What Is the Origin of Venetian Blinds?

Ancient Egyptians and Chinese devised something similar to the modern Venetian blind. Today's Venetian blind design was patented in 1841 and is still in use more than 160 years later.

Origin of the Blinds

Ancient Egyptians tied reeds together to use as a window covering. The Chinese used bamboo in the same way.

Venice

According to the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering at North Carolina State University, it is widely accepted that the Venetians brought the idea for the Venetian blind back from trade expeditions to Persia between 1100 and 1500.

Expansion

After achieving their freedom, slaves who had been captured from neighboring countries migrated from Venice, Italy, to France and began to manufacture Venetian blinds to earn a living during the late Middle Ages.

The New World

Englishman John Webster brought Venetian blinds to the United States in 1767. According to Shutterblinds.com, he sold "wooden Venetian sun blinds" from his shop in Philadelphia.

Adjustable Slats

In 1841, inventor John Hampson of New Orleans patented a method for adjusting the individual slats in the Venetian blind. We use the same mechanism today.

References

• North Carolina State University: The History of the Venetian Blind
• History of Venetian Blinds
• John Webster, Blinds Man of Philidelphia