Venetian and wooden blinds guide

What is a venetian blind and how does it work?

A venetian blind is made of horizontal slats carried and turned by ladder cords or tapes; when raised it is not rolled like a roller blind but stacks on the heavy bottom rail ^[2][3][1].

The slats can simply be tilted to let in some light or fully raised to open the view ^[2]. With single-control systems the first movement changes the slat angle; at the end of the angle range it turns into raising or lowering ^[1].

Materials: aluminium, wood, bamboo, faux wood

Blinds made of man-made materials are used where water contact is a problem, such as bathrooms and kitchens; faux wood (PVC) resists moisture. Real wood looks warm, but water and steam can warp and discolour the slats ^[2][4][9].

According to a US retailer, most wooden blinds are made of basswood ^[4]; a European maker offers abachi, bamboo and lime ^[7]. Faux wood is made of PVC and resists moisture, but it is heavier than wood with more flexible slats, so large sizes are harder to lift ^[4][5]. Composite slats are lighter than faux wood ^[5]. Because wood is porous, faux wood may be preferred in humid rooms ^[6].

Slat width, light and privacy

Common slat widths are 16, 25, 35 and 50 mm; wooden blinds usually come in 25, 35 or 50 mm. Narrower slats need more slats to cover the window ^[1][2][10].

According to sources on exterior blinds, slats held at a slight angle block direct sun while diffuse light still enters ^[3]. Slats with offset cord holes protect better against light leaks ^[1]. Against summer overheating, exterior blinds are more effective than interior ones because they block solar radiation before the glass ^[1].

Measuring and mounting

We recommend ceiling mounting: the blind stays in the layer closest to the glass and covers the window fully. Glazing-bead, recess, sash and wall or ceiling mounting are possible; since measuring rules differ by maker, follow your manufacturer’s guide ^[1][8][11].

For inside mounting, measure the width at three points and use the smallest ^[8]. Outside the recess, the slats should overlap the window on each side, and the stacked height is added to the drop ^[8]. Glazing-bead mounting needs enough depth between glass and bead ^[11]. For rented homes, no-drill clamp models on the sash can be removed without marks, but the frame thickness they fit is limited ^[11][8]. On tilt-opening windows a hold-down can stop the bottom from swinging ^[1].

Operation: cord, wand, chain, motor

A venetian blind is raised with a lift cord and the slat angle is set with a wand or cord; endless-cord, chain and motorised models also exist ^[1][12].

On some wooden blinds with 25 mm slats lifting is by cord and tilting by wand; with 50 mm slats both can be by cord ^[8]. Motorised blinds are run by wall switch or remote, removing the need for cords ^[2][12].

Child safety

Blind cords are a strangulation hazard for young children. Under the EU rule, an accessible cord or chain must not form a hazardous loop, and where design cannot prevent this a safety device must be provided; height alone does not count as protection ^[18].

Since September 2014 European standards require all internal blinds to be designed and made to limit this risk ^[14]. EN 13120 covers performance and safety, EN 16433 test methods and EN 16434 safety devices ^[15][16][17]. Warnings must appear at the point of sale, on packaging and on the product ^[18].

• Keep beds, cots and high chairs away from windows ^[19].
• On corded models always fit the cord tidy and safety device supplied by the maker ^[13][14].
• In homes with children choose cordless or motorised models ^[13][2].

Care and cleaning

Dust wooden blinds with a dry soft cloth, an anti-static duster or a low-power vacuum; avoid wet cleaning and, if needed, use a well-wrung, slightly damp cloth. Faux wood can be wiped with water because moisture is not a problem ^[4].

Wood absorbs water; too much can cause stains and warping, so use a wood-specific cleaner for stubborn marks ^[6]. One maker advises not to lubricate the mechanism ^[9].

Wood sourcing and FSC

An FSC label shows responsibly sourced wood: FSC 100% comes entirely from certified forests, FSC Recycled from recycled material, and FSC Mix from a mix of certified, recycled and controlled sources ^[20].

The "controlled wood" in FSC Mix does not come from certified forests; it only reduces the risk of unacceptable sources ^[20]. For the label to be valid, every step of the supply chain must meet chain-of-custody requirements ^[21]. Some makers use FSC-certified wood only in selected ranges; ask per product when buying ^[7].