Calling all roman blind experts, Help!

[Astressie]

I am looking for a less structured/ more floppy/ casual look roman blind. I have found a beautiful (not too expensive) grey/ cream linen and want it lined with black out lining. Something like (I've just found out is called) a 'relaxed' style Roman blind but without the dip in the middle and not flouncy. Any ideas how to create the look I'm after. e.g. perhaps it requires no dowel rods, bigger pleats...... I'm driving myself nuts trying to find the answer on Google!!!

Sounds like you'd need a soft roller Roman. Contact your nearest blind specialist- they should be able to sort you out.

thank you - madly googling 'soft roller roman'!

not sure it's what I'm after. Including a picture- should have done this originally!

That picture looks like a regular roman blind to me? There are definitely dowels in that one.

That picture looks like my normal roman blinds. I think it is the material giving it a slightly more droopy look.

All my blinds were done by Hillary's. I had lovely Laura Ashley linen material and they had them made up for me.

It just hasn't got any rods or seams in.(some have seems accross the lining on the back to encourage the folds -or even the front 🤨).
The only issue is blackout lining can be a bit stiffer so it may not fall as softly as this. Also your choice of front fabric will make a huge difference;what were you thinking of?
The blind will still be made in the same way but if it's an extremely wide window where there are usually more than two cords suspending the blind you will need to be careful about the window width and weight of blackout plus face fabric.

OK- perhaps these picture that shows what I don't want make it clearer.
Sorry to bang on but I DH really won't want to pay loads of money for something I will be forever moaning about dissatisfied with!😆

Sorry I missed your messages.

GlamGiraffe I can see you know your roman blinds. I agree I am concerned about the blackout lining.

Links to the material and black out lining below. Will there be gentle folds- what do you think?
<a class="break-all" href="https://www.linenfabrics.co.uk/linen-fabric-curtain-fabrics/bianco-natural?catid=141www.linenfabrics.co.uk/blackout-lining" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.linenfabrics.co.uk/linen-fabric-curtain-fabrics/bianco-natural?catid=141www.linenfabrics.co.uk/blackout-lining
Thank you in anticipation.

Glamgiraffe- do you make blinds too?

I think the fabric will be perfect for those less structured folds but I don't think blackout lining will work - it's almost rubbery on the back so it will always be quite stiff.

Your last picture is of London blinds. Is that what you want?

Sorry, just saw that is what you don't want!
People make blinds in different ways. The ones you like have no stiffeners at the folds (some do) the pleats are unpressed, the pleats are on the larger side. They are not " waterfalled" and they don't have blackout lining.
I always use blackout lining because I am going for a smart, stiff finish with my blinds.
I think the " look" you crave is due to the fabric composition of those blinds. If I were to try and emulate it I would use heavy weight linen with a lighter lining, fine rods and no rod on the leading edge.
No chance unless you go to an independent curtain maker with a bit of time on her/his hands and an interest in getting it right.

Sorry for late response. No don't make them but do some design stuff (and recently bought a house with 29 windows too!!)
I can't open the link to the lining, the face fabric looks fine. It will hang differently to it's natural style if you put blackout on. You'll alter it's character I believe. Might you consider a blackout roller and these in front?
I do completely echo @7to25 you need a small independent eccperienced curtainmaker who knows all the styles and can make anything. Even big stores only make whats in fashion. Unbelievably John Lewis didnt know how to make traditional style swags and tails. The lady i use will make absolutely anything if we draw and describe it. You need to ask for recommendations. Often an independent curtain track-shop might know people. Other than that its just ask everyone you can.

Thank you for all your responses. Really helpful. I have in fact contacted a small independent curtain maker today and they were more patient with me open to suggestions than the online retailer I spoke to yesterday. In fact, GlamGiraffe's suggestion was something I'd also thought about and they advised too: to forgo blackout lining and have blackout roller blinds instead with the roman blinds. This may help to keep the look of the fabric. hopefully, after the chat I had with the company and the long e-mail I sent , they will get back to me as promised.
I agree with 7to25 that I may need a heavier fabric, but that will mean another decision-Oh no😫 but do I really need rods & lining?- wanted to keep it a bit rustic unstructured e.g French country house.
Also, what is the 'leading edge' 7to25? Thanks again all. Do appreciate any advice.

The leading edge is the one that moves..... so on a curtain the vertical bit you hold to close; with Roman blinds it is the bottom horizontal edge.
Good luck with the project.