How to Choose: Wood Blinds vs. Faux Wood Blinds

Homeowners shopping for new window blinds often encounter this question early on, usually while standing in front of two samples that look almost identical: how do I choose between high-quality wood blinds and faux wood blinds?

The difference between these two options shows up in how each one handles the room you install it in. Here’s how our Read Design Window Fashions team walks homeowners through the process of choosing between wood versus faux wood blinds from our collection of premium brands like Hunter Douglas and Alta.

What Are the Differences Between Wood vs. Faux Wood Blinds?

Real wood feels lighter, may take stain with variation from slat to slat, and brings visual warmth to the space.

Conversely, faux wood is made of PVC or a composite, which makes it heavier, moisture-resistant, and color-consistent across every blind slat, since the materials are manufactured rather than individually crafted.

Wood Blinds vs. Faux Wood Blinds in Different Rooms

Humidity levels in your home or in a specific room largely determine which type of window blind you’ll want.

For instance, kitchens, bathrooms, laundry rooms, and garages are often exposed to steam and heat daily, and real wood may eventually warp, while living rooms, dining rooms, bedrooms, and studies stay dry enough that hardwood holds its shape for years.

What Are the Different Styles of Wood Blinds?

Hunter Douglas Parkland® Wood Blinds comprise wood from responsibly managed forests. They offer various customization options that blend seamlessly with your interior design style, including a large selection of wood stains and paint colors. You may even add decorative tapes and accents to really make this wood blind style all your own.

Alta Wood Blinds have a smooth finish that showcases the grain beneath. They offer a continuous headrail that runs two or three blinds together across wide or side-by-side windows, which keeps a long wall reading as one clean line rather than several separate coverings.

When properly cared for, hardwood blinds last for many years and can add to a home’s resale value.

What Are the Different Options for Faux Wood Blinds?

Hunter Douglas EverWood® Faux Wood Blinds are a favorite among homeowners. These faux wood blinds give you the look of genuine wood while resisting warping, fading, and yellowing over time, thanks to the Performance Plus™ Protection. As with the brand’s wood blinds, you can pick from a wide selection of colors, finishes, and decorative tapes to make them personal to you.

Alta Faux Wood Blinds carry the luster of real wood with durable, engineered-polymer construction that shrugs off steam. These faux wood blinds won’t have slats that crack, chip, or fade, so you can’t go wrong with adding these to a busy breakfast nook or children’s bathroom.

Choosing Between Wood vs. Faux Wood Blinds

Here are a few quick checks you can consider about your home and lifestyle to make the right window blind choice for you:

• Humidity Levels: Send faux wood to moisture-prone areas, and wood everywhere else.
• Finish Variations: Decide whether you want slat-to-slat character or a uniform color.
• Cleaning Habits: Faux wood blinds are wiped down, while wood blinds do better with dust gloves or a vacuum attachment and possibly polishing to bring out the natural glow.

Shop Faux Wood and Real Wood Blinds Near Southlake, TX

You can’t go wrong with wood or faux wood blinds in terms of aesthetics. It truly comes down to the type of environment you’re placing them in and the various customization options each style offers. Our Read Design Window Fashions team can help you make the best decision when you partner with us on your window blind project.

Contact us online or visit one of our locations in Southlake and Plano to chat with our window fashion experts.

Read Design Window Fashions is a window treatment store that proudly serves the Dallas-Fort Worth metropolitan area, including North Dallas, Plano, Southlake, and Cedar Creek Lake, Texas.