Faux Wood Blinds vs Real Wood Blinds

Faux wood and real wood may look similar, but the two are not the same. Each comes with their own pros and cons, which we will go over today. At Budget Blinds of Tempe and Central Phoenix, we’re advocates for creating your dream home without breaking the bank — faux wood is perfect for that. But if you want the uniqueness and originality that real wood has, then we’ll work with you to make your dream a reality. 

First things first, though. Faux wood blinds vs. real wood blinds — what’s the difference? 

Faux Wood

Faux wood blinds look like real wood, with one catch: the grain on all of the slats will be the same. This simply means that each slat will not be unique. However, unless you’re looking at them scrutinizingly, you’d never be able to tell. 

Obviously, faux wood isn’t real wood. So what is faux wood? Faux wood blinds are actually made of either a composite wood material or a PVC/vinyl material. Wood and faux blinds are both constructed with slats but faux wood blinds either have slats with a wood core that is coated with a high tech polymer (composite) or the slats are entirely made of a vinyl/PVC material. Both of these materials are highly durable and will not warp, crack or fade, making them good choices for humid spots such as kitchens and bathrooms. 

Durable & Moisture Resistant

Unlike wood blinds, faux wood blinds are moisture resistant; hence they don’t warp or fade on being exposed to humidity, making them ideal for high humidity areas like bathrooms, kitchens, washrooms, and laundry rooms.

Another plus is that faux wood blinds don’t crack, chip, peel, or yellow over time. The con of all this is that faux wood is heavy. You’ll need a professional to install them so they don’t fall and damage your home.

Easier to Clean

Faux wood blinds can be easily cleaned. You can simply wipe them clean for regular maintenance. Or in case of heavier spills or messes, they can be deep-cleaned by simply hosing them down or immersing them in water without having to worry about warping or any other water damage.

Real Wood Window Blinds

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 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 and Cleaning

Wood window treatments are built to last. They’re durable and relatively easy to care for when in the right environment. They can easily last over 20 years if you treat them with care. 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. We recommend putting them front and center in the foyer, living room, and dining room. 

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. 

On top of that, they come in many different tones and shades, so you’re not stuck with a rick brown either. We have plenty of styles for you to choose from and all of our wood is sourced in North America. Our design experts will provide samples of everything too, so you can see how it looks in your 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!