Soft Roman blinds omit the stiff horizontal rods used in a classic Roman, so the fabric falls into gentle, rounded folds the full width of the blind. The result is a softer, more relaxed surface that still reads as tailored — distinct from the single curved hem of a relaxed Roman blinds and quite different from the crisp flat folds of a classic. They create a calm, welcoming feel and are especially popular in living spaces and bedrooms where a softer aesthetic suits the room better than a structured blind.
At Hay Interiors we make soft Romans in our Nedlands workroom from quality curtain fabrics that drape beautifully, letting the fabric express its natural movement while still controlling light and privacy. Because we use real curtain fabrics — not roller-blind material — the folds fall softly and hold their shape well over time.
Annie frequently suggests soft Romans for clients who love the idea of a Roman blind but want a gentler aesthetic than the crisp classic fold. The style suits:
Linens, cottons, textured weaves and lighter velvets all drape softly into lovely folds. Heavier or structured fabrics tend to suit the classic Roman better — Annie advises on suitability during your consultation.
The soft Roman sits between the classic and the relaxed in terms of character. A classic Roman is structured and architectural — the horizontal rods keep it precise and flat. A Relaxed Roman Blinds has one distinctive curved swag at the hem from side-only cording, while the body of the blind is relatively flat. The soft Roman has no rods at all, so the whole blind falls in gentle, continuous rounded folds from top to bottom — an all-over softness rather than a single feature. In the right room with the right fabric, it’s one of the most beautiful of all the Roman styles. Annie will show you all three and explain which suits your specific windows.
Light-filtering or blockout linings can be added to a soft Roman without affecting its gentle appearance — making it as practical as it is beautiful. With a blockout lining it suits bedrooms perfectly; with light-filtering it works well in living areas where you want warmth and softness alongside useful privacy. The style also works well in motorised versions, and coordinates naturally with sheer curtains and blockout curtains as part of a layered window scheme. Because everything is made in our workroom, fabric and lining choices are wide, and Annie guides you through what will look and perform best for each window.
The best way to begin is to visit our showroom in Nedlands. You can explore hundreds of fabric, see finished examples, and often watch work happening in the attached workroom. Annie or a member of the team is always happy to talk through possibilities and answer questions.
Alternatively, we can arrange an in-home consultation at a time that suits you. This has the advantage of enabling us to consider your actual windows and provide advice on the best window dressings for your space.
Either way, you will receive honest, expert guidance focused entirely on what is right for your windows and your home.
We look forward to helping you create window furnishings you will love for many years to come.
A classic Roman uses horizontal rods in the back to create crisp, flat folds. A soft Roman leaves them out so the fabric falls in gentle, rounded folds the full width of the blind — a warmer, less structured look that suits relaxed and contemporary interiors.
Yes. With the right lining — light-filtering or blockout — a soft Roman gives the same light control as other Roman styles, just with a softer appearance. Annie advises on the right lining for each room.
Linens, cottons, textured weaves and lighter velvets drape beautifully into soft folds. Heavier or stiffer fabrics tend to suit the classic Roman better. Annie assesses fabric suitability as part of your consultation.
