Blinds are an integral part of Australian home décor. Whether you have them covering your windows or not, blinds can tie together the look and feel of any room in your home. They come in various styles and shades to suit every taste and décor preference, so it’s easy to find something that suits your needs perfectly. Blinds and shutters first made their mark on homes when people moved away from open fireplaces. The introduction of gas heating then electric heating brought about the need for window coverings to conserve energy and provide privacy from nosy neighbours!
When were blinds invented?
The first recorded use of window coverings was in ancient China, where bamboo blinds were used to cover windows. From there, the idea spread throughout Asia and Europe. It wasn’t until the early 1800s that blinds began appearing in homes in North America, but they didn’t take off until the late 1800s. After that, blinds were installed in homes all over the world. In fact, during World War II, there was a shortage of supplies for window coverings, and as a result, many homeowners began making their own or used blankets to provide privacy from outside.
Who invented the Venetian blinds?
Blinds were initially being made from wood or fabric. Not long after, Venetian blinds became popular and quickly spread as a replacement for curtains in homes worldwide. The Venetian blinds were invented by a man named James Sholes.
It’s believed that he was inspired by the Venetian blinds while on holiday in Italy, which was known to be used as window coverings since Roman times and even before then. The word ‘shade’ is derived from “scatta”, which means to shield or protect. The word ‘shades’ is derived from the exact Latin origin, a device to keep out light and is also referred to as window blinds, shades or shutters.
When did blinds come to Australia?
The Venetian blinds were invented in the 1830s. The first patent for a vertical slat roller blind was granted to an American inventor, John Thurber, on May 12th 1827. This invention is often attributed to Mr Sholes, who developed it and patented it after buying Mr Thurbur's rights, including using his name.
The first blinds in Australia were made from cotton and installed at the Sydney Observatory with automatic controls. The Venetian Blinds came to this country around 1880 when several manufacturing companies made them for domestic purposes. These days, most homes have either vertical or horizontal blinds and roller shades.
How famous are Venetian and rollers blinds now in Australian homes?
Blinds and Shutters of all kinds are trendy in Australia. According to a report published by the International Window Film Association, window coverings account for 25% of any home's budget spent on renovations and upgrades. That is more than the roofing industry itself! Homeowners now use blinds and shutters to control the amount of light and heat entering their homes and add privacy and security.
