While some products may look the same, wood and bamboo window treatments are wildly different. At Budget Blinds of North Glendale, we’re dedicated to finding you the right solution for your home. We’re passionate about thoroughly going over every option so you’re confident in your decision. That’s why today we want to go over the differences in two materials we offer here: wood and bamboo.

Let’s get started!

Bamboo

You probably know bamboo as the stuff pandas eat, right? Well, it’s much more than that! Bamboo is durable enough to be crafted into a multitude of things, including flooring, furniture, and window treatments.

Bamboo grows very quickly, which makes it environmentally friendly and more sustainable than wood. In fact, some species can grow to full size in just 3-4 months, compared to standard trees which can take 10-30+ years to grow.

When made into window shades, bamboo provides a durable and welcoming feel to every home.

The Durability of Bamboo Window Treatments

Bamboo window treatments are exceptionally sturdy. After all, bamboo is nicknamed “the green steel” for a reason!

Furthermore, bamboo window treatments do an excellent job of handling continual sunlight exposure. They will fade over time, but it is slower than their wood counterparts.

Privacy

Unfortunately, bamboo isn’t great with privacy or blocking out light. Most window treatments will need to be lined (if you go with bamboo shades). This isn’t a bad thing, though, as it helps protect your investment and your home as well.

Affordability

If you’re on a tight budget, keep in mind that bamboo shades are considerably more affordable than wood. This is, in part, due to how quickly it grows!

Why Choose Bamboo Window Treatments?

Bamboo has a delicate and warm appearance that wood cannot compete with. It’s different from every other style and is bound to give your home a unique and stylish flair. You can also choose different shades and colors, so you’re not locked into brown!

Because of their simplicity, roll-up bamboo shades also do exceptionally well for windows with small panes. Just be sure you measure your windows so that you buy the correct size.

Woven Wood Window Treatments

Woven wood shades aren’t quite wood and they’re not quite bamboo either. They're made from bamboo, jute, rattan or natural grasses that are woven into a material with a natural and rich texture. They are a beautiful way to add texture and update your windows and home decor..

They also offer different levels of privacy and opacity depending on its weave. The thicker the bamboo reed is in the weave, the more privacy you will have. That’s why it’s so important with woven wood to get a few samples first. This way, you can see what style, weave, and privacy level you want. Our expert design consultants at Budget Blinds of North Glendale can get you set up.

However if privacy is your top concern, we recommend getting a liner regardless of the weave.

Eco-Friendly

Because they are partially made of bamboo and wood, woven wood is extremely eco-friendly.

Almost all woven wood shades are recyclable too!

Fully Customizable

Woven wood shades can fit into any size window. They’re very versatile, so if you need them in a funky shape, they can fit it! They’re also significantly lighter than wood, so fitting onto larger windows isn’t a problem either.

Additionally, you can get them in many different colors and tones. So whether you’re a fan of lighter tones or darker shades, you’ll find something you can love.

Things to Think About With Woven Wood

Woven wood shades aren’t for everyone. They are man-made. While this does come with some pluses, such as added durability and the fact they’re easy to clean, it also means that your window treatments won’t look exactly the same as the sample you saw. You likely won’t get the same texture, the same tones in the weave, and the color might vary slightly.

This is common for most wood products, unfortunately, but is more noticeable with woven wood materials.

Wood Window Treatments

Wood blinds are a fantastic option for rooms that lack architectural interest. They create a statement piece with little effort on your part. On top of that, they’re elegant, warm, inviting, and come with a “built-in” look that most window treatments lack. The warmth of the wood, whether you choose blinds or shutters, adds a new level of dimension to any room. They’re really a piece of art.

However, wood window treatments are a bit finicky, heavy, and a bit pricey. They don’t do well in rooms with a lot of moisture and are not ideal for larger windows due to their weight. If that doesn’t concern you, then everything else that comes with them is a plus!

Durability

Wood window treatments are built to last. They’re durable and relatively easy to care for when in the right environment. Because they are wood, they will warp and expand when exposed to humidity and moisture, so avoid putting them in bathrooms, kitchens, and laundry rooms to ensure they last a long time.

Cleaning them is a breeze too. Simply dust them or wipe them down with a wood polish every week or so.

Unmatched Beauty and Timeless Style

Wood will always be in style because of the beauty, variety, and depth it brings to a home. The uniqueness of the grain and the unlimited choices of stains (or paints) is very attractive to many homeowners. We don’t blame them either! Nothing can compare to the beauty of real wood in a home.

Locally Sourced Wood

Our wooden blinds are sourced from 100% North American hardwoods from certified and domestic forests, you know you’re doing your part in helping sustain our natural resources.

We hope this blog helps you decide which natural material is right for your home! If not, our design consultants can help (for free!). Just give us a call!