Venetian blinds consist of horizontal, overlapping slats that are generally either made of aluminium or timber. The slats are suspended from a headrail and supported by ladder braid or ladder tape. Aluminium slats, for internal use, are available in 15mm or 16mm, 25mm, 35mm, 50mm and 80mm widths. Aluminium slats are also produced in 65mm and 80mm widths primarily for external use but can also be used internally. Timber slats are available in 25mm, 50mm and 63mm widths.

Types and operation

Micro blinds

A term used to describe aluminium slat venetian blinds using 15mm or 16mm wide slat.

Mini blinds

A term used to describe aluminium or timber slat venetian blinds using 25mm wide slat. Timber slat is always plain but aluminium can be plain, have a printed design or be perforated.

Dual control

Dual control blinds have a cord to raise and lower the blind and either a cord or rod to tilt the slats.

Mono control

Mono control blinds have a cord or rod that both raises and lowers the blind and tilts the slats.

Electric control

Electric operation is available for venetian blinds of all slat sizes. The motor is located in the headrail.

Audiovisual

Provides room-darkening effect by increased slat overlap and has channelling to both sides plus top and bottom.

Perforated

Aluminium slat available in all slat widths except micro provides sun-screening protection without eliminating the external view.
 

Components

Headrail

Steel or aluminium encloses the operating mechanism.

Bottom rail

Steel or aluminium.

Slat

Aluminium with stove-enamelled paint finish, timber or MDF composite.

Ladder braid

Polyester braid with cross-ladders to support the slat and control the tilt of the blind.

Ladder tape

Woven cotton or polyester tape in 13mm, 25mm and 38mm widths with cross ladder to support the slat and control the tilt of the slat.

Cord

Made from polyester to raise and lower the blind.

Lift Tape

Polyester or stainless steel tape to raise mono and electric blinds.

Rod

Acrylic clear wand, steel or aluminium with PVC sleeving used to adjust the angle of the slatting.

Cord lock

Locking mechanism for the lift cord to secure blind in raised position.

Tilter

A geared drive to adjust the angle of the venetian slatting.

Acorn

A range of materials and objects used as cord pulls.