From Ancient Reeds to Smart Tech: The Fascinating History of Window Blinds

Whether you’re blocking out a midday glare or looking for a little evening privacy, you probably interact with window blinds every day. But have you ever wondered who first thought of “slats on a string”? The history of window blinds is a 5,000-year-old tale of desert survival, global trade, and industrial innovation.

Ancient Innovation: How Egyptians and Chinese Beat the Heat

Window blinds weren’t originally a fashion statement; they were a survival tool. In Ancient Egypt, residents lived in a climate where the sun was relentless. They used reeds harvested from the Nile, weaving them into mats that could be lowered over window openings.

Interestingly, the Egyptians were the masters of “swamp cooling.” By soaking these reed blinds in water, the breeze passing through would cool the interior of the home through evaporation. Meanwhile, in Ancient China, builders used bamboo stalks to create sturdy, flexible screens that offered both shade and a level of privacy that heavy fabrics couldn’t match.

The Venetian Mystery: Why They Aren’t Actually Italian

The most famous style of blind—the Venetian blind—is actually a bit of a misnomer. While Venice is credited with popularising them in Europe, historians believe the design originated in Persia (modern-day Iran).

Venetian traders, who dominated the Mediterranean sea routes, discovered these slatted window coverings during their travels to the East. They brought the idea back to Venice in the early 18th century, where it became an instant hit. The French also fell in love with them, calling them Les Persiennes, acknowledging their true Persian roots.

The Patent Era: Who Officially Invented the Modern Blind?

While the concept was centuries old, the mechanical version we recognise today didn’t get “official” until the late 1700s.

• 1769: Edward Bevan’s Breakthrough. Londoner Edward Bevan is credited with the first patent for a Venetian blind. His design featured slats held within a wooden frame, allowing the user to tilt them to adjust light—a revolutionary jump from fixed screens.

• John Webster’s American Debut. In 1767, just before Bevan’s patent, a craftsman named John Webster began advertising Venetian blinds to the wealthy elite of Philadelphia. They quickly became a symbol of status in Colonial America.

Blinds in High Places: From St. Peter’s to the White House

By the time the United States was being formed, blinds were the “must-have” decor for the powerful. Thomas Jefferson was a massive proponent of blinds, installing them throughout Monticello.

In fact, early illustrations of the U.S. Department of State show Venetian blinds in almost every window. They were preferred over heavy velvet curtains because they provided ventilation in the humid Philadelphia and D.C. summers while maintaining the “seriousness” of a government building.

The 20th Century: The Rise of Aluminum and Vinyl

The blinds we see in modern offices and apartments today owe their existence to a major pivot in 1946. The company Hunter Douglas developed the first lightweight, flexible aluminium Venetian blind.

Before this, blinds were mostly made of heavy wood or steel, which were prone to warping or rusting. Aluminium-made blinds made blinds affordable for the middle class and allowed for the “mini-blind” trend that dominated the 1970s and 80s.

The Future of Window Treatments

Today, we’ve traded wooden pull-cords for motorised rollers and smartphone apps. We have moved from simple reed mats to “smart glass” and honeycomb shades that provide NASA-level insulation. However, the basic principle remains the same as it was in ancient times: controlling the light to make our homes a little more comfortable.