Cordless Faux Wood Venetian Blinds: Is Authenticity Overrated?

If you’re reading this article, you’ve probably heard the term “Venetian blinds” before and likely have a pretty clear idea of what it entails. Perhaps you imagine corded blinds with flimsy aluminum slats that sit at the lower end of the window treatment price range. Or maybe you’re thinking of faux wood blinds with 2” slats and a direct manual lift system – that is what the title of this article describes, after all. If you’ve really dug into European or Middle Eastern history, you might even be thinking of simple wood blinds suspended on cloth ribbons that could not be turned at all.

So, which of these interpretations is right? Well, all of them to an extent! In late 1700s Europe, the first tilting mechanism used to control Venetian blinds had yet to be invented and the aluminum slats most associated with Venetian blinds today also did not exist. In some sense, this would make them the most authentic Venetian shades; however, if a window treatment store were to sell them as “Venetian blinds” today they would likely run into some upset customers wondering why their blinds couldn’t tilt. Furthermore, the argument that these blinds constitute authentic Venetian blinds is complicated by the fact that these blinds do not originate from Venice but were brought there by Venetian traders from the Middle East. The actual origins of Venetian blinds are disputed, though they are commonly attributed to Persia and an older variation using reeds was known to be used in Ancient Egypt.

The version of “Venetian blinds” that most people would be familiar with today use a combination of cords and aluminum strips that are easily mass produced, which allowed them to become a major seller in the window treatment market, particularly for businesses and other non-residences. Now, this type of product has been discontinued in Canada due to the new regulations on cords and strings. In its place, faux wood blinds using motorization, cordless lift, or concealed chain controls must now represent the “Venetian blind” in Canada. These window treatments have little in common with the original design of “Venetian blinds” and are quite distinct from the blinds that came to be known as “Venetian blinds” in the 20th century. However, given the many benefits of their design when compared to the designs of the past, it is difficult to argue that authenticity is a desirable quality in this case.

So, what are these benefits? Well to start off with, faux wood blinds are much studier than the thin, aluminum slats of yesteryear. This means no more having to deal with slats being bent out of shape and developing crease marks. Faux wood is also sturdier than authentic wood, as it better resists scrapes and scratches and is better suited to high-moisture environments where wood products warp and break down over time. Yet another instance where authenticity comes up short against the new and innovative product. Additionally, these new faux wood blinds are safer for children and pets, as the exposed cords and strings on the aluminum “Venetian blinds” did pose a strangulation hazard. Thirdly, the cordless lift systems available for the faux wood blinds are much easier and more convenient to control than the strings used for the previous design. They also avoid the problem where one side of the blind raises and the other does not, which was common with aluminum “Venetian blinds.” Finally, faux wood “Venetian blinds” like this are a more attractive window treatment option than the aluminum “Venetian blinds,” although this is more a matter of opinion than a fact.

Calling cordless faux wood blinds “Venetian blinds” today might raise a few eyebrows. They are clearly not what we would traditionally refer to as “Venetian blinds,” and while they are certainly blinds, they have no connection to Venice that would justify the label. However, as we have seen, the “Venetian blinds” of the past also evolved considerably from their original form – and none of them were invented in Venice or by Venetians. So, what do you think? Should these largely unrelated blinds take over the “Venetian blind” label or should we allow the name to slip away and simply refer to these blinds as horizontal faux wood blinds?