Wood and faux wood blinds are also called 2” blinds, horizontal blinds, timber blinds, plantation blinds, Venetian blinds, and macro blinds. These are fairly easy to repair. Common repairs include replacing broken tilt mechanisms, restring the blinds and replacing broken valance clips.
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Identification and Background
Wood and faux wood blinds are window coverings made up of slats that are often 2” wide. The slats lay horizontally, and can be 1”, 1 3/8”, 1 ½”, 2”, or 2 ½” wide. If the slats are made from wood or look like wood, they are considered wood or faux wood blinds. Faux, or fake, wood blinds are made of a material that resembles wood. They can be vinyl, PVC, foam or a wood/vinyl composite. Wood and faux wood blinds can be raised and lowered to cover/uncover the window, and the slats tilt open and closed for privacy and light control. Sometimes, these can also be called “Venetian Blinds.”
Wood and natural materials have long been considered an attractive way to dress windows. Centuries ago, Egyptians used reeds to cover their windows, and Chinese used bamboo pieces for privacy and sun protection. In Persia (modern-day Iran), wood blinds were first used from 1100-1500 AB. Traders from Venice imported these designs, and they gained great popularity. The term “Venetian Blind” was born! During the 1700’s, Venetian blinds were embraced by the masses across Europe. In 1760, Englishman Gowin Knight received a patent for the first Venetian blinds, and in 1761, St Peter’s Church in Rome was fitted with them. In rapidly colonizing North America, John Webster began to sell “Wooden Venetian Sun Blinds” in Philadelphia in 1767. Then in New Orleans in 1841, John Hampson invented the mechanism for controlling the angle of the slats. After World War II, sales and popularity continued to grow. Wood and faux wood blinds remain a favorite window covering today.