VENETIANS STAYING AFLOAT

BLINDS BY PETER MEYER
“Blinds by Peter Meyer has just hit the market with its latest venetian blind range to complement its Premium custom painted and stained Cedar Venetian range, confirms Managing Director Simon Meyer. The new range is called Habitus and comes in a range of wood grain effects as well as on trend plain colour ranges.

“The new Habitus slat is made from compressed Polystyrene, which is not only stronger but about 15 per cent lighter than the alternative PVC slats on the market. This makes what is traditionally a very heavy blind style, much easier to operate. Polystyrene based slat products have been well proven over a long time to have amongst the best performance in Australian conditions, including regarding thermal stability. They are very suitable for use in all areas of the home or office, including in wet areas.”

“The unique grain effect is created through photographic imaging of real veneer, which is then indelibly printed onto the surface of the profiles using a stabilised ink transfer technology called foiling. This creates the most realistic grain structures possible using a polystyrene material base. The imprint is permanent and highly stable.”

“Available in 50mm and 63mm slat sizes with a modern flat valance, this is certainly the most competitive price point product that you will have ever seen out of Blinds by Peter Meyer,” he says. “With the growing pressure on the price of cedar in the market today, we had to come up with an alternative that would allow customers to buy a quality venetian blind but without the price point of Cedar. Another huge benefit of having the slats ready to go is greatly reduced lead times.”

“On top of this amazing new product release are also some wonderful additions to the cedar venetian range. We have recently introduced 25mm wide textile tape into the 60mm slat range in five colours. Custom colours are also available at a surcharge so the design opportunities are endless.”

Meyer says the company continues to see strong numbers in its cedar venetian production with 46mm, 60mm and 85mm slat widths available. “The 85mm slats give a very similar look to shutters when on your windows, but can also lift and tilt unlike a traditional shutter. As always, we can motorise our full range of Habitus and Cedar venetian blinds.”

The other product that sets Blinds by Peter Meyer apart In the market is its Manhattan Venetian range, a combination of a 50mm Aluminium Venetian blind and a Cedar Venetian.

“Using the Valance and bottom rail from our cedar blinds; customer painted, stained or clean lacquered with the retro look of a 50mm Aluminium Venetian blind. The valance and bottom rail add a touch of class and pairing the blind with ladder tape or wide textile tape can really make a statement on your windows.”

“The venetian blind market is certainly not what it used to be back in the ’90s when people would be installing timber venetians like today’s modern alternative – the shutter. However we still see a healthy number of venetian blinds going through all our different variations and one day we expect to see the numbers increasing again. We have certainly already started to feel the wave with our Habitus venetians due to their sensitive price point and flexibility as well as the faster lead times.”

ESR BLINDS ESR
Blinds’ most obvious point of difference lies in local manufacture. “ESR is a hugely proud Australian company with a long 30 year tradition of making amazing quality blinds right here in Australia. A big boast, but true,” says Michael Shaw of parent company Blinds by Boronia Group.

“This is a pretty unique operation; in fact ESR is the only dedicated Venetian Blind manufacturing facility in the country.”

Custom made Western Red Cedar Blinds are viewed as an elegant and traditional blind that continues to attract strong demand.

“The Western Red Cedar Blinds are made to order with oiled or stained and lacquered finishes as well as standard paint colours. Alternatively ESR Blinds can also paint to order in pretty much any colour you can imagine. We’ll work with standard colours from any of the paint brands or clients can provide a sample we can have it matched. This is a decorator’s dream.”

Multiple slat widths are also available: the traditional 46mm, the newer vogue of 60mm or an 85mm that is offered as a shutter alternative – giving a clean open look venetian that is nearly as wide as a normal shutter blade but can be lifted to clear the window. Other options include cloth tapes and no punch holes as well as traditional head boxes and motorisation options.

Shaw adds that the range doesn’t isn’t limited to cedar. “We have another wood venetian product called Realwood with nine colours in 50 and 63mm slat widths and two polymers in New York and Tuscany. All of these blinds are made here in Australia and bear the Australian made logo.”

“We probably have the broadest range in the country. I guess it’s a bit of a signature of the Blinds by Boronia Group to offer the most choice in any segment. Retail customers are often presented with just a small choice of colours and styles when they’re looking at venetians, yet when they are looking at say roller blinds they have literally hundreds of choices. We just like to make sure that our wholesale customers are seen in the best possible light and then follow up with a fast delivery on a really well made, bespoke venetian blind.”

BLINDWARE
Blindware has proven expertise in the venetians systems category and has remained committed to product innovation and development despite the low growth of category overall.

“Whether the end customer is seeking a blank, natural canvas or something more dramatic, Blindware supplies ranges of 50mm and 63mm venetian blind systems that meet modern and discerning tastes, all designed in consultation with leading colour experts to meet current and emerging interior trends.”

New York is Blindware’s premium, PS-based fauxwood Venetian system.

“A unique photographic imaging process gives it such a realistic timber appearance you need to study it to tell the difference- at a fraction of the price. NewYork has a seven colour palette, featuring deep slate, natural timbers through to cool whites. The spectrum of consumer preferences is well and truly covered, with an additional two white colours being launched in 2019 to offer even more versatility.”

“Homeowners are often after a clean, minimalist finish to their rooms, and Blindware’s new 85mm flat valance finishes off a window beautifully, while providing complete coverage of a standard head rail. The complete range is offered in both 50mm and 63mm slat widths, with matching 50mm and 63mm base rail option to complete the look. The product is supported with a complete range of colour coordinated accessories such as head rails, ladder – string, cord, tassels and buttons.”

“New York is versatile, flexible, and makes sense for customers wanting a natural but stylish look that is in tune with today’s interior decor trends.”

EXTERNALS FROM DECOR BLINDS
“While External Venetian Blinds have been around for many years especially in Europe, the demand is now growing in Australia day by day,” says Décor

Blinds Managing Director Frank Cairns. “The demand for better insulation and glare control is now at the top of the list with most consumers, external venetian blinds tick all the boxes when customers are looking for an energy saving solution, while at the same time providing light control and privacy.”

“Decor Blinds offers a wide range of blade sizes and shapes plus a vast array of colours. Blades come in 50mm,65mm 80mm and 100mm sizes. All our external venetian blinds come with the added benefit of custom made pelmets to complete the designer look. Blinds are all powered using Somfy motors in both RTS and standard systems.”

“External venetian blinds are ideal for both modern and contemporary homes as well as projects such as universities, hospitals and major high rise buildings.”

“Energy saving is a big issue today and by not letting the heat into the room though the glass in the first place customers will always reduce their power bills. By using the versatile external venetian blind the savings will go a long way towards paying for the blinds over a short period of time. All our external venetian blinds come with the option of wire guide or side channel guide systems, all powder coated for longevity and aesthetics. We also have four different styles of pelmet to suit most requirements, again, powder coated to match the blind colour.”

“Decor Blinds Australia has been supplying external venetian blinds now for over five years and with the support of one of Europe’s largest manufactures, we have supplied a number of blind makers in Australia.”