"Roman" curtains are graceful and practical, convenient fastening method and mechanism, ease of maintenance and modern appearance. In addition, any pattern can be applied to the curtains, including by order, which allows them to be turned into real works of art. Since their appearance in the early 20th century, curtains, called "Roman", immediately became popular, and over the years have not lost their relevance.
Mounting methods
One of the classifications is based on the method of attachment.
- Mini cornice. The curtain is attached directly to the window frame. Such a mount saves space, and is especially often used in small apartments, as well as in apartments decorated in a minimalist style. With this type of fastening, the window sill is not closed with a curtain, but remains free, and can be used as a desk, bench, shelf for books, flowers or in any other way.
- Classic mounting option. Large curtains are fixed on such a cornice (standard size is 1.5 x 1.8 meters). Mounted on the wall above the window. The lowered curtain adjoins the wall and takes up less space in the room than a traditional curtain.
- Complicated. For skylights or arched windows, a special design has been developed with a beveled or curved cornice. For this type of windows, the use of Roman blinds is an excellent decoration solution.
See more others options for attaching curtains to the cornice.
Types of mechanisms
Another classification is based on differences in the action of the mechanism that allows you to lower and raise the product. In accordance with this, the cornices are divided into:
- option with manual lifting mechanism,
- version with electric lift mechanism.
Usually this is how curtains with a cord lift are attached.
When decorating a window with a Roman blind, you need to imagine how convenient it will be to use it. And to assess this convenience, a classification based on the particular details of the lifting mechanism is suitable. In accordance with it, mechanisms are divided into the following types:
- Rope, it is also a cord lifting mechanism. This is the most practical and economical type. It is used in cases where the fabric from which the curtain is made is not too heavy. Very dense and heavy materials can damage the mechanism.
- Rotary chain the mechanism is based on rotating blocks and a dense cord, the structure is set in motion due to the movement of the chain. This allows the mechanism to be stopped in any position, respectively, the curtain can be fixed at any height, which is very convenient.
- Automatic the control system is the most convenient, but at the same time the least budgetary type. By pressing a button on the remote, you can open or close the curtain without getting up.
Design
Roman shades have many advantages over conventional shades, but only if you have correctly chosen the mechanism in accordance with your needs. And for the right choice, you need to have a good idea of how this mechanism works, and what parts it consists of.
Any cornice, regardless of the type of lifting mechanism, contains:
- profile (usually made of metal),
- plumb line for the canvas,
- lifting mechanism,
- pulling mechanism,
- additional elements (hooks, chains, Velcro - depending on what pulling and lifting mechanisms are used).
Various versions of Roman blinds can be additionally equipped with the following systems:
- An open lift with a chain mechanism that ensures tight winding of the curtain fabric on the shaft; fixation takes place using hooks on the sides and plastic hooks that are included in the package.
- Spring mechanism for lifting the curtain with open or closed guides, used for tilted windows, for example, in attics.
Selection recommendations
Due to the fact that the design of a Roman shade is seriously different from the usual version, it is necessary to take these differences into account when choosing fabrics for a curtain fabric, its width and height.
- It is not recommended to use curtains with a width of more than two and a half meters, since a mechanism of this length will not withstand constant loads and will quickly break.
- A too long canvas will have a lot of weight even if sufficiently light fabrics are used, therefore, in the double-height halls of your own houses, one cornice should not be used for two window openings - the length of the curtain cannot be more than 4.5 m!
- Very dense and heavy fabrics should be used only if the curtain rod has the required strength and reliability.
When decorating a window with a Roman blind, the main task is to choose the right cornice, and you need to select it depending on what kind of canvas will be used. Its strength should be such that it can withstand the weight of the lifting mechanism and the web, and still have some strength margin. Strength can be increased by using an additional attachment point installed in the middle of its length. This will distribute the load evenly and reduce sag.
Benefits
Let's look at the main differences between Roman blinds and conventional curtains to understand why they gained such popularity.
- The curtain can be mounted almost anywhere, even a very narrow one. They are suitable for the decoration of all types of windows - non-standard openings of any geometry, are convenient for windows in bay windows, and there is simply no alternative for dormer windows.
- Roman blinds in the interior will not only help to create a unique atmosphere, they are also able to provide complete blackout if you decide to arrange a home theater in the room, reliably protect the bedroom from the morning sunlight, and at the same time do not interfere with the access of daylight if you raise it them completely.
- The canvas can be made from any kind of fabric: organza, cotton, silk, wool, velvet, tapestry, velor. Synthetic fabrics are also used, and even foil products.
Where are Roman shades attached?
The standard task is to protect the room from ultraviolet radiation and privacy from ill-wishers. But if we are talking about Roman blinds, you can implement it by hanging them:
- On the sash... In this case, when the window is opened, the entire window opening, which this sash was covering, swings open.
- On the window frame... This means that you will not be able to open the sash if you do not fold the Roman blind.
- On the wall... In this case, the presence of a cornice is assumed. The entire opening is closed, including the slopes and the window sill.
- To the ceiling... Roman blinds are transformed into a decorative element, attached to the ceiling, and which can be drawn down to the floor.
Each type of mount has a number of features. There is nothing complicated, but basic knowledge and construction skills will be required.
Correct installation instructions
Whichever method is chosen, the main thing is to correctly and evenly mark the places of fasteners so that the Roman blinds hang vertically, perpendicular to the ceiling and floor. There is no unequivocal answer to the question of how Roman blinds are attached. The technology depends on the chosen method.
How to fix on self-tapping screws?
The technology involves screwing the structure directly to the ceiling or wall with self-tapping screws. The shutters are attached according to the step-by-step instructions:
- The guide is applied to the surface and marks are made where the fasteners are installed.
- Holes are drilled according to the marking. Moreover, their diameter should not be greater than the thread diameter of the self-tapping screw.
- The screws are screwed into the seats. In this case, you need someone to hold the curtain along the marking.
Installation instructions are also included. After completing the procedure, you need to check the lifting mechanism.
How to hang on the mounting brackets?
In this case, the algorithm of actions looks like this:
- The level defines the horizontal, on which the drilling sites are measured with a tape measure. To preserve the correctness of the geometric shapes, the strip is drawn parallel to the windowsill. The points for the holes are marked with a pencil, pen or marker.
- A drill with a drill drills holes for self-tapping screws. A feature of concrete structures is the use of a hammer drill and a drill with a victorious tip. It is important not to hit the fittings. Brick, wood and other less sturdy materials are drilled with a conventional tool.
- Self-tapping screws are screwed into the plastic dowels embedded in the holes, which are included in the kit for Roman blinds, which are attached using special brackets.
If there is no desire or opportunity to hammer the wall, make holes in it, you can refuse this technology and use other methods.
Mounting options without drilling
There are special brackets on sale that allow you to attach Roman shades directly to the window sash. And some models of Roman blinds are supplied with special Velcro.
Installation with universal fittings for opening sashes
In this case, they are attached like this:
- Marking is applied (on the sash and curtain guide).
- Universal mounts are installed.
- Magnets are attached to the shutter guide with glue.
- The whole structure is suspended by magnets.
The advantages of this method are the ease of dismantling for cleaning the curtains from dust and washing windows. The downside is the impossibility of mounting heavy, massive curtains.
An alternative to this method is the use of a construction stapler. In this case, the curtain is shot with staples directly to the sash. But this way they are attached only to wooden structures. The metal-plastic construction stapler will not penetrate.
How to hang a Velcro curtain?
To do this, you also need to first mark the attachment points. After that, the step-by-step procedure looks like this:
- One strip of Velcro, cut to fit the curtain, is attached to the surface of the wall, ceiling, frame or sash using a construction stapler.
- Another strip of textile Velcro is sewn to the Roman blinds. The main thing is that the stripes match. You can do this over the entire width of the strip.
- The curtains are attached by pressing two Velcro components.
The advantages of the method are the same - easy assembly and disassembly during the period of major cleaning in the room.
Step by step video
For convenience and clarity, a video was shot in which all the methods and methods of fastening were described in detail. It also tells about the features and points that require attention and accuracy.
How to assemble a Roman shade?
In any case, already assembled Roman blinds are attached. This means that before starting work on fasteners, you must do the following:
- Planks are installed, including the lower weight.
- Rings are sewn in places where the strips are installed.
- Above each row of rings, guide rings are attached to the kenriz bar.
- The threads are threaded through the rings, collected in one rope.
At the end, a stopper knot is knitted or a carabiner is installed. This is to prevent the rope from jumping out. The work must be done on a horizontal surface, as if the Roman shades have already been installed so that the threads have the required length.
Window decoration with a Roman curtain is most often used in cases where it is impossible to hang ordinary curtains. And then the fastening of the cornice is carried out directly to the window opening along its outer side.
Fastening the eaves to the frame is best done with the help of special velcro, in which case you do not need additional tools and materials. Thus, we see that the Roman blind is the most versatile option for decorating any type of window in any interior. They can not only become a decoration of the room, but also increase the functionality of the use of windows and the surrounding space.