Blinds have been around for centuries, the Chinese made slatted blinds using strips of bamboo and Ancient Egyptians made their blinds using reeds. The origin of the true beginning of Venetian blinds is not known however most experts in the area believe the first model dates from around 1760. Earlier versions of Venetian blinds consisted of 2-inch wooden slats suspended using cloth ribbons. Used as an alternative to curtains for approximately 3 centuries, there have been many updates made to the style.
Ever growing popularity:
Increase in status for blinds occurred in both public buildings and homes. The RCA building, now known as the GE building in New York City, was the original commercial building in the US to make use of Venetian blinds in the 1930s when popularity reached its peak. In 1761 Venetian blinds were used to cover the windows of St. Peter’s Church in Philadelphia and illustrations of Independence Hall display the use of Venetian blinds.
The device, which is still used today to change angles of the slats, is credited to John Hamspon from New Orleans.
Changes and Uses:
1946 saw Hunter Douglas as the first company to construct light, aluminium Venetians while in the 1960’s the mini blind was developed. The mini blind featured 1 inch slats and was followed by half-inch micro blinds in the 1990’s. Today Venetian blinds made from timber or aluminium have proven to be of great aesthetic appeal and functionality when added to homes and businesses. There is the age old need for privacy whether it’s in your home or at work, people do not like to feel like others can see into their homes and places of work if they have items of value in view. In the evenings when you are in your lounge room, it is nice to be able to close your blinds and be sure no one on the outside is looking in. Depending on which way your windows or doors are facing there is generally the need to be able to control light from the sun, Venetian blinds are particularly useful in summer to block out direct sun and also the heat.
Purchasing online blinds is an ideal way to dress up your home or office. There is a great range of timber and aluminum Venetian blinds available in various colours and sizes. Adding these to your home or business is sure to add value as well as style making it hard to go wrong when you choose to use Venetian blinds.