Vertical blinds can also be called patio door blinds. They are slightly difficult to repair. Common repairs include replacing broken carrier clips, restringing the blinds and replacing broken valance clips.

Vertical blinds are made of panels that hang up and down. These panels, called vanes, tilt open and closed, as well as pull from side to side. Vanes are typically 3 ½” wide and are made from vinyl, PVC, fabric, aluminum or wood. Vertical blinds hang from a track and are adjustable to allow in varying amounts of light. They are most commonly seen in large windows and covering sliding glass patio doors. Vertical blinds can be operated in a variety of ways. There may be a wand to twist and push/pull, chain and/or cord to pull, or they can operate with a motor.

Edward and Frederick Bopp from Kansas City invented the first vertical blinds in 1950. They patented their design in 1960 under the company “Sun Vertical.” Vertical blinds were invented as an alternative to horizontal blinds, which tend to accumulate dust. It was thought vertical blinds would be much easier to clean. They became very popular in the 1960’s when large sliding glass patio doors gained prominence. They have remained a favorite choice today for those looking for a simple and often inexpensive way to cover large windows.