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.

Wood Or Vinyl Blinds

The market for blinds have expanded past those traditional aluminum mini blinds the bend, break, and warp. Many homeowners are electing to install a 2 inch blind made of either wood or vinyl to add a more sophisticated touch to a room. Much cheaper than wooden shutters and able to allow in more light, these blinds combine function and design to produce a look that is sure to suit everyone’s needs. In years past, the purchase of these two inch blinds would literally break the bank, but fortunately, there are a great many options available for those on all sizes of budgets.


There are pros and cons for choosing either wood or vinyl. The main difference in the material of the blinds is the color and the price. Typically, wooden two inch blinds are a great deal more expensive than vinyl blinds, but are available in more colors. If you have stained wood trim and molding around your windows, consider continuing that color to your window treatments. A rich dark wooden blind or a refreshing honey hue wooden blind can make all the difference in the world when it comes to the look of your home. For a price, you can create a fantastic look that makes the difference between a ho-hum room and a spectacular room.


Keep in mind that wooden blinds tend to be lighter than the vinyl variety, so they may be the best choice for double or even triple windows to prevent bowing in the middle of the blind. Also, wood blinds—just like vinyl—can be custom cut to fit the exact specifications of your window. Vinyl blinds; however, are a great deal less expensive and easily be mistaken for the wooden variety. Especially if you choose a bright white or soft ivory for your shades, vinyl shades are probably your best bet if you are on a budget. Additionally, vinyl blinds tend to be easier to clean, since water can warp wood or cause the finish to bubble or crack.


If you are in the market for wood of vinyl blinds, consider visiting your local home supply warehouse. Quite often, the selection at these stores is surprising and the cost may be a great deal less than those purchased from special blind stores. Another alternative are catalogs and websites that sell blinds direct. Wholesale options are excellent for keeping your price at a minimum, but you must do the measuring and installation once the blinds have been shipped to your home. If budget is not a problem, then look to a special window treatment shop in your area, where professionals will come to your home and will complete the measuring process and the installation.