Unlock Style & Function: Your Guide to Aluminium Venetian Blinds with 35mm Slats

Looking for a window treatment that perfectly balances style, durability, and precise light control? Look no further than aluminium Venetian blinds with 35mm slats! These versatile blinds offer a sleek, modern aesthetic combined with robust functionality, making them an excellent choice for almost any room in your home or office.

Unlike their wider 50mm counterparts or narrower 25mm siblings, the 35mm slat size hits a sweet spot. It provides excellent coverage and light blocking capabilities without feeling too bulky, while still offering a contemporary look that’s easy to clean. If you’re considering enhancing your windows with these practical beauties, you’ve come to the right place. We’ll walk you through everything you need to know, from measuring to installation and maintenance.

Why Choose 35mm Aluminium Venetian Blinds?

Before diving into the how-to, let’s explore why 35mm aluminium Venetian blinds are such a popular and smart choice:

1. Exceptional Durability: Aluminium is a robust, lightweight metal that’s highly resistant to bending, warping, and breaking. This means your blinds will stand the test of time, looking great for years to come.
2. Superior Light Control & Privacy: The adjustable slats allow you to precisely control the amount of light entering your room. Tilt them open for a soft glow, close them for near-total darkness and privacy, or raise them completely for an unobstructed view. The 35mm width offers excellent overlap for effective light blocking.
3. Moisture Resistance: Unlike wood or fabric blinds, aluminium is naturally water-resistant. This makes 35mm aluminium Venetian blinds perfect for high-humidity areas like bathrooms, kitchens, and laundries, where other materials might warp or mildew.
4. Effortless Maintenance: Their smooth, non-porous surface makes them incredibly easy to clean – a simple wipe is usually all it takes!
5. Sleek, Modern Aesthetics: The clean lines and metallic finish of aluminium blinds offer a contemporary look that complements a wide range of interior designs, from minimalist to industrial to classic.

Getting Started: Measuring Your Windows for 35mm Aluminium Venetian Blinds

Accuracy is paramount when measuring for window blinds. The golden rule of window treatments is measure twice, order once! A little extra time spent here will save you a lot of hassle later.

You’ll need a metal tape measure for the most accurate results. Decide if you want your blinds installed inside the window recess (fitting snugly within the frame) or outside the window recess (overlapping the frame).

For Inside Recess Fitting (Recess Fit):

This option gives a clean, minimalist look as the blinds sit neatly within the window frame.

1. Measure the Width: Measure the width of the inside of your window recess in three different places: top, middle, and bottom.
2. Record the Smallest Measurement: Your blind’s width will be the smallest of these three measurements.
3. Deduct for Clearance: Your blind supplier will typically make a small deduction (usually around 10-15mm) from this measurement to ensure the blind fits perfectly without scraping the sides. Always confirm their deduction policy.
4. Measure the Height: Measure the height of the inside of your window recess in three different places: left, middle, and right.
5. Record the Smallest Measurement: Your blind’s height will be the smallest of these three measurements. No deduction is usually needed for height.

For Outside Recess Fitting (Face Fit):

This option is great for maximising light blockage, making a window appear larger, or covering an uneven recess.

1. Determine Your Overlap: Decide how much you want the blinds to overlap your window frame on each side (we recommend at least 50-75mm (2-3 inches) on each side for good light control and aesthetics).
2. Measure the Window Width: Measure the width of the actual window opening.
3. Calculate Blind Width: Add your desired overlap to each side of the window opening. For example, if your window is 1000mm wide and you want a 50mm overlap on each side, your blind width will be 1000mm + 50mm + 50mm = 1100mm.
4. Determine Your Vertical Overlap: Decide how much you want the blinds to extend above and below the window opening (we recommend at least 75-100mm (3-4 inches) above and below).
5. Measure the Window Height: Measure the height of the actual window opening.
6. Calculate Blind Height: Add your desired overlap to the top and the bottom of the window opening. For example, if your window is 1200mm high and you want a 75mm overlap top and bottom, your blind height will be 1200mm + 75mm + 75mm = 1350mm.

Important Measuring Tips:
* Always use millimetres (mm) for maximum precision.
* Write down your measurements clearly and label them (e.g., “Kitchen Window – Width: 955mm, Height: 1210mm”).
* Don’t round up or down until you’ve done your final calculations.
* Double-check every single measurement.

Installation: A Step-by-Step Guide for Your 35mm Aluminium Venetian Blinds

Installing your blinds might seem daunting, but with a bit of patience and the right tools, it’s a straightforward DIY project. Always read the specific installation instructions that come with your blinds, as there can be slight variations.

Tools You’ll Likely Need:
* Pencil
* Tape Measure
* Spirit Level
* Drill and appropriate drill bits (suitable for your wall material – wood, plasterboard, masonry)
* Screwdriver (manual or electric, compatible with your screws)
* Step ladder (if needed)
* Safety glasses

Step-by-Step Installation:

1. Unpack and Inspect: Carefully unbox your blinds and ensure all components are present: the headrail, mounting brackets, screws, tilt wand (if applicable), and child safety devices. Check for any damage.
2. Position the Brackets:
   • Inside Recess: Hold the headrail inside the recess where you want it to sit. Use a pencil to mark the desired position of your mounting brackets, ensuring they are level and securely positioned at each end of the headrail. For wider blinds, a central support bracket may also be necessary – mark its position too.
   • Outside Recess: Hold the headrail above your window frame, ensuring it’s centred and at your desired height. Mark the position for your mounting brackets, again ensuring they are level and securely spaced.
3. Mark and Pre-Drill Holes:
   • Once the bracket positions are marked, hold each bracket in place and use your pencil to mark the screw holes.
   • Crucially, always pre-drill pilot holes before screwing. This prevents splitting wood and makes driving screws into plasterboard or masonry much easier and more secure. Use a drill bit slightly smaller than your screws.
4. Attach the Brackets: Securely screw the mounting brackets into place. Ensure they are firmly fixed to the wall or window frame, as they will bear the weight of the blind.
5. Insert the Headrail: Carefully lift the blind’s headrail and click or slide it into the pre-installed mounting brackets. Most systems have a simple clip-in mechanism. Ensure it’s securely locked into place on both sides. Give it a gentle tug to confirm it’s firm.
6. Attach the Tilt Wand (if applicable): If your blind uses a tilt wand, simply hook it onto the mechanism on the headrail.
7. Install Child Safety Devices:
   • This is not optional – it is essential. All blinds with cords or chains must have child safety devices installed to prevent strangulation hazards.
   • Your blinds will come with cleat hooks or tension devices. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions precisely for where and how to install these.
   • For cleat hooks, install them high up on the wall, out of a child’s reach, and wrap the cords securely around them when the blinds are not in use.
   • For tension devices, ensure the cord/chain is held taut against the wall.

Keeping Them Pristine: Cleaning & Maintenance

One of the great advantages of 35mm aluminium Venetian blinds is how easy they are to clean and maintain.

1. Regular Dusting:
   • The easiest way to keep them clean is regular dusting. Close the slats completely in one direction (either up or down).
   • Use a duster, a microfibre cloth, or a specialist Venetian blind duster tool to wipe across the entire surface of the closed slats.
   • Then, close the slats in the opposite direction and repeat. This ensures you clean both sides efficiently.
2. Deeper Clean:
   • For accumulated grime or sticky marks, you can use a slightly damp (not wet!) soft cloth.
   • You can also add a small amount of mild soap or a gentle all-purpose cleaner to the water.
   • Again, close the slats, wipe thoroughly, then close them the other way and wipe the other side.
   • Immediately dry the slats with a clean, dry cloth to prevent water spots.
   • For very stubborn spots, you can treat individual slats. Partially open them, wipe each one with your damp cloth, then immediately dry.

Important Cleaning Tips:
* Never use abrasive cleaners, harsh chemicals, or scouring pads as these can scratch or damage the finish of the aluminium.
* Avoid excessive water to prevent water marks or potential damage to internal mechanisms.
* Wipe in the direction of the slats to avoid bending them.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Dealing with Aluminium Venetian Blinds

Even simple DIY tasks can go wrong. Be aware of these common pitfalls:

1. Incorrect Measuring: As stressed, this is the biggest mistake. Double-check your measurements, confirm recess vs. face fit, and account for supplier deductions or overlaps.
2. Skipping Pre-Drilling: Drilling directly into walls without pilot holes can cause plaster to crack, wood to split, or screws to strip. Always pre-drill!
3. Ignoring Child Safety Devices: This is a serious safety hazard. Always install all provided child safety devices and ensure cords/chains are kept out of reach of children and pets.
4. Over-Tightening Screws: While you want the brackets secure, over-tightening can strip the screw heads, damage the wall, or deform the brackets. Tighten until snug and firm.
5. Using Harsh Cleaning Products: As mentioned, abrasive or chemical cleaners can ruin the finish of your blinds. Stick to mild soap and water.
6. Bending Slats During Installation or Cleaning: Be gentle! Aluminium can bend if excessive force is applied. If a slat gets bent, it can often be gently straightened, but prevention is key.

Troubleshooting Minor Issues

Sometimes, minor issues can arise. Here are quick fixes:

• Uneven Slats: If your slats aren’t sitting perfectly level when closed, this can often be adjusted by gently pulling on the tilt cords or adjusting the tilt wand mechanism. Sometimes, the strings that run through the slats might need a slight adjustment.
• Stuck Tilt Wand or Cord: Check for any obstructions in the headrail. Sometimes, a slat might be caught, or the cord/wand simply needs a gentle wiggle to free up. Do not force it. If the issue persists, carefully inspect the internal mechanism for any visible tangles or damage.

Conclusion

Aluminium Venetian blinds with 35mm slats are a fantastic choice for anyone seeking a durable, stylish, and highly functional window covering. Their ease of maintenance, moisture resistance, and precise light control make them a practical addition to any space. By following these detailed steps for measuring, installing, and cleaning, and by being aware of common pitfalls, you’ll be able to confidently enjoy the many benefits these versatile blinds bring to your home for years to come. You’ve got this!

FAQ

Q. What are aluminium venetian blinds with 35mm slats?
A. Aluminium venetian blinds with 35mm slats are a popular window covering option featuring horizontal slats made from durable aluminium. The “35mm” refers to the width of each individual slat, offering a contemporary look that sits between the narrower 25mm and wider 50mm options, providing a good balance of view and privacy.

Q. Why should I choose 35mm slats over other sizes like 25mm or 50mm?
A. Choosing 35mm slats offers a versatile aesthetic. They provide a more substantial look than the finer 25mm slats without being as dominant as 50mm slats, which means they stack more compactly when raised, allowing for a clearer view. They are often preferred for their clean lines and modern appeal, fitting well in various window sizes and décor styles.

Q. Are aluminium venetian blinds durable and suitable for all rooms, including kitchens and bathrooms?
A. Absolutely. Aluminium is inherently durable, rust-resistant, and moisture-proof, making these blinds exceptionally suitable for high-humidity environments like kitchens, bathrooms, and laundries. They are also highly resistant to warping, fading, and chipping, ensuring a long lifespan even in demanding conditions.

Q. How effective are these blinds for light control and privacy?
A. Aluminium venetian blinds with 35mm slats offer excellent control over light and privacy. The slats can be tilted to varying angles, allowing you to precisely adjust the amount of natural light entering a room while maintaining your desired level of privacy. When fully closed, they provide significant light blockage and complete privacy.

Q. What is the best way to clean and maintain 35mm aluminium venetian blinds?
A. Cleaning these blinds is straightforward. For regular maintenance, a feather duster or vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment can be used. For a deeper clean, wipe the slats with a damp cloth or sponge dipped in a mild detergent solution. Their aluminium construction makes them resistant to water and easy to wipe down.

Q. Are 35mm aluminium venetian blinds easy to install for a DIY enthusiast?
A. Yes, most aluminium venetian blinds are designed for relatively easy DIY installation. They typically come with all necessary mounting hardware and step-by-step instructions. The process usually involves mounting brackets to the window frame or wall, then simply clipping the headrail into place.

Q. Can I get 35mm aluminium venetian blinds in a variety of colors and finishes to match my interior décor?
A. Yes, 35mm aluminium venetian blinds are available in a wide array of colors, ranging from classic whites and creams to bold contemporary hues. Many manufacturers also offer various finishes, including matte, gloss, metallic, and perforated options, allowing for extensive customization to complement almost any interior design scheme.