, you can worry less as there are no dangling cords that can become a dangerous sport for your kiddo.

CUSTOMISABLE ON ALL LEVELS: Our roman blinds can be designed to your specific functional requirements. From the choice of lining to the style of folding, every detail of the nursery roman blind can be planned per your desire.

Gift Your Little One a Cosy Little Cave and the Sweetest Sleep with Well-Considered Kids Roman Blinds

 

The fact that roman blinds can be customised to suit the specific requirements of your nursery or kids bedroom, is at once, a luxury and a responsibility. It puts you in the decision-making position, leaving you with a world of choices to manoeuvre through. This assures you the scope to meet your taste but can also become an overwhelming process at times. Hence, our stylists are here to help you with all the information and design advice you may need to make your nursery and kids' room roman blinds meet your functional requirements and aesthetic vision with finesse and ease. On that note, on to their styling tips:

Make It Cosy Dark with Blackout Roman Blinds

 

You’d ideally want your tiny tot to fall asleep between a wee yawn and a fragile coo. But sailing off to the world of fairies and elves is not that easy a thing if the ambience is not conducive to this purpose. That’s why we recommend blackout roman blinds as a default choice for nurseries and children's bedrooms. These roman blinds are specifically designed to block light so that you can create a cocoon-like dark space where sleep comes as easy as a drifting feather on a breeze.

Blackout roman blinds are determined not to let light mess with your tot's naptime. But that’s not all. They also add insulation: a blackout lining can noticeably reduce heat loss through the window, so in winter it’s easier to keep the nursery or children’s bedroom warm, and in summer your blackout roman blinds help keep the sun’s heat out. Blackout roman blinds also muffle sounds, so harsh noises from your neighbourhood’s party nights or the creaking sounds of your wooden stairs won’t deter your little one from falling asleep.

So, no matter what time of day, your little inhabitant can have a quiet, dark, warm little cave to catch a wink. Blackout roman blinds are truly a full-package deal to build the most soothing atmosphere to find deep, long restful sleep! So, no matter what fabric you choose from us today, simply specify blackout lining behind it. Alternatively, you can also consider using a blackout face fabric if you want to skip lining or opt for privacy lining.

Measure and Mount Right for Curbing Light Leaks

 

Choosing a blackout fabric/lining takes care of the major responsibility of blocking light for sleep time. But, other design decisions have to complement the cause, and the level of coverage and position of mounting the roman blinds are two of them.

Roman blinds can be mounted in two positions: within the recess of the window (inside mounting position) and outside the window (outside mounting position). For a detailed explanation of both mounting positions, please read our blog on Inside Mount Roman Blinds Vs Outside Mount Roman Blinds. Whichever position you choose, care should be taken to minimise light leaks from the edges, a situation common to all perfect-fit blinds, but not one that cannot be tackled. And here’s how you do it:

With an inside-mounted blind, the key to cancelling light leaks lies in ensuring that it sits snugly within the window recess. This calls for a flawless measurement of the length and width of the window frame.

When the edge of the blind sits flush with the window trim, the gap through which light could bleed in is curbed. In case you are overtreating the blinds with curtains, the mild glow at the blinds’ edges will not be a concern at all as the custom curtains will blanket the window, cancelling all possibilities for light leaks.

For an outside-mounted blind, the key to minimising light leaks lies in extending the coverage. So, mount the blinds a few centimetres higher than the window trim and also let them extend 5–8 cm beyond the window trim on each side. This will make the roman blinds overlap the window trim substantially, and thus, the scope for light leaks is minimised. If you’re planning to use roman blinds as a standalone window treatment, it is better to mount them outside the window and provide extended coverage. Outside-mounted blinds installed in this way are typically more efficient at curbing light leaks than inside-mounted roman blinds.

Balance Style and Function with the Most Befitting Fold Style

 

At The White Window, roman blinds are available in three different fold styles, each elegant in its own way and suitable for specific settings and fabrics. 

The front-slatted plain fold style is the best suitor for solid-coloured fabrics as the raised silhouettes of the slats on the frontage can add an element of allure to an otherwise plain roman blind. The back-slatted flat fold style complements patterned fabrics better as its uncluttered, slatless frontage can present any pattern without the slightest distortion. The European relaxed style suits both plains and patterns, but its slatless construction and swag bottom make it a solid candidate for decorative blinds.

We invite you to read about each of them in detail in our Roman Blinds Style Guide. 

While your choice of fold style will hinge on several factors including the fabric, here are a few factors to consider if operational ease is a priority for you -

The front-slatted and back-slatted fold styles form neat straight-lined folds when operated. These slatted blinds are apt if you’re looking for a sleek modern appeal and flawless functionality from day one. We recommend back-slatted or front-slatted blinds for nurseries and kids' rooms where roman blinds are the sole window treatment as they have to be operated often during the day for each nap-time.

The European relaxed style roman blinds, which are constructed without slats, feature straight-bottom hems when fully folded down, but begin to curve gently when raised, creating a beautiful swag bottom. Their soft folds and scalloped bottoms speak to the visual softness of a nursery, especially if the nursery/ bedroom has feminine overtones. Note that relaxed blinds require a little helping hand in the first few days of use to form their folds until the fabric begins to form its ‘memory’ and the blinds begin to form neat folds on their own. 

Pick Age-Proof Hues & Prints

 

Unless you plan to swap your nursery blinds for every new stage of your child's life journey, it is wise to opt for window dressings that are not too babyish in their theme. Choosing nursery roman blinds that will stay relevant to the little inhabitant’s changing tastes is future-proofing the decor, and The White Window is particularly keen to take this sustainable route. Therefore, we recommend colours and patterns that can stand the test of time.

Soft neutral and pastel hues are the most loved colours for a nursery and children’s rooms. They can offer a soothing aesthetic fitting for a sleep-friendly ambience. And they will blend effortlessly with the rest of the decor, no matter how many makeovers and facelifts you might indulge in the future to update the nursery to a young kid's bedroom and later to a teen’s bedroom. However, if you’d like to use more saturated colours, you can still create a timeless aesthetic by going for less compelling versions, like a creamy yellow instead of a bright yellow.

Similarly, if you are keen to opt for printed nursery roman blinds, opt for patterns that will outlive the kiddo’s change of taste. For example, modern abstract patterns, animal prints, geometric patterns, stripes, plaids, ombre, etc. offer a playful edge and yet don’t stand the chance of getting outdone by the kid’s naturally predictable evolution of taste.

Finish with Adorable Trims and Coordinated Pillows

 

Enhancing the bespoke appeal of roman blinds comprises incorporating design elements that set them apart from those you find in readymade stores. While the palette/pattern is a giveaway, nothing can beat the finishing touch and unique personality of a decorative trim defining the blind's silhouette. 

The amount of aesthetic potential a dainty little border trim carries is truly surprising. It can make a plain roman blind a two-toned roman blind, add texture and pattern for visual interest, and offer a playful touch to speak to the personality of the little inhabitant. A roman blind that is the same colour as the wall runs the risk of blending into the backdrop, and failing to make a mark of its presence. But  a simple ribbon trim in a contrasting colour can help establish the contours of the roman blinds in an effortlessly chic manner. 

Above all, the trimmings serve as the unmistakable sign of the nursery roman blind being handmade, and of the meticulous care and craftsmanship that has gone into making it. So, finish your nursery roman blinds and kid's bedroom window blinds with a fitting embellishment in a border trim.

At The White Window, you can choose from over 300 tasteful trims that include coloured and patterned ribbon trims, luxuriant tassel trims, adorable bauble trims, lush fringe trims and pompom trims - each in umpteen colour ways. However, to make the nursery child-proof, we recommend opting for trims that do not have loosely dangling ornaments, to avoid risking the little explorer from plucking and mouthing them.  So, velvet ribbon trims, grosgrain ribbon trims and striped ribbon trims are our top recommendation for nursery roman blinds. 

A kids' roman blind featuring your desired palette/ pattern and adorned with an adorable trim is a fitting window dressing for the nursery of your dreams. But you can take its designer appeal a notch higher with a coordinated fabric accessory. Think of the cushion on your rocking chair, a set of pillows on the daybed or the table runner on the dresser - one of these can feature the same fabric as the roman blind. This little detail will go a long way in offering a cohesive appearance to the room’s decor, and above all, becomes the clarion hallmark of a well-considered, thoughtfully curated decor. 

The White Window to Inspiration

 

Custom-made nursery roman blinds are value for money only if they provide the maximum functional efficiency and the desired aesthetic. However, navigating the path teeming with choices and decisions can be a bit overwhelming. Therefore, we think that some inspiring ideas and choice picks from our collection can serve as roadmaps and signboards for you on this long adventurous journey -

Patterned Kids Roman Blinds for a Playful Moment

 

There is always room for pattern play even in a future-proofed nursery, and your kiddo will enjoy the view for years to come if the choices are right. Florals, toile and animal prints can cue in the tot’s imagination while you whip up a story. Simple geometric shapes and colourful accents can double up as delightful learning tools. 

Regardless of the choice of motif, patterns excite the mind and engage the eye, subliminally contributing to creating a vivacious space full of dynamic energy for your kid to enjoy. The only thing to be borne in mind is to choose patterns that are not too cutesy so you don’t have to replace the blinds too soon.

Consider a geometric print blind like Pita Pocket, for example. Its wiggly pattern of geometric shapes is playful, however, it is not age or gender specific so your child can enjoy it for a long time. Similarly,  Navy Archer’s  chevron-inspired print has a frolicky element but does not come across as juvenile.

Cotton/ Linen Blinds to Heighten the Casual Charm of the Nursery

 

Natural fabrics are staples in nurseries as their matte and tactile finishes anchor the space in a casual charm most suitable for a little one’s den. These breathing, organic fabrics keep the little room airy and can assuredly endure the high level of operation you can anticipate in a nursery. 

If allergies are a concern, our pure cotton and linen roman blinds are a natural choice, as many parents prefer breathable, natural fibres in a baby’s room. You’ll find soft neutrals like Eternal Shores and Bliss Bay, homely prints like the houndstooth Spring Grass and zesty patterns like Sunny Eyes. Depending on the direction you want your nursery / kids room decor to take, you can choose between plains and patterns, the demure and the bold. 

But if you worry about a ‘pure-composition’ fabric’s dimensional stability, colourfastness or wrinkling tendency, consider our high-quality cotton and linen blends. Their mix of natural and artificial fibres lets you enjoy the best of both worlds. Fabrics like Lustre Sky and Aurora Garden are some choice picks to give you an idea of what you can expect to find.

Velvet Roman Blinds for Soft Texture and Solid Insulation

 

Favourites in nurseries and kids’ rooms, velvet roman blinds are loved for their buttery finish and subtle sheen. Besides, they are naturally great insulators due to their plush naps and tight weave. Velvet roman blinds not only speak to the tenderness of the baby with their visual softness but also help create a dark, cosy and warm ambience conducive to good sleep. And if you’re wondering whether they can tick the boxes of your decor style, rest your worries. Because, we have everything from moody plain velvets like Emerald Accent, to toile print velvets like Sundrenched Fairytale and timeless neutrals like Tropical Tan, so that every type of aesthetic can find its expression.

Sheer and Semi-Sheer Kids Roman Blinds for a Lovely Diffused Light

 

A nursery or kids bedroom that has another arrangement for room-darkening and insulation may look to enhance daytime privacy with semi-opaque blinds. They are especially the most fitting layering candidate for floor-length curtains, and can dress the window like dainty valances when folded up and minimised. 

Sheer roman blinds soften the ambience with their delicacy and the softly distilling golden light. And you can get all kinds of colours and patterns so that finding a match for your drapes will be a breeze. Consider charming striped sheers like Bisque Beauty, plain pastels like the soft pink Cameo Rose and self-patterned sheers like Abalone Sea that add subtle interest with texture rather than colour and pattern.

Dimout/Blackout Roman Blinds to Make the Room as Cosy as a Burrow

 

While the most popular way of going blackout is to add a blackout lining behind the chosen face fabric, blackout face fabrics in our collection are also capable of meeting diverse tastes. Besides, there are advantages to choosing a blackout fabric that might appeal to your preferences. Like, if you want to achieve the maximum possible darkening and insulation for your nursery, nothing can beat the pairing of a blackout fabric with a blackout lining. Or if you want to keep your blinds unlined for any reason.

Further, our blackout fabrics come in varying degrees of room-darkening capacity so you can meet your desired functionality with ease. Dimout fabrics block much of the incoming light, and blackout fabrics block almost all of it. So, if a blackout face fabric can seal the deal for you, let’s stroll through these lanes. 

You have lovely textured neutrals like Sand Dune, modern striped fabrics like Joyful Jasper and abstract print dimout fabrics like Lilac Gate. From graphic patterns to dainty prints and from neutral hues to bold saturated colours, every aesthetic vision gets a befitting piece here. However, if you still fail to find a blackout face fabric that meets your taste, you can always expand your choice spectrum by opting for blackout lining instead of a face fabric and experience the same benefits of room-darkening, insulation and acoustics.

Nursery Roman Blinds: FAQs

How dark can nursery roman blinds make the room?

With a blackout lining, very dark: it blocks almost all the light coming through the fabric, which helps with daytime naps and light summer evenings. A little light can still show at the edges, so mount the blind outside the recess and let it overlap the frame by 5–8 cm on each side.

Are roman blinds safe in a nursery?

Our roman blinds come with a cord anchor, so the pull cord can be fixed to the wall and kept taut rather than left dangling. Fit it as soon as the blind goes up, keep the cot and other furniture away from the window, and choose flat ribbon trims rather than tassels or pompoms.

Are relaxed roman blinds a good idea for a nursery?

They look lovely in a soft, romantic scheme, but they need a little help to fold neatly in their first few days. If the blind will go up and down for every nap, back-slatted or front-slatted blinds are easier to live with.

What colours suit children’s roman blinds?

Soft neutrals and pastels suit a nursery and still work as the room grows up. If you love stronger colour, choose a gentler version of it, such as creamy yellow rather than bright yellow, or bring it in with a trim.

What prints suit kids’ roman blinds?

Stripes, checks, geometrics, abstracts and animal prints are playful without being babyish, so a child won’t tire of them. Very cute, theme-led prints tend to be outgrown first.

When does a sheer roman blind suit a nursery?

When something else, such as blackout curtains, darkens the room for sleep. A sheer or semi-sheer roman blind then softens the daylight and adds a little privacy, and folded up it dresses the window like a dainty valance.

Are velvet roman blinds a good choice for a nursery?

Yes. Velvet’s dense weave helps darken and insulate the room, and its soft, plush finish suits a little one’s room. Add a blackout lining for the darkest result.

Winding Up

 

The nursery is the very first place that your tiny tot will experience as ‘home’, and wanting to make that experience wholesome is a legitimate desire of every parent. In this early stage of childhood when sleep takes up a major portion of the child’s day, creating a sleep-friendly atmosphere is of prime importance. We hope that this guide will help you navigate the path to curating roman blinds that deliver that indispensable functional efficiency along with your desired aesthetic. Visit our collection where you’ll find baby-soft velvets and delicate silks, beautiful blackouts and dainty sheers, lazy linens and breezy cottons, so you can carve out your desired aesthetic with ease. 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. Happy shopping at The White Window!

 

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