Regarding window treatments, blinds are a popular choice for many homeowners. Blinds come in various materials, with two of the most common options being faux wood and real wood. Both faux wood and wood blinds have pros and cons when deciding which is best for your home. This guide will compare faux wood versus wood blinds to help you make the right choice.
Aesthetics and Appearance
One of the biggest factors when choosing between faux wood and real wood blinds is appearance.
Faux Wood Blinds
Designed to imitate the look of real wood. The slats are typically made of vinyl, plastic, or composite materials. Quality faux wood blinds can closely replicate real wood's texture and grain patterns. Faux wood allows you to get the visual appeal of wood without the higher costs.
Real Wood Blinds
Showcase the natural elegance and timeless beauty of real wood. The wood grain and color variations add depth and visual interest. Popular real wood choices include bamboo, oak, maple, cherry, and basswood. Real wood offers a natural look that faux wood struggles to imitate perfectly.
Both faux and real wood come in similar color options – from natural wood stains to painted colors. The main difference is real wood shows more variation in grain patterns.
Insulation and Energy Efficiency
Regarding insulation and energy efficiency, wood blinds have a slight edge over faux wood.
The natural density of real wood makes it a marginally better insulator. The density also means real wood blinds do a better job absorbing noise. Faux wood blinds, however, can still provide decent insulation for windows. Adding a drapery lining to faux wood or real wood blinds can improve insulation.
One area where faux wood blinds tend to excel is resistance to humidity and moisture. The vinyl and composite materials are less prone to warping and cracking than real wood.
Durability and Longevity
An important consideration for many homeowners is how durable and long-lasting the blinds will be. This is another category where there are pros and cons to weigh for both options.
Faux wood blinds are typically very durable and longer lasting than real wood. The vinyl, plastic, and composite materials resist moisture, cracking, and chipping. Faux wood blinds easily retain their shape over time. Being less prone to damage also makes faux wood blinds lower maintenance over the long haul.
Real wood blinds require proper care and maintenance to achieve maximum longevity. High-quality real wood blinds can also have a long lifespan when cared for. However, they are more susceptible to moisture damage, cracking from temperature changes, chipping, and warping. Real wood needs occasional refinishing or conditioning to keep it looking its best.
Ease of Cleaning and Maintenance
As mentioned above, faux wood blinds require less maintenance and are easier to clean than real wood blinds. The smooth vinyl and plastic materials need occasional wiping down with a soft cloth and warm water.
Real wood blinds require more care and maintenance. Dust and dirt can settle into the wood grain over time. Real wood needs periodic polishing or refinishing. Extra moisture precautions also need to be taken when cleaning real wood blinds. Specialty wood cleaners and conditioners may be required.
Cost and Budget
Not surprisingly, faux wood blinds tend to cost significantly less than real wood blinds. Man-made materials keep manufacturing costs down. The durable construction also means faux wood tends to have a lower replacement cost over time.
Real wood blinds range from moderate to expensive due to the higher cost of the natural wood materials. But the investment in real wood pays returns with the classic beauty and elegance added to the home. Less expensive softwoods can provide budget-friendly options for real wood blinds.
When assessing cost, also consider long-term maintenance time and costs. Faux wood’s lower maintenance needs mean lower lifetime costs for many homeowners.
Customization Options
One area where real wood leads is customization flexibility. Real wood blinds can be more easily customized with specialty stains, paints, and cuts for unique windows. Faux wood customization options tend to be more limited.
Both real wood and faux wood blinds provide flexibility for slat sizes, tilt options, and lift controls. But faux wood’s set manufacturing process allows less room for total customization.
Environmental Impact
For eco-conscious homeowners, faux wood blinds have some clear environmental advantages over real wood. Faux wood blinds use less energy, waste, and hazardous chemicals during manufacturing than wood blinds. And unlike wood, no trees are harvested to make faux wood slats.
Faux wood blinds made from recycled materials have an even lower environmental impact. Real wood blinds can be eco-friendly, too, if sourced from sustainable forests.
Key Takeaways: Choosing Faux Wood vs Real Wood Blinds
- Faux wood provides a close visual match to real wood at a lower cost
- Real wood offers unique natural elegance, depth, and customization
- Faux wood is more durable and needs less maintenance
- Real wood has superior insulation properties
- Faux wood is better for humid environments
- Real wood costs more but can add value from its aesthetic appeal
Frequently Asked Questions about Faux Wood and Real Wood Blinds
What are the best rooms for faux wood blinds?
Faux wood works well in bathrooms, kitchens, and other humid areas because of the moisture resistance. Faux wood is ideal for households with pets or children thanks to the durable materials.
What are the best rooms for real wood blinds?
Real wood looks best in more formal living areas, dining rooms, home offices, and bedrooms. The natural richness pairs nicely with antiques, hardwood floors, and traditional décor. Rooms with less humidity are also better for real wood.
Can you paint both real wood and faux wood blinds?
Yes, both real wood and faux wood blinds can be painted. Faux wood is easier to paint since real wood requires proper priming and preparation. However, painted real wood allows the wood grain to show through for added character.
Choose the Ideal Blinds for Your Home
Deciding between faux wood and real wood blinds depends on your priorities. Faux wood is generally the more economical and low-maintenance choice, while real wood provides unparalleled natural beauty and character.
If cost is a primary factor, faux wood blinds give you the most bang for your buck. Their durability and longevity make them a practical choice for homes with kids and pets. Homes in hot and humid climates also benefit from faux wood’s moisture resistance.
Whatever you choose, accurately measure your windows first and allow for proper installation. You can add style, privacy, and light control to your home with the right blinds.
Need help picking the perfect blinds? Contact our experts at Incredible Windows today to schedule a free in-home consultation! We’ll help you determine your needs and style preferences. With our years of experience, we’ll help you select beautiful, affordable window blinds that upgrade your space.