Timber slatted blinds were one of the earliest forms of sunscreening that were developed from the timber shutters that covered window openings before the advent of glass.
The modern blind dates back to the 18th century and is the original venetian blind. Whilst most are made with the same components as aluminium blinds, reproductions of the early blinds with timber rail sections and cast fittings are also available.
As a natural material, timber is subject to movement and for timber blinds it is only possible to use timbers that are stable in the form of narrow strips. The timber has to be kiln dried to a moisture content of between 6-8% to maintain this stability and avoid warping. The timbers used are cedar, basswood and ramin. The former is a very grainy wood with a distinctive variation in colour which is its attraction.
Basswood is a light wood with a more even grain, which is preferred when a more even colouring is required, and Ramin is a medium grained hardwood.