Window Blinds: History And Types

Window blinds have so many different kinds of materials and colors. Today, their uses are for privacy, blocking the sunlight, and keeping heat from coming out during colder seasons.

There are records that the ancient people use window blinds too. Although they are different in terms of form, they basically have the same function.

People living in the desert use wet cloths to cover their windows. The wet cloths were used to cool off their houses and block sunlight from coming in. The ancient Egyptians and Chinese uses blinds to avoid from being seen from outside, thus giving a sense of privacy.

The Egyptians uses reeds strung together while the Chinese uses bamboos. However, bamboos are still being used as materials for making blinds. It is commonly seen in Asian countries.

It is said that the Venetian blinds came from Persia. Wherein, the traveling Venetian traders brought the blinds to Venice and Paris. Thus, these 2 countries were credited for as the inventors of the Venetian blinds.

During the 1950s, the Venetian blinds were made of 2 inches wide metal slats and were hang with fabric strips. The fabric strips are the ones that control the lowering, raising, and tilting of the metal slats.

These types of new blind were known to be noisy and offer less aesthetics to a room. Then in the 1980s, the metal slats were replaced with one inch wide vinyl slats. And because of the ease in manufacturing Vinyl slats, they became the standard choice of window blinds.

There are so many types of window blinds being manufactured today. Because of this, you can buy your window blinds according to the style of you home or office.

Bamboo Blinds
These blinds are made of bamboos and they are woven with rattan, reeds, and other natural grasses. It gives off a relaxing and inviting atmosphere to any room.

If your home or office is oriental themed, then choosing bamboo blinds is the best way to go. Bamboo blinds are easy to install, very durable, and eco-friendly.

Bali Blinds
These type of blinds totally blocks off any light coming in from any room. They are good energy savers because they reduce heat during hot season and insulate a room during cold season.

Roller Blinds
It is one of the most stable and efficient blinds out in the market. Roller blinds can be customized to fit any window size. They are also the most common type of blinds installed in homes and offices.

They come in various fabric choices like mesh fabrics, cotton, and polyester. This allows you to choose the color and fabric you want. Roller blinds are easy to assemble and install, easy to clean, and accumulates very little dust.

Wood Blinds
This type of blinds is crack resistant. Most manufacturers use hard wood. This blind have a wide range of finishes giving off a rich, warm, and inviting atmosphere. It also makes your space feel alluring and cozy.

Mini Blinds
They are also known as Venetian blinds. This type of blinds is a practical choice for homes because they offer the same functions as what other blinds offers but at a low cost. Mini blinds are durable and easy to install.

Mini blind slats are made of PVC or aluminum. Because of these materials, there is a wide variety of choices when it comes to colors giving you more choices to choose from.

Vinyl Blinds
Vinyl blinds are less expensive so they are popular. They are water and moisture resistant. Although they come in various colors, they cannot be used in larger rooms because of their constant size.

Vinyl blinds are not the most elegant blinds in the world. So, styling your house with these kinds of blinds is nearly impossible. They are best used in humid and wet areas of your house.

Vertical Blinds
This type of blinds is less likely to damage from strong winds. They are energy efficient and good insulators. Some vertical blinds are motorized. There are even automated blinds that adjust itself according to the time of the day.

Vertical blinds are less expensive and they are very trendy. They have minimal dust build up and come in many different materials, style, fabric, and color.

When you choose window blinds for your home and office, keep in mind the theme of your house, office, and you budget. Choose the materials of the blinds wisely.