The History of Roman Blinds

Blinds in their most basic form date back to the earliest desert-dwelling peoples who used wet rags to protect their dwellings from heat and excessive light. Later, the ancient Egyptians created “blackout curtains” by tying many reeds together. In ancient China, people did the same using bamboo. It was the ancient Romans who first used strips of cloth to cover their windows. They used these cloths to protect their homes from the hot Mediterranean sun and over time, the cloths evolved into more ornate curtains and blinds. Specifically, the Romans engineered a way of rolling fabric onto itself, creating an early version of what we know today as “Roman blinds.” Modern Roman blinds or Roman shades are made from fabric or woven natural materials like bamboo and can be raised and lowered using either a rolling or folding system. Some use cords, while newer versions typically use more sophisticated cordless mechanisms. Some can even be adjusted using a remote or smartphone app. Roman blinds are typically available in a wide range of colors and patterns and are popular all around the world today.