The Rise and Rise of Online Blind Retailers

Across Australia more and more consumers are now shopping online from the comfort of their home, while at work and especially on the go using mobile devices.

This year it is estimated that Australian’s will spend over $17 billion shopping online and this figure is growing at an annual rate of about 25%. Still, online spending in Australia is less than 10% of total retail sales so there is plenty of scope for future growth.

The birth of online window covering retailers like Veneta Blinds creates a great opportunity for consumers to realise the advantages offered by online shopping. Not only will you get terrific value by buying your blinds online but also wider choice, greater convenience and in most instances faster delivery.

Of course all blind retailers are not offering the same quality blinds and service levels, so it is important when choosing your blinds online that you take the time to appreciate the difference between the offers and establish which quality and price best suits your requirements.



Like to know more? Make contact with our friendly customer service team on 1300 VENETA (1300 836 382), chat online through our website or send an email to admin@venetablinds.com.au.

Ready to shop?  Click here!

Customer Q&A: Venetian Blinds

Venetian Blinds are as popular today as ever; they add value to a home and have become a feature in many homes around the world. And why shouldn’t they be… They look fashionable, they block out heat and light and they are an added element to a home’s architecture.

As long as three centuries ago, Venetian blinds were used for both decorative purposes and blocking out light. Amazingly, even before this time the Ancient Egyptians used reeds to construct similar blinds and the Chinese used bamboo strips. They all served the same purpose, which illustrates what an important function Venetian blinds serve.

Venetian blinds today have advanced a lot compared with the past. In fact, there are more options now than ever before. Depending on your needs you can use different types of materials, ladders, colours, slat sizes and even different textures.

Our goal at Veneta Blinds is to help you make an educated decision when you’re choosing and buying your blinds. Below we answer some frequently asked questions about Venetian Blinds.

Q: What materials are best for heat and energy efficiency?

A: Timber or natural materials hold up best. Specifically, Timber is the best type of Venetian blind in terms of heat and energy efficiency. When closed, they block out heat and light very well from the outside. While Aluminium blinds also work to block out light, the thin slats allow heat to be transferred easily - making it hot in summer and cold in winter. Basically, they don’t really help from an insulation point of view. Timber look is almost as good as timber but doesn’t hold heat quite as well – and of course it’s more energy intensive to make as it’s not a natural product.

Q: Are different sized slats used for more than just aesthetic value?

A: Yes, the size or width of the slat is used for more than just an aesthetic value. From a functional viewpoint, the bigger the size, the clearer view you will have out the window.

Slat size comes down to what material you choose. Aluminium blinds are available in the thinnest slat size of 25mm. While aluminium is budget friendly, they will not allow you to see out of your window as much as Timber and Timber Look venetians.  Veneta Blinds offers two different slat sizes for timber Venetians; a 50mm slat or a 63mm slat for a more plantation style window covering.

Q: Is it best to go with a Painted or Stained venetian blind?

A: Veneta Blinds offer you an appealing variation of popular finishes to suit any home or décor. For a natural look and feel we recommend the deep textured look of the wood grains in our stain finished venetian blinds. The stain finish highlights the rich beauty of the unique wood grain texture, showing off the natural elements of the wood.

The colour choice is really dependent on your house and the colour scheme you have in a room. Funnily enough, for those who have a lot of heavy and dark wood in a house it’s often good to go for a white colour to offset the darker shades as white is also a lot neater and makes a home look brighter.

Q: What are the crucial differences between Aluminium, Timber and Timber look?

A: When it comes to price, aluminium is the cheapest. However, it is a lot harder to match your current décor with aluminium blinds. Timber is generally the most expensive, but it can add another dimension to the architecture of your house and like any home investment, blinds of exceptional quality will provide long term value and appreciation.

Timber look is an alternative to wood and aluminium. While it is built to last and stands up to sunlight, it doesn’t have quite the same feel as wood. It can, however, be used to match the decor in your home and works particularly well for wet areas.

The choice you make will ultimately come down to your budget, the style you are looking for and the climate you are living in. You need to decide what’s most important to you and also remember that spending a little more could save in other areas, such as heating bills. 

Have a question that we haven’t covered? Please send an enquiry to info@venetablinds.com.au or give us a call on 1300 VENETA (1300 836 382).

Ready to shop? Click here  

5 Reasons why you should own Timber Venetian Blinds

There’s a premium choice of blinds with a timeless charm … 

They’re one of the most popular choices of blinds we sell here at Veneta Blinds. All the timber is sourced from sustainable plantations, is kiln dried to suit the Australian climate and comes with a 5 year warranty for piece of mind.  Timber Venetian Blinds are currently on sale for September, to help you get started with your spring clean or spring makeover as we like to say. >>SHOP THE SALE NOW!

In this blog post, we will explain why they tick so many boxes for homeowners. 

1.       Suits All Décor

When choosing blinds it is important to consider how well the design and material will feature in your home and balance with your existing furnishings. The beauty of Timber is it never goes out of fashion. Like hardwood timber flooring, timber venetian blinds capture a timeless charm. Even better, they are available in a range of different colours so you can easily align your blinds with your own personal tastes and design preferences or perhaps to match your existing colour scheme.

With French Oak, Old Teak and more, our range has a shade of timber to suit your home and tastes. Timber blinds have natural appeal and unique characteristics; no two patterns on the timber slats are the same! Veneta Blinds timber blinds are handcrafted using lightweight Phoenixwood which reveals the timber’s authentic character and texture. 

2.       Perfect fit with Custom Made

There are so many different window shapes and sizes… while ready-made blinds might be cheaper, if the blind doesn’t fit your window properly it can look very tacky and will not work effectively for light and privacy control.  This is why Veneta Blinds provides custom made timber venetian blinds to suit all different window sizes. Not quite sure how to measure? We have made it nice and easy for you - check out the ‘How to Measure’ page on our website https://www.venetablinds.com.au/content/24-how-to-measure

3.       Ensure your Privacy Day and Night

The lift and tilt operation of venetian blinds means provides ultimate control of privacy and light. This means you can angle the slats to have privacy and light while still enjoying an outlook. In addition, they also allow breeze and air flow, compared to roller blinds which block out both. The slats hide shadows and outlines of people and objects in the room at night making then one of the best options for privacy when choosing a window covering.

4.       Durable & Quiet 

In comparison to aluminium and roller blinds, timber venetian blinds have a lot more weight and durability. This will help put a stop to those annoying banging sounds that other blinds make when the wind blows. In addition, Veneta Blinds durable long lasting solid paint or stain timber finish on all Timber Venetian Blinds provides resistance against fading in the harsh Australian sun.

5.       Easy to Clean

Last but not least, timber venetian blinds are extremely easy to clean. While some blinds are quite difficult to clean without taking them off the window itself, timber venetian blinds only require a simple dust with a hand held duster or vacuum, or a wipe down with a damp cloth or old sock.

Still having trouble deciding which blinds to choose for your home? 

Veneta Blinds is here to help - Call our friendly and ever-so-helpful team on 1300 VENETA (1300 836 382) or order some free samples on our website so you can see, touch and feel our product range for yourself  - go to https://www.venetablinds.com.au/content/42-samples

Want to make some easy money this Spring?

We all know the importance of presentation when you want to make a good impression!  Whether it’s your grooming, how you dress or the car your driving…. If you are suitably presented and prepared for the occasion things just seem to effortlessly fall into place!

It’s the same deal when it comes to selling or renting your home or for that matter impressing the outlaws during your annual Xmas get together.

In real estate creating the perfect impression can make all the difference between securing or losing the sale or even achieving tens of thousands of dollars above your reserve at auction.

Of course doing a big renovation will make a big impression but it will also blow a big hole in your budget which you might not capitalise on when selling or renting your home. It is better to look for improvements which don’t cost the earth but give you a big bang for your buck!

A great way to do this is dress up your windows with new blinds from Veneta! Australian homes traditionally have large and numerous windows so updating your blinds will have a big impact on the look and feel when you walk into any room, plus choosing the right blinds will also add to your home’s street appeal. 

Which blinds should I choose? When selecting your window coverings, it is important to first consider their function. Will they provide the family with enough privacy, what light, ventilation and access do I need to consider, do I want to enjoy the view during the day or use the blind to screen an unsightly view. Only after you have addressed these questions are you ready to choose the style and colour of blinds that best suit your home’s décor. 

How to Fix the 3 Most Common Décor Dilemmas With Blinds

Problem 1. A Boring Room

Solution  – Use quality blinds to create a feature in a room

Blinds can be used to create a focal point. To achieve this two factors need to be considered. Firstly, the colour should always be brighter, darker or in some cases lighter. Secondly, if using patterns they need to carefully selected. If there aren’t any patterns in the room, simple and heavily patterned fabrics can be used. Also, a nice touch to a room are timber venetian blinds. As shown below in the photographs, Veneta Blinds Timber Venetian Blinds can be used to create a feature in a room. 

Veneta Blinds Designer Timber Blinds. Shop the look here

Veneta Blinds Privacy Timber Blinds. Shop the look here

Problem 2.  A Busy Room

Solution  – Blend in with the rooms theme

If your room already has a lot going on, it is a good idea to blend the blinds in with the room to avoid making it too busy. Do you have timber floors and furniture? A neat way to match this theme is to use Timber Blinds. Veneta Blinds specialises in custom made sustainable timber blinds. Our timber venetian blinds communicate luxury and create a sophisticated natural theme in a room. The colour and transparency of the blinds fabric is also very important to consider. To be consistent with your rooms theme, a blind should match the colour palette and be used to create a certain atmosphere. The roller blinds shown below are a perfect example. The light filtering soft brown fabric has been used to create a relaxing atmosphere, which is consistent with the soothing retreat theme of the room. What is also great, is that the blinds to not deter away from the beautiful decor in the room. Specifically, the natural timber table in the centre of the room and the gorgeous timber framed sliding doors are still a focal point. 

Veneta Blinds Privacy Timber Blinds. Shop the look here

Veneta Blinds Roller Blinds. Shop the look here

Problem 3.  A Small Room

Solution  - Make your small room feel big 

There always seems to be a few rooms in the house that feel a bit small. While the room itself might physically be a small room, there are simple ways to avoid making the room feel small. One way in particular is using the right style of window coverings. In terms of colour, the key is to match your blinds with the walls. By doing this, your blinds will blend in with your room, providing a wider vision. On another note, a sheer fabric could be used to bring the outside in. In terms of the style of the window covering, a roller or honeycomb blind will work best as their modern design provides a clean and minimal line.  

Veneta Blinds Roller Blinds. Shop the look here

Veneta Blinds Bottom Up Honeycomb Blinds. Shop the look here

Choosing blinds that match your living furniture, flooring and walls can be a tricky decision... we get that! Just give us a call on 1300 VENETA and we'll have one of our expert window fashion designers walk you through your options so you can get the look and practicality you are after. If you are looking for some more information, check out our website www.venetablinds.com.au. 

5 Factors to Consider When Choosing Blinds For Your Home

How you cover your windows will have a large impact on the look and feel of a room. It is essential that you consider the design and colour and ensure that it is the right style for the windows or doors you are covering. Choosing blinds can be a tricky decision - here are 5 tips that will help you get the look and practicality you are after.

1. The Type of Room 

Fabric window blinds are often the best option for the bedroom. They are available in a variety of colours to match your rooms colour scheme and are available in light filtering, for those who like to wake up to sunshine, and blockout fabrics, for those who want to sleep in and they are also great for insulation! On the other hand, the dining room could benefit from a Timber Venetian as they communicate luxury and sophistication. For wet areas, such as bathrooms and kitchens, it is essential to have window coverings that are water resistant and easy to clean. The key choice here is not the style of blind but the material of which it is made – Timber Look Venetian blinds and Aluminium blinds are the best options, they provide privacy and are 100% waterproof, meaning they will not absorb moisture and buckle.

2. The Style of Your Window or Door 

If you are looking to cover glass sliding doors, Smartfit Top-Down Bottom-Up blinds are not the best option. Vertical Blinds that pull sideways will be most practical, specifically Vertical Honeycomb blinds. They are a modern and stylish product designed especially for sliding doors – you can open them in the same direction as the door, which allows full access to the door without catching on the blind. This also applies for windows that open upwards or outwards, your best option is to choose a style that allows you to gain full access.

3. The Material of the Blinds

Blinds are available in a variety of different materials; this includes wood, aluminium, plastic and fabric. It is therefore important to again think about your needs, such as the room you will place the blinds in and the use of the room. If you are looking to reduce an echo in the room, fabric blinds are the way to go – not only do they soften the room, but the fabric will prevent echoing.

4. The Colour of the Blinds

Unless you’re redecorating, it’s a good idea to choose blinds that match or compliment the colour of your room. If you are looking at selling your home or renting it out, consider neutral colours to help a room appear larger and match a variety of different furniture.

5.The Ease of Cleaning

Wooden and Aluminium blinds require a duster the majority of the time and can be easily wiped down with soapy water. A neat trick is to use a damp sock to wipe them down. For fabric blinds, spot clean them with warm water or alternatively you can buy a corded Roman Blind that can be easily removed and placed in the washing machine.

Tip – Blinds aren’t something you buy frequently, so think long term and buy quality, they can add value to your home and may need to last for many years.

How to Keep Cats & Dogs From Destroying Blinds

Why do cats & dogs love to destroy blinds? 
Many of the things that cats and dogs do are a mystery to us… I’m sure there have been plenty of times that your pets behaviour has left you thinking what on earth are they doing. However, the reason they destroy blinds is actually pretty easy to understand – they want to see what’s going on outside.

We’ve pretty much heard it all when it comes to blinds that are the victim of animal destruction. There are cats that bend and break aluminium blinds trying to squeeze behind them, and dogs that tear up the blind desperately trying to see out the window. Why do cats & dogs love to destroy blinds?  Many of the things that cats and dogs do are a mystery to us… I’m sure there have been plenty of times that your pets behaviour has left you thinking what on earth are they doing. However, the reason they destroy blinds is actually pretty easy to understand – they want to see what’s going on outside. Does your dog go crazy and destroy the blinds when they see something outside? or perhaps your cat will do anything to get access to the window or continually wants to play with the Blinds cords?Here are two simple solutions to these problems.   1. Keep Blinds Raised Part-Way From a dog’s perspective, blinds are just an obstruction keeping them from the window. Keep blinds raised part-way to allow your beloved dog to see out and avoid damage 2. Keep cords wrapped around cord cleat What could be more tantalizing to a cat than dangling cords? While they may be extremely tempting to play with, blinds cords can be harmful to cats. Keep cords wrapped out of their reach with a cord cleat.  Best Window Treatments For Pets Honeycomb Blinds Honeycomb blinds are designed to cover the entire window. As a result, cats and dogs tend to just ignore them as they do not see them as an obstruction from the outside. Make your blinds even more durable by spraying them with scotch guard to keep away dirt and hair. Roller Blinds Roller blinds are great for pets as they allow them to easily slip behind without damaging the shade and they’re easy to clean. They are available in a cordless version, which will prevent them being harmful to your furry friends. Timber/Fauxwood Venetian Blinds Timber and Fauxwood blinds are available in a wide slat, this will allow your pets to see out of them easily. But use caution, large dogs can snap slats if they paw at them.

3 Decor Detail Secrets To Make Your Home Look More Luxurious

1. Add Touches of Gold 

The best secret for creating a fancy finish is gold. While real gold décor may not be within your budget, or even in line with your taste, touches of gold bring a formal feeling to the home. Try spay-painting or gold-leafing a mirror, a chandelier, or any metal accessories you own to recreate the look.

Photo: Instyle 

Photo: Vogue

2. Use Unusual Shapes 

Using unusual shapes in your home is one of the most interesting ways to make your home unique and set your space apart from the ordinary. Luxury is all about having what most people don't have, a sofa  or a coffee table that is not the ordinary rectangular shape is the perfect way to get this look. The Good Wife star Julianna Margulies' living room is the perfect example of uniqueness; her boomerang shaped sofa in her living room is nothing like we've ever seen. 

Photo: William Abranowicz for Architectural Digest 

3. Integrate Statement Art 

For some people, luxury is all about making a big splash, especially in terms of statement art. Statement art is the best way to create luxury, but to create more of a show-stopping moment in a room, statement art in restrained measures is much more effective. Look for something that is playful and has just the right amount of flash. 

Kourtney Kardashians' bedroom featuring a neon light that reads " Love Me".
Photo: Crey Crawford for Jeff Andrews Design

Photo: Domain 

Why DIY Is Good For You

The DIY movement is on trend – but it really isn't anything new, we have always made things with our own hands. 

One of the reasons there has been a swing back towards DIY is that it makes us feel good. Making things yourself gives you a sense of pride and defines your personal style; it allows you to stand out from the crowd and decorate a home that is not like everyone else’s.


Here, the team at Veneta Blinds have explored and discovered fives benefits of DIY projects, so that you can DIY with pride and a healthy dose of happiness.  

1. New skills & knowledge 
Each project you complete will teach you something new and improve your problem-solving abilities.
2. Self-discovery 
DIY-ing is a perfect way to uncover your natural talents and express your personality.
3. Mindfulness 
When you undertake a DIY project, your time is spend in a 'flow', whereby you are focused on the task at hand, which is a form of mindfulness and very important for a healthy mind, body, heart and soul.
4. Richer relationships
Few things bring people together like shared interests, and DIY projects encourage these special connections.
5. New found confidence 
An exhilarating sense of freedom can be found through DIY as you aren't relying so much on products, services and the expertise of others. Instead, you learn to use your own skills and knowledge. 

Customer Success Story - July 2015

At Veneta Blinds, we love hearing our customers stories! This month, we were amazed by how much difference the Honeycomb Blinds made to one of our new customers Living room. Here's what they they had to say... 

"The dining room was looking a bit run-down and the ready made blinds I bought from Spotlight were not really doing anything for the room - they looked messy and they were letting in a lot of sunlight. I'm not really the biggest fan of online shopping, but one of my friends insisted that I check out Veneta Blinds and I couldn't be happier. The Honeycomb samples that I requested arrived to my place in 2 days, the ordering process was very easy and my blinds arrived within 10 days !! My new Honeycomb blinds look amazing and are so practical. They make the room look more modern and stylish and are so great for keeping the dining room warm and cosy during the colder months. And to top it all off, every time I have guests over I'm always getting compliments!" 

Choosing blinds that match your living furniture, flooring and walls can be a tricky decision... we get that! Just give us a call on 1300 VENETA and we'll have one of our expert window fashion designers walk you through your options so you can get the look and practicality you are looking for. Send your photos to info@venetablinds.com.au

Light Filtering or Blockout...Which is best?

Light Filtering or Blockout...Which is best? Depending on what room you're installing blinds in will help to decide which fabric opacity will work best. If you are looking to put up a new blind in a bedroom, you are most likely going to want a blind for not only privacy, but also room darkening purposes so you are not woken up at sunrise from light beaming through, so for a bedroom, it is most common practice to install a "Blockout" fabric. This way not only do you get the most light blocked from coming in, you also increase your privacy and help to reduce noise.

If you are installing in a kitchen or lounge room however, privacy and light reduction is usually not a main priority, you would still like light to come throughout the day and but you would like to help protect your furniture from harsh UV rays. So for this type of room a light filtering fabric is most common. You will still achieve some privacy during the day with a light filtering fabric, however at night time you will be able to see through the blind - so keep this is mind also.

At Veneta Blinds we have a wide range of colours and fabrics so we recommend ordering FREE samples, this way to can be 100% certain that your new blinds will be the perfect colour and opacity.

To see our range, go to www.venetablinds.com.au

Light or Dark Coloured Window Coverings?

Which do you prefer? Light or Dark coloured window coverings... Picking a colour for your new blinds can be difficult - Do you choose a light colour that is said to lighten the room which creates a more open and larger appearing room, or do you go with a darker colour that is bold and makes a statement, acts as a feature if you will and can make the room feel a little more cozy and confortable?

Its not as simple as black or white, its which white or which dark colour. There are hundreds of differed colour whites out there just as there are hundreds of darker colours, so you truly have the luxury to pick a colour that matches or contrasts your walls or furniture perfectly. So what do you think... Light or Dark?

Have a look at our range of colours in Roller, Roman, Venetian and Honeycomb blinds at www.venetablinds.com.au I'm sure you will find exactly what you are looking for.

Privacy Awareness Week 2015 - Tips to ensure your protection on the Internet

Privacy Awareness Week 2015

As you all know privacy on the internet is extremely important so to ensure you know how to protect your personal information we have a few handy tips for you...

1. Change your password regularly - Do this as often as possible, put a reminder in your calendar every quarter so you don't forget.
2. Use different passwords for different websites - This way f 1 password gets compromised you don't have to worry about all your other accounts.
3. Secure your home WiFi connection with a password - This way only people you have authorised to use your WiFi connection will have access to it.
4. Lock your gadgets with passwords - Always put a pass-code lock on your smart phone and passwords on your laptops ad other gadgets, this way if thy're lost or stolen no one will have access to information stored on the device.
5. Don't share your passwords - Pretty simple, but the more you share the more risk you are putting yourself into.

Password Tip: Don't make it obvious, mix up the cases and add numbers. Also, the longer the password - the harder it is to guess.

How to Measure for New Blinds

Measuring is a breeze and can save the time, effort and cost it takes to get someone else to do it for you. First you will need a steel measuring tape, a note pad and a pen. Next, decide whether you would like your new blind to be mounted on the inside of the window frame, or on the outside. Then just follow these simple steps:

Inside Mount:
1. With your measuring tape measure from left to right from the inside of the frame. You will need to do this in 3 locations - Top, Middle and Bottom. Note down the measurements for each. Note the smallest of all 3 measurements - this will be your blind width.
2. Next measure from top to bottom of inside the frame, also in 3 locations Left, Middle and Right and note down these measurements. Note the smallest as this will be your blind height.
3. Check for any handles and note the depth. Different blinds require different window depth minimums.
4. You now have your measurements and are ready to order!

Outside Mount:
1. With your tape measure, measure from left to right on the outside of the window, either from edge to edge of the architrave, or at least 50mm out from the edge of the window opening. Note this measurement as your width.
2. Measure from Top to bottom of the architrave, or at lease 50mm out from edge of the window frame. This measurement will be your height.
3. You now have your measurements and are ready to order!

Measuring is so easy, If you would like to see more or watch a video tutorial follow this link: https://www.venetablinds.com.au/content/24-how-to-measure 

Happy Easter from Veneta Blinds!

Happy Easter from the team at Veneta Blinds! Make the most of your time off and order those new blinds you always wanted, we are still operating during the Easter break and will deliver within 14 days absolutely FREE! We have Venetians, Roller, Romans and Honeycomb blinds at up to 40% cheaper than in store. All of our blinds comes with 5 years warranty and we offer a money back guarantee... So what are you waiting for. Don't wait for the Easter bunny, go towww.venetablinds.com.au

Buy a Bale Day! Help support rural Australia.

Today we help support drought affected farmers in QLD, NSW and SA on Buy A Bale Day! 

In June 2013 after reading the plight of Australian and predominantly Qld farmers who were destroying their cattle and some being forced off their land, the team at The Give Back campaign decided to do something about it. After some brainstorming it was decided the best thing to do was to ask Australians to buy a bale of hay and the feed would be delivered where it was most needed. More information can be found at: http://www.buyabale.com.au/

Buy a Bale is our way of supporting country Australia. The hard working people of our outback work tirelessly to ensure the rest of Australia are looked after when it comes to the basic foods we rely on. From cattle, sheep and cows, to crops of grains, fruit and veges, this is an extremely important part of our economy. Veneta Blinds continues to buy bales for this excellent cause to show our support in one small way that we can. If you would like to do the same please visit:https://www.buyabale.com.au/donate

Installation is Easy!

Installation is a breeze with Veneta Blinds as not only do we supply you with easy to follow written directions with pictures, we also have animated videos that show you exactly what to do to install which ever blind you purchase with us!

DIY installation is easy and can save you so much money... so why not give it a go yourself, save some money and feel that extra sense of pride because you've done it al! Here is an example of an installation video showing how to install a Roller Blinds on the outside of your window frame...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JfqeU