Venetian blinds consist of horizontal, overlapping slats which 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 and 50mm 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 and 50mm 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 or 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 which both raises and lowers the blind and tilts the slats.

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

Audio visual - provides room darkening effect by increased slat overlap and has channelling to both sides and bottom (see Dim-out Blinds).

Between glazing - special fittings are available allowing blinds to be installed between glazing with remote control facility (see mid-pane blind).

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