Choosing Between Wood Blinds and Faux Wood Blinds

Wood blinds create a classic, sophisticated look, but they can come with some challenges. In areas of high humidity or temperature fluctuation, such as bathrooms, sunrooms, and basements, they can easily become warped over time and need replacing. But it isn’t practical or cost-effective to replace your window treatments on a regular basis. Faux wood blinds, however, offer durability and good looks while being a more cost-effective option — which makes them the right choice for anyone looking for a practical, classic style without the worry over wear and tear. This is because faux wood blinds are made of polymers rather than wood products.

When to go faux

Faux wood blinds can be more practical than the real thing. Unlike real wood blinds, faux wood blinds can withstand high humidity without becoming warped. Instead of absorbing moisture like real wood, faux wood repels it, making it a virtually waterproof material.

This is also a big advantage when it comes to keeping things clean. Faux wood blinds can easily be wiped down with a damp cloth without worrying about damage or discoloration. Easier clean-up — as well as the lack of hazardous cords often used on other types of blinds and shades — makes these window treatments a great option for kid-friendly and pet-friendly homes. And, as a result, faux wood blinds are much more durable — and thus cost-effective — than real wood blinds.

Selecting a style

Another great advantage of faux wood blinds is the range of colors they come in. Stoneside’s selection of faux wood blinds offers 21 different colors, including everything from light and bright white tones to rich mahogany hues. In general, designers usually opt to match wood or faux wood blinds with the other natural wood tones found in the room, such as the color of hardwood floors, furniture, or crown molding. This creates a sense of harmony and a classic style. However, in a room where other wood tones are absent, it’s usually wiser to go with a neutral hue such as white or off-white. Bright white blinds will generally give a room a more open and modern feel, whereas dark faux wood blinds can create a great sense of coziness.

Another factor to consider when selecting faux wood blinds is slat size. Slat size just means the width of each individual slat that makes up the blinds — generally either 2” or 2.5”. Two-inch slats are the traditional size and will work with most windows. When fully open, there will be a two-inch gap between the slats. For larger windows, 2.5” slats may be called for, as they’ll look more proportionate compared to the window itself and will also require fewer slats overall. Larger slat sizes also let in more light and provide for a better view when open, so there are some cases when it might make sense to choose a 2.5” slat even for smaller windows.

One final thing to note about faux wood blinds is that, in addition to being cost-effective, they’re also eco-friendly. Because of their durability, faux wood blinds usually last longer than true wood blinds, and they’re also recyclable. Given their affordability, versatility, and durability, faux wood blinds can work in almost any space. The hardest part may just be deciding which ones to choose. Scheduling a free in-home consultation with a design professional is the easiest way to start if you’re considering faux wood blinds for your home.