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The original woven wood, or bois-tiss, used thin reeds of hardwood stitched together with a polyester thread, while the more contemporary finishes combine bamboo, jute, hemp and fabric. Using the different colour combinations of these materials, a wide range of stylish blinds can be made which set off any interior design scheme. Whilst some of the reeds are available in natural timber tones, many are in deep reds, greens and browns and these can be used individually or carefully combined to create stunning patterns. The introduction of fabric strips into the blinds takes the design to another level and gives a highly individual look to each window. All Ballauff pinoleum blinds are manufactured using components that are in harmony with nature. All hardwoods come from sustainable forests while the bamboo and other similar reeds come from managed and certified sources in Vietnam where the crop is carefully harvested to ensure the minimum environmental impact. Indeed, research has shown that bamboo responds favourably to being harvested frequently and the quality of the raw material actually increases the more it is cut. Surprisingly, there are over 200 different kinds of bamboo but Ballauff and its partners work with just 15. All are fully treated with insecticides and fungicides before shipping to ensure that the finished blinds arrive in perfect condition. The local economies in the regions where Ballauff has its processing facilities and factory have benefited dramatically from having such a demand for its local products, with an increasing number of people being employed in the cultivation, harvesting and weaving operations.
Ballauff Pinoleum has a long and well-regarded heritage with a reputation going back over 130 years as the leading brand for woven wood blinds. Such is the style of these blinds that they have been fashionable through many design periods and even now are established as a modern, contemporary shading solution suitable for any room in the house or office. The traditional Ballauff pinoleum blind is available in a range of natural wood colours, depending on the original material used, with the traditional finish being stains and varnish. In recent years, however, half of all pinoleum blinds have been requested in a colour and Ballauff has been able to supply this demand with a limited range. In response to this increasing demand, Ballauff has joined forces with The Little Green Paint Company and is now able to offer a choice of 120 colours to give consumers and designers alike to opportunity to match their colour schemes perfectly. The coloured finish can be applied to small batches or multi rolls of pinoleum and allows designers the opportunity to create the perfect bespoke environment for their clients. The Little Green Paint Company finishes are environmentally friendly and comply with all domestic and commercial regulations so can safely be used in any location. Complementary stitching and tapes can be supplied to match or contrast with the chosen paint finish to give just the right finish to every interior scheme. Sliding panels Pinoleum should be seen as material from which many products can be made, and not just as a blind fabric. Ballauff introduced the option of sliding panels to the UK market a few years ago and this area has taken off rapidly. For many years the company made sliding panels to be used, for example, as room dividers inside but they can also be used outside if required. Now the sliding panels are available to the UK market to help control sunlight and prevent glare. The sliding panels can be made using the traditional reeds or with the Shades of Nature reeds and often are complemented with a matching edging. The bottom of the panel is finished with a co-ordinated wood rail. The sliding panels are available stained or varnished in the large collection of colours offered by Ballauff thereby complementing any interior scheme. This contemporary styled blind is ideal for larger windows as well as patio and sliding doors, especially where there is a significant reveal for them to slide back into. So if you thought pinoleum was not the product for you, it's probably time to think again. Despite having been around for 130 years, it is one of the most stylish, flexible and adaptable blind and sliding panel products on the market today.
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French company Ballauff has been manufacturing the original pinoleum blind since 1872 from its factory just outside Paris and, more recently, in a joint venture with a company in Vietnam.
Development of the blinds industry has enhanced not just the region and its communities but has also led to better standards and facilities being available for all. Pinoleum blinds in both hardwood reeds and bamboo are becoming increasingly popular for window shading throughout the house, having moved away from the conventional conservatory location. Ballauff has a reputation for innovation and design and, consequentially, its pinoleum blind are finding favour now in most rooms in the house. Don't think only of conservatories when you look at pinoleum: think also about living rooms, bedrooms, bathrooms, kitchens. Indeed, most rooms will benefit from the features of a pinoleum blind: by using different colours and thicknesses of reeds with the many available combinations of thread and weaving patterns a wide range of blinds will suit all needs from close-knit, almost blackout blinds, to light and airy open weaves. One of the beauties of pinoleum is the soft, dappled light effect that you can get on a very sunny day. With a much wider range of colours, textures and finishes than ever before, Ballauff pinoleum blinds are making a big impact on the interior design market. And as the products are well known for their longevity, they will be around for some time to come! 
