Venetian blinds are a timelessly-elegant window treatment that are among the most popular of all shades, curtains and draperies. They are known as “slats”, or horizontals, and 
typically found in vinyl-synthetics or aluminum. The wood variety definitely exist, but it is usually branded “wooden blinds or shades” just for the positive marketing tactic.
They make controlling the amount of sunlight and privacy that you need a snap. Venetian blinds are also a more affordable alternative to solid blinds—which tend to be the type that roll-up or push to the side. Typical colors include the likes of off-whites, beige, crème and other neutral colors—but you are certainly not limited to tradition, not by far. From an aesthetical aspect, try to keep everything in good balance (e.g. choose solid colors that compliment multi-tones and vice-versa).
Functionality and Style Made Easy
Have you tried to find the perfect shade or pair of shades online, but just could not quite nail it down? That is the beauty of having them made to your specifications. Naturally, this usually costs a bit more, but the tradeoffs typically outweigh the costs. First, you generally get a better grade of quality—secondly, if your window has dimensions that are atypical of normal window dimensions, then this becomes a necessity.
Here is a brief list of important facts about Venetians (as they are dubbed in the interior design industry)
- The slats are what the individual “planks” are called.
- They generally are sold or made-to-order in 16 millimeter all the way up to about 50 millimeter.
- They are produced from thin sheets of aluminum, and are rigorously researched and tested for maximum longevity
- The types, textures and looks of the metal used in these blinds include: the mirror-look affect, a semi-bright chrome, textured aluminum and a huge variety of faux-woods (that actually look very genuine most times)
- You would likely be shocked at the possibilities of highly-creative and immensely-elaborate blinds. This is especially true of custom-tailored shades.
Cleaning and Upkeep
Maintenance is one other facet you should know about. Whilst cleaning, exercise caution while rubbing or hosing them down. Ensure that they do not hit each other to hard, as this could chip the specially-designed paint on some of the alloy products and make them more liable to succumb to corrosion or taking in moisture.
- A vacuum with a soft-brushed hose can be used to periodically clean these shades
- A feather duster or a similar tool (e.g. a dry cotton cloth or wool glove) can be used to remove dust and dirt particles that the vacuum left behind
Remember, these are delicate products so they must be handled delicately. Any bending or creasing will essentially ruin them—and cause a rather-expensive product to have to be replaced.
Finally, the manner in which you frame them around the window can go one of two ways: you can either mount them inside of the window frame, or to the immediate exterior of it. Obviously, the type of window you have and the context of the window and immediate surroundings’ designs are going to ultimately determine which is best for you. Your home decor will also play a factor.
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