Blinds

Wood or Faux Wood

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Types of Blinds

Blinds add warmth and elegance to any room. They are a stylish window solution for traditional or contemporary homes. Many blind options are available to homeowners but if you favor the wood look then the decision is between real hardwood blinds and faux wood blinds.

When it comes to wood blinds vs. faux wood blinds, the question isn’t which is better, as they are both good choices. The question is which is better suited for your needs. There are some key differences between hardwood and faux wood that one should consider before setting out to make a purchase

Wood blinds come in many colors and stains. They look luxurious on any window but rooms with high moisture such as bathrooms or kitchens, should be off-limits as the real wood is susceptible to warping. They are light-weight for easy raising and lowering which puts less strain on the mechanism and in turn extends the life of the blinds. Because of their light weight, you will find more size options available if needed for large windows. The real wood also helps to insulate the room against heat and cold and can assist in protecting furniture from sun fading. Because the wood doesn’t give when pressure is applied it is more fragile than its faux counterpart and does not stand up well to wear and tear by children and pets. Also, harsh chemicals should be avoided when cleaning.
Pros
•Rich, elegant, and warm.
•Lightweight, making them great for large windows.
•Comes in a variety of luxurious stains.
•Generally more stain and paint options than with faux wood blinds.
Cons
•Warps and bows with humidity, moisture, and extreme temperatures.
•Less durable than its faux wood counterpart.
•More expensive than faux wood blinds.
Faux wood blinds resemble real wood but are more resilient and flexible so the slats are less likely to break. They are heavier than real wood and can be harder to raise and lower if the window is large. The options may be limited for larger sizes due to their weight. Because they are made at least in part with vinyl or PVC, they can resist moisture and would be the best choice for bathrooms and even shower windows. Cleaning is easier since there are no restrictions on the types of cleaning products that can be used. The color selection for faux wood is limited so matching stained window trims might be a concern. When choosing faux wood blinds, be aware of cheaply made products. Some are made of foam that is less durable and may yellow in time. Inexpensive should not mean cheap. One thing to note about their heavier weight, faux wood blinds have smaller spacing between the cord ladders. If more visible cords is a problem, you should consider real wood blinds. If you’re considering decorative tapes keep in mind the tapes cover each ladder cord, so it may look excessive on a faux wood blind.
Pros
• Looks just like real wood.
• Incredibly durable, so they’re perfect for homes with children and pets.
• Moisture and humidity-resistant, so they’re ideal for bathrooms and kitchens.
• Great in extreme temperatures.
•Budget-friendly
Cons
•Heavier than real wood blinds, so they’re not recommended for large windows, unless you choose the multiple blinds on 1 headrail option.
•Fewer color choices when compared to real wood blinds.
Wood and faux wood blinds both offer quality options for beautifying your home. If you have children and pets, are buying for a high moisture room or you have white or neutral color painted window trims, then faux is the way to go. If you have stained wood trim and want to easily match to your blinds or you need to cover large windows or want the light-weight option and have no worry of kids or animals, then real hardwood blinds are the right choice. Either way, hardwood or faux wood blinds are the home improvement worth making.
When it comes Blinds you also have some choices on the valance:
• Flush Mount
(If you have a inside mount blind its called a Flush Mount)
• Outside Valance Mount