History of Venetian Blinds

History of Venetian Blinds

History of Venetian Blinds

Venetian blinds are the most popular type of window blind. But what exactly is a Venetian blind, where did they originate, and how did they become so popular?

Venetian blinds are horizontal slats usually made of vinyl, aluminium or wood used to cover a window. Loops of string are looped through holes in the slats, connecting each slat in such a way that turning a rod connected to the string turns the slats inwards or outwards allowing you to close and open the blinds. Venetian blinds can also be pulled up to the top of the window, so you can have a clear view.

Although their name suggests an Italian origin, Venetian blinds were actually invented by the Japanese. The concept was popular throughout China and Persia, and Venetian traders working in the area brought the blinds to Italy. When the Venetian slaves were freed, they went to France, and many began making and selling the blinds to earn a living. The French, who loved adorning their homes with exotic items to increase personal comfort, adored the Venetian blinds, or "Les Persienes".

The English, keen to follow the French in all trends, quickly adopted Venetian blinds. In 1769, Edward Beran patented his Venetian blind design in London.

Venetian blinds appeared in the US on St. Peter's Church in Philadelphia in 1761 and were in the Independence Hall where the Declaration of Independence was signed. In 1767, John Webster of London began advertising his range of Venetian blinds in the US.

In 1841, John Hampson of New Orleans patented a unique system (virtually unchanged today) for stringing and adjusting the slats of Venetian blinds.

They became popular in office buildings to regulate and air. Famous among these offices clad in Venetian blinds include the Radio City building in New York City, and the old Empire State Building. Burlington Blind Co. placed the largest order for Venetian blinds ever recorded to cover the windows of that 102-storey office building.

The patterned shadows cast by light reflecting through a window covered in Venetian blinds has been used in film noir and photography to represent scenes of tension and drama.

Want to know more? Read on for more information on Roman Blinds and Venetian Blinds,

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