Faux Wood Blinds vs Wood Blinds in 2023 - Which Should You Get?

If you’re looking for a new set of shades or blinds, there are a nearly endless number of combinations of materials and colours available to you. 

While products like Roman shades, zebra shades and vertical blinds still retain their market popularity, one of the most sought-after styles among homeowners today is wooden blinds. These window treatments – and their faux counterparts – offer maximum warmth, texture and effective light blocking for every room in your home.

Shopping for window coverings has become more fun and customizable than ever. Before you begin exploring and deciding on your favourite custom design, it’s helpful to understand the difference between real and faux blinds.

Explore our complete faux wood blinds vs wood blinds guide below to decide on the ideal kind of wood window treatment for your home.

In the market for faux wood blinds? Check out our faux wood buying guide to find out more.

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The Main Types of Real Wood Blinds

Natural wood blinds, which are commonly known as real wood blinds, come in several forms. One of the most popular types used for blinds is basswood. 

This style is preferred by most custom blind manufacturers. American basswood trees are typically found in the Eastern United States. Since they grow up to 120 feet tall, they provide an abundant amount of wood for carvings, musical instruments and furniture accents. 

Many designers and homeowners alike prefer this material for its workability. Since it is both light and flexible, it is easily made into slats of varying thickness.

It’s possible to find basswood window treatments for your home that are both corded and cordless. Many families prefer cordless blinds because they are the safest option for children and pets. While the original form of the wood is light in colour, it can easily be stained to any shade. Hues range from golden oak to forest green to cherry.

The Manufacturing Process

Real wood blinds stand out for their elegant aesthetics and sturdiness. Crafted from high-quality hardwoods, the wood undergoes a series of essential steps.

First, it is precision-cut into uniform slats, ensuring a consistent appearance. Then, the slats are carefully kiln-dried, minimizing the risk of warping and cracks. The wood is treated with staining to achieve various colours and sealed to resist moisture. A protective finish is added to safeguard against wear and tear.

This comprehensive manufacturing process has a direct impact on the final product. These blinds exhibit remarkable durability, standing up to environmental challenges over time. The treatment and finishing process preserves the wood's natural texture, inviting touch, and the colour remains vibrant even when exposed to sunlight.

While the attention to detail and quality materials may result in higher costs, the outcome is undoubtedly a premium window covering that seamlessly combines the allure of natural wood with enduring excellence.

What are Faux Wood Blinds?

What is faux wood, you might ask? Also referred to as imitation or synthetic wood, faux wood is used in various applications where the aesthetic of wood is desired without the cost or maintenance requirements. 

Faux wood is commonly used to produce blinds, shutters, furniture, flooring, and decorative accents. Its versatility, durability, and moisture resistance make it a practical choice for both interior and exterior use, providing the look of wood without some of its drawbacks.

While they’re made to look and feel like natural wood, faux wood blinds are made of either composite wood, vinyl or PVC. The composite type often contains a real wood core but is also coated with a protective polymer. 

Like real wood treatments, they are made cordless or corded and come in different colours to perfectly match every home’s interior and exterior.

The Main Types of Faux Wood Blinds

Faux wood blinds offer varied characteristics impacting their texture, weight, durability, and appearance. 

PVC blinds are affordable, lightweight, and moisture-resistant but lack the depth of real wood. Composite blinds imitate real wood with a textured surface and enhanced durability. Vinyl blinds blend vinyl's sturdiness with wood's elegance, balancing weight and resilience while mimicking wood grain. 

These choices cater to different preferences, allowing homeowners to select blinds that suit their needs and aesthetics.

The Manufacturing Process

The manufacturing of faux wood blinds involves a fascinating process that transforms synthetics into convincing alternatives to natural wood. Through advanced manufacturing techniques, PVC, composite, and vinyl are shaped into slats that mirror the dimensions of real wood blinds.

Faux wood blinds are determined in part by their manufacturing process. The treatment and finishing of the materials ensure their durability, making them resistant to moisture, fading, and environmental wear. The texture is meticulously crafted to simulate the feel of real wood, enhancing the tactile experience. 

Additionally, a range of colour options can be achieved, allowing for customization to match various interior styles.

While faux wood blinds may be more cost-effective than their real wood counterparts, their manufacturing intricacies are instrumental in creating a product that offers both durability and aesthetics.

The thoughtful balance between material selection, moulding techniques, and surface treatments results in faux wood blinds that are not only affordable but also durable, visually appealing, and versatile in design.

Pros of Real Wood Blinds

Real wood blinds are made of high-quality wood material. They’re also strong and durable, making them last longer than many kinds of fabric blinds and shades. This advantage is often combined with the peace of mind of a limited lifetime warranty. Dense basswood offers maximum light control and privacy. 

Whether your bedrooms and living spaces face other homes in your neighbourhood or you live in a sunny community, you’ll rest assured knowing your window treatments are protecting you from onlookers and the elements alike.

Authentic wood provides increased energy efficiency. Since there is less light and heat coming into your house, you’ll be able to save on air conditioning and heating bills. You’ll also let less warmth outside of your home in the winter. 

Since each slat is removable, they are easy to clean and dust. Their rich texture and strength make them an excellent choice for many dining rooms, family rooms and home offices. The best brands are also child safety compliant.

Environmental Impact

While the natural beauty of real wood is undeniable, it's important to weigh the environmental implications of this choice. Several factors play a role in assessing the environmental impact of real wood blinds, including wood sourcing sustainability, product biodegradability, and the overall lifespan of the blinds.

• Sustainable Wood Sourcing: Choosing blinds certified by organizations like the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) ensures responsibly sourced wood. This aids in preventing deforestation, supporting biodiversity, and benefiting local communities dependent on forest resources.
• Biodegradability and End-of-Life: At the end of their life cycle, real wood blinds can naturally decompose, returning to the earth without leaving a lasting environmental footprint. This is in contrast to some synthetic materials that may persist in the environment for decades.
• Lifespan and Resource Intensity: Although their production may demand more resources than some synthetics, their lasting durability can counterbalance this. Well-maintained, high-quality real wood blinds can endure for years, curbing replacements and resource use over time.

Making informed choices and considering a product's life cycle when choosing wood blinds can reduce environmental impact while enjoying the beauty and charm of real wood.

Cons of Real Wood Blinds

While there are many positives to choosing real wood blinds, there are also several necessary considerations. Natural wood is attractive, but it is also susceptible to the elements. Slats can swell and warp in humid or moist areas, such as the kitchen or bathroom. They are also not the ideal choice for garages, patios or sunrooms. 

If you live in a high-humidity climate, such as the Southeastern United States, you may wish to choose faux treatments.

Real wood will also need to fit your budget. They can be more expensive than faux wood, aluminum blinds and many fabric shades. It’s helpful to compare and contrast their long life and cost over other options before making a purchase. 

While you can re-stain most basswood styles, you cannot change the colour of painted wood.

Maintenance and Care

Keeping real wood blinds looking their best requires consistent and gentle care. Regular dusting using a soft cloth, microfiber duster, or a vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment can prevent dust buildup. Aim to dust your blinds at least once a week, or more often if needed, to maintain their appearance.

For deeper cleaning, lightly dampen a clean cloth with water and gently wipe each slat. Be cautious not to oversaturate the wood to prevent warping. Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners, as they can damage the wood's finish. If there are stubborn stains, use a mild wood-specific cleaner or a mixture of water and mild dish soap.

Protect your real wood blinds from excessive moisture by avoiding direct contact with water. If you have blinds in areas prone to humidity, consider using a dehumidifier to regulate the moisture levels.

Also, shield your blinds from prolonged exposure to direct sunlight, as it can cause fading and drying of the wood. Utilizing curtains or shades during peak sunlight hours can help preserve the blinds' colour and finish.

Pros of Faux Wood Blinds

Faux wood blinds will provide you with the gorgeous, earthy look of natural wood but without the moisture concerns and higher price. Should you desire to match your real wood blinds with the same style in the bathroom or kitchen, you can easily find the same colour from your custom blind manufacturer. 

They’re also an excellent choice to adorn the entire home of a family in a humid climate. Since they’re strong and durable, they’ll last for a long time. Like real wood coverings, you can remove the slats to dust and sanitize them.

You’ll also benefit from many of the same features that real wood blinds have. These include high-quality stains, colour-coordinated details and heavy-duty support mechanisms. Many brands meet the most stringent child safety guidelines. Limited lifetime warranties are also available.

Environmental Impact

While faux wood blinds offer versatility and affordability, it is crucial to understand their environmental impact.

• Production and Disposal of Materials: Producing faux wood materials involves extracting resources and energy-intensive manufacturing, leading to emissions and resource use. Disposing of synthetics like PVC or vinyl can pose challenges due to slow degradation, possibly causing plastic pollution.
• Lifespan and Resource Intensity: Although faux wood blinds are affordable upfront, their environmental impact depends on durability. Longer-lasting blinds, despite costly production, can be eco-friendly. Fewer replacements save resources and reduce waste, offsetting the initial manufacturing impact.

With any choice, consumers can minimize environmental impacts by considering the product's life cycle, evaluating durability, and balancing affordability against resource-intensive production and disposal.

Cons of Faux Wood Blinds

While faux wood blinds look similar to natural wood, there is no substitute for the most high-end, genuine wood material. Some homeowners also find them less attractive than wood. PVC and composite products contain more grooves, which make the slats more difficult to clean and dust than the real thing. 

These treatments are also heavier than their authentic counterparts. You also cannot re-stain them if your preferences change. Should you want a different colour for your bedroom or living room, you will need to purchase a new set.

Maintenance and Care

In comparison to real wood, faux wood blinds offer a practical advantage with relatively low maintenance requirements. Regular care can keep them looking sharp and extend their lifespan.

Dusting your faux wood blinds is easily accomplished with a soft cloth, microfiber duster, or a vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment. Aim to do this at least once a week to prevent dust buildup and maintain their appearance.

For more thorough cleaning, use a damp cloth lightly moistened with water to wipe down each slat. Be careful not to oversaturate the blinds to avoid potential warping. Steer clear of harsh chemicals and abrasive cleaners, as they may damage the faux wood finish. Stubborn stains can be tackled using mild dish soap diluted in water or specialized faux wood blind cleaners.

Unlike real wood, faux wood blinds are also generally more resistant to moisture, making them suitable for humid areas. However, it's still advisable to avoid exposing them to excessive moisture and direct water contact.

Shield your faux wood blinds from prolonged sunlight exposure to prevent fading and maintain their appearance. Employing curtains or shades during sunnier periods can help preserve the blinds' colour and integrity.

Overall, faux wood blinds offer a convenient maintenance routine, making them a practical choice for busy households. 

Making Your Decision

There are a few ways to choose your ideal type of wood blinds. First, decide which kind fits your price range. If you are on a budget and you don’t mind the look of faux wood, vinyl or composite material may be the best products for your needs. 

If you're willing to invest and won't be installing the treatments in areas with high moisture, real wood might be the optimal option. Another approach is to buy a mix of natural and composite materials for cost savings.

Evaluate both expense and longevity. While real wood might have a higher initial cost, it holds the potential to outlast faux alternatives significantly.

Next, determine how often you will change your decorative scheme. If you plan on making drastic colour changes to your exterior or interior in the near future, think about the cost to re-stain versus the price of a complete exchange. 

Kitchens, bathrooms and humid climates absolutely require faux products. Interior design buffs and those who entertain often may prefer to invest in real wood blinds to sustain their home’s reputation for high quality.

When in doubt, consult with your custom blind manufacturer. The best companies are experts in the field, understand the distinguishing qualities between real and faux wood window treatments and have served several types of people and families. 

Their experience allows them to work with you to find the best combination of coverings to fit your home’s style and your family’s preferences.

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Understanding How to Order and Purchase Your Blinds

Once you make the decision to buy real wood or faux wood blinds, it’s time to select corded or cordless. There are a few ways to make the process easier. Bigger or wider windows may require cords for easy opening and closing, especially if you plan on operating them yourself. Otherwise, cordless blinds will offer you a sleeker design.

If you want authentic wood, decide on your ideal paint colour or stain. Natural basswood comes in a creamy yellow-beige, similar to many light wood styles, but you can also buy treatments stained in espresso, black or summer pecan. Homeowners looking for white or off-white real blinds need to understand these will have to be painted.

Faux wood blinds also require the choice between corded and cordless. Since they come in a spectrum of painted colour options, you have the freedom to select from any shade in the rainbow. Your space may be complemented by cherry, butternut or glacier grey. Many exteriors match great with neutral hues like acorn smooth, cloud white and ultra-white.

Before you complete your order, you will need to provide the manufacturer with the right window measurements. Decide whether you want inside or outside mounted blinds, and then calculate the height and width of each opening accordingly. 

Remember: When you choose custom designs, you will not have to select the same mount for each set in your home.

Adding Extra Adornments

Some details will make your purchase even more satisfying. You can specify whether you want standard blinds, with hole punches through each slat size, or a style with no holes privacy. 

This feature offers you complete privacy and an enhanced room-darkening effect. Cloth tape additions can also give your blinds a rich look. They’re available to you in nearly every colour.

Homeowners who mount their wood blinds to the door may desire to hold down brackets. Your manufacturer can provide these for you. If you wish, you can also label each blind set by a name, such as “living room treatments” or “bathroom set.” 

If you plan on adding new coverings to your entire home, the specification can make it easier for you to know where to place them.  

Common Misconceptions

Several misconceptions surround both real wood and faux wood blinds, often leading to misconstrued judgments. Getting rid of these myths will help you make better window covering selections.

Myth: Faux wood blinds look cheap and fake.

Reality: While this might have been true for older faux wood options, advancements in manufacturing techniques have produced high-quality faux wood blinds that closely mimic the appearance of real wood. These blinds can be indistinguishable from real wood when it comes to texture, grain, and overall aesthetics.

Myth: Real wood blinds are always more durable.

Reality: Although real wood blinds are renowned for their durability, modern faux wood blinds are designed to be highly resilient and resistant to warping, cracking, and fading. Many faux wood blinds can offer similar durability to their real wood counterparts, especially in environments with humidity and sunlight exposure.

Myth: Faux wood blinds are maintenance-free.

Reality: While faux wood blinds are generally easier to maintain than real wood blinds, they still require regular care to preserve their appearance and functionality. Dusting, occasional cleaning, and protecting them from excessive moisture and direct sunlight are recommended for optimal performance.

Myth: Faux wood blinds are bad for the environment.

Reality: While the production of some synthetic materials used in faux wood blinds can have environmental implications, choosing blinds made from recycled or sustainable materials can significantly reduce their environmental impact. Moreover, the longer lifespan of well-maintained faux wood blinds can mitigate their overall footprint.

Both real wood and high-quality faux wood blinds have their unique benefits and drawbacks, which is why consumers should carefully consider their needs, preferences, and the specific features they need.

Evaluating Your Manufacturer’s Benefits

The decision-making process can also be made easier by knowing the perks of the wood blinds manufacturer you are working with. Some companies will help you with affordability by offering you free shipping. You may also have the chance to take advantage of special financing. 

These days, many purchases over a certain price range are eligible for up to six months of delayed purchase. That way, you can afford your dream wood blinds, whether they are faux or real. If your current company doesn’t offer these advantages, consider shopping around.

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Enjoying Your New Blinds

With the holidays on the way, now is a great time to invest in new faux wood or real wood blinds. There is no clear winner in the faux wood blinds vs wood blinds debate, each offering unique pros and cons. What is clear is that both can add a classic and upscale feel to a space. 

Known as some of the best blinds for large windows, wood blinds are not only energy-efficient in cooler weather but also provide privacy and security. This advantage is especially helpful if you plan on going on vacation.

Getting new blinds also makes a great addition to your décor if you like house guests or to entertain. It’s also helpful to think long-term. When spring and summer roll around, you’ll save drastically on cooling bills and keep sunlight from entering your home while you’re away.

No matter your choice of colour, style, or material, taking into account these factors and collaborating directly with an expert design manufacturer will lead to the highest satisfaction. This partnership will not only help you save time and money but also ensure access to the most enduring, top-quality authentic and faux materials on the market.

FAQs

What are the disadvantages of faux wood blinds?

Faux wood blinds can be less authentic in texture compared to real wood and may lack the same level of visual depth. Some lower-quality options might also have limited colour choices.

Are wood blinds more expensive than faux wood blinds?

Yes, wood blinds are generally more expensive upfront due to the cost of real wood. However, high-quality faux wood blinds can offer an equally luxurious and natural aesthetic.

Are faux wood blinds worth it?

Yes, faux wood blinds are worth considering for their durability, moisture resistance, and affordability. The best faux wood blinds closely resemble real wood and can be a practical choice.

What are the pros and cons of faux wood blinds?

Faux wood blinds offer several advantages, including notable durability, resistance to moisture, affordability, and the ability to customize their design to suit various aesthetics. These blinds are versatile and can be tailored to complement different interior styles.

However, it's important to be aware of a potential downside: some faux wood blinds may lack the genuine texture of real wood, which can affect their authenticity and the natural charm they bring to a space.