Wood or Faux Wood Blinds – Which are Right for Me?

Consumers have been drawn to genuine wood blinds for years, primarily because they complement the decor of any room. But wood blinds are an investment, like any fine piece of furniture, and they’re not perfect in every window situation. With the introduction of faux wood blinds, consumers now have a variety of options to select from to get the look of wood blinds with a lower cost and better durability.

Wood Blinds Vs. Faux Blinds

Wood and faux wood blinds have a lot in common. They are constructed similarly, and both will complement any room décor. They are constructed using string ladders and are available in a variety of slat sizes with traditional lifting and tilting system and some styles offer cordless or motorized lifting system for added safety and convenience. Let’s look at some advantages and disadvantages of both types of blinds.

The most obvious advantage of real wood blinds is that are made of real wood! This gives them the look, feel, and quality of real wood products.

Advantages of real wood blinds:

• Available in 1 3/8”, 2” & 2 ½” slat sizes
• Available in numerous colors and stains
• Stained slats highlight natural grains
• 50% lighter than faux wood blinds which makes them easier to raise and lower
• Can be manufactured to accommodate larger windows
• Optional routless slat construction to eliminate light leakage
• Available with decorative tapes
• Perceived to have a more high-end look

Disadvantages of real wood blinds:

• Not recommended for rooms with high moisture – wood can warp
• Not as sturdy around children or pets
• Cost is about 30% higher than faux wood

Advantages of Faux Wood Blinds

Durable and affordable, faux wood blinds give you the best of both worlds. They are typically made of PVC, PVC composite or wood and vinyl combination. Benefits of faux wood blinds include:

• Available in 2” slat size
• Available in different colors & stains
• Durable and slats usually bounce back and don’t warp
• Great for rooms with high moisture
• Built to not crack, chip, peel, warp or bowing
• Easy to clean with a wet cloth
• Less expensive than real wood

Disadvantages of faux wood blinds:

• Heavier than wood
• Size limitations for large windows
• Quality varies from manufacturer to manufacturer
• Not as many upgrades available

Buy Wood or Faux Blinds in Charleston, South Carolina

Both wood and faux wood blinds will enhance the beauty of your home and can be used in tandem. Serving the greater Charleston area, the window treatment professionals at the Shutter Guy are trained to assist you in the selection of the right treatment for YOUR windows! Our knowledgeable and experienced staff knows how to ask the right questions to ensure your new window treatments exceed your expectations. Contact us to schedule a consultation, and be sure to check out our Calling Out Cancer program to see how a percentage of your purchase with us goes toward cancer support and research.