Yes, Roman blinds typically require rods to open and close them. This is because the material of the blind needs an object to provide tension in order to open and close properly. If you do not have rods, you may also have a continuous cord loop, chain, or even motorized operation.
The rods are usually concealed by the top of the fabric, so they are not visible once installed. Depending on the size of your window and weight of the fabric, you may need to use more than one rod to ensure proper functioning of the blind.
What can I use instead of Roman blind rods?
Instead of Roman blind rods, you can use a variety of other materials depending on the look and style that you are trying to achieve. You could try using a corded or flat panel system, multiple cords for a beautifully layered look, or a rod-pocket system for the traditional approach.
If you want something a bit more modern and decadent, you can use eyelets combined with fancy trim or decorative decorator braids. If you would prefer something with a bit more finesse, you could use a combination of curtain tape and drapery buckram.
You could also use a combination of cords and weighted tapes inserted into the hem of the window shade. Depending on the type of curtains you are using, you could also get away with using tension wires or a combination of tension rods and curtain rings.
Ultimately, the choice is yours and it will depend on the look you want to achieve.
How do you make a Roman shade with dowels?
Making a Roman shade with dowels is a relatively easy project that can add style and texture to your window treatments. Here are the steps to making your own Roman shade:
1. First, measure the width and height of your window and add 3 to 4 inches to each measurement. This will be the size of your fabric panel.
2. Cut a piece of fabric in the size you measured. Hem all four edges and press.
3. Before determining how many dowels you need, fold the fabric panel in half, lengthwise. Make a crease and mark the exact centerline of the panel.
4. Measure the distance from the panel’s centerline to the bottom edge, then divide by 4. This will give you the distance from the centerline to each dowel pocket.
5. Measure and mark the location of each pocket with a fabric marker or chalk and sew lines along the both edges of each pocket.
6. Cut dowels to fit the pocket length. The dowel should be 1/2” to 3/4” narrower than the pocket length. Hem the pockets and insert the dowels.
7. Measure and mark the locations of the dowel slots at the top of the panel, repeating the same steps as the pockets.
8. Sew slot lines along the edge of each pocket. Cut the dowels to fit. The dowel should be 1/2” to 3/4” narrower than the pocket length.
9. Place the dowels in the slots and sew two lines along the open end of each slot.
10. Finally, attach one curtain rod at the top of the curtain panel and one at the bottom. Hang it up on the wall and you’re done!
What size dowels Roman shade?
The size of dowels used for Roman shades depend mainly on the type of fabric used and the size of the window. For lighter fabrics, you might need 1/4” diameter dowels or, for heavier fabrics, 5/16” diameter dowels.
Generally speaking, windows up to 48” in size usually need three dowels, windows from 48” to approximately 98” usually need four dowels, and windows above 98” should have five dowels for a standard sized Roman shade.
If the window is wider than common sizes, longer dowels may be needed. When measuring for dowels, make sure to measure from the long side of your window, not the short side. Additionally, if your shades are cordless, you will need a little bit extra weight when deciding the dowel size, so make sure to account for that when deciding on a dowel size.
What do you need to make a roman blind?
In order to make a Roman blind, you will need: fabric of your choice (at least 1½ to 2 times the width of the window); wooden or metal brackets to fix the blind to the wall; a wooden dowel or metal pole; fabric tape for making the pleats; ties for the dowel or pole; screws and plugs for fixing the brackets; iron-on interfacing; thread to match the fabric; curtain rings; and a sewing machine.
You may also choose to use a Roman shade insert for the back of the blind, which is a fabric rectangle designed to be held in place with clips. Finally, you will need basic sewing supplies such as scissors, pins, a tape measure, and an iron.
Should Roman shades be lined?
Roman shades are a great way to add a stylish and sophisticated look to any room, and the answer to whether or not they should be lined depends on your particular needs and preferences.
If you want to ensure that the shades are totally opaque, then adding a lining is the best option. A lined shade will keep out any light that could otherwise enter the room, making the room darker and more comfortable.
Additionally, a lined shade is more durable and can last you a long time.
If light control is not an issue, then you may not need to line your Roman shades. The fabric of the shade can be decorative as well as functional. In terms of aesthetics, an unlined shade may appear softer and less formal, lending a more casual feel to the room.
Ultimately, if you are unsure or would like to add an extra layer of protection, lining the Roman shades is a great option. Doing so will protect them from fading or wearing and ensure that the look and color remains the same for years to come.
Do Roman blinds look better in the recess?
Yes, Roman blinds often look better when installed in the recess of a window rather than mounted directly onto the wall outside the window frame. This is mainly because Roman blinds are quite heavy, and so having them installed into the recess can provide structural support.
Additionally, having Roman blinds installed in the recess gives the blinds a more seamless, streamlined look as the fabric cascades in a soft, positive stack and is eliminated from view when fully open.
From a practical level, having Roman blinds in the recess prevents them from interfering with window handles, curtains, or furniture. The recess also keeps the blinds out of the way and away from animals, so they are less likely to get damaged or affected by any external elements.
Do Roman shades go inside or outside mount?
Roman shades typically go inside the window frame. The two common types of window treatments are inside mount and outside mount. Inside mount roman shades go within the window, while outside mount roman shades go outside of the frame, typically a few inches above the window.
Inside mount roman shades are the more common of the two and give a more modern and sleek look, with better light and privacy control. When mounting your roman shades, it is important to measure your window to ensure an accurate fit.
Measure the width at the top, middle, and bottom for the most accurate measurements, as windows can have slight irregularities. They should also be mounted at least ½” from the edge of the window for an accurate fit.
You also need to determine the ideal clearance between the window frames and your roman shades. For an inside mount, this should be at least 2 inches from the top side of the frame. Properly mounted roman shades can bring a classic and elegant look to any room.
How long do Roman shades last?
Roman shades typically last between five and ten years, depending on the quality of the product and the level of care provided. High-end Roman shades can often last longer than ten years with optimal care.
To ensure that your Roman shades last as long as possible, it’s important to vacuum them regularly, dust them, and gently clean any spots or stains that may appear. Additionally, Roman shades should be lowered during heavy storms and other weather events to help protect them from direct contact with extreme weather conditions.
Taking these extra steps and investing in quality products will likely result in your Roman shades lasting an even longer period of time.
How do you make a tension rod out of roman shades?
Making a tension rod out of Roman shades is not a difficult task and can be easily done using a few simple tools.
First, you will need to measure the width of the space you would like to install the tension rod. If you are planning on using Roman shades, make sure to measure the area, not just the window. Once you know the necessary width, you can purchase the corresponding tension rod.
You may also need to purchase a few additional tools such as a screwdriver, a measuring tape, and a drill or plunger.
Once you have all of your materials, you can begin to install the tension rod. Start by loosening the bar of the tension rod. This can be done by turning the knob on the top end of the rod clockwise.
After you have loosened it, slide one of the brackets onto the rod, ensuring that the screws are facing the wall. Next, tape off the area you’re working on with masking tape and mark the wall where your brackets will be installed.
Then, mark an X for the screw locations and then use a drill or plunger to put the screws in place. Once the screws are in place, gently slide the brackets onto the wall and secure them with the screws.
Finally, once the brackets are in place, slide the tension rod onto the brackets and tighten it by turning the knob counter clockwise. You can now hang your Roman shades on the rod. If they are light to medium weight, simply clasp the shades onto the rod.
If the shades are a heavier weight, you will need to use S-hooks to hang the shades.
And that’s it! You have now successfully installed a tension rod out of Roman shades.
How many folds should a faux Roman shade have?
The number of folds that a faux Roman shade should have depends upon the size of the window it is covering and the desired look. Generally, faux Roman shades with a single panel of fabric should have at least two pleats or folds, while those with multiple panels should have more.
For a softer, more contemporary look, a single panel with three to five pleats is recommended. For a more traditional, tailored look, a single panel with five to seven folds or a multiple panel faux Roman shade should be used.
Additionally, the width of the pleats should also be taken into consideration. For smaller windows, it is typically better to have narrow depth pleats, while larger windows are better suited for wider pleats.
Ultimately, the look and number of folds for any faux Roman shade will depend on the individual preferences of the homeowner.
How far apart are dowels on Roman shades?
The exact distance that dowels should be placed apart on Roman shades will depend on the specific style of Roman shade you are using and the size of the window. Generally, however, Roman shades should have the dowels spaced between four and eight inches apart in order to provide enough fabric coverage to create a smooth appearance.
Additionally, you should also consider the size of the fabric and the amount of weight it can hold when determining the best distance between dowels. To help ensure a professional-looking shade, mark out the points on the back of the fabric where the dowels should be placed before you start installing them.
Finally, many Roman shade manufacturers and retailers offer specific guidelines and measurements to help you achieve the best results.
What is the stack height of a roman shade?
The stack height of a roman shade refers to the amount of fabric that the shade uses to fold. It is the distance that the fabric folds up when it is in the open position. Stack heights can range anywhere from 1/4” to 4” in increments of 1/4”.
It is important to consider the stack height of the roman shade when making a purchasing decision as the larger the stack height, the more of an obstruction the shade will cause to the view outside. The largest stack height is 4” which can block up to 25% of the view when the shade is fully open, while the smallest stack height (1/4”) will barely obstruct the view at all.
The degree of obstruction is also affected by the size of the each fold as larger folds require more fabric and are therefore closer together. When selecting a stack height it is important to weigh the benefits and drawbacks of each size.
Generally the larger the stack height, the more it will reduce outside light and insulate the space, but it will also result in a more obstructive view.
What is the difference between flat fold and soft fold Roman shades?
Flat fold Roman shades are a style of window blind composed of fabric, either in a simple or patterned design, that can be quickly opened outward and folded up into a neat, comfy stack at the top of the window frame.
The pleats are regular and can be accordion-style, giving a crisp, tailored look to the window treatment. One of their great advantages is that the panels can be opened completely so that the window is fully exposed, allowing natural light and unobstructed views.
Soft fold Roman shades, on the other hand, feature pleats that are looser and less structured compared to flat fold Roman shades. This kind of window treatment gives off a lighter, airier feel when suspended at the window, and oftentimes has a decorative head rail or valance at the top instead of a stark line, making it look softer and more comfortable.
In lieu of simple, uniform opening, soft fold Roman shades can be opened in a cascade or wave-like effect, using cords or chain links attached to the bottom of the shade. The amount of light and privacy offered by the shade can be adjusted accordingly.
Despite its less formal look, soft fold Roman shades are still extremely versatile, and can be used in any room for any decor.
