Decorate Your Windows With Stylish Venetian Blinds

By: Dave Matthews

First patented in 1841 and still in use over one hundred and sixty years later, Venetian blinds are one of the most popular types of blind due to its versatility and practicality. Origins of the Venetian blind date as far back as the Ancient Egyptians, who used to tie reeds together to use as window covering and the Chinese used bamboo for the same purposes. Legend tells us that the Venetians brought the idea for the blind back from trade expeditions in Persia during the 11th to 15th centuries. Later, in the 17th Century, freed Venetian slaves who settled in France introduced the blinds there, where they were called, ÒLes PersienesÓ. John Hampson of New Orleans innovated a device to change the angle of the slat in Venetian blinds that is still in use today.

Venetian blinds are a popular choice because they are stylish and practical and can be used in any room thanks to their versatility. If you are looking for a Venetian blind in your kitchen, there are a few simple points to bear in mind before opening your wallet. If your kitchen tends to get steamy while cooking, wooden blinds arenÕt recommended but you can create a wooden look with wood effect Venetian blinds, which are ideal for coordinating with a traditional wooden kitchen floor. Another point to remember Ð modern houses are often built so the kitchen gets lots of sunlight, this is something to consider when purchasing your blinds. Avoid heavy fabrics when looking for kitchen blinds, these fabrics absorb kitchen smells and moisture far more easily than light fabrics Ð you donÕt want a blind smelling of the greasy fry-up you cooked yesterday morning. One final point is to consider whether your window is near the sink or cooker and how likely it is to get splashed by water or grease Ð this shouldnÕt matter too much as Venetian blinds are easy to wipe clean but itÕs still something to ponder over before you buy your new blinds.

Venetian blinds can also look very stylish in your living room, white wooden Venetians look very contemporary in modern houses with modern wooden floorboards and they also protect your furniture by keeping the sunlight out and stopping all of your possessions from fading. They offer an uncluttered look and come in an array of colours to suit the character of your room.

Venetian blinds would also suit a bathroom perfectly Ð for privacy purposes, you can keep them closed or opened very slightly to let the steam escape through the window. Again, as with the kitchen, the bathroom can get steamy and humid so wooden blinds arenÕt recommended but there are always wood effect blinds to opt for instead. With a wide variety of colours and patterns available, you can find a Venetian blind to fit perfectly with your bathroomÕs style!

All Venetian blinds have two controls to operate Ð one cord controls the height and the other the angle of the slat. They are extremely easy to operate and very versatile, which why are they are so popular.