Residents of Sydney are experiencing hotter days than usual due to climate change. According to Australia’s Bureau of Meteorology, portions of Sydney reached 104 degrees in December 2019. The extreme heat causes discomfort and difficulty in sleeping, especially among old and sick people. And although a hot day would be perfect for lounging around at the sandy shores, and having a splash at the salty waters of Bondi Beach, excessive heat is not appreciated when you just want to relax at home.
People should plan to move to cooler places and keep their homes refreshing. Air-conditioning for long hours, however, is expensive and results in electricity overload and blackouts.
An effective way of keeping homes fresh without power is to install Venetian blinds in Sydney.
What kinds of Venetian blinds are available?
Energy-efficiency experts of Sydney suggest shading windows to keep the heat out. Moreover, using window blinds lowers electrical bills by a significant percentage.
Besides being a practical choice, window blinds are also decorative. With a small investment, shutters can beautify a room instantly.
There are different kinds – honeycomb blinds, Roman blinds, block out curtains, and Venetian blinds in Sydney. However, interior designers recommend Venetian blends for people who want:
- Control over incoming light and airflow
- Privacy
- Value for money
Here are different kinds of Venetian blinds:
Aluminium Venetian Blinds
These blinds are known for being affordable and durable. Since they are water-resistant and easy to clean, aluminium blinds are popular choices for bathrooms and kitchens.
Timber Venetian blinds
Natural timber Venetians are perfect for homeowners who prefer wood to accentuate their lounges, offices, living, and dining rooms. Although expensive, these Venetian blinds in Sydney will last for many years.
To ensure that manufacturers comply with international standards, look for the Programme for Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC) logo. “Responsible Wood” is the governing body for PEFC in Sydney, Australia. Likewise, Sydney’s Environmental Agency (EPA) regulates the usage of chemicals in the treatment of timber.
Affordable alternatives made of human-made materials are called timber Venetians, timber-style Venetian, timber-look Venetian, and mock-wood Venetian. While giving the appearance of timber, they are lightweight, easy to maintain, and long-lasting. The water-resistant versions are ideal for kitchens, bathrooms, and laundry areas.
PVC Venetian Blinds
PVC blinds are ideal for humid rooms, unlike wooden blinds. Aside from being affordable, different formulations achieve varying levels of heat deflection.
Its resistance to mildew and moisture make PVC blinds ideal for those suffering from allergy.
What are other considerations before buying Venetian blinds?
First, you may want to consider cordless blinds if there are small children at home. Make sure that the Venetian blinds in Sydney are compliant with the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) regulations on child safety. To avoid accidents, secure the cords so that they are unreachable to kids. Also, remove furniture that children may climb to reach the ropes.
Also called safe lift Venetian blinds, cordless blinds are hand-controlled. Push the bottom rail up until it reaches the desired level. To bring down, pull the bottom rail down until it self-locks. A wind will tilt the slats.
Secondly, consider the budget. Choosing blinds depends on the room. Timber or timber-like Venetian blinds will look attractive in places where you entertain guests and clients. For kitchens and bathrooms, the standard shades are sufficient. Also, take note that the window size, fabric, and design will affect the total cost.
Lastly, find out whether the blinds are easy to clean. Venetian blinds capture dust easily. Light vacuuming and spot cleaning may be enough for some shades. Others, however, will require professional cleaning.
These tips will help you in finding suitable Venetian blinds in Sydney. To bring down your electricity bill, designers recommend covering windows both internally and externally. Awnings will prevent heat from entering your windows while inside covers, like Venetian blinds, will provide additional insulation.
