A Brief Guide to Getting the Best Venetian Blinds for your Home

There are said to be no ‘cheats’ or quick fixes when it comes to decor, but Venetian blinds might be an exception. For many homes and offices across the world, these blinds are a de facto choice that architects insist upon as an essential. They’re fashionable, effective at controlling heat and light, and affordable.

While ‘Venetian’ marks this blinds’ provenance as Venice, they are in fact from Persia, and have been used for over 3 centuries. Similar window decor was used by the Ancient Egyptians (who used reeds), and the Chinese (who worked with bamboo strips), making this a timeless style.

Materials

Your choice of materials (timber, or natural materials) is based on heat and energy efficiency. Timber can hold heat well, and look great. It also looks good from the outside when closed. The most affordable, Aluminium, is praised for its shape which makes it lightweight and blinds to work with, but the thin metallic texture allows it to transfer heat too easily. Aluminum blinds thus make it hot in summer and cold in winter – not exactly energy efficient.

PVC has the same problem, even though it might be better than aluminum. Wooden blinds therefore lead in this category – a little bit of an investment will definitely influence your heating and cooling bills.

Your choice of materials (timber, or natural materials) is based on heat and energy efficiency. Timber can hold heat well, and look great. It also looks good from the outside when closed.

Aluminium is praised for its shape which makes it lightweight and easy to work with, but the

thin metallic texture allows it to transfer heat too easily. Aluminum blinds thus make it hot in summer and cold in winter – not exactly energy efficient. PVC has the same problem, even though it might be better than aluminum. Wooden blinds therefore lead in this category – a little bit of an investment will definitely influence your heating and cooling bills. Known maker of Venetian Blinds, Shutters Australia has been a vocal supporter of the classical timber blinds style.

Slat sizes of Venetian blinds

It may seem that the different slat sizes for Venetian blinds are just an aesthetic preference, but different sized slates have their own uses. Smaller slats let in less light, as they use more slats. This means they’re letting in less light when closed. But, even when you open them, you’ll need to open them completely for a 100% clear view of the outside.

This makes them great for small window that use narrow window frames and windowsills. Most window blinds are in the ‘Medium category’ – usually about 2 inches per slat. For a house that has a minimal look, you can provide a contrast with slightly larger blinds. Many homeowners use multiple blinds on a single head rail, a customized solution that works no matter how big the window.

Colors

To make it easier, consider only two choices – white and ‘wood’ – the easiest, and most commonly used hues. Wood has a diverse range – from dark to a creamy shade, while white also includes off whites. You can choose to match, or contrast your current decor scheme with one of these two. White is also a lot neater and makes a home look brighter. White is cheerful and makes a room brighter, but also reveals dust easily. If you’re looking to go decor shopping for blinds and shutters, don’t forget the great sale going on at http://www.shuttersaustralia.com.au/.