If you love the natural and warm look of wood blinds, you’re in for a treat in the decorating department! Not only are real wood blinds particularly versatile — they, like your hardwood floors and furniture, come in a seemingly endless selection of finishes — they’re also durable and long-lasting. And like any good window treatment, wooden blinds are great for helping you keep light out or bring light in, depending on your preferences and needs. But once you’ve settled on wood, how do you tie it into your greater décor scheme? Let’s take a look!
The Best Applications for Wood Blinds
Before we get into our decorating tips, it’s important to take a moment to discuss the best environments for wood blinds. These are excellent window treatments for natural, earthy, traditional, vintage, transitional, coastal and Asian-inspired living spaces. However, there are some spaces where wooden blinds probably won’t work, particularly high-humidity environments. When wood gets wet or moist, it may warp and become permanently damaged. For the same stylish look in humid environments, we always recommend using faux wood blinds.
Without further ado, here are our favorite tips for decorating with wooden blinds!
- To Match or Not to Match — The first thing to consider when picking your blinds is finish. You may prefer to have your blinds match your floors, molding or wood furniture, but don’t be afraid to choose finishes that accent rather than match for a little bit of extra dimension and excitement. Typically, lighter wood finishes (such as acorn or oak) are used in modern, airy and earthy spaces, where darker wood finishes (such as cherry or mahogany) are best for more formal and traditional rooms.
- Think About Slat Size — Slat size is an important consideration when blind shopping because the size of the slats helps create a more proportional look with the size of your window. It’s also a major contributor to the overall aesthetic of your blinds, and it may slightly alter their functionality and performance. For example, larger slats allow more light to pass through and provide more visibility when the slats are tilted open.
- Don’t Discount White — While many people prefer the natural, finished look of wood blinds, others may desire the durability of wood combined with paint or an unconventional finish. We often recommend white wood blinds for those designing a modern, trendy or coastal living space. These window treatments add a fresh feel and go with just about every color scheme and style.
- Soften the Look — One reason some decorators may not prefer wood blinds is because, since they lack fabric, they may feel harsh or cold. A great way to combat this is to pair them with softer textures and colors, such as upholstered furniture. You may also want to choose a warmer finish (such as cherry or red oak) to keep your space cozy.
- Consider Bamboo — While bamboo is still not completely accepted in the canon of hardwoods, it’s quickly becoming one of the most popular design materials out there. That’s because it’s amazingly eco-friendly and brings a unique, natural look to your space. Bamboo blinds are a top pick for down-to-earth, Zen and Asian design styles.
- Don’t Overlook the Control — The devil’s in the details, as they say! When picking any kind of blind, make sure that you take note of the control style. Blinds usually feature either a cordless, pull cord or wand style control. The pull cord is the most common, but there are some instances where you might prefer a different option. For example, cordless wood blinds are ideal for the kids’ room or nursery.
With all these great tips, we’re sure you’ll find a set of window blinds that exceeds your design vision and meets your needs in the functionality department, too. If you still need help choosing your new custom blinds, we’re always here to help you find a material, design style and size for your home or business. Don’t hesitate to reach out to us with your questions, concerns or comments!
