Does the "no-hole" (hidden hole) slat design mean zero light leakage?

No. The hidden hole (no-hole) design eliminates visible lift cord holes on the slat surface, minimizing light leakage through cord holes. However, small gaps between slats may still exist when the blinds are closed. Hidden hole design significantly improves privacy and light blocking performance, but it does not mean zero light leakage. For applications requiring complete darkness, additional measures such as blackout liners or side channels may be needed.

What are the common aluminum venetian blind slat thicknesses and how do I choose?

Common slat thicknesses include: 0.16mm (economy grade, lightweight but more prone to denting), 0.18mm (standard economy to mid-range, good balance), 0.21mm (mid-range premium, better rigidity), 0.23mm (premium grade, excellent rigidity), and 0.27mm (heavy-duty/commercial grade, maximum durability). Thicker slats cost more but provide better rigidity and durability. For commercial projects, specify a minimum of 0.21mm. For premium residential, 0.21-0.23mm is typical. Always verify actual thickness with a micrometer during incoming inspection — do not trust supplier labels alone.

What is the difference between S-type, C-type, and L-type aluminum venetian blind slats?

S-type (curved) slats have a gentle bowed profile that better conceals gaps between slats when closed, offering improved privacy and light blocking, common in mid-to-high-end products. C-type (rounded) is the classic traditional shape with a timeless appearance and good cost-effectiveness, and is the most widely produced shape globally. L-type (flat) has straight angular edges for the most minimalist and modern appearance, is easy to clean, and is common in modern minimalist interiors. Each shape has its suitable applications — choose based on target market and customer segment.

What are the main types of PVC blinds? What are their characteristics and application scenarios?

PVC blinds mainly include three main types: first, Mini Blinds, with slat width typically 1 inch (25mm), relatively thin slats (common 0.30-0.40mm), extremely low price, the main volume seller in big-box stores, suitable for economy residences, rental properties, offices, and other price-sensitive locations; second, Faux Wood Blinds, with slat width typically 2 inches (50mm) or 2.5 inches (63mm), thicker slats (2.5-3.0mm), appearance mimicking natural wood, suitable for mid-range retail markets, hotel and apartment projects, and humid environments such as bathrooms and kitchens; third, Vertical Blinds, with slat width typically 89mm or 127mm, vertically suspended, suitable for large windows, balcony sliding doors, office partitions, and other large-opening scenarios.

What are the common slat thickness specifications for PVC mini blinds? How to choose when purchasing?

The slat thickness of PVC mini blinds (1 inch/25mm) commonly ranges from 0.30mm to 0.40mm, with the mainstream specification around 0.35mm (tolerance typically ±0.03mm). Some economy products can be as thin as 0.32mm, while commercial-grade products or those with higher rigidity requirements can be thicker. Slat thickness directly affects the rigidity and deformation resistance of the slats: slats that are too thin are prone to bending, sagging, or fluttering in the wind, affecting user experience and light blocking performance; slats that are too thick have higher costs and may affect the flexibility of slat tilting. When purchasing, actually measure the slat thickness to ensure it meets the supplier nominal value, and select the appropriate thickness specification based on product positioning and usage scenarios.

Aluminum Venetian Blind Slat Selection: Shape, Width, Thickness, Hole Type

Published 2026-09-20 · Last updated 2026-10-21 · By Yuehua Blinds · 7 min read · 113 views

Aluminum venetian blinds sell on durability, moisture resistance and easy cleaning, and the slat is the part that decides appearance, blackout, feel and price. Buyers should fix four things in order: cross-section shape, width, thickness and hole type. We build C-shape and L-shape aluminum venetians, and the selection logic below is the one we use to match a market rather than sell one universal slat.

Key takeaways

C-shape is the low-cost workhorse, S-shape interlocks tightly for better blackout, and L-shape is a flat design option with weak light blocking.
Width tracks window size and market: North America favors 25 and 50 mm, Europe 25 and 35 mm, and Asia is dominated by 25 mm.
Slat thickness runs about 0.18-0.21 mm, but it is a supplier specification to verify by measurement; do not print absolute thickness claims in marketing.
No-hole slats hide cord holes for better blackout, while micro-vent slats are a separate ventilation feature (holes under 1 mm) and can be combined with no-hole.

Slat shape: C, S and L

C-shape is the traditional curved slat, with both ends turning slightly down and the middle raised. It is mature and lower cost, stacks smaller, and runs at high efficiency, but closed slats leave slight end gaps and block a little less light than S. It is the mainstream economy choice for volume and project orders.

S-shape has a wavy cross-section, one end up and the other down, so adjacent slats interlock when closed. It blocks light well, looks modern and private, but costs more and stacks slightly thicker. It is the mid-to-high-end choice for retail and high-blackout rooms.

L-shape (flat) is nearly flat with one small fold. It prints or treats well and looks simple, but it blocks light poorly, leaves obvious closed gaps and is slightly less rigid. It is a small-share design option for styled or custom orders.

Slat width

Width	Common name	Character	Typical use
16 mm	Mini blinds	Fine slats, delicate look, small stack	Small windows, bathrooms, cabinet doors
25 mm	1-inch	The classic, versatile, cost-effective width	Offices, bedrooms, living rooms; most mainstream
35 mm	1.5-inch	Wider, better view, more presence	Large windows, living rooms, commercial spaces
50 mm	2-inch	Widest, best view, premium presence	Floor-to-ceiling windows, high-end homes, hotels

Match width to window size and market: large windows take wide slats, small windows take narrow. North America promotes 25 and 50 mm, Europe 25 and 35 mm, and Asia runs mainly 25 mm.

Slat thickness

Common slat thickness runs about 0.18 to 0.21 mm. Thinner slats cost less and weigh less but flex more and can deform over large areas; thicker slats feel rigid and durable but cost more and weigh more. Economy volume can go thinner; mid-to-high-end and large windows should go thicker.

One caution: thickness is a supplier specification. Require the spec sheet and verify by measurement, and do not use absolute thickness claims in product promotion, to avoid false-advertising risk.

Hole type: standard, no-hole, micro-vent

Slats need a way to carry the ladder tape and tilt. Standard (route) hole punches round or oval cord holes through the slat: simplest and cheapest, reliable and easy to maintain, but the holes leak light and mar the surface when closed. It is the economy default.

No-hole (holeless) does not punch cord holes. The ladder tape wraps around the slat from both sides instead of passing through it. Closed slats then leak no cord-hole light, the surface stays complete and the look is cleaner, but the structure is more complex and costs more. It is the mid-to-high-end choice for bedrooms and meeting rooms.

Micro-vent (perforated) punches many tiny holes, usually under 1 mm, through the slat so a closed blind still breathes and lets soft light through. It prevents stuffiness but blocks less light, costs more, and the small holes collect dust. It suits bathrooms, kitchens and enclosed balconies.

Keep two concepts separate: no-hole means no cord holes, while micro-vent means tiny ventilation holes. They are different dimensions and can coexist (no-hole plus micro-vent) or stand alone.

Surface treatment

Anodizing forms a dense oxide film for corrosion and wear resistance; European and North American markets usually expect anodizing on aluminum parts.
Powder coating is electrostatic powder cured at high temperature: rich colors, lower cost, the most common finish.
Baked enamel is liquid coating baked to a smooth, bright finish, but costs more than powder coating.
Printed adds patterns or texture for design-led products.

Sourcing recommendations

Choose shape by positioning: C for economy volume, S for mid-to-high retail, L for design. Choose width by market and window size. Require a thickness spec sheet and measure it; do not print absolute thickness claims. Choose hole type by blackout need: standard for economy, no-hole for high blackout and privacy, micro-vent where ventilation matters. For exports to Europe and North America, require surface treatments to meet local environmental rules such as REACH and RoHS, and ask for test reports. Confirm slat appearance, hand feel and blackout on a physical sample, and keep a golden sample.

As with all slat parameters, the figures here are general industry experience; the supplier spec sheet, test reports and actual samples govern, since process capability varies by manufacturer.

Bottom line

Pick C or S by blackout and price, match width to market and window, verify thickness by measurement, and choose hole type by privacy need. For the wider material call, our aluminum versus wood versus faux-wood comparison sets the slat against the alternatives, and the aluminum venetian wholesale guide covers the buying side. We build the C-shape aluminum venetian blinds and an L-shape variant on the same terms.