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!

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.