Blinds for windows have been around for an extremely long time and it is suggested they were first used by the ancient Egyptians, albeit in a more simplified version than those seen today. While there may be no truth to the rumour that blinds were introduced to the European market by Marco Polo, certainly by the start of the seventeenth century, they were very popular in southern Europe, especially on the Eastern coast of Italy, which may explain how the term Venetian Blinds originated. Mass production of window blinds really took off after the end of the Second World War and subsequent improvements and refinement of design have brought us today, to the point where there are numerous designs available and the blind has overtaken the curtains for window covering. You can purchase Custom Blinds in a variety of styles and sizes so you can find the perfect match for your home.
Traditional Blinds
When we think of window blinds, it is probably Plantation Shutters that immediately springs to mind, which although it has seen many alterations in style and material, is still very popular today. Able to swiftly adjust the angle and control light and privacy levels, they are elegant, durable, and very easy to maintain. Other options include Venetian blinds, which are quite staggering, with the traditional aluminium of the 1970s, now getting competition from copper and brass as well as faux wood designs and many more. While there are many more types of blinds on the market, it is difficult to see the Venetian ever going away.
Roman Blinds
Another blind with its origins in ancient history, the Roman blind is made of a long flat piece of fabric, which has dowels horizontally inserted, which when raised fold over each other, creating a series of overlaps, which stack upon each other at the bottom of the folded blind, or at the top if fully raised. Practicality it seems, doesn’t go out of fashion and while the materials used today may be more stylish and vibrant than in times gone by, the Roman blind is also looking like it is going to be around for a while. If you’re not sure where to get this particular style of blinds, you could check the likes of Roman Blinds Melbourne or other similar firms.
Roller and Solar Shades
Available in a wide variety of fabrics and colours, solar shades offer light control without hindering your view. Operated with clutch control, they are very reliable and long-lasting, and provide some of the best value in window coverings, with great style at the same time.
Choosing the right kind of blinds for your windows is one thing, but once you have done that, then you might also have to think about whether you want to keep the traditional mechanisms of manual roll-up, roll-down, open, and close, or if you want to automate these processes. With technology starting to have an influence on our homes and their systems as well, you might want to consider the automation of your home’s window blinds by consulting companies like A-OK Australia. Window automation systems might enable you to change the amount of natural light inside your home from the comfort of your couch (or bed), so this might be something to explore.
Cellular Shades
Cellular shades are one of the most popular window covering options in the UK, possibly because of the many benefits they offer, so if you are looking for blinds in Newcastle Upon Tyne, this is definitely an option worth looking at. They offer great light control, are available in a wide variety of colours and fabrics, and offer excellent insulation properties. They have a honeycomb structure, which traps air, offering significant reductions in the amount of heat potentially lost through your windows, so they not only look great, they can save you money on your heating bills.
There are numerous blinds options available and your local specialist will be able to show you many different styles, each offering a range of benefits, helping you to find the perfect choice to match the interior of your home.