So you&#;ve decided to go with blinds for your home, but don&#;t know whether to choose wood or faux wood blinds. It&#;s no surprise as often times the debate is centered on which among them is a better option. While each has its benefits, it would be best to examine various factors like climate of the region (very important) and the room function (also very important) and requirements. For instance, window covering solutions fitted in high humidity areas like bathrooms and kitchens should naturally have the capability to withstand moisture.
Also take into account factors like durability, ease of maintenance, and resistance to extreme temperatures. The appearance of the window covering also matters as it would make an overall impact on the overall room décor. Last but equally important, is your personal preference in terms of the desired style and overall effect.
To help you in your dilemma of whether you should opt for wood blinds or faux wood blinds, we&#;ve compiled a guide to the pros and cons of each option.
Should you opt for real wood or faux wood blinds? Do faux wood blinds look like real wood? Which of these offers natural insulation? Are faux wood blinds a better fit for high humidity areas like bathrooms and kitchens? What advantages does real wood have over faux wood?
Let&#;s explore some of these pros and cons so we can make an informed decision, increasing the chances of choosing the perfect window treatment that meets our needs.
Versatility - Classic and Modern Appeal
When it comes to blinds, the appeal of authentic Wood blinds is hard to match. The rich and warm texture of wood creates a timeless appeal. At the same time, wood beautifully complements homes with modern architecture too as it pairs well with any wooden furniture.
Budget Blinds&#; variety of rich earth tones and texture-rich finishes can especially elevate the style of any home style or décor. In addition, we source wood from 100% North American hardwoods from certified and domestic forests, doing our bit and helping you contribute to the planet&#;s sustainability cause. Besides, the authenticity of the naturally sourced woods makes our wood blinds a class apart. Thanks to the versatility of wood, these blinds can be as light or dark as you want them to be, allowing you to custom-match them to your existing home décor with ease.
Not Suitable for High Humidity Regions
While there&#;s no doubt that wood blinds look great, they have a disadvantage. They cannot withstand high humidity so installing real wood blinds in areas like the bathroom, kitchen, or the laundry room is not recommended. Long-term exposure to humidity causes real wood to warp or fade.
Natural Insulation
Wood is a natural insulator, providing protection from external weather conditions. They block UV rays and reduce solar heat gain. So, wood blinds are a great choice for energy efficiencies as they help reduce energy consumption and keep energy bills low.
Perfect for Bedrooms or Living Rooms
While they&#;re not a great choice for high humidity regions like bathrooms or kitchens, wood blinds are perfect for other spaces like the bedroom or living room. Consider opting for custom wood blind vanes in painted, rustic, or stained finishes for tailoring them to your home style.
Deep Clean with Furniture Polish or Lemon Tree Oil
On a regular basis, wood blinds can be simply dry dusted with a clean cloth. For a deep clean, use of water is to be avoided to prevent damage. Instead, wood blinds can be cleaned with a soft cloth that is lightly sprayed with furniture polish or lemon oil.
In case of badly soiled blinds, you can use a mild detergent in tepid water on a clean cotton cloth. But be sure to rinse with clear water and dry with a cotton cloth immediately as moisture can damage wood.
Wood-Like Appearance
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If it looks and feels like real wood, can it be real wood? No&#;not really. Faux Wood blinds look just like real wood but are constructed from durable polymer materials as opposed to authentic wood. But don&#;t let that fool you into thinking that these lack the charm of real wood. It&#;s quite the contrary, in fact. They have the appearance of real wood.
Plus, Budget Blinds offers faux wood blinds in a wide variety of styles and colors and an array of texture-rich, wood grain finishes. They&#;re also available in neutrals and whites. We even have teak faux wood blinds for that spot-on styling accent.
Durable & Moisture Resistant
So how are faux wood blinds different from real wood blinds if the former gives the appearance and feel of wood? The big difference is that unlike wood blinds, faux wood blinds are moisture resistant; hence they don&#;t warp or fade on being exposed to humidity, making them ideal for high humidity areas like bathrooms, kitchens, washrooms, and laundry rooms.
Another plus is that faux wood blinds don&#;t crack, chip, peel, or yellow over time as they are built with durable polymer materials with UVA inhibitors.
Can Be Hosed Down for a Deep Clean
In comparison to wood blinds, faux wood blinds can be easily cleaned. You can simply wipe them clean for regular maintenance. Or in case of heavier spills or messes, they can be deep-cleaned by simply hosing them down or immersing in water without having to worry about warping or any other water damage.
The right choice of window treatment can alter the ambience and overall look of your home. Blinds are the perfect choice if you want absolute control on the amount of light and shade that permeates into a room. Available in different materials, your choice should be based on the purpose for which you are installing them.
One of the most popular choices is faux wood as it has a number of benefits associated with it. Considering the benefits and the drawbacks, you can determine whether this is going to be the best choice for your home.
Compared to natural wood, faux wood blinds are more moisture resistant making them last longer in places with high moisture like the kitchen, laundry room and bathrooms. This is because they are made from PVC or Poly-vinyl Chloride. They are durable and not as prone to scratching and damage as natural wood. They also do not fade or become brittle from constant exposure to the sun like natural wood though then start yellowing over the years as they age.
Synthetic material like PVC is much cheaper than real wood. The price difference, however, does not affect their performance. They can deliver the same aesthetic appeal to your home just like natural wood. Though the shade choice is limited compared to natural wood, these blinds can match the interiors of almost any household. Since they are value for money, you can dress more windows around the house without stretching your budget too far.
Vinyl is easier to clean than wood as you can use soapy water and other similar solutions without damaging the material due to moisture. Unlike wood, they won&#;t rot or warp over time. Periodic dusting will ensure that it looks as clean as new. Using specific rinsing solutions or light pH-balanced liquid soap and water can ensure the blinds last you for years to come. You can clean them as much as needed as they are not prone to damage from moisture or scratching.
Materials like vinyl are much more durable compared to natural wood and can last for years if they are maintained well. They are also pet-friendly as wood is more prone to breakage as pets cavort around the house. PVC is a type of thermoplastic and it is constructed to be fire resistant as well which is an additional advantage of such blinds.
The obvious drawback is the appearance as even the best quality faux wood blinds cannot completely mimic the sophistication of natural wood.
Moreover, PVC tends to soften up and become pliable from exposure to high temperatures and hence such blinds cannot be used in areas where the temperature consistently stays around and above 55 degrees Celsius for months.
Lastly, they cannot be re-stained and have to be entirely replaced when damaged. You cannot have them repaired.
When you understand the characteristics of faux wood blinds, you can easily determine if it suits your home. Your ultimate decision should be based on major factors like durability, affordability and basic features.
Want more information on faux wood vertical blinds? Feel free to contact us.