While many people utilize plastic mini-blinds as a quick and inexpensive element in window treatments, there is another option. While it is true that plastic blinds are an economical solution, wood blinds provide several advantages over other blind options. If you are contemplating the purchase of new blinds for your home, here are a few points to keep in mind.
In terms of adding texture to a room, wooden blinds easily surpass even the highest quality plastic blinds. A natural stain can be applied to the surface the blinds, helping to accent the natural grain of the wood. Even if the blinds are painted, the additional thickness of wood blinds will usually work well with everything from cornice boards to gathered panels.
Wooden blinds are also versatile when it comes to the selection of wood and the size of the slats. Bamboo blinds are ideal for a casual space, while French blinds are a better option for a more formal room. The range of designs help the blinds to work in with a variety of window fashions, certainly many more than plastic blinds, plastic window shades or even wood shades.
A practical advantage of wood blinds is the fact they provide more privacy than other options. While all brands of plastic Venetian or vertical blinds will minimize the ability to view an interior space from outside, some types are so thin that it is still possible to discern outlines of people or furnishings. With wood blinds, the view is completely obliterated, making it possible for anyone within the room to enjoy complete visual privacy.
Cleaning wood blinds is also less difficult than attempting to dust or clean plastic vertical or Venetian blinds. Because the slats are more substantial, it is possible to use a clean cloth and a light cleanser to easily clean the blinds without having to remove them from the window. The end result is a room that looks clean and fresh even if the blinds have been in place for an extended period of time.
While it is true that wood blinds are more expensive than other blind options, it is important to remember that they will last for a number of years with minimum care. It is also easy to change the look of the blinds to fit into a new decorating scheme with relative ease. Simply re-staining or painting the slats can alter the appearance, making it unnecessary to purchase new blinds each time the room is redecorated.
While wood blinds are rarely found in discount retail stores, may decorating houses and high-end home stores will offer at least a few wooden blind options. It is also possible to special order custom wood blinds from many manufacturers. When it comes to style, quality, and versatility, wood blinds are definitely the way to go.
