Help me decide - white wooden venetian or roman blind? Or something else? (with pic)

[anxiousowl]

Moved into a new house last year and I have spent longer than I care to admit thinking about this. I just cannot come to a decision!

Basically my options are

• 35mm or 50mm white wooden venetians
  
• roman blind (probably laura ashley cottonwood design)
  

What do you think would look better?

The window is 232cm wide by 127cm tall. It is overlooked by one house at the front, gets the afternoon sun, and is on a cul de sac so fairly quiet. The only people you really see passing on foot is the postman/lady and the neighbours walking their dog.

It does feel exposed with the blinds up, hence thinking a venetian would give greater privacy. But I think the roman looks classier/nicer from outside. Also we'll be getting romans (probably) in the front upstairs window so it would be nice for it to match. But not essential I guess.

I also have two small children - a boisterous 4 year old boy and an inquisitive 18 month old girl. Both like staring out of the window. I'm worried they make break venetians, but equally, mucky handprints on romans is a risk too!

We are planning to decorate the whole room in a neutral shade, and eventually get light oak wooden floors (once the kiddos are less inclined to lob their wooden toys about).

Has anyone any experience of Laura Ashley wooden blinds?

They look nice online but seem more expensive than Hillary's, Blinds2go etc. (i.e. nearly twice the price). Are they much better quality or are you just paying for the brand?

Thanks in advance.

[witwootoodleoo]

I'd go with the wider slat white venetians personally. Not tried Laura Ashley but the ones I got from Blinds2Go were excellent. They send staples out to help you decide

[jazzandh]

What about plantation shutters with wide slats (without the bar in the middle)?

Mine are very versatile with their screening, allow plenty of light in and don't obstruct the view. They are better at keeping the heat in at night than the venetian blinds and are easy to clean.

They look pretty with gauzy type voile curtains to soften or frame them.

[Chippednailvarnishing]

I'd also go with shutters...

[anxiousowl]

I had thought of shutters - but could you still have curtains with them?

[jazzandh]

I don't think you can go for a heavy curtain with a shutter, but a sheer works very well - especially if you are going for soft natural colours.

[jazzandh]

I'm rubbish at links but if you google plantation shutters and curtains there are some good images to look at.

I Would say the curtains would need to be simple - a frame for the shutters, but it's perfectly possible and looks good.