How Types of Blinds Get Their Name
As anyone that has looked for blinds can confirm, there is certainly a fair few options available to buy. This can make things rather confusing for people looking for a set of blinds that do not have much knowledge on the subject, especially when hearing the unique names for all the different types of blinds.
These names also offer an indication about how different types of blinds vary from each other, with many of the main design concepts featured in the name of each type of blind. Have you ever wondered how the different types of blinds get their name? let’s take a closer look to find out why!
Roman Blinds
As the name suggests, this type of blind can trace its name back to Roman times. With a hot and dusty Mediterranean climate, Roman blinds were designed out of necessity when the affluent members of society required window coverings to block out dust kicked up by horses and to cool rooms overwhelmed with the heat.
The solution was to place a damp cloth above the window to act as an effective covering, allowing the wealthy Romans to enjoy a cool room that is free of dirt and debris. Being the prosperous members of Roman society, those using the early Roman blinds looked to outdo each other with luxurious designs and materials.
While features such as drawstring operation would be introduced later, the design remains mostly unchanged since Roman times – a testament to the brilliant design of Roman blinds!
Venetian Blinds
The name for venetian blinds implies they were first used in Venice, Italy, but this isn’t fully true – they were only popularised here and can trace their modern design to 18th century Italy, having been first sold here by Persian traders.
From here, their popularity would spread throughout Europe, resulting in one of the most popular types of blinds still available to this day.
However, venetian blinds can trace their origins as far back as ancient Egypt and China. These ancient societies used variations of the venetian blind, tying various materials, such as bamboo and reeds, together to achieve a similar window covering.
Roller Blinds
Roller blinds name is rather self-explanatory, referring to the overall style of the blind; the fabric is mounted over a pole that allows it to be rolled up or down to achieve various heights.
However, the name itself goes quite far back. One of the first examples of roller blinds dates back to 18th century Netherlands and Scotland, with Scotch Holland Roller Blinds developing early examples of the modern roller blind.
They didn’t feature spring mechanisms found on the rollers blinds for today, with the spring roller window shade being invented in the United States at some point during the 1800s.
Vertical Blinds
As a recent invention, vertical blinds have a much more traditional origin for their name – it explains the main design concept of the blind!
First invented in the USA in 1950 by brothers Edward and Frederick Bopp, vertical blinds can trace their name to the company run by the Bopp brothers, known as ‘Sun Vertical’. They were designed to prevent dust gathering, which was common issue for horizontal blinds popular at the time
- Posted by jthomas
- On June 26, 2017
