A Short and Brief History of Window Furnishings

Windows are as old as the dwellings they serve. Over the centuries and millennia humans have always tried to strike a balance between style and functionality in their window furnishings, because a home is not only where we do work but also where we relax. Whether it was blinds made of reeds in Ancient Egypt for Pharaohs, or modern day aluminium shutters protecting a Queensland home – window furnishings have a rich and storied history.
Here are a few of the window furnishings we offer here at Modern Blinds and the histories behind them.
Shutters
The use of shutters to regulate light and heating pre-dates the use of windows. 500 years ago, homes in England commonly had shutters covering the lower half of the window, and would be opened when necessary to allow light and air into the home.
Later, during and after the Industrial Revolution and the increase in motor vehicles, noise and pollution from industry, shutters were increasingly used to block out external noise and create a comfortable secluded environment at home. As economic growth increased, shutters began to take on more and more of a decorative function – to demonstrate status in the community.
Amongst earlier Australian European settlers, outdoor fixed shutters were often necessary to provide strong protection against the harsh Australian sun.
The decorative function of shutters is evidenced in the 1960s and after ‘Colonial’ style homes, where pretend shutters were fastened to the outside of windows purely as decoration.
Today, shutters serve a number of functions and are made of a variety of materials – from timber and PVC to vinyl and aluminium. Modern Blinds offers a terrific range of shutters, whether classic decorative Luxurywood Shutters or steadfast and secure aluminium shutters.
Blinds
Roman blinds are said to have been created over 2000 years ago in Rome to prevent dust from entering homes during the construction of Rome’s Colosseum. Because windows then had no glass, Romans previously would hang damp cloth from their windows to prevent dirt and dust being swept into their homes from the wind or passing horse-drawn carriages.
Roman blinds were devised as a window covering made of lightweight strips of fabric – and were more effective in keeping heavy dust out of homes. Their use spread throughout the Roman Empire and continued on spreading throughout Europe and the world over the coming centuries. Later on, a drawstring mechanism was incorporated into the blinds for ease of use – and the blinds were more frequently employed for heat regulation as well as decorative purposes.
Venetian blinds, by contrast, are thought not to have originated in their namesake Venice, but rather in Persia. Venetian traders discovered their use through their trade interactions in the East and brought them back for home use.
In Paris and Venice, they became popular as much for decoration as for their functionality, and later migrated to the United States and Australia, where they are commonly found adding a bit of style and grace to a dwelling.
Window coverings have a rich and varied history, and the team at Modern Blinds is passionate about continuing the proud history of blinds amongst our Queensland clientele. Keep up to date with the latest news on window coverings, or contact us today to find out more!
Client testimonials
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Hello all at Modern Blinds, Ken and I love the shutters, they certainly make a difference. The two men who fitted them were fabulous and very conscien... Love Our New Shutters!
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Love our new blinds Paul & I have just last week had our new roller blinds in the kitchen and a panel glide for the living area sliding doors i... Love our new blinds
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Good Morning, Greg ... A quick email expressing our thanks and appreciation for the quote and installation of our vertical blinds, and th... We are very pleased indeed with the service received
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I would just like to say that I was very impressed with the two workmen that you sent to install my shutters. Nothing was too much trouble, filling so... I would just like to say that I was very impressed with the two workmen
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"Greg, Ruth’s dream of three years has come to fruition. The shutters look terrific. The only disappointment is that they fit in so well, that th... Ruth’s dream of three years has come to fruition.
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"The boys were excellent. They explained what they were doing and also cleaned up after themselves. I would have no hesitation in recommending their w... The boys were excellent. They explained what they were doing
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I would like to take the opportunity to thank you for the automatic motorised blinds that you installed in our boardroom. The professionalism shown fr... I would like to take the opportunity to thank you for the automatic
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“3 years ago we had the good fortune to discover Vogue Vinyl Shutters and after checking all suppliers, had half the house fitted. Now to finish ... 3 years ago we had the good fortune to discover Vogue Vinyl Shutters
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“To Greg and the team at Modern Blinds, thank you for the wonderful service you continue to provide. We were thrilled with the advice, service and q... To Greg and the team at Modern Blinds, thank you for the wonderful
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“My experience purchasing blinds for my dining room was made easy and enjoyable by using Modern Blinds. Greg and his team at Modern Blinds were extr... My experience purchasing blinds for my dining room was made easy
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“We’re so happy with the service that Modern Blinds provided and the blinds look amazing!” We’re so happy with the service that Modern Blinds provided
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“Hi Rodney – Just a quick email to say thanks for all your help and assistance, I had no idea what I wanted or needed to do the job properly and a... Hi Rodney – Just a quick email to say thanks for all your help and assistance
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“Modern Blinds continue to provide us with value for money and a flexible approach to installations, working around a very busy school curriculum. T... Modern Blinds continue to provide us with value for money and a flexible
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“Modern Blinds cannot be faulted, the highest level of professionalism from quoting to installation. I felt really taken care of, so did my freshly... Modern Blinds cannot be faulted, the highest level of professionalism
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“We would like to say a huge thank you to Modern Blinds and more importantly our consultant Rodney Hearne. He made buying our blinds a pleasant expe... We would like to say a huge thank you to Modern Blinds and more
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“I would like to start by thanking the staff at Modern Blinds for the professionalism that they showed to us whilst we were enquiring about types of... I would like to start by thanking the staff at Modern Blinds for the professionalism
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“Rodney, I was so impressed by your knowledge and approach, many thanks.” Rodney, I was so impressed by your knowledge and approach
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“I recently purchased white shutters for my hairdressing salon. They have given a more modern and versatile look. I am receiving positive comments e... I recently purchased white shutters for my hairdressing salon