A Roman curtain is called a strip of fabric, fixed in its upper part to a cornice, which rises upstairs with beautiful folds using a cord and slats. The latter are fixed on the back of the curtains.
Maintain a perfect shape for products helps steel metal rail, mounted on the bottom.
Advantages and disadvantages
The advantage of Roman curtains is their simplicity, versatility and functionality. They are suitable for windows of any size, and also look harmoniously in the interior.
Curtains will help to reliably protect the kitchen from scorching sunlight, but at the same time the room will not become dark - the fabric gently scatters the light. By adjusting the degree of lifting of the product, you can let the necessary amount of light into the kitchen. Such products will be a real salvation for the inhabitants of the first floors, as they reliably hide the inside of the house from prying eyes.
Roman curtains are a combination of the functionality of blinds and the attractiveness of curtains. The short length avoids contamination of the curtains, which is especially valuable in the kitchen. However, if desired, such products can be combined with the usual tulle, fabric curtains, lambrequins or drapes.
Due to the fact that the Roman curtains are quite compact, it is possible to unload the area of the window and window sill. At the same time, you can not only make room, but also visually make the room light and spacious.
Such textiles are quite easy to care for - removing and washing Roman curtains is not difficult. They do not need to be smoothed, because they will straighten themselves thanks to a metal plate.Curtains will always be perfectly smooth. In order to raise or lower the fabric, you do not need to touch it, and in general this process does not require effort.
The lack of curtains can be considered the fact that they cannot be pushed aside. In addition, in order to ventilate the room, you will have to completely raise them. Due to their laconic appearance in some interiors, structures of this type look rather strict and boring. However, this is easily leveled by combining products with fabric options, tulle or other decorative textiles.
Kinds
There are two varieties of Roman designs. We will talk about them below.
- Classic. In a straightened form, such a product looks like it is a smooth cloth. When lifting, it forms uniform horizontal folds. The classic version looks simple, but elegant. It is suitable primarily for interiors in a classic style.
- Cascade counterpart in the open form it forms folds forming a cascading drop-down drapery in the lower part. This is a more relaxed style that fits into the interior of art deco, country and some classic cuisines.
The described types of curtains have a frame. In addition, there are frameless analogues. In this case, the cord regulating the degree of rise runs through the middle of the curtain. When pulling it, the curtain is assembled in the center or tucked from the ends.
Depending on the design of the regulatory mechanism, the types of products presented below are distinguished.
- Rope Planks and slats are replaced by a translucent rope. Thanks to this, the curtains are lightweight, look airy and gentle.
- Rotary chain. The principle of operation of such a product is similar to the operation of blinds. The system is a chain acting on a rotary shaft and rotor blocks. This design is recommended for heavy fabrics, as it is durable and reliable.
- Elementary (simple stick). Such products have ropes on the sides and thin sticks instead of slats in the lower part. To fix the curtains in the raised position of the rope, you have to fix it with something. It is clear that this is very inconvenient, therefore elementary constructions are not very popular.
- Combined. These options involve a combination of rotary chain and rope mechanisms within the same Roman design. Usually used in combination of fabrics of different density and texture. For dense options, a strong rotor-chain mechanism is needed, but on thin fabrics it will look rude and can even damage matter.
In this case, rope analogues come to the rescue.
- Electronic. Raising and lowering the curtains is carried out using the remote control or through the control unit. Quite common are products with the simplest Chinese lifting mechanism. They seduce the buyer with a low price, but due to the unreliability of the mechanism, their service life is very limited - it is better to give preference to more expensive options.
You can also divide Roman curtains into subgroups by size. The standard options are products with a width of 60 or 80 cm and a length of 160 cm. Textiles with a length of 160 cm are usually purchased on medium and large windows, while the width can be 100, 140 or 200 cm. For square windows, which are usually found in summer cottages or in country houses, there is a standard: 160x160 cm.
On a large window, you can pick up one canvas of a suitable size or use 2-3 narrow models. Such an approach will make the operation of products more functional - you can "finely" adjust the light transmittance of the curtains, lifting only one of several products.
For windows of custom sizes, as well as if you want to get a product of a specific design and color, Roman curtains are usually sewn independently or on order.
Materials
Material for products can be both synthetic and natural fabrics. The choice is influenced by the preferences of the hostess and the style features of the room. However, most experts and housewives agree that it is better to purchase synthetic materials for the kitchen, because it is considered resistant to pollution and easy to clean.
For windows facing south, it is recommended to buy curtains made of thick materials - they will be better at restraining the sun's rays. If the kitchen does not receive enough sunlight, it is better to opt for light, translucent fabrics, for example, based on polyester with the presence of viscose or cotton fibers.
Among the common types of fabrics, several options are presented below.
- Synthetic. These include polyester, as well as silk, acrylic and lavsan. The material retains its shape for a long time, does not accumulate static electricity, dust, is easy to care for, but can change shape under the influence of high temperatures.
- Natural. Popular options are cotton, linen, silk and cambric. Their advantage is environmental friendliness, outward appeal, nobility. However, in the care of these materials are capricious and quickly fade in the sun.
- Combined (mixed). They are made from natural and synthetic fabrics taken in different proportions. Thanks to this, the material is attractive in appearance, easy to care for, and durable. Among mixed fabrics, taffeta and organza can be distinguished.
- Wooden. This group includes wicker bamboo, which is environmentally friendly, original in appearance and light in weight.
Design options
By the name of the curtains, it is easy to guess that they originally appeared in Ancient Rome. Traditionally, they were made from brown matter, which symbolized wealth and prosperity. Today, the assortment of textiles in brown is also quite wide. Such curtains look harmonious in classic interiors and in kitchens with wooden surfaces.
Curtains in brown shades look discreet and protect well from the sun.
They can have many shades: from coffee and golden to rich chocolate. All shades of brown can be mixed with each other or combined with pistachio, pink, lilac, olive or muted blue.
White curtains, as well as analogues in cream, pastel and beige colors can be considered classics. Their advantage is compatibility with other colors. As a rule, white curtains are used in classic interiors. Such products look great in combination with dark lambrequins. Since light curtains will have to be washed more often, you should choose a product from dense synthetic fabric.
The products of the green palette are also considered universal - they will create a relaxing, calm atmosphere in the kitchen. They are suitable for both classical (usually muted greens, olive shades) and modern (the shade becomes more saturated, it is possible to use salad color) kitchen styles.
Yellow color will bring light and warmth into the room, energize it. This shade will be especially successful in a kitchen with insufficient lighting, as well as in rooms facing north. But on the southern sides, where the kitchens are quite hot, you can use blue models - they will complement the room with a feeling of coolness and lightness.
Red curtains look original and stylish, but it is better to use them on large or medium-sized windows. The hue should be soft and flashy, and more muffled, noble. For example, a burgundy or raspberry color will look great.
Red Roman curtains look good in minimalist interiors and in high-tech style, combined with smooth lacquered surfaces.
Black Roman curtains look no less spectacular. However, they are only suitable for kitchens with a lot of light: natural and artificial. A combination of black with white or pastel shades will help to avoid the feeling of gloom.
For kitchens in the spirit of Shabby chic, country, Provence and other rustic styles, Roman curtains with a pattern will be optimal - it can be a small floral or floral print. The image is located on a white or light background, and the picture itself should not be bright, but slightly muffled. It is recommended to supplement this accessory with wooden furniture, ceramic or clay dishes, natural or artificial potted plants.
If the owner does not like the drawings or those already on the walls, it is better to purchase light transparent options. Frameless models are acceptable.
For a kitchen or dining room in a modern style, a geometric print is suitable. A product with a contrasting edging will look no less impressive. It is worth noting an important point: the edging attracts attention, so there should be an ideal order in the window area.
In the Scandinavian style kitchen, classic frame models made of dense white matter will be appropriate. The advantage can be given to natural fabrics or synthetics stylized as such. Novelties (bamboo options) are appropriate in oriental interiors. In addition, they can be used for zoning the room.
Since Roman curtains have a concise design, they can look quite strict. The combination of products with tulle or fabric curtains with drapery will avoid this. However, this technique is not applicable for small windows, high-tech interiors and minimalism.
For the rest of modern and all classic interiors, a similar tandem will be advantageous. Roman and fabric curtains can be combined in color or combined according to the principle of contrast.
On narrow windows, the curtain can be "let go" only on one side, intercepting in the middle with a tape or other decorative element. The large window is decorated with fabric curtains in the traditional way. (on both sides). At the same time, it is desirable that their shade be lighter than the color of Roman curtains. You can combine Roman textiles with plain fabric.
A narrow kitchen can be expanded visually with horizontal stripes. If the goal is to visually raise the ceiling, then it makes sense to choose a product with a vertical strip. Create the effect of a spacious room allows the selection of curtains in tone to the walls of the kitchen.
Roman textiles with walls or furniture can be combined not only in color, but also in texture. It can repeat the wallpaper pattern or texture of the headset. A win-win option for visually enlarging the kitchen is the use of a translucent light shade of textile on the windows.
Comparison with roller blinds
By the principle of fastening and functioning, Roman curtains can be compared with roller blinds. but the latter are not collected when climbing with beautiful folds, but are wound into a roll. For this, the product is equipped with a special shaft. The shaft, in turn, hides in a protective box, and the wound fabric also hides there.
Thus, the different principle of operation of the curtains dictates differences in design features. Roller blinds are attached only to the sash of the window, while the Roman can be fixed to the sash and the standard curtain rail.
Rolled products can have a day and night system, for which two types of web are combined: dense (night) and light (day). You can use them together or separately.
Roman curtains do not have such a system.
Features of choice
The density of the fabric is usually selected taking into account the degree of illumination of the room. For kitchens facing the south, well-lit side, it is logical to purchase a dense product. If there is not enough sunlight in the kitchen, light, translucent options are preferred.
In advance, you should decide on the method of attachment. If there are wide window sills in the kitchen, then usually the fastening of the curtains to the window is chosen. Then the window sill can be used as a work surface. With external fastening to a standard cornice (this method is often preferred if you want to combine the Roman design with fabric textiles), the length of the product should overlap the window sill by 5-10 cm.
It is worth paying attention to the lifting mechanism. A simple stick option should be abandoned immediately, since the kitchen is not the place where it will last for a long time. You must ensure that the type of mechanism matches the density and weight of the curtain. Heavy matter cannot be lifted with a cord, and light matter cannot be lifted by a chain-rotor system.
You also need to decide what the design and functionality of the curtains should be. To create a strict classical interiors, as well as protection from intense sunlight, you should choose classic products from dense fabrics with guides and weighting materials. The product should fit snugly against the window, leaving no wrinkles.
For a more relaxed interior, as well as in the absence of the need for protection from the scorching sun and from prying eyes, you can choose frameless options.
It is important to consider the style of the interior, its color scheme. If you plan to combine Roman curtains with tulle, it is better to immediately select both textiles. Kitchen-living room, studio kitchen-dining room will look especially advantageous with such a combination. When choosing bamboo products, it is recommended that they be combined with windows, a door or a wooden suite.
How to fasten?
Window decoration with Roman curtains is carried out on a mini or standard curtain rod. In the first case, the fabric is located close to the window, which saves space and free up the window sill. Roman curtains are attached to a standard cornice if it is planned to combine them with other types of curtains.
In addition, when fixing the product on a standard curtain rod, it becomes possible to ventilate the room without raising the curtains.
There is an option to use masking tape instead of cornice. One part is attached to the window, the second to the upper part of the fabric. However, in the case of Roman curtains, this method of fastening is inconvenient. It is worth noting that the mount is possible on both plastic and wooden windows.
On the pros of Roman curtains, see the video below.