Wood Blinds vs Faux Wood Blinds

Wood Blinds vs Faux Wood Blinds: Which One Is Right for Your Home?

When it comes to choosing between wood blinds and faux wood blinds, it’s not just about looks. Both options have their strengths, and depending on what you need in a specific room, one may work better than the other. As a professional blinds installer, I've seen firsthand how these two options can completely transform a home. In this article, I’ll break down the key differences, and hopefully, help you decide which one is the best fit for your space.

Aesthetic Differences

The Natural Beauty of Real Wood Blinds

There’s something undeniably beautiful about real wood blinds. The warmth they bring to a room is hard to replicate. Each slat has its own unique grain pattern, giving your windows character and an elegant finish. If you’re going for a timeless, upscale look, wood blinds are often the go-to choice. I’ve installed wood blinds in homes where the homeowners wanted to match their blinds with custom wood furniture or hardwood floors, and the end result was stunning.

You also have a lot of flexibility when it comes to customization with wood blinds. You can choose from a variety of stains and finishes to complement your room’s color palette. Whether you want something light and airy or rich and dramatic, real wood blinds can be stained or painted to match perfectly.

Faux Wood Blinds: The Look of Wood Without the Price Tag

On the other hand, faux wood blinds offer a similar look but at a lower cost. With modern manufacturing techniques, faux wood blinds can closely mimic the grain and texture of real wood. They’re available in a range of colors and finishes, so you can still achieve that classic wood appearance without spending as much.

One of my clients recently remodeled their entire living room and wanted wood blinds but needed to stick to a budget. They opted for faux wood blinds, and you couldn’t tell the difference until you got really close. They were thrilled with how they looked—and even more thrilled about how much they saved.

Durability and Longevity

Real Wood: Solid but Sensitive

Wood blinds are strong, but they’re also more sensitive to their environment. Wood, as a natural material, can warp or crack in humid conditions. For that reason, I always recommend installing real wood blinds in areas where the humidity is low, like living rooms, bedrooms, or home offices. They hold up beautifully in these spaces and can last for years with the right care.

However, if you’re considering wood blinds for a bathroom or kitchen, you might want to reconsider. The constant exposure to moisture can cause wood blinds to warp over time. I once installed wood blinds in a client’s bathroom after they insisted, despite my warning. A few months later, they called me back to replace them with faux wood blinds because the moisture had taken its toll.

Faux Wood: Built to Last in Tough Conditions

Faux wood blinds, on the other hand, are made from PVC or composite materials, which means they’re highly resistant to moisture and humidity. If you’re looking to install blinds in a bathroom, kitchen, or laundry room, faux wood is definitely the way to go. They won’t warp, crack, or fade like real wood, and they’re incredibly durable.

I often recommend faux wood blinds to families with young children or pets because they can stand up to everyday wear and tear. They’re also much easier to clean and maintain, which brings me to my next point.

Maintenance and Cleaning

Wood Blinds: Regular Care Required

While real wood blinds are beautiful, they do require a little more maintenance. Dust tends to settle on the slats, and because they’re made from natural wood, you need to be careful about how you clean them. A gentle dusting with a soft cloth or feather duster works well, and for a deeper clean, you can use wood-safe cleaners.

One time, I had a client who was a bit of a neat freak. She loved her wood blinds but found it frustrating to keep them looking pristine. I recommended dusting them once a week and using a polish specifically designed for wood. It took a little extra effort, but she was happy with how they held up over time.

Faux Wood Blinds: Easy to Clean and Maintain

Faux wood blinds, however, are much more forgiving when it comes to cleaning. You can wipe them down with a damp cloth, and they won’t get damaged by moisture or harsher cleaning products. This makes them perfect for high-traffic areas like kitchens or for people who don’t have time to constantly baby their blinds.

I've quite literally taken a set of faux wood blinds out of my house and hung them on the side of our barn and then pressure washed them clean! They clean up very nicely this way, although I would recommend if you try this method to do it on a very hot, sunny day so that the cords dry out quickly.

Cost and Value

Wood Blinds: An Investment in Elegance

There’s no way around it: real wood blinds tend to be more expensive. They’re crafted from high-quality wood, which not only makes them more costly upfront but also adds to their long-term value. If you’re looking to create a high-end look in your home, real wood blinds can elevate your space and potentially increase your home’s value.

I’ve seen wood blinds used in high-end homes, where the extra investment in quality and style made sense. They are often viewed as an upgrade, much like granite countertops or hardwood floors.

Faux Wood: Budget-Friendly Without Sacrificing Style

Faux wood blinds, while more affordable, still offer a great look for a fraction of the price. They’re perfect if you want the wood appearance but need to stick to a budget. Plus, because they’re more durable in harsh environments, they can be an even better long-term investment in certain parts of the house.

A client I worked with recently chose faux wood blinds for their entire home because they wanted the look of wood but had a limited budget. They were amazed at how much they saved and how well the blinds fit with their overall design.

Environmental Impact

Wood Blinds: Eco-Friendly Sourcing

If sustainability is important to you, wood blinds can be a good choice—if you opt for those made from sustainably sourced materials. Some manufacturers use responsibly harvested wood, making it a more eco-friendly option.

Faux Wood Blinds: Eco-Conscious and Long-Lasting

On the other hand, faux wood blinds can also be environmentally friendly, especially when made from recycled materials. And because they last longer in tough conditions, you won’t have to replace them as frequently, which also reduces waste.

Best Rooms for Wood and Faux Wood Blinds

Best Rooms for Wood Blinds

Wood blinds work best in rooms where moisture isn’t a concern, like living rooms, bedrooms, and home offices. These spaces allow the natural beauty of the wood to shine while minimizing the risk of warping.

Best Rooms for Faux Wood Blinds

Faux wood blinds are ideal for bathrooms, kitchens, and laundry rooms where moisture and humidity are an issue. They’re also great for homes with kids or pets, thanks to their durability and easy maintenance.

Conclusion

At the end of the day, the decision between wood and faux wood blinds comes down to your personal needs and preferences. If you love the look of natural wood and are willing to invest a little extra in care and cost, real wood blinds are a great choice. If you need something more durable and budget-friendly, faux wood blinds offer the perfect balance of style and practicality.

As a professional installer, I’ve seen both types transform homes in beautiful ways. So whether you’re looking for elegance or everyday durability, both options have a lot to offer.