Venetian Blinds

There are many different kinds of blinds. Although they do the same work and operate basically in a similar way, the materials and styles used in their manufacture give each type a distinct look and purpose. 

Blinds offer freedom in design and functionality. They can be manually operated or motorised for convenience.

About Venetian Blinds

The versatility and convenience of these small-slatted blinds are probably the foremost reason why Venetian Blinds remained in fashion throughout the years. Great variations in style and modernisation can be achieved through the materials and finishes in use today.

Shutters are great for protecting privacy and adjusting the natural light in a room. In addition, Venetian blinds retain their popularity because they are easily adjustable. They allow homeowners to choose the levels of natural light, the size of the outside view preferred, and the limits of privacy desired. 

Venetian Blinds are usually made and installed with matching cords, tapes, heads, and bottom rails. However, a style-change can be requested if they are custom-made. They come in standard sizes or can be custom-made to fit, especially for unusual window shapes or sizes.

Types of Venetian Blinds

Wooden Venetian Blinds

Wood is the oldest type of material used in the manufacture of Venetian blinds, and this timeless, classic beauty is still in vogue today. Wooden Venetian blinds endow any room with a feeling of comfort and warmth. 

Unpainted wooden blinds are treated with a UV protective coating which makes the natural wood more durable and lasting, with very little to no maintenance. They are easy to dust and clean.

They can be manufactured from many different kinds of wood, from softwood cedar to hardwood Poplar.  The criteria for responsible manufacturers of timber Venetian blinds take into account local availability, scarcity, re-forestation measures, and more. 

Bamboo Blinds

Climate-aware manufacturers are now also using fast-growing bamboo for the manufacture of Venetian blinds as a more sustainable, natural, eco-friendly option.  It brings nature indoors and enhances a calm relaxing experience in the knowledge that it contributes to saving our planet’s resources. 

White Venetian Blinds

Imagine the pristine, minimalist ambience of a monochrome colour scheme, with white Venetian blinds complimenting the style and atmosphere of a formal lounge or office. The addition of a few vibrant green and neatly trimmed indoor plants may create a more relaxed atmosphere, while not detracting from the formality.

PVC Venetian Blinds

Modern manufacturing makes materials such as PVC available for extremely durable shutters for outside use and Venetian blinds for the interior. Finishes of this type of shutter can be adapted to resemble almost anything, from wood to fabrics. It can be colourfully or demurely painted to suit many different styles and tastes.

PVC Venetian blinds are moisture-resistant and therefore ideal for frequently damp places such as bathrooms, kitchens, laundries, and indoor pools. It is a practical substitute for wood, although it weighs a little more. 

PVC Venetian blinds are usually recommended for rooms with heavy use, and for families who have pets and children. They do not need maintenance and are easy to clean.

Faux Wood Venetian Blinds

As the name suggests, this kind of material, made from polystyrene or a wood core covered with a high-tech polymer, only looks like wood. It is a practical substitute for those who prefer the ageless classical visual beauty of the real thing, but need damp-resistant blinds. 

It is moisture-resistant, and will not splinter, peel or fade. Faux Wood Venetian Blinds are lightweight, easy to pull up or let down, and easy to clean.

Aluminium Venetian Blinds

This type of blind comes in a wide range of colours and finishes. They are modern and fashionable and can be suitably matched with many architectural and decor styles. Aluminium Venetian Blinds are easily cleaned by wiping with a damp cloth.

In hot climates, they can be used to deflect the heat through backward adjustment of the slats, rather than absorb the heat of the day. They can also reflect light into the interior by forward adjustment, or deflect direct light outwards by backward adjustment. 

The latter would protect interior fabrics and furniture from the glare of sharp sunlight. Due to the thin sharp edges of Aluminium Venetian Blinds, this type of blind is not recommended for people with pets or small children.

Vertical Venetian Blinds

These are made from the same materials as the blinds described above. They can be used to visually create the impression of height in a low-ceilinged room or create a perception of taller windows.

Vertical Blinds were originally designed for office interiors but have graduated to the domestic market by public choice. They are ideal for glass sliding door coverings as they slide from side to side rather than up and down. Their vertical surfaces also gather less dust than normal horizontal blinds.

Care and Cleaning Tips

The different types of Venetian Blinds share a few basic cleaning procedures. They should be dusted regularly, wiped down occasionally, and spot cleaned as needed. Work from the centres towards the ends of the slats when cleaning to avoid dust or dirt build-up at the cords.

Wooden, Bamboo and Faux Wood Venetian Blinds

Shutters should be dusted once a week with a feather duster, soft cloth, or soft vacuum brush over the top as well as the bottom parts of each slat. Water can warp or discolour wood. Never allow wooden blinds to be soaking wet. 

A soft cloth, dampened in equal parts vinegar and hot water, with a generous few spoons of lemon oil, can be used once every 6 months to wipe all dust and dirt off and refresh the finish. The cloth must be well wrung out. Follow this with a clean dry cloth, and leave the shutters open to thoroughly air dry.

Aluminium and PVC Blinds

Dust these blinds once a week with a soft cloth or feather duster. Spots or any other dirt can be wiped off and sterilised at the same time. Wipe the blinds with a cloth dipped in a solution of equal parts water and vinegar, followed by a dry wipe. These types of shutters may be washed with a sponge or soft cloth, soap, and hot water during an annual spring clean.

At ArchiPro we are ready to guide and assist you in making an informed decision. Contact us or simply click on the manufacturer’s link for the specific product you’re after.