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Why Linen Roman Shades Are The Perfect Pick For My Thrifted Home
By Rachel
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From blah to beautiful! Come see my living room window transformation and find out why linen roman shades are the perfect pick for my thrifted home.
I’ve lived in my current home now for just over eleven years. And, since moving in on day one, I’ve despised the brown wood blinds on the windows in my living room. Every single year since, they’ve gotten dirtier, dustier, and more worn out. I’ve wanted to throw them away more times than I can count yet other things have taken priority over replacing them. I think many of you can relate to that scenario! However, this all changed when a surprising email arrived in my inbox. You are not going to want to miss this transformation. Join me below to see it and learn why linen roman shades are the perfect pick for my thrifted home!
Finding the Missing Piece: Why My Space Needed Custom Roman Shades
The problem with the old blinds that over-stayed their welcome is that they simply lacked personality! You can buy those types of blinds off the shelf from any home improvement store on any day of the week.
And, truly, my home is anything but off the shelf! It’s filled with vintage and thrifted finds that I’ve sourced over the past ten years…so any ol’ blind just won’t do.
This is exactly why I’ve wanted linen roman shades in this space for literal years. I knew even before I had them that they would instantly change the whole look and feel of my small living room.
Well, my new curtain dream came true when UniCurt reached out to me, offering gifted shades in replace of an honest take on their product. I didn’t hesitate more than two seconds…done, sold!
So, grab something nice to drink and join me for an epic window transformation plus a discount code just for you, my dear reader!
*Affiliate Disclaimer: These roman shades were kindly gifted to me by UniCurt. All photos, thoughts, and ideas are my own.*
Why Linen Roman Shades Are The Perfect Pick For My Thrifted Home
You guys…I’m IN LOVE with how my living room looks. I mean…it looked good as it was but, always in the back of my mind, I knew it was the windows that were lacking character to tie in with the rest of the space. My new shades were definitely the missing piece!
But let’s rewind for a minute. As a reminder, or in case you are new here (welcome if you are!), here’s what the windows looked like before. These blinds were here even before we moved in, so who knows how old they actually were.
Insider Secret: In just about every single blog photo I’ve taken in this area, I had to edit out the stupid pull cords because they were ugly and in the way every time!

UniCurt: The Sponsor of This Project + A Reader Discount
As stated above, UniCurt is the sponsor of this blog post.
UniCurt is an online store specializing in custom home textiles such as curtains, shades, rugs, and pillow covers. Their mission is simple: to infuse creativity into every space while making personalized design accessible to everyone.
Shop the UniCurt website to browse their incredible selection of shades and custom fabrics for any space in your home. When you are ready to order, you can use my code Rachel25 for 25% off your order (excluding swatches).

Choosing Fabric Roman Shades That Fit A Vintage-Inspired Home
Let’s get into the details and some of the specifics and tell you why I chose what I did.
Why Linen Roman Shades Felt Like the Natural Choice
When considering all the options for roman shade fabrics, the overall aesthetic I wanted to achieve was ‘timeless’. I didn’t want to be tired of a pattern or specific color of shade in a year or two. Linen simply felt like the most natural way to go because, just like vintage decor, linen fabric is timeless!
The texture and warmth of linen fabric pairs beautifully with all of the thrifted vintage furniture and accessories that I’ve sourced over the years. Linen nestles right in like it was supposed to be here all along!

Blackout Roman Shades vs. Light-Filtering
Since my shades were going on the back windows in my living room, the practical decision was to go with blackout shades for privacy. We live on a fairly busy street with a lot of car and foot traffic, so that made the most sense for my space.
I do love a good light-filtering shade but that would be better on a small kitchen window or something like that where privacy isn’t as important.

The Shade Details
I chose the Arabella Light Linen Roman Shade in the color Natural Linen. I loved the look and texture of this hue with it’s ability to blend effortlessly with my vintage aesthetic. And, I know it’s a color that I won’t ever get sick of!
Other specs include:
- inside mount
- cordless
- natural beige lining for the blackout effect

The Selection Process-Custom, Cordless Roman Shades for Windows That Aren’t ‘Standard’
When I buy anything online, the whole process from start to finish has to be easy and low-stress (or I’ll bounce), especially when it comes to something as specific as curtains!
I mean it when I say ordering these curtains was so simple. Just be sure to triple-check your measurements and follow the instructions in the online order form.
Another win with these shades is that there is an option for cordless shades…WHAT??! Say no more!! I was so tired of dealing with the cords on my old blinds! I cannot tell you enough how sleek my new roman shades look without a cord! It’s literally amazing. If you can go cordless, do it. It’s a practical and aesthetic win, especially if you have kids and pets (for safety reasons).

Styling The Living Room Around My New Shades
Honestly, I’ve never loved a room transformation more! These new roman shades are now part of the room and have become yet another layer of personality in this mostly thrifted space.
Yes it’s true I love a good, thrifty bargain. But, in this case, the new linen fabric complements all of the old pieces that exist in the room, making everything feel cohesive, balanced, and styled with intention.

Truly, the shades finally completed my vintage-style living room! I feel such a sense of relief and gratitude for how the space feels totally finished, in the best way possible.
My old blinds were clunky, dusty, dirty, and just completely not the vibe.
Now, with the fabric shades, the vibe is: effortless, soothing, calm, serene, put-together, and minimal; all adjectives that describe how I want my home to feel.
And, I can style any vignette or seasonal display on the credenza now with ultimate ease, which makes me so happy!

Finally, I love how durable the shades are! To get the most bang for my buck, I’ll choose quality over fast-furnishings any day, and I can already tell that they are going to last for many, many years.
And, truly, that’s the most sustainable way to shop for anything home related. When you buy the quality thing, it outlasts the quick, cheap fix, which is much better for the environment because you aren’t constantly buying, throwing away, and re-buying!

Get The Custom Look In Your Own Home
I don’t promote any brands on the blog that I don’t 100% believe in. If you (or someone you know) are in the market for some new shades, a custom rug, or throw pillows, UniCurt is the real deal.
I’m obsessed with my new shades and I truly, truly know you will love them, too!
Again, visit their website for all of their products and use my code Rachel25 for 25% off your order.
Every purchase made using the discount code supports my blog and helps me to continue writing weekly content. Thank you so much!!

Closing Tidbits on Why Linen Roman Shades Are The Perfect Pick For My Thrifted Home
I sincerely hope you loved seeing my living room window transformation and how these new shades literally changed the entire look of the space!
Here at The Antiqued Journey, the mission always holds steady: finding beauty and intention on a budget-whether thrifted or custom. With a little patience and some mindful creativity, this mindset of decorating is approachable and doable!
Be encouraged to have a vision for what can be, while still keeping your feet firmly in the present.

Leave me a comment! Would you consider custom Roman shades for your home? Would you go with a pattern or solid? I love hearing from you!
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If you are new here, I’m Rachel, the writer and content creator here at The Antiqued Journey. I’m so happy to have you! I encourage you to stop by the ‘about me’ page to get to know me a little more.
Here on the blog, you will find loads of inspiration for decorating with vintage and antique decor, simple DIY crafts and many thrifting adventures. If that interests you, I invite you to sign up for my e-mail. You will receive a free digital download as a thank you!
FAQ’s on UniCurt Shades for Your Home
Are Roman shades good for privacy and light control?
Yes, but it depends on the fabric and lining. Light linen fabrics filter light softly, while a blackout or room-darkening lining blocks light more fully, which is ideal for bedrooms or back windows.
Are cordless Roman shades safe for homes with kids or pets?
Yes! Cordless lift systems remove the safety risk of dangling cords, making them a smart choice for families with children or curious pets, while still giving you the same clean, layered look.
What’s the difference between Roman shades and roller or cellular shades?
Roman shades are fabric-based and fold into soft, even stacks when raised, giving them a more decorative, textile-forward look while roller and cellular shades tend to have a flatter, more minimal profile.
Do linen Roman shades work in a vintage or thrifted-style home?
Yes! Linen’s natural texture and warmth pair beautifully with vintage and antique pieces, adding a lived-in, layered feel rather than a stiff, “new” look.
How do I measure for custom, inside-mount Roman shades?
Inside-mount shades are measured to fit within the window frame, with a small deduction (often around 3/8″) from the exact window width to allow the shade to move freely — this is why your ordered width won’t match your window’s raw measurement.
Are Roman shades a good choice for large or oddly-sized windows?
Yes! Custom Roman shades can be made to fit non-standard window sizes precisely, which is one of the biggest advantages over ready-made shades.
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