Blinds were invented by the ancient Egyptians. They had a basic function of tilting using pulleys, and were not commonly used because of their high cost. If you believe that myth, then you need to read this article. Blinds could only have been invented many years later as they were needed to control entering light. In fact, blinds were an innovation after curtains. Therefore, unlike beer, blinds cannot draw their roots back to an invention by the ancient Pharaohs and they cannot be blamed for the lost tombs either.

Blinds are a curious machine, however. The basic function of a blind is to block light and provide privacy. To do that, they need to be adjustable. Adjustability is what makes blinds different. Basic blocking of a window can be done with paper, fabric sheets or other permanent or removable coverings. However, if an occupant wishes to adjust the level of privacy or permit some of the light to enter the room, she can use a blind to cause this effect.

Blinds are generally available in horizontal and vertical designs thus accommodating the particular requirements of the window or door to be covered. Controls are built in to perform the opening and tilting functions of the modern day blind and are also available in a multitude of colors and sizes to fit all applications. All blinds, regardless of origin, must perform these functions in order to meet the consumer demand and specific requirements. In summary, similar functions are found in all blinds with disregard to their origin. Only the quality of the components will dictate the smoothness of operation and reliability of the blind.

Blinds typically have two methods of adjustment. These are tilt, or rotate, and lift, or traverse. The reason for two words for each of these actions is to distinguish between the actions that cause motion in a horizontal blind or a vertical blind. However, interestingly enough, typical blinds have the same mechanisms to adjust. There is little difference in them.

To make sure that it is out there first, miniblinds are almost exactly the same as wood blinds, when it comes to the control system. Even if a company offers a specialty system, the components might be higher quality, or look nicer, but the basic functions are the same.

The same element applies to most vertical blinds. There are a few systems that work a little differently, but in the end, a vertical blind is a vertical blind.

To start with the traverse of a vertical blind, or a lift of a wood blind, one must visualize the blinds. The cords for this action exit one side of the blind. They are pulled in a downward motion to cause the lift or traverse. In the case of a vertical blind, pulling the other direction causes the opposite direction. In the case of a horizontal blind, this action is prevented by a cord lock, but disengaging the cord lock causes this effect to occur. This works by a pulley action. A cord end is attached to one end of the blind, and the other end is what you pull. When you pull, the other end of the cord drives everything else in the control system in that direction.

The tilting function of a horizontal blind or a vertical blind is performed by the use of a tilter mechanism built into the blind. This tilting mechanism involves the use of a geared actuator which causes the blind to rotate/tilt to the desired position in order to allow the operator to control the amount of light entering a room, adjust the level of desired privacy or control the level of exterior view. The lift function of a horizontal blind is achieved through the use of a cord lock which allows the operator to lock the horizontal blind at a desired position. In the case of a vertical blind, the traverse function is achieved by either a cord which traverses the carriers to a desired point.

There are a few enhancements to these products. In the case of vertical blinds, there are some dual pinion systems, where the second pinion is used to cause a traverse action. This is actuated by a second chain movement. In the case of horizontal blinds, there are monocommand cord systems, but these are basically enhancements upon the existing products.

The basic elements of blinds are the same among various systems. If one needs to repair a blind, usually it is best to try to work with a retailer, who can determine if the blinds are reparable. In many cases, the blinds are so outdated that they may be a safety risk in the homes. However, if you will make repair to your blinds, at least you can understand how they work.

Judith Persit studied bamboo shades for her interior design degree, and writes about bamboo shades. Learn more aboutshades at her website.