If you are in the market for new window blinds, specifically wood blinds, you may want to consider faux wood blinds; they have many distinct advantages over wood blinds.
Wood blinds are a classic window treatments choice. They are durable, easy to use and attractive. They also go well with a wide variety of interior decors. But some people may not know that there are faux wood blinds that offer the same looks, functionality with increased durability at a reduced cost. Faux wood blinds have other distinct advantages.
First, a little background information, faux wood blinds come in two forms: composite wood and vinyl, a type of PVC plastic. The composite wood variety is made from a blend of real hardwoods and plastic polymers to form highly durable slats and other components that make up the blind. PVC blinds are made exclusively from a vinyl polymer.
In terms of price, the vinyl variety is the cheapest, wood composite is second and wood blinds are the most expensive. Comparing the same brand, same size, with no extra options, the price break-outs were as follows: 40” x 64” vinyl blinds were approximately $78.00, 40” x 64” composite wood blinds were approximately $101.00, and the 40” x 64” wood blinds were approximately $119.00. These prices are meant for comparison sake only to illustrate the differences.
In terms of weight, wood blinds are the lightest weights of the three, wood composites are the second lightest and vinyl blinds are the heaviest. This is an important consideration mostly when you are ordering fairly large blinds. One of the nice things about faux woods is that they are very durable. They will not fade, crack, warp or split, making them perfect for rooms with heat and humidity, such as bathrooms and kitchens. This durability is often important in kid’s rooms. Composite wood blinds are the most durable. They have a hard coating that is highly scratch resistant. That is not to say the PVC blinds are not durable, just not as scratch resistant as the composites.
To help you further differentiate when you should buy composites over PVC blinds, here are some important details. If you are trying to match up other wood stains from your home’s décor, composite blinds offer the closest wood-like grains and stains. So, if you are trying to match up other wood blinds or other wood elements with faux woods, composites would be the best choice. Vinyl blinds do come in wood-colored stains but, in my opinion, are best suited to non-wood colors, like white, beige, etc and these tend to be the most common applications. One final point on the issue of choices, both vinyl blinds and composite blinds can come with in a textured or smooth finish. The best way to get a sense for these differences is to order swatches.
One last consideration, one of growing importance, is the issue of eco-friendliness. If you are concerned about the environment, cutting down trees, and recycling than composite wood blinds may be the best choice. Comfortex now offers an eco-friendly line of faux wood composites. These are made with real wood along with recycled man-made materials. I, for one, applaud Comfortex for addressing this issue by launching a line of eco-friendly blinds. I hope that this is the beginning of a trend within the industry.
