A Guide to European/ Relaxed Roman Blinds & Window Shades

 

Roman blinds are versatile window treatments that cater to a variety of tastes through varied fold styles - some unadorned and refined, others elaborate and decorative. While the straight edges of flat/plain roman shades have their fans in ‘clean line’ enthusiasts, European-style scalloped blinds, rightly also called ‘relaxed’ blinds, slake maximalists’ love for soft details and lavish embellishments. Almost a cross between the dramatic swag valances of period homes and the modern box-shaped roman shades, The White Window’s relaxed/European roman blinds are a work of art besides being excellent window dressings.  Bespoke Roman Blinds

Speaking to the curvy details of softer decor styles, the extravagance of maximalist homes and the laidback aesthetics of casual spaces, relaxed roman shades tread a different path than the flat/plain shades to make it to a different destination. If you are in the phase of evaluating the prospects of relaxed roman blinds dressing your windows, here’s everything you may want to know about this style.

What are European/Relaxed Roman Blinds?

The relaxed or European roman blinds are blinds with a clean, flat frontage and a scalloped bottom. By a clean frontage, we mean that there are no ribs or hemlines on the front, rather it’s a continuous flow of fabric uninterrupted by any structural features. The key element of visual interest lies in its delicate scalloped - not straight - folds which look gentle and decorative. This softening detail builds further on the vibe of the room - on a luxurious fabric like silk, the opulence is emphasised whereas on a homely fabric like linen, the casual aspect is underscored.

The signature swag at the bottom is not a tailored feature secured with stitches but an organic element that forms on its own as the blind is raised upward. You will receive a flawlessly straight roman blind complete with a bottom weight bar, but when the blind is installed and operated, the fabric caves in at the centre and thus, the stylish swag-like bottom is formed. When folded down fully, the relaxed shade looks like a regular, flat shade.

In case you want to know how this transformation happens - the credit goes to the fact that the relaxed roman blinds are constructed without a ‘slatted’ framework. While the plain fold and flat fold roman shades are sewn with slats behind them, thereby offering a stringent structure on which to bend and form their straight folds, European roman blinds are constructed without slats. As a result, the weight of the fabric - as the shade rolls up - causes it to cave in the middle, each successive fold going a tad further to enhance the swag than the preceding one.

While the absence of slats contributes to its swoon-worthy delicacy, lacking a stern framework, some relaxed blinds do not immediately form crisp folds out of the box. So, for the first few days after mounting the blinds, you may have to arrange the folds manually when you operate the shade. Over time, your relaxed shade will begin to ‘remember’ the fold lines, making the task less time-consuming each successive time until the day comes when the fabric begins to perfectly retain its ‘memory folds’.

This ‘training and setting period’ sometimes becomes the reason for clients to view the relaxed style from a decorative perspective and use it as stationary shades fixed in a semi-open level. Also, they are preferred for less-operated windows where the shades can be left partially open for a longer time or permanently without any inconvenience. We will elaborate on this further below.

When Should Relaxed Roman Blinds Be Your Top Consideration?

Relaxed roman shades imbibe the beauty of rippling drapes within the minimalistic structure of roman blinds. That makes them a topline choice for those who want the best of both worlds - the functionality of blinds as well as the softness of curtains. When drawn up to let in light, they act as pretty scalloped valances that adorn the top of the window. Hence, they are preferred in all decor styles, settings, and rooms where their gentle elegance and decorative presence prove an asset, such as -

AS DECORATIVE STATIONARY BLINDS: If you’re looking for roman blinds with the primary intention of adding softness or grandeur, and not for frequent operation, European roman blinds should be your top choice. When kept stationary, relaxed blinds decorate the window trims like scalloped valances that have a more pronounced presence. Flanked by drapes, they offer a multi-layered decadent beauty fitting for elaborately decorated spaces.

IN TRADITIONAL MAXIMALIST DECOR STYLES: Relaxed blinds are an instant fit to traditional maximalist decor styles for two reasons. Their signature swags give a nod to the curvy motifs and ornate details of the fireplace mantle filigrees, crochet doilies and chinoiserie vases. Further, since multi-layering is key in these extravagant decor styles, relaxed shades are primarily used as decorative stationary shades and overtreated with elaborate drapes that take up the role of the more functional and frequently operated layer.

IN FEMININE DECOR STYLES: Relaxed blinds find a fitting stage to give their best performance in girls' rooms and feminine decor styles. These scalloped beauties join hands with all the soft textiles, curvy details and dainty elements often found in these cosy feminal spaces. They bank on the soft finish and sumptuous curves of these blinds to build on the feminine theme and when dressed in lighthearted pastels or lovely vintage florals, they are spot-on.

IN ULTRA-FORMAL ROOMS: If you’d go an extra mile to accentuate the dreamy appeal of a guest bedroom or the luxe charm of a formal living room, relaxed roman blinds are for you. Compared to the minimalistic structured flat/plain folds, relaxed blinds’ scalloped structure offers a decorative component and almost the same royal elegance as of swag valances and ornate cornices. Besides, it is in these rooms where frequent operation is not expected that you can install relaxed shades carefree as arranging their folds back to order will not have to become a routine task but a rare occasion.

WITH PLAIN FABRICS: The relaxed style renders its optimal elegance on plain fabrics on which their beautifully curved folds become the highlight feature in themselves. Be it texturous or lustrous, the fabric gets to flaunt its unique traits on the scalloped contours of the swag. As the folds rise and dip, the fabric’s colours and finish get deepened and more pronounced. Bring them on a homely cotton and their casual elegance is enhanced; or on a resplendent silk or plush velvet and their formal looks develop a regal edge apt for an ultra-formal room.

AS SHEER BLINDS: The combination of relaxed roman shades and sheer fabrics is an overdose of soft elegance that both homeowners and designers love to imbibe into certain spaces such as a bohemian living room, country dining room, traditional-style nursery or a femme fatale girls’ room. The gentle beauty of light softly filtering through the diaphanous fabric accentuated by the delicate curved folds at the bottom is the epitome of dreamy charm that these homes and spaces strive to achieve with meticulous care.

When Should the Relaxed Style Be Given a Second Thought?

The relaxed style is the least structured - and yet the most decorative - of roman blinds that we offer at The White Window. While that makes it suitable to some aesthetic sensibilities, to certain others, it may feel out of rhyme. So, it may be worth pouring in some more thought into the style before you finalise it if you are considering it for these places or situations -

FREQUENTLY OPERATED BLINDS: During the first few weeks after installation, some European roman blinds need to be ‘trained’ manually to form their folds. So if you’re looking for a shade that cascades up and down in neat crisp folds from day one, or is operated quite frequently, you may have to pause and reconsider relaxed roman blinds.

But, if you’re that decor enthusiast who loves to spend a moment or so chopping your throw pillows to the right degree each day, this little exercise will pass as one meaningful room-stylizing moment. And, over time, the fabric will attain the ‘memory’ of its creases, thereby requiring no manual assistance to form its folds flawlessly.  Roman Shades UK

Alternatively, plan to position your relaxed shade within the window’s recess and mount curtains as an overtreatment so that your relaxed shades serve as a stationary, decorative feature and the curtains can take up the more functional role of providing privacy and light control.

MASCULINE SPACES: In masculine design styles that lean towards raw finishes, straight lines, and non-frilly details, the soft swags of the European roman blinds may look slightly out of place. Our flat fold or plain fold roman blinds are better suited to carry forward the straight-lined theme of masculine design styles.

SMALL-SIZED/ LIGHTWEIGHT BLINDS: The weight of the fabric, its pliability, and the size of the shade are the key factors that dictate how deep a swag your shade will form.  A small-sized shade - especially if made from a very lightweight fabric - will not have the necessary weight and span to form a swag. Similarly, if the fabric chosen is a bit on the stiffer side, it may not ‘cave in’ and may only form a very gentle dip. Therefore, we do not recommend relaxed roman shades to be used for small windows with widths narrower than 75 cm, and advise choosing soft, pliable fabrics.