About Venetian Blinds and Miniblinds

Their metal-like appearance and razor-thin slats are what set Venetian blinds and miniblinds apart from other horizontal window treatments. Where shutters or wood blinds tend to lend warmth and coziness to a room, venetian and mini-blinds offer hard edges and cool finishes. They are the economical choice in horizontal window treatments, and miniblinds are available as a stock item in many home improvement stores.

Identification

The terms Venetian blinds and miniblinds are often used interchangeably because there is little difference between these two types of blinds.

The slats on Venetian blinds are two to three inches in width, while mini-blind slats are one-half to one inch in width. Both types of blinds come in a variety of colors and in matte, pearly or metallic finishes.

For both Venetian blinds and miniblinds, the slats can be vinyl or aluminum. Aluminum slats can be six gauge or eight gauge in thickness. The eight gauge slat is more durable and less likely to kink or bend.

The head rails are slim and contain the mechanisms needed to operate the blinds. Both Venetian and miniblinds have bottom rails to anchor the ladders.

Function

Both Venetian blinds and miniblinds are considered horizontal window treatments because their slats hang parallel to one another. The slats can be raised to provide light and access to the view outside or lowered to provide privacy and block out light.

The cords that string through the slats are called ladders. The ladders work in conjunction with mechanisms in the head rail to raise and lower the blinds, as well as tilt them open and closed.

Prevention/Solution

Bending or applying undue pressure to the slats can permanently damage both types of blinds. The slats have no internal reinforcement to resist pressure.

They are also subject to discoloration from extreme sunlight or humidity. Because the slats are difficult to access for cleaning, the buildup of dust and dirt can also cause discoloration over time.

A feather duster can be used for light cleaning. For a more thorough cleaning, take the blind down, and gently immerse it in a tub of warm water. Hang the blind up and dry the slats with a dry cloth. Avoid using chemical cleaners as these may stain the finish.

Considerations

Miniblinds are more commonly used in commercial application than residential, primarily because their aesthetic appeal is limited. The materials used for these window treatments can make them appear severe and utilitarian.

Venetian blinds, though, are slightly more versatile design wise. The wider slat and wider range of colors available soften the look of the venetian blind. The wider slat is also considered appropriate to the midcentury modern design scheme. The wider slat and metallic finish coordinate well with the clean lines and metal furnishings of the style.

Significance

Venetian blinds serve another purpose other than the control of light and provision of privacy. The bands of light and shadow created by the tilted slats have played a significant part in the film noir genre.

The contrast of light and shadow in these movies represents conflict and entanglements, and of being caught between good and evil. But perhaps the most famous appearance of these window treatments was in the movie "Chinatown," when private eye Jake Gittes (played by Jack Nicholson) tells a distraught client who's buried his face in the slats, "You can't eat the Venetian blinds, Curly. I just had 'em installed on Wednesday."