BTW, in the end we got rid of our venetian blinds purely because they didn't provide enough privacy (they were on the living room window, facing the street with only a tiny front garden). Might be something to consider if you're using them in a room that is overlooked or open to passers by looking in.
sorry Dubgem but do you mind me asking what you replaces the venetian blinds with? I was thinking about getting them in the hope that they would provide privacy instead of a normal roller blind which would have to be closed during the day to stop people looking in. Looking for any suggested alternatives. I HATE net curtains so that is a big no-no.
I think the venetian offer privacy and light at the same time, whereas roller blinds offer one or the other.
If you are concerned with the loss of light why not ask one of the mobile reps to come out and give you a quote. They all bring samples with them and you could see first hand how it looks.
Wooden! 100%! especially at home! they give the home a more natural relax look. apposed to aluminium which are generally used in office and work environments. also I would look at getting the thicker slats(or whatever the term is for blind rungs!) asthey allow more light in! Except perhaps in the case that the window is very little then thicker 'rungs' may dwarf the window! I went for a 50mm natural wood blind bound with a length of material! I love them!