When you're shopping for window dressings, you'll probably mull over the typical options: curtains, drapes, plain white blinds. However, have you ever considered adding some warmth to your home with a set of wooden blinds?
Wooden blinds go with just about every type of furniture and color scheme a room could have. They are equally stylish and functional and can really make a big difference in your home.
Here's a guide to wooden blinds and everything that comes with them so as you shop around for your window decor, you can be all the more informed.
First off, what are the pros of investing in wooden blinds over other kinds of drapes and blinds? Well, wood is sturdier and better-looking than plastic. It absorbs the sun's rays better and is not as transparent, thus allowing for better privacy. Blinds, in general, are also easier to adjust than most curtains and drapes and so you can let as much sunshine into the room as you like.
Other key advantages of wooden blinds is that they are so easy to clean! You won't have to fight tough-to-remove stains that get buried into curtain fabrics or have to wash flexible plastic blinds that aren't steady. As well, wooden blinds are sturdy and will not be easily manipulated by curious and playful children. And of course, just as with regular window dressings, window blinds provide shade and insulation for any room (which will no doubt keep your utility bills down during both the cooler and warmer months).
Wooden blinds are not the cheapest products on the market, but they aren't incredibly expensive either. If you want to improve the look of your home with the subtle charm of wooden blinds, you won't go broke. And on top of that, you can feel free to change the decorating scheme of your home at any time, as wooden blinds are like a great pair of blue jeans – they'll go with just about anything!
Now that you know the benefits of investing in wooden blinds, what are your specific options? Your wooden blinds will vary in the thickness and quality of the wood. You might prefer one-inch or two-inch wooden blinds. It's entirely up to you and what's best for your home and budget. Ask yourself how much light reduction and privacy you want, as you shop for blinds. This will help guide your shopping experience.
There is quite a wide price range (anywhere from $50 to 200 and upwards) for wooden blinds, but you can be assured that you will always end up with a product that is richer and made with more quality craftsmanship than their plastic counterparts.
If you're looking for a good deal, you might find some nice savings via the Internet. However, the standard approach is to compare both online dealers and your local suppliers and products at nearby home improvement stores. If you do an adequate amount of comparison shopping, you should be good to go. Just remember that it's best to have a good idea of what you're looking for before you scout out the market. Otherwise, you'll be overwhelmed and probably a little confused.
Before comparing wooden blinds, though, you'll want to measure your windows! This will help you determine not only the dimensions of the blinds that you will have to order, but you will be able to calculate the pricing, as well, as you go along. You might end up with ready-made or made-to-measure blinds.
Online dealers can often provide fast delivery of blinds, but because you can't deal with web-based suppliers up close and personal, just make sure that you research the reputability of the company before you order the blinds.
All in all, wooden blinds are well-suited for any environment and their style will never go out of date. And while “wooden” is your only option, of course, remember that there are a variety of colors and textures of wood available. For example, your wooden blinds might boast a rich black or a light honey color. You can go with more traditional-looking blinds or modern, designer blinds. The choice is all yours.
But it's not just the look of wooden blinds that is so appealing – wooden blinds are also as functional as their peers – if not more so! (And not to mention surprisingly affordable when compared to fancier drapes and the like.) So whether you're looking decorating the windows in your kitchen, dining room, bedroom, office, or living room, consider getting wooden blinds.