- Faux wood blinds are simply made to imitate wood blinds, hence the word “faux,” which means artificial.
- Faux wood blinds are made of either a composite wood material or a PVC/vinyl material, and both of these materials are highly durable. They will not fade, warp, or crack, making them beneficial for humid places such as bathrooms and kitchens.
- Several faux wood blinds tend to be heavier and can create a larger stack at the top of the window, decreasing light when raised. However, faux wood blinds are the way to go if you are looking for an economical and inexpensive choice to give your home a “natural” finish.
You might be redecorating your home or be getting rid of some old and outdated drapes. Are you considering spicing up your windows with some faux wood blinds? Stay with us as we discuss everything you need to know about this wonderful product!
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What are Faux Wood Blinds?
Faux wood blinds are constructed with slats containing a wooden core coated with a high-tech polymer (composite). The slats can also be entirely made of vinyl/PVC material. Faux wood blinds can be produced to match any dรฉcor and style with a wide variety of color choices and stains that are one of a kind.
This level of detail means that they will look extremely similar to genuine wooden blinds but at a much more affordable price, thus, leaving you with the easy choice of choosing the size of your slats while not having to consider the costs. Unless you inspect the faux wood blinds up close, you will have difficulty telling the difference between real and faux wooden blinds.
Dimensions
When it comes to the variety of dimensions, faux wood blinds may not be at the top of the list, but if you take enough time to browse the whole selection before deciding on anything, there are loads of options available! Faux wood blinds are available with only 50mm slats, and it has the option for privacy tape as well.
The wider slats will give you a good chance to enjoy the finer details and efforts that goes into these fantastic-looking blinds. The good thing about faux wood blinds is the measuring guide which allows you to ensure your slat size is perfect for the window it is being installed on.
All the blinds also come with fitting instructions, and in no time, your blinds will be fitted to give you the best experience in helping the desired room look fantastic!
Is Faux Wood Blinds Popular Today?
Faux wood blinds are known today as one of the world’s most popular window-covering products. Buyers love them because of their efficiency and easy-to-clean methods. The fact that they are so versatile and uncomplicated to install is also a big factor in their popularity.
The artificial materials used to produce faux wood blinds make them safe for areas like the bathroom and kitchen, which have high humidity risks and changing temperatures. In these humid and tough circumstances, wood blinds could easily warp, crack, and even break, but faux wood blinds will stand strong.
What Materials are Used to Produce Faux Wood Blinds?
The composition of faux wood blinds depends on the manufacturer and the individual product. The most common materials include Vinyl, Polyvinyl chloride (known as PVC), and composite wood core with sturdy plastic polymer coating.
While all of these material compositions offer benefits over real wood blinds, they are not at all created equal. Some faux wood blinds range from lower-quality manufacturers and are thin and flimsy, flexing a bit more than real wood. When the faux wood is of lower quality, it will require some extra string supports to prevent the window treatment from bowing, which will result in a more bulky and less attractive look.
Because of these reasons, it is of utmost importance to consider the material and the manufacturer and installer. With a high-quality product and professional installation, you will be able to achieve a beautiful and “natural” wood look without the high cost and increased maintenance.
Different Types of Faux Wood Blinds
Solid PVC Faux Wood Blinds
Solid PVC faux wood blinds are manufactured with the identical moisture-proof poly material you would typically find in PVC pipes. However, it is made with UV inhibitors and other additives that make it long-lasting and durable.
The UV inhibitors act as a type of “sunscreen” for your blinds and will actively prevent fading and yellowing, which is exactly what happens to any type of plastic that gets exposed to the sun’s fierce heat.
Composite Faux Wood Blinds
Composite faux wood blinds are the most beneficial choice when you are unable to decide on the type of faux wood blinds you want for your home. They are made with the same PVC material, but they have air bubbles inside or wood pulp mixed in.
Both the air bubble and wood pulp method make the blinds lighter in weight than the solid PVC, and they offer more insulation. These faux wood slats will have a more natural texture that resembles real wood as much as possible.
Wood core faux wood blinds
Wood core faux wood blinds are made with a particle board-like wood pulp center. The center is wrapped with printed laminate material. The printing process ultimately allows for a much more realistic wood grain look where composite and solid PVC blinds are dyed one flat color on each slat.
The wood core is the most expensive option when it comes to choosing faux wood blinds. They are the best choice possible for a natural wood look without having the chance of cracking or bending from humidity areas. You will be unable to tell the difference between wood core faux wood blinds and real wood blinds, except for when you open them, of course.
Alternatives To Faux Wood Blinds
Roller shades
Custom roller shades create a simple and sleek look that pairs so well with modern design techniques. They are not only the most practical choice when it comes to covering larger windows, but it also requires little to no treatment.
Most interior designers usually go for roller shades in bigger rooms with larger windows. The best thing about roller shades is that they almost completely disappear when they’re rolled up. They also offer different levels of light control, from blackout to completely sheer, making them a versatile product for any room and lighting scenario.
Cellular shades
Custom-made cellular shades offer a similar overall look to roller shades, but cellular shades add texture to a room and offer other significant advantages. Due to the unique pattern resembling a honeycomb weave, they give windows superior insulation.
Roman shades
Though Roman shades have a reputation for being used in more traditional settings, they can add a splash of elegance, luxury, and warmth to any modern space. They are available in different colors, but it is best to stick with a neutral palette and steer clear of patterns if you are trying to achieve a modern look. With Roman shades, precision is key. The slightest wrong measurement can appear crooked and ill-fitting.
Advantages Of Faux Wood Blinds
There are quite a few advantages of using faux wood blinds in your home. Firstly, faux wood blinds were given the name because their sole purpose is to look like wood rather than aluminum or vinyl slats. They are composed of a composite material that often only has small wood grain.
These great blinds are available in endless amounts of colors, so you, as the buyer, will be able to find the perfect and unique shade to fit your needs. Because faux wood blinds are produced of artificial materials, they withstand humid conditions (such as kitchens and bathrooms) much better than real wood.
Some faux wood blinds are available in stock in the most common sizes, making them so much more convenient than custom orders. Faux wood blinds are also more affordable than their natural wood counterparts. They are not only affordable, but they are also easy to maintain.
Many faux wood blinds have an anti-static feature that helps to prevent any excessive dust from settling on them. You even have the choice to choose products with 100% UV protection, meaning that you will be ensured that your blinds don’t yellow or fade after years of hanging in direct sunlight.
Disadvantages of Faux Wood Blinds
Faux wood is ultimately faux wood, which means that it will never have the same texture and richness that you will get from high-quality genuine wood blinds. The embossed wood grain of faux wood blinds can collect much more dust and make the slats more difficult to clean.
It is also good to remember that faux wood blinds are manufactured with added weight, making them poor for very large windows. The added weight also makes professional installation a necessity.
Where Can Faux Wood Blinds Be Used In The Home?
Faux wood blinds are known all around the world for their versatility. You can use them for every window in your home, including outside areas properly covered from heavy rainfall and direct sunlight. Although you can use them in high humidity areas such as your kitchen and bathroom, be especially cautious when using them outdoors.
Faux wood blinds can be used in offices, garages and is an overall great choice if you want to add an extra modern aspect to your home!
History of Faux Wood Blinds
Although today’s wood blinds are referred to as Venetian blinds, they come from ancient Egypt. The Egyptians are credited with discovering the complete concept of blinds. They used reeds in their area to create simple window coverings by placing them into their mats hung over windows.
What Can You Expect to Pay for Faux Wood Blinds?
As aforementioned, different types of faux wood blinds have different price ranges. Below is a quick list of what you can expect to pay for each of them:
- PVC Faux Wood Blinds typically cost between $50 – $70 for a 36 Inch x 60 Inch window.
- Composite Faux Wood Blinds can cost $80 – $160 for a 36-inch x 60-inch window.
- Wood Core Faux Wood Blinds can cost between $50 – $130 for a 36-inch x 60-inch window.
Where Can You Buy Faux Wood Blinds?
You can buy faux wood blinds from your nearest hardware store, but it is never advised to buy them online, as there are several aspects like quality, true color, and materials used to consider.
References:
Blinds.com: Wood Blinds vs. Faux Wood Blinds
DotcomBlinds: Real vs Faux Wood Venetian Blinds
Blinds.com: What are Faux Wood Blinds Made Of?
Blindsgalore: Choosing Between Wood and Faux Wood Blinds
Make My Blinds: Faux Wood vs Real Wooden Blinds – which is better?
Wasatch Shutter Design: The Pros And Cons Of Real Vs. Faux Wood Blinds
DIY Network: Faux Wood Blinds Are One of the Most Popular Window Coverings โ Hereโs Why
Blinds.com: Venetian Blinds: A History
Stoneside: 4 Modern Window Treatments to Use as an Alternative to Blinds
Pacific Partners Insulation North: WHAT ARE FAUX WOOD BLINDS MADE OF?
SF Gate: What Materials Are Faux Wood Blinds Made From?
Blindster.com: The Rundown on Faux Wood Blinds