These days, homeowners have more options than ever when it comes to choosing window treatments. Although certain types of shades – namely, Roman shades, cellular shades, and woven woods – have been growing in popularity in recent years, some homeowners simply prefer the look and function of slatted blinds. After all, slatted blinds, as opposed to shades, tend to offer the greatest amount of light control, as they can be tilted back and forth in accordance with owner preferences. Shades, on the other hand, can only be opened or closed, thereby forcing homeowners to choose between lots of light or little to no light at all.
When it comes to slatted window treatments, many homeowners tend to enjoy the look of wooden blinds, as they are stylish and practical at the same time. The problem with actual wood, however, is that it tends to be the most expensive option in the blinds family, and although it is considerably cheaper than some of the high-end shades on the market, it can still be too costly for some people’s budgets and tastes. Fortunately, those who adore the look of wooden blinds can indulge in an option that is less expensive but just as visually pleasing – faux wood blinds.
Craig Rogers is the owner of Blind Tailors, Inc., a blinds and closet design company that has been serving Charlotte, North Carolina since 2004, and according to him, faux wood blinds come with a whole lot of benefits. For starters, faux wood blinds are fairly cost-effective in the grand scheme of window treatments. Although they are technically faking it on the wooden front, faux wood blinds tend to offer the same attractive look as real wood, but with a lower price tag attached. Faux wood blinds are also a great choice for homeowners who are looking for the greatest amount of light control, as they can be rotated and angled to reflect or block out the sun.
Although some might be turned off by the fact that faux wood blinds aren’t real (as the name implies), according to Rogers, faux wood blinds typically have a longer lifespan than their natural wood counterparts. Unlike natural wood, faux wood is not subject to damage from long-term sun exposure. Additionally, faux wood is far less likely to warp, crack, chip, or peel, making it a highly appealing option on the maintenance front.
From a design perspective, faux wood blinds have plenty to offer, as they are usually available in a variety of colors, including wood tones, whites, and off-white shades. At Blind Tailors, Inc., faux wood blinds are available in 2-inch and 2.5-inch slats, though other companies might offer larger and smaller slats. Unlike mini blinds, faux wood blinds have less of a tendency to collect dust, and they are also fairly easy to clean and maintain, making them popular among busy homeowners.
If the look of wood is something that you’d like to incorporate into your new window treatments, then you might want to think twice before shelling out extra in exchange for the real thing. Faux wood blinds are a great way to add style and elegance to any home, and although the idea of putting up fake wood might be a turnoff at first, once they’re on your windows, chances are that nobody other than you is going to be able to tell the difference.
