When Were Venetian Blinds First Used in the UK?

When Were Venetian Blinds First Used in the UK?

It’s not fully known when Venetian blinds first came into use in the UK. However, what is known is that their popularity in Europe and the United States in the 18th Century was largely down to one London-born man: John Webster. Webster was a trader who saw the potential of a design to revolutionise home interiors. And, in 1841, another John – John Hampson – was responsible for the mechanism that allowed homeowners to adjust the slats in the blinds.

Venetian blinds originated not in Venice as the name may have you believe. Instead, traders found these blinds in Persia and brought them back to Venice via the Silk Road, which is how the majority of the Western world came to know about these designs. Now, though, Venetian blinds have come a long way. Modern designs are durable, have excellent insulation and allow you to precisely control the light in your home.

And, at Easyfit, we’ve taken Venetian blinds to another level. Our bespoke blinds are market-leading for quality, and you can customise these designs with bold colours to suit your home seamlessly. You can even get our blinds delivered to your home no matter where you live in the UK. So, regardless of when they were first used, Easyfit is showing homeowners across the UK the future of Venetian blinds.

when were venetian blinds first used uk

How Did Venetian Blinds Become Popular in the UK?

Venetian blinds are a design that dates back several centuries across the world, and in the UK. While the date of their invention is not known, most believe that the original Venetian design was developed in Persia. From there, European traders fascinated by the blinds brought them back from their travels. Venetians, in particular, grew fond of the designs, and they became a staple of homes and buildings throughout the underwater city.

Once they had a foothold in Europe, the spread of Venetian blinds to the UK was inevitable. A London-based trader called John Webster became aware of them in the UK in the mid-1700s, showing that the designs have been here for over 250 years. From there, Venetian blinds spread all across the world, including in the United States. And, in 1936, Kirsch created modern aluminium Venetian blinds for the first time.

Venetian blinds became popular, though, for one main reason. Venetian blinds allow you to better control how your living space looks and feels. While you can leave them open to keep your home bright, Venetian blinds can close fully to stop people from looking inside your home, while each slat is adjustable for precise lighting control. Because of this, you can also enjoy better insulation, soundproofing and even security with durable Venetian blinds.

venetian blinds uk

Benefits of Venetian Blinds in the UK

Venetian blinds have become so universally popular in the UK because the design is ideally suited for it. While most Venetian blinds were originally about keeping heat away from your home, modern designs can also keep heat inside. When you adjust the blinds to fully cover your windows or doors, they’ll become an additional layer of insulation for your home. As a result, they could help you save money on your energy bills.

Venetian blinds are also great for privacy and security. If you have a home office, bathroom or another sensitive area with large, open windows, people might be able to see things you’d rather they don’t. Venetian blinds are a cost-effective way to block their view, and they add a classic aesthetic to your space as well. You’ll be able to protect your privacy and even stop burglars from seeing things they’d want to steal.

Finally, Venetian blinds are a brilliant design to look at whether they’re open or closed. You can choose wooden Venetian blinds which have a traditional feel or more modern aluminium Venetian blinds that glow in the sunlight. Either way, Easyfit’s new Venetian blinds are fully customisable for your home. You can choose unique colours and designs that stand the test of time, and you’ll get a made-to-measure fit as well.

venetian blinds free uk delivery

Venetian Blinds with Free UK Delivery

Historically, Venetian blinds have been in the UK for a long while. However, Easyfit’s Venetian blinds are a modern take on a design classic. Our options are highly durable, operate smoothly and look fantastic in living rooms, bathrooms and even bedrooms. And, with our range of customisable options, you can pick a design that complements your home brilliantly while improving your control over your living space’s lighting.

At Easyfit, we also put you in control of getting your new Venetian blinds. It’s because we can deliver your bespoke blinds from our base in the North East of England to anywhere in the UK – free of charge. From there, you’ll be able to install them yourself as well, rather than spending additional money on installers. You’ll be able to fit your blinds at your own pace, and you can stay in control of your budget.

If you’d like to find out more, explore our website to see our full range of Venetian blinds for free UK delivery and order your ideal fit. And, for further information, contact our friendly team to ask us anything.

Case Study: Bradley Hall Head Office

Case Study: Bradley Hall Head Office

Custom Branded Roller Blinds for Bradley Hall’s Grey Street HQ

Client: Bradley Hall
Location: Grey Street, Newcastle upon Tyne
Sector: Commercial Property
Scope: Custom Branded and Non-Branded Roller Blinds Across Two Floors
Project Status: Delivered to Spec, On Time, Within 2 Weeks

The Project

We were commissioned to design and install a combination of branded and non-branded roller blinds for Bradley Hall’s stunning new head office on Newcastle’s iconic Grey Street. The blinds not only enhance the aesthetic of the new space, but also provide practical year-round comfort.


What the Client Needed

As the building is listed, Bradley Hall were unable to use external signage to display their brand identity. They needed an interior solution that would subtly represent their brand in a stylish, professional way, while still providing effective solar shading and heat retention.


The Challenge

  • No external signage permitted due to the heritage status of the building.
  • No parking for unloading equipment.
  • 4-metre-high windows requiring specialist ladder access.
  • Narrow spiral staircases, making it difficult to manoeuvre materials without damaging freshly decorated walls and doors.

The client also required a rapid turnaround ahead of moving into their new space.


How We Overcame It

Our team designed and manufactured a blend of branded and non-branded roller blinds, ensuring a cohesive look across two floors. The installation required exceptional care and expertise to work safely within the constraints of a heritage building.

Despite the logistical hurdles, we delivered the entire project from initial enquiry to completion in under 2 weeks, meeting Bradley Hall’s deadlines without compromising on quality.


The Result

The finished installation delivered:

  • Stylish integration of Bradley Hall’s branding into the new office.
  • Effective shading and thermal control for year-round comfort.
  • Seamless delivery within a limited timeframe.
  • A high-quality installation, despite the challenges of restricted access and building constraints.

Client Feedback

“Huge thanks to you and the team Kevin! Fantastic service from start to finish, quick turnaround and quality product and installation. They look great!”

– Sharon Boyd, Chief Operating Officer, Bradley Hall North East / Yorkshire


The Bigger Picture

This project demonstrates our ability to combine branding, design, and practicality, even in heritage or conservation-area buildings where signage is restricted. It also underlines our expertise in overcoming complex site challenges and delivering under tight time pressures.

Perfect Fit® Shutter Lite – The Smarter Way to Add Style to Your Windows

Perfect Fit® Shutter Lite – The Smarter Way to Add Style to Your Windows

When it comes to window style, shutters are always a favourite – but traditional plantation shutters can be pricey, time-consuming, and invasive to install. That’s where our new Perfect Fit® Shutter Lite comes in.

Exclusively from A1 Blinds, this innovative system gives you the clean lines and light control of classic shutters – without the complications.


Why Customers Are Choosing Shutter Lite

  • Great Style, Great Value
    Perfect Fit® Shutter Lite offers an accessible alternative to traditional shutters – ideal for modern homes looking for elegant simplicity.
  • Quick & Simple Fitting
    No drilling. No mess. These shutters click neatly into place using a Perfect Fit® frame – meaning less disruption and more convenience.
  • Works With Doors and Tilt & Turn Windows
    The shutter moves with your window or door – making it perfect for inward-opening frames, patio doors, and even French doors.

🌞 Let the Light In – and Keep the View

Thanks to its minimal framework and slim louvres, Perfect Fit® Shutter Lite lets in plenty of natural light while maintaining excellent privacy. The clever design also gives you a clearer view to the outside than bulkier shutter systems.


❄️🔥 Comfort All Year Round

Perfect Fit® Shutter Lite does more than just look good. These shutters help create a more comfortable indoor environment by:

  • Reducing heat loss in winter
  • Blocking direct sunlight in summer
  • Helping improve energy efficiency throughout the home

By regulating room temperature, they can even contribute to more consistent energy use over time.


💷 Style That Elevates Your Home

Shutters are known to enhance both kerb appeal and interior finish. Shutter Lite can:

  • Add a high-end look to any room
  • Signal quality and practicality to potential buyers
  • Enhance the overall presentation of your property

A stylish upgrade that makes a lasting impression – especially when fitted professionally by A1 Blinds.


🧼 Practical, Waterproof & Wipe-Clean

Built for everyday living, these shutters are:

  • Easy to remove for cleaning or decorating
  • Wipe-clean and waterproof
  • Perfect for kitchens, bathrooms, and busy family homes

No caulking. No damage. Just a smart, practical solution that fits effortlessly into your lifestyle.


Made in the UK

We’re proud to offer a product that’s:

  • Made in the UK
  • Fitted by our trusted A1 Blinds installation team

📞 Upgrade Your Windows Today

Stylish. Practical. Versatile.

Perfect Fit® Shutter Lite proves you don’t need to compromise on looks, light, or lifestyle.

Contact A1 Blinds today to find out more and book your free home consultation.

Case Study: Newcastle Airport Control Tower

Case Study: Newcastle Airport Control Tower

40 Custom Tension Pleated Blinds for Newcastle Airport Control Tower

Client: Newcastle International Airport
Location: Newcastle upon Tyne
Sector: Aviation – Air Traffic Control
Scope: 40 Bespoke Tension Pleated Blinds
Project Status: Delivered to Spec, On Time

The Project

We were commissioned to design and install 40 custom tension pleated blinds for Newcastle International Airport’s Air Traffic Control Tower. This wasn’t a straightforward job – the tower’s unique architecture and operational restrictions made it one of the most complex installations we’ve ever delivered.


What the Client Needed

The brief was simple but critical: shading and light control in an environment where visibility is paramount. The blinds needed to perform flawlessly to reduce glare, enhance comfort, and maintain clear sightlines for air traffic controllers at all times.


The Challenge

The tower’s design created a unique technical challenge: the windows are narrower at the top than the bottom. This meant the blinds had to operate in reverse, raising issues with tension and stability. Getting them to stay in place was no small feat.


How We Overcame It

Our team engineered a bespoke solution using:

  • Maximum tension throughout each blind system
  • Reinforced top bars for durability
  • Discreet magnetic strips to keep blinds secure

We worked closely with the client throughout, being completely transparent about the technical hurdles. To build confidence, we produced working samples that were tested and signed off before full manufacture began.


Working in a Live Air Traffic Control Tower

This wasn’t just a technical project – it was also about precision planning. Working in one of the UK’s busiest control towers meant strict security measures:

  • All staff were vetted and security checked
  • Passports had to be presented at each entry
  • Access was tightly restricted and visits limited

To meet these requirements, we planned every step of the installation around an agreed programme of works, ensuring accuracy, efficiency, and minimal disruption to airport operations.


The Result

The new blinds have transformed the tower environment, delivering:

✅ Glare reduction
✅ Improved visibility for controllers
✅ Greater comfort in a high-pressure workplace

The client praised not only the quality of the finished product but also our communication, professionalism, and how smoothly the installation was managed.


The Bigger Picture

This project highlights our ability to deliver bespoke blind solutions for even the most complex environments. From innovative design to meticulous project management, we can adapt to buildings where standard systems simply won’t work.


Ready for the Next One

If you’ve got a project that demands a tailored shading solution – whether it’s an airport, a commercial office, or a uniquely shaped building – we’ve got the expertise to deliver.

Get in touch with our team today to discuss how we can design, manufacture, and install blinds that meet your exact requirements.

© 2025 A1 Blinds