Nursery Roman Shades & Kids Window Blinds: Top Ideas & Tips

 

A baby’s nursery or a young kid's bedroom should be a haven of safety, comfort and charm for your little one - a space where every detail contributes to creating a nurturing environment. Soft furnishings play a crucial role among the many essentials that make this vision a reality, and, since ‘a well-rested baby is a happy baby’, a window treatment that helps craft a sleep-inducive environment will often take precedence over others. And that’s where thoughtfully designed, insulative nursery roman shades and kids window blinds come in. 

Fabric roman shades not only effectively block light to encourage deeper sleep, but also bring warmth, color and character to the nursery/kids room. In fact, many professional designers start their nursery & children's room decor journey with window shades, recognizing the shades’ ability to set the tone for the entire space.  If you’ve found The White Window on your hunt for the perfect nursery roman shades, and are keen to discover ways to customize them to your taste and preferences, you’re at the right place. We hope this blog will serve as your guide to curating shades that are as functional as they are beautiful, helping you create the ideal sanctuary for your little one.

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

 

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

Fabric roman shades - on the other hand - lend you a broad creative latitude to choose colors, patterns, weaves so that you can shape the nursery to your vision down to its last detail. Where mass-produced blinds look cheap, roman shades 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 shades 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 shades 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 shades 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 shades can be designed to your specific functional requirements. From the choice of lining to the style of folding, every detail of the nursery roman shade can be planned per your desire.

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

 

The fact that roman shades 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 roman shades and kids window blinds meet your functional requirements and aesthetic vision with finesse and ease. On that note, on to their styling tips:

Make It Cozy Dark with Blackout Roman Shades

 

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 shades as a default choice for nurseries and children's bedrooms. These roman shades 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 shades are determined not to let light mess with your tot's naptime. But that’s not all. They are highly insulating and resist the transmission of heat. So, in winter, it will be easier to keep the nursery/children's bedroom warm as your blackout roman shades will block the loss of thermal energy from the windows. Similarly, in summer, the room will be cooler as the shades will not let external heat affect the temperature inside the room. Blackout roman shades also muffle sounds, so harsh noises from your neighborhood’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 shades 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 shades are two of them.

Roman shades 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 Shades Vs Outside Mount Roman Shades. Whichever position you choose, care should be taken to minimise light leaks from the edges, a situation common to all perfect-fit shades, but not one that cannot be tackled. And here’s how you do it:

With an inside-mounted shade, 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 shade sits flush with the window trim, the gap through which light could bleed in is curbed. In case you are overtreating the shades with drapes, the mild glow at the shades’ 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 shade, the key to minimizing light leaks lies in extending the coverage. So, mount the shades a few inches higher than the window trim and also let them extend a few inches beyond the window trim on all sides. This will make the roman shades overlap the window trim substantially, and thus, the scope for light leaks is minimized. If you’re planning to use roman shades as a standalone window treatment, it is better to mount them outside the window and provide extended coverage. Outside-mounted shades installed in this way are typically more efficient at curbing light leaks than inside-mounted roman shades.

Balance Style and Function with the Most Befitting Fold Style

 

At The White Window, roman shades 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-colored fabrics as the raised silhouettes of the slats on the frontage can add an element of allure to an otherwise plain roman shade. 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 shades.

We invite you to read about each of them in detail in our Roman Shades 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 flat-fold shades are apt if you’re looking for a sleek modern appeal and flawless functionality from day one. We recommend flat fold shades for nurseries and kids' rooms where roman shades are the sole window treatment as they have to be operated often during the day for each nap-time.

The European relaxed style roman shades, 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 shades 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 shades begin to form neat folds on their own. 

Pick Age-Proof Hues & Prints

 

Unless you plan to swap your nursery shades 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 shades 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 colors and patterns that can stand the test of time.

Soft neutral and pastel hues are the most loved colors 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 colors, 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 shades, 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 shades 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 shade's silhouette. 

The amount of aesthetic potential a dainty little border trim carries is truly surprising. It can make a plain roman shade a two-toned roman shade, add texture and pattern for visual interest, and offer a playful touch to speak to the personality of the little inhabitant. A roman shade that is the same color 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 color can help establish the contours of the roman shades in an effortlessly chic manner. 

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

At The White Window, you can choose from over 200 tasteful trims that include colored and patterned ribbon trims, luxuriant tassel trims, adorable bauble trims, lush fringe trims and pompom trims - each in umpteen color 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 shades. 

A kids' roman shade 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 shade. 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 shades 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 Shades 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 colorful 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 shades too soon.

Consider a geometric print shade 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 Shades 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. 

To provide a 100% safe environment for your baby, you can consider our pure cotton and linen roman shades for their hypoallergenic properties. 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, colorfastness or wrinkling tendency, consider our high-quality cotton and linen blends. Their mix of natural and artificial fibers lets you enjoy the best of both worlds. Fabrics like Lustre Sky, Swizzle Stick and Aurora Garden are some choice picks to give you an idea of what you can expect to find.

Velvet Roman Shades for Soft Texture and Solid Insulation

 

Favorites in nurseries and kids’ rooms, velvet roman shades 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 shades not only speak to the tenderness of the baby with their visual softness but also help create a dark, cozy 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 Shades 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 shades. They are especially the most fitting layering candidate for floor-length drapes, and can dress the window like dainty valances when folded up and minimized. 

Sheer roman shades soften the ambience with their delicacy and the softly distilling golden light. And you can get all kinds of colors 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 color and pattern.

Dimout/Blackout Roman Shades to Make the Room as Cozy 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 shades 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 can block up to 80% of incoming light and blackout fabrics make an impressive performance with almost 98% of light blockage. So, if a blackout face fabric can seal the deal for you, let’s stroll through these lanes. 

You have lovely textured neutrals like Cosmic Latte, 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 colors, 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.

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 blog will help you navigate the path to curating roman shades 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. Happy shopping at The White Window!