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.