A Remarkable Look at the History of Window Blinds and Shades

The window blinds and shades we’ve come to love and rely on today actually has a pretty fascinating history dating back thousands of years. While it might be tempting to believe that the innovations of motorised blinds and energy saving shades are a new invention of the 21st century, it finds its origins in centuries dating back thousands of years.

While we depend on window blinds and shades to help regulate our homes’ temperatures throughout the year, and to keep our home looking stylish and inviting, others depended on it for much more basic needs. Let’s take a look at five interesting facts about the history of beautiful and pragmatic blinds and shades.

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#1 The Romans Turn to Window Blinds and Shades to Help with Dust

Ever heard of Roman shades? There’s a good reason for it. The Romans got rather fed up with all the debris and dust blowing into their homes. Their resourceful way of addressing this was to cover their doorways and windows with dap pieces of cloths. Thus, the first ever Roman blinds came into existence.

#2 The Chinese Have a Hand in the Window Blinds and Shades We Know Today

Some of the earliest recorded blinds and shades derive from the ancient Chinese. The Chinese created blinds by binding bamboo together and hanging them in windows and doorways as a way to create privacy. Interestingly, ancient Egyptians were using weeds to do something similar.

#3 Venetian Blinds Come From…Not Venice

While it’s understandable to think Venetian blinds derive from Venice, it’s actually untrue. The Persians, in fact, first engineered the familiar slatted design that the world has come to know and love today as modern Venetian blinds.

#4 The Evolution of the Shower Curtain

What the world knows today as the shower curtain actually started its life as the bath curtain. Seeing as many of the first baths were actually free standing, they come fitted with a pole attached to a circular rod above it, used for holding a curtain.

This was to provide the bather with some privacy. The curtains were manufactured using cloth so that it wouldn’t soak up half of the dirty water.

#5 The World’s Largest Window Is…in Paris

One of the world’s largest windows are situated in the Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris. “The Rose Window” is impressive for its size, which extends to 13.1 meters in diameter and 41.1 meters in circumference. Here’s to hoping they accurately assess it for the window blinds and shades!

A bonus fact about window blinds and shades is that the tilt mechanism we find in nearly all types of hanging blinds today was first patented by John Hampson, an American inventor. Without this invention, modern blinds and shades would probably look much different to what we know today.

In Search of Beautiful Window Blinds and Shades? You’ve Come to the Right Place

Whether you’re after window blinds, shutters or shades, we are your first choice. We supply traditional shutters as well as motorised, electric blinds. Our fast-growing company continues to deliver exceptional quality interior and exterior blinds and continues to drive innovation in our full in-house manufacturing division.

For many years, we’ve been at the forefront of delivering excellent quality window blinds and shades to both commercial and residential clients and we continue to set the standard for excellence in our industry. Thanks to our unyielding commitment to excellent customer care and service, we’ve been fortunate to build a loyal customer following, which only further points to the level of service you can expect when working with us.

Contact us to learn more about our vast catalogue of products and how we can help address your needs for quality, beautiful and durable window blinds and shades. We look forward to helping you harness the beauty and benefits of quality blinds in your home.

Contact us to discuss your need for beautiful blinds and shades