Wood Blinds and Faux Wood: What’s the difference?

During the 1970s, mini blinds were all the rage, but the splash of color of yesteryear has given way to the classic, timeless look of 2” and 2 1/2” plantation style blinds. These classic blinds are available from most dealers in wood, composite, or faux wood (pronounced “foh”, not “fox”). But what’s the difference? More importantly, why should you care?

Faux Wood Blinds: Style on a Budget

Faux wood blinds are by far the most popular with homeowners in the Clarksville area. They’re by far the least expensive of any of the window treatments available from most retailers, and give the benefit of having the look and feel of real wood without the weaknesses that wood blinds present.

Faux wood blinds are manufactured from various materials, but it’s important to know what you’re getting. Lower-priced blinds like those found in retail stores are typically made of a vinyl blend that will sag within a few months, or be easily damaged by small pets. Worse yet, they’re known to yellow very quickly.

For the homeowner willing to spend a little more money, they can opt for custom made blinds (like the ones we offer from Graber) that will not only last for years, but withstand the prickly abuse of curious cats! These mid-range faux wood blinds are typically made of PVC, adding to their durability and their beauty. These higher quality blinds are usually guaranteed to never crack, fade, warp, yellow, or peel. It’s a great way to give a classic look on a budget.

For the custom-minded person, faux wood blinds can be made with the appearance of a natural stained wood, texture, and feel. These superior faux wood blinds offer all of the same benefits of the mid-range blinds, but add the greater flexibility that custom blinds offer. Features like custom valances, premium colors, and even decorative cloth tapes are a sampling of what is possible.

Some of the considerations that faux wood blinds might have are the fact that they’re much heavier than wood blinds, and lifting them can be a chore if they’re too wide. Some families opt to have two or three blinds on one headrail for greater ease on lifting.

Also, cordless lift is available for safety and convenience, but isn’t always recommended for these heavier products. However, if you have small children or pets, cordless lift in the bedrooms might be a good choice for peace of mind, and worth discussing with your local window coverings specialist.

Wood Blinds: The Ultimate at a Great Price

Wood blinds are another economical way to cover windows, and have a variety of options. Usually, they’re only slightly more expensive than their faux wood counterparts, and offer a far wider variety of colors and stains.

While it’s easy for us to say we want “white” blinds, we might be surprised at just how many “whites” there are. The average window fashion company may have a variety of more than a dozen different kinds of whites — a selection that just isn’t available with faux wood. That’s not including the even wider variety of wood stains available. Plus, Graber will allow the homeowner to select their own custom stain for a small fee.

Wood blinds are also available with cloth tapes, custom textures, and are even made with genuine hardwoods — mahogany or cherry for higher-end Graber Traditions products. Sizes range from 1” slats to beautiful 2 1/2’” shutter-style slats that really add a unique look. Unique styles like barn wood are also on the market, and add a unique look to any room.

Wood blinds are also about half the weight of most faux wood products, but being wood, there’s always the possibility that they may eventually warp or fade, which are common characteristics of wood. The more expensive wood blinds are generally treated to keep this to a minimum, but as we say in the industry, wood is wood!

Either one of these outstanding blind options would be perfect in most homes, and their popularity is not only due to their price, but their durability. However, it’s important to remember that you get what you pay for, and that’s rarely more true than it is with window coverings.

By working with a competent window coverings specialist, they’ll help you make a selection that’s perfect for your home or business that will fit your budget. Don’t get blindsided by bad blinds — do your research and get products that are made by companies that stand behind their product. You’ll be clad you did.

We’re proud to offer free in-home estimates for window treatments, so that you can see these great products for yourself. Call David or AJ today to set one up!

When it comes to wood or faux wood blinds, you’ve got it Made in the Shade!