How to Choose Blinds to Match your Decor

When it comes to selecting the perfect blinds for your decor there are so many options to choose from these days it can be a minefield. The first thing to think about is the blinds purpose in the room.

• Is it to filter light or block it out completely?
• Do you need privacy or do you want to be able to see the view?
• Is insulation important? Especially critical for those west facing walls.
• Do you need to leave the windows open for ventilation?
• Do you need different privacy and light control options at different times of the day?

Once you have decided on the blinds purpose you can select the style that will most suit the room’s interior design and function. When the style has been decided on then you can select the material and the colour that best complements your décor.

1. The Blinds Purpose

The blinds function generally depends on which room it’s installed in. If it’s the bathroom you will want complete privacy. This is also important in the bedroom, along with the amount of light you want in the room if you are an early riser and prefer natural light to wake up or if you are a late riser and prefer a blackout blind to keep the light out. Whereas in a kitchen or lounge room a more lightweight fabric is suitable that filters the light rather than completely blocking it out.

2. Style of Blind

The style of blind you choose is also very important it must suit the purpose of the blind but also give your décor a stylish finish. Timber Venetian blinds are great in any room although for bathrooms we would recommend timber look blinds which are ideally suited to a damp environment. The roller blinds are great for bedrooms offering privacy and complete light control with a blackout blind. The honeycomb blinds would work well in an office or dining room and are great for energy efficiency as their honeycomb design keeps the rooms warm in winter and cool in summer reducing those unwanted electricity bills. Roman blind ads sophistication and elegance to any room and they come in many different colours to complement any style or decor.

3. Blind Material

The material of the blind really depends on the style and the room it is being installed in. In a bathroom an aluminium or timber look is generally better than a fabric or wood because the blind is exposed to dampness in the room. This can also apply to busy family kitchens. Whereas in a bedroom, lounge or dining room a honeycomb, roman or timber Venetian blind may add more warmth and texture to the room.

4. Blind Colour

When it comes to choosing the right colour blinds for your décor you have to follow the existing style of your interior. If you have a minimalistic simple interior you are best off matching your blinds to the wall colour of the room or the window trim so the blinds seamlessly transition into the clean lines of the interior. In a more contemporary home that uses bold colours you could make a statement with you window coverings and choose an existing bright colour in the room for your blinds. In a classic interior that features a lot of wood you could select a matching timber Venetian blind. A neutral colour already featured within in the room is also a good colour option for a classic look. Another way to give your room a classic appearance is to choose the traditional style of blind featuring a cord, whereas for a more minimalistic contemporary look it would be better to go with the cordless blind, which has a cleaner finish.

Another important thing to think about when choosing your blinds is the size of the room. If it’s a smaller room and you want it to make it appear larger using a neutral colour similar to the wall shade will accomplish this. However, if the room is quite large and you want to create a cosier space then select a colour that contrasts the wall shade. So now you know all the things to consider when choosing your blinds go and have a look through Veneta’s large range of styles to see what matches your home’s decor.

Cut Your Heating Energy Bill Like This

We're real people just like you. So when it comes to saving energy, we totally get you. Winter is coming and that means we'll want to keep our home warm and comfortable. Try these top energy-saving tips to save you from cold chills and high bills!

1. Switch Off At The Wall

Cut electricity usage by 10% by switching off at the wall.

Did you know? Up to 10% of your electricity could be used by gadgets and appliances that are on standby. If you turn something off and still see a clock or a light on, it is still consuming energy and costing you. For example, your TV, gaming console, microwave and even some phone chargers still use energy even when your phone is not attached. Save energy now by switching off appliances at the wall.

2. Cover Your Windows and Glass Doors

Windows can allow up to 40% heat to leak out in winter.

According to the Department of Industry, Innovation and Science Australia, windows can allow up to 40% of your heat to leak out in winter. In this picture (left), the red areas show the most significant areas of heat lost in a typical home. Just look at the energy wastage through the windows and doors that usually happens. With our Honeycomb blinds on your windows and glass doors you can cut your heating energy cost by up to 34%. Imagine how much money you will be saving each month just by updating the look of your windows!

3. Add Carpets to Your Decor

Carpets can help insulate the home in cold months.

Floor insulation can only save up to 5% of your winter energy costs but it's worth a shot if you're serious about saving money. Putting carpets in your house can help insulate the house during winter but during summer it may interfere with the natural cooling from the ground beneath your house. So be sure to check with an expert before you install permanent carpets. (Image credit: The Longest Stay)

4. Dress for the Weather

You know what they say; it's much easier to warm up a person than a whole house! In winter, wear extra layers inside and lower your heating thermostat. By setting your heating thermostat between 18-20°C, you can decrease your running costs by up to 10%. (Source)

Winter Is Coming!

The unique cellular structured fabric of the Honeycomb blind traps air; creating the best window insulation around. Get your house winter-ready. Order your custom-made blinds on www.venetablinds.com.au and get them delivered directly to your door within 14 days, wherever you live in Australia.

We sell direct to you. No middle men, high margins, fancy showrooms or fast talking salesmen. Just great value custom-made blinds that you will absolutely fall in love with. Be an energy-savvy customer now.

So many colours to choose from!

Tell us, do you have energy-saving tips to share?

CELEB HOMES: Inside Michael Kors' Penthouse Apartment

Modern Living Room by New York Interior Designers & Decorators Glenn Gissler Design

If you've bought his bags, you would know that Michael Kors is a fan of luxury and minimalism. It's no wonder that since 1989, Glenn Gissler has designed a series of luxuriously minimalist apartments and showrooms for fashion designer Michael Kors. 

Kors' most recent residence is this 2,200 square foot penthouse loft with 1500 square foot terrace in Greenwich Village. 

Kors espouses a disciplined palette of white, black and gray; a vocabulary of materials consisting of polished chrome, stainless steel, marble and wood; a penchant for upholstery using Kors' own grey flannel suiting fabric, black leather and white canvas. 

Almost all windows have been furnished with quality blinds.

Modern Living Room by New York Interior Designers & Decorators Glenn Gissler Design

Contemporary Bedroom by New York Interior Designers & Decorators Glenn Gissler Design

GET THE LOOK

SAVE UP TO 40%: Venetian Timber Standard Ladder Cordovan Blind

Contemporary Spaces by New York Interior Designers & Decorators Glenn Gissler Design

Kors' bathroom is a place of beauty, every inch sheathed in Stone Source's Calacatta Vision marble, notable for the fine veins of grey in its pristine white surface. The sinks are a triumph of simplicity, the shape and concept ancient in inspiration: Kohler's "Timpani" vessel sink in stainless steel.

Modern Living Room by New York Interior Designers & Decorators Glenn Gissler Design

Modern Landscape by New York Interior Designers & Decorators Glenn Gissler Design

Which room is your favourite?

Get the look from VENETABLINDS.COM.AU

Veneta Blind Truths

Venetian Blinds - Classic Style and Versatility 

There is conjecture on the origin of venetian blinds but one thing is for sure they have been around for a long time, perhaps as far back as early Egyptian times. Famous for their classic style, unique versatility and enduring popularity they are bound to be around for a lot longer.

venetians or persiana’s

Known as persiana in Italy and jalousie a la persiennes in France some believe that venetians originated in the East, perhaps in the Persian Empire or beyond. During that time most of the trade between Europe and the east was conducted through Venice and hence English speaking countries adopted the terminology venetians.

wood, aluminium or plastic

Through the centuries the materials used to make venetians are almost as diverse as the number of stories about their origin. From bamboo in China, weaved reeds in Egypt and centuries later woods from around the world. During the 18^th through to the mid-20^th century, wood proved the most popular material to make venetian blinds given its ready availability, natural beauty, stability and versatility. In the mid-20^th century the look of venetians radically changed as we entered the age of mass production with the advent of aluminium venetian-style blinds. As the times have moved along plastics have played an increasing role in the production of this ageless window treatment.

not just movie star looks

Whatever the material venetians have stood the test of time due to their good looks and functionality. Staring in many Hollywood blockbusters over the years they have never been out of the lime light whether creating a romantic scene in a love story or setting a dangerous mood for a gangster preparing for his next kill.

As a window covering their versatility is second to none. A unique feature of venetian blind is that when in the fully extended position the degree of privacy, lighting and ventilation can be effortlessly controlled by tilting the slats in different positions. Many other types of blinds are either up or down. When down leaving the view completely obscured or when fully raised defenceless against the harsh sunlight and offering no privacy from those nosey neighbours.

what... even venetians for cars?

The true versatility of venetians is demonstrated by their wide use in boats and caravans and even during the 1950’s and 60’s they proved very popular as a rear window blind in motor vehicles.

timeless style and elagance

Given the different materials, colours, textures and slat sizes available for modern venetians they can be styled into an unlimited array of traditional or contemporary décors…..Ensuring that they will never go out of fashion. Recently during a brief stopover in Melbourne not only did I spot many venetians adoring windows in offices and hotels but also proudly on display in  a number of up market boutiques on Collins Street…..umm still claiming the lime light after all these years!

venetian blinds in the 21^st Century

Whether they are made from aluminium, plastic or wood, venetian blinds in the 21^st century have come a long way from their humble beginnings (wherever that may be). Advanced manufacturing technology, superior materials and finishes have created not only beautiful blinds to suit any décor but durable and hard wearing blind components that are ready to take on the harsh Australian sunshine and rigours of modern family life.

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.

Want to shop for blinds?  Click Here!