Wikipediasays, “ A patent for a louvered window was applied for in the US in 1900 and patented Nov.

Pam went looking for info, too, and found a few more tidbits: Thinking about the way the slats are designed, Jalousie windows and Venetian blinds really are the exact same concept - jalousies are just fixed, while Venetians are portable.īack to ‘jalousies’. Pam’s survey of the www seems to suggest (1) a lot of conjecture mostly centered around the idea that (2) Venetians propelled the popularity of this type of blind, which had been around in some form or another for hundreds of years - numerous civilizations’ solution, using vernacular materials, to keeping the sun - and prying eyes - out of their homes.

But they are just playing with words - we are not meant to take the word “Venusian” seriously. The similar French translation ‘celosias’ also has a subtle meaning ‘sun-blind’ related to the concept of jealousy, the eggcornians say.Īnd hmmm, this eggcorn group also jumps to a discussion of why we call metal horizontal blinds “Venetian” blinds. The word ‘gelosias’ means ‘jealousy’ - as in using the shades to jealously guard the privacy of a home.

Basically, it says that the word ‘jalousie’ started from the Italian ‘gelosias’ - a trellis with wood or iron panels to protect one’s privacy. The research that seems to make the most sense to us is this short discussion on the Eggcorn Forum. Why do we call them Jalousie Windows?īefore diving into the pros and cons of Jalousie windows, Pam and I first did some digging to find out where the word came from. Etc etc! I am not the expert - consult with properly licensed professionals to determine whether and how to use these windows safely. Readers also have pointed out that these window may not be particularly energy efficient, and that they may be easier for burglars to breach. Find out from your local municipal professionals whether jalousie windows meet these standards given your planned application. For example, there is such as thing as egress standards aka emergency egress standards or codes - approved / mandated ways that must be in place to help escape from rooms in case of a fire. Important Note: Please check local building, fire, and other such safety codes about jalousie window safety requirements.

In midcentury America - days when central air conditioning was not common - these windows allowed summer breezes pass through freely - and no metal cross braces meant that views were unobstructed. Typically installed to enclose outdoor areas like porches, jalousie windows are also found in areas of the home in need more light and ventilation. Jalousie windows - the louvered glass panels often seen in storm doors, enclosed porches or breezeways - are a common feature of mid-century homes, especially in warmer climates.

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