In 1954, Hunter Douglas introduced the Luxaflex® Aluminium Venetian Blind into Australia, marking a significant moment in the history of Australian homes. In 2024, Hunter Douglas is commemorating 70 years since it launched its Luxaflex Window Fashions brand in Australia, transforming homes with products that deliver revolutionary style and functionality to Australians.
Revolutionizing Window Coverings with the Aluminium Venetian Blind
The Luxaflex® story began in 1919 when Henry Sonnenberg founded a machine tooling business in Germany. In 1933, Henry moved the business to Rotterdam in the Netherlands, leading to the establishment of the Luxaflex Window Fashions brand. In 1946, Henry established a joint venture with Joe Hunter, a gifted inventor. Their vision was to create an innovative casting and production process for lightweight aluminium. This endeavour led to the creation of the Aluminium Venetian Blind, a ground breaking product that would redefine window coverings.
This product offered unparalleled benefits such as flexible light control, privacy, and comfort. The reception was remarkable, leading to increased demand and prompting Hunter Douglas to establish its presence in Australia in 1953. A year later, the Luxaflex® Window Fashions brand was born, offering a unique range of Australian-made, durable, and stylish window solutions. In 1956, the company moved to Rydalmere, New South Wales, where it is still located today.
Luxaflex® is the worldwide leading brand in window coverings.
“This year is a very special year for Hunter Douglas, as we celebrate 70 years since launching the Luxaflex brand in Australia,” said Managing Director- Residential divison, Steve Saboune, Hunter Douglas Australia. “We’ve had a remarkable journey. Keeping our focus on what our products can bring to our customers’ homes has been a constant from the beginning. We are humbled by the fact that since 1954, Luxaflex® Window Coverings has been part of many Australian households.”
Designed for Australian homes
“Our strength is our ability to develop and market innovative, high quality, proprietary products that appeal to consumers. To this day, we continue to expand the Australian product range of custom-made blinds, shutters and awnings, some of which are certified Australian Made, combining the best of international and local innovations,” said Saboune.
As the 60s dawned, Hunter Douglas continued to innovate and expand its Luxaflex product range. By the early 60s, the Aluminium Venetian range boasted a vibrant array of over 200 colours, giving homeowners a wide selection to complement their decor. In 1960, Hunter Douglas introduced the Luxaflex® Twi-Nighter® Patterned Venetian range, offering even more choices for customers seeking style and functionality in their window coverings.
The year 1965 marked another milestone for Hunter Douglas with the introduction of the satin finish Luxaflex venetian blinds. This new finish added a touch of elegance and sophistication to the product line, catering to the evolving tastes of Australian homeowners. Hunter Douglas’s commitment to providing innovative and stylish solutions was evident in this new addition to the Luxaflex range.
Hunter Douglas was quick to adapt to emerging architectural trends in the 50s and 60s. With the rising demand for functional yet stylish car protection, Hunter Douglas ventured into the carports market. This move showcased its ability to stay ahead of the curve, aligning its products with the needs of Australian homeowners and the architectural trends of the time which saw the rise of the carport not just as a functional space but also increasingly as an extension of one’s home.
The ethos of the Luxaflex® brand has always been rooted in innovation and sustainability. This commitment was particularly evident during the late 1980’s when Hunter Douglas introduced Luxaflex® Duette® Honeycomb Shades. These shades set new industry standards for energy efficiency, reflecting Hunter Douglas’s dedication to providing Luxaflex products that not only enhance homes but also contribute to energy savings.
The latest model of the design, Luxaflex® Duette® Architella® Shades, provides more insulation than any other window covering on the market, with independent modelling showing they can reduce a home’s heating costs by up to 43%^[1] making them the most energy efficient window coverings on the Australian market.
The Luxaflex Brand Today
Over the years, the innovative spirit of Hunter Douglas has led to the development of revolutionary new Luxaflex products to meet the increasing demand for Australian window fashion, quality and functionality.
“Window covering solutions help manage light, heat and energy at the building envelope, reducing the need for artificial lighting, cooling and heating. With world-class engineering, versatility, durability and style, the Luxaflex® brand is at the forefront of advanced motorisation technology,” says Saboune.
The advanced home automation system, Luxaflex® PowerView® Automation system provides the ultimate in convenience and comfort for homeowners, allowing complete control of blinds and awnings through an intuitive, high-performance user experience.
Technology continues to shape our lives and is becoming ever more present in the realm of interior design, and this can be seen in the launch of the Australian-designed Luxaflex® Evo Awning which exemplifies the brand’s commitment to integrating technology with comfort. Most recently, Luxaflex® Evo Awnings range has expanded with the launch of the patented Evo MagnaTrack® Awning; Australia’s first magnetic retention system and only self-correcting straight drop awning on the Australian market, providing homeowners with cutting-edge solutions for their window covering needs.
Crafted for Australian Homes
In addition to innovation being part of the Luxaflex DNA, the range of products on offer has always been the company’s crowning glory. The range of Luxaflex® products is designed to suit the unique Australian climate and architectural styles. From Pirouette® Shadings to Silhouette® Shadings, Hunter Douglas offers a diverse range of styles and finishes that blend sophistication with practicality for inside and outside the home. Traditional favourites like Roman Blinds and Roller Blinds have been reimagined with the latest technology and versatile fabric options. Shutters provide a solution to suit various spaces, aesthetics and lifestyle. The Luxaflex® Curtain prints collection allows homeowners to create comfortable and adaptable environments while being more creative with the use of texture and colour.
Today, interior design continues to have a significant impact on our daily lives with our surroundings greatly affecting our mood, stress levels and overall health. “People are prioritising sustainability and wellness through eco-conscious choices and a connection to natural and authentic materials, while smart technology continues to bring innovation and convenience to our homes,” says Saboune. “Window coverings can have a transformative effect on our living spaces and not only work to enhance the aesthetics but also serve practical purposes like privacy and light control, while keeping your home comfortable and efficient.”
Sustainable Practices: Reducing Carbon Footprint
As a proud Australian business, Hunter Douglas is deeply committed to sustainability through initiatives that support the environment and local economy. In 2018, Hunter Douglas made history with the largest solar panel installation in Australia's window covering industry. This initiative underscores- its dedication to reducing carbon footprint and promoting environmentally responsible practices.
Celebrating 70 Years of Excellence
As Hunter Douglas celebrates its 70th anniversary of Luxaflex Window Coverings in Australia, it continues to uphold its commitment to innovation, sustainability, and superior quality. From the iconic Aluminium Venetian Blind to the latest advancements in home automation, The Luxaflex® product range remains at the forefront of shaping the future of Australian window coverings.
The Luxaflex® brand stands as a testament to the transformative power of window coverings, enhancing not just the aesthetics but also the comfort and efficiency of Australian homes. With a rich legacy of innovation and a focus on sustainability, Hunter Douglas looks forward to many more years of enriching Australian living spaces with Luxaflex Window Coverings.
[1] ^Savings are based on the installation of fully-recessed, reveal-mounted Luxaflex® Duette® Architella® Shades with 20mm blockout fabric in an average home in Sydney, compared with the House Energy Rating standard of Holland Blinds from AccuRate, in that home. These calculations have been modelled by an independent third party. Savings will vary based on the window type and installation.
Key Facts:
About us:
About LUXAFLEX® Window Fashions
Luxaflex® Window Fashions is a market-leading brand, offering the nation’s largest range of quality window coverings for inside and outside the home. The suite of products includes blinds, shutters, soft shades and awnings – all with a focus on innovation, durability and style.
Luxaflex window coverings provide optimal light control and privacy, are easy to maintain, and remain at the cutting edge of design and technology. The brand consistently plays to its unique strengths of superior quality and rich heritage, while constantly innovating to ensure it stays ahead of interior decorating trends.
Most products are still manufactured in Australia, and the brand has unprecedented access to the best window coverings research and development from the US and Europe, ensuring continuing evolution and product excellence.
Luxaflex Window Fashions products have been sold and supported by the Hunter Douglas Group in Australia since 1954.
