blinds - Primo Blinds - window blinds guide to blinds

The use of blinds probably originated from the more humid regions of the world—in some parts of South America, maybe also in Asia. In these regions, the blinding rays of the sun is so extreme that blinds came into extensive use, simply because it filters the sun’s rays and allows the fresh wind to pass through.

In Japan for example, blinds were fashioned out of bamboo, stripped thinly and woven together. The same principle is used in their tatami mats and shoji screens. Other notable contributions by Asians involve the use of coconut leaves (Sulirap), dried water lily stalks, even rice stalks; mostly indigenous materials that are readily available in the locality.

The great American Architect, Frank Lloyd Wright, the father of modern Architecture and exponent of organic Architecture, extensively used blinds at his Prairie House and at his own house and studio at Taliesin. His lead probably revolutionized the use of blinds in the United States of America.

The theory “less is more” as expounded by Mies Van de Rohe, actually started the International Style of Architecture, a movement that stripped human habitats of its ornate frills, and instead adhered to what is simple and essential. Buildings are made to function like machines, efficient and easier to construct. Architects, like Walter Gropius, Eero Saarinen and Paul Rudolph to name a few, embraced this gospel of the modern movement. This is characterized by the extensive use of steel and glass.

Even in air-conditioned buildings, the blinding rays of the sun continue to nag its occupants. This prompted designers to utilize heavy draperies to keep occupants from the sun, reduce glare and keep air-conditioning at bay. Modern draperies were made heat absorbent, so the cost skyrocketed—including its cleaning and maintenance, that it became impractical to use one.

Thus, the idea of blinds made of anodized aluminum came into focus. Much cheaper than draperies, the material reflects heat effectively and maintenance is absolutely free. So if one tires of it after a few months, owners can simply discard the blinds and install a new one. Some may opt to take it out, wash it and reinstall or simply transfer it. Designs come in different sizes, whether vertical or horizontal, and again in varying colors and prints to match the interior of a room.

In a nutshell, if the design of the building is inspired by the modern international movement, blinds are normally utilized in its interiors. The same way with residences, because of its restful lines and pastel, seductive colors, occupants will love and have a dreamless sleep in it.

The new movement in Architecture, “post modern” as started by American Architect Phillip Johnson, reverts back in part to the drab late 1800’s, so expect curtains and draperies to be in vogue. Always remember, that the use of either draperies or blinds, is not dictated by the design of the building, but rather is a personal preference. If curtains give you a high, because you feel like royalty, then go ahead, splurge. On the other hand if you want a simple, less expensive and maintenance free cover, then blinds are for you.