Venetian blinds

Why people keep coming back to venetians

Venetian blinds are a great option if you like being able to adjust the light little by little through the day. Whether you prefer slim aluminium slats or a warmer timber-style finish, we'll happily help you find a look that's practical for your room.

A venetian blind is a set of horizontal slats held on ladder cords or tapes. Raise it with a cord and the slats stack up at the top; tilt them with a wand or cord and you can shut out glare, let in light or angle the view. That ability to dial the light up or down in small steps is a real strength of venetians. The aluminium version is also slim, tough and easy to keep clean, which is why it is so common in kitchens, home offices and rented properties.

Slat width

Slat widths commonly run from about 16 mm up to 50 mm, with 25 mm the traditional all-rounder, though the choice depends on the range. Narrow slats give a fine, almost linear look and a compact stack. Wider slats give a bolder look and a more open view when tilted. Slat colour and finish matter too, from matt whites and silvers to deeper colours and some textured and perforated styles in certain ranges. Ask what is available and we will bring samples to the measure.

How tilt works in practice

When you tilt a venetian, each slat rotates on its ladder cords. Tilting the slats part open lets you keep a view out while limiting how clearly people can see in, particularly from lower down outside, though the result depends on the angle and the room. Fully closed, the slats overlap to cut most of the view and a good part of the light, though small gaps remain at the cord holes and edges, so if you need a very dark room, a different blind will suit better. For that, see blackout blinds.

Tilt controls vary. A wand twists to tilt and has no loop. A cord or chain tilt is also available on some ranges. Either one sits alongside the lift cord, so it can help to consider how many cords end up at the edge of the window.

Cord safety

Venetians have lift cords and sometimes tilt cords, so child safety is worth a thought here. Keep cords out of reach of small children, use the cord tidy or safety device fitted, and keep cots, beds and furniture clear of the window. Wand tilt and, in some ranges, cordless lift options remove or reduce the loose cords. BS EN 13120 is the UK standard that covers the safety of internal blinds. Our guide to child-safe blind choices gives more detail.

Kitchens, utility rooms and offices

Aluminium does not soak up water, so splashes and steam wipe off easily, and the slender profile suits a small window above a sink. It is best to keep the blind clear of the hob. Venetians also work well in home offices because you can angle the light to cut screen glare without making the room dark. Our article on blinds for home offices goes into more detail.

Where aluminium needs a little care

The slats are thin and can bend or crease if they are caught, pulled or pushed hard, and a creased slat is difficult to put right. Open windows and draughts can make the slats move and rattle against each other. If you want something more robust or warmer to the eye, look at faux wood blinds or real wooden blinds. For uPVC windows, you might also look at perfect fit blinds, which are fitted into the frame rather than into the wall.

Recess or face fit, and the stack at the top

In a recess, a venetian looks neat and close to the glass, but the headrail needs some depth. Fitted to the face of the frame or wall, it covers the edges and gives you a little more light control at the sides. The stack, the bundle of raised slats, is usually small for narrow slats and bigger for wider slats and longer drops. We measure the stack so you know how much glass is lost.

Cleaning aluminium venetians

Dust the slats with a soft cloth or a microfibre duster, or close them and wipe in one direction. Wipe stubborn marks with a damp cloth and a little mild soap, and dry them. A gentle touch is best, as rough scrubbing can scratch the finish.

If you would like to see the options against your own window, book a free measure and we will explain how each blind will sit.

Timber, faux wood and aluminium

Venetian slats come in timber, composite faux wood (suited to kitchens and bathrooms) and aluminium, in many colours and finishes. They can hang free or be fitted in a Perfect Fit frame without screws, and can be motorised.

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