Mini-blinds for storage

[Geoffrey I Brown <gibrown@xxxxxxxxx>]

I have seen mini-blinds used to protect stored textiles in several
museums.  Although they do present a relatively low-cost alternative to
solid cabinet doors, this must be balanced against the fact that blinds
are not totally effective in blocking light or dust.  At the least, an
edge baffle must be constructed to eliminate light leakage at the sides,
but some light will always be reflected between the slats and around the
edges.  In the long run, this light leakage can add up to high levels of
exposure.

Dust will permeate any openings, whether at the edges or between the
slats.  An added problem is that dust collects on the slats and when the
blind is opened and pulled up, the dust is disturbed and circulated
directly into the storage unit.  An accordion-pleated blind might be more
effective in preventing dust entry, but you would need a fabric that is
also totally opaque for light control.

Old-style roller shades with "room-darkening" fabric are probably the most
effective type of non-structural closure, albeit possibly the least
aesthetic.  Edge baffles with a slit for the shade edge to travel in are
easy to fabricate and the solid nature of the fabric blocks circulation of
dust as well as entry of light.  Unless the area is very dusty, there
should not be excessive accumulation on the smooth face of the shade
(which could then be transferred to the back).  If your storage units are
very large, motorized roller mechanisms are available which can
accommodate any size of shade.

Geoffrey Brown
Curator of Conservation
Kelsey Museum
University of Michigan