If you are in the market for new window treatments and you prefer window blinds for their excellent lighting control, then you’ve probably seen that real hardwood blinds are beautiful, but so are faux wood blinds. If you are wondering about the differences between the two products that look the same, then it helps to discover the differences and similarities.
What is the Difference Between Wood Blinds vs. Faux Wood Blinds?
The main difference between real wood blinds and faux wood blinds is the materials they are made of. Wood blinds are made of sustainable hardwood from trees, and they work well for large windows because they are lighter in weight than faux wood blinds. But since wood is a natural product, it will warp, crack and fade in the bright sunlight from your windows, and they are not recommended for rooms with high heat and humidity, such as the kitchen and bathroom.
Comparison of Wood Blinds vs. Faux Wood Blinds
Real wood blinds are made of hardwood, while faux wood blinds are made of composite materials such as PVC. Faux wood blinds look the same as hardwood blinds with the beautiful whorls and swirls of natural wood grain which is accented by the color stain or paint color that you choose. Faux wood blinds are treated to resist cracking, bending, breaking, and discoloring and they hold up well in humid areas of your home, whereas real wood blinds will deteriorate pretty quickly in heat and humidity.
Wood Blinds vs. Faux Wood Blinds: Cost
It’s quite surprising that products that are longer lasting and more durable such as faux wood blinds are actually at a lower price point than real wood blinds. Real wood blinds are usually made of quality wood, such as basswood, which is more expensive than the composite materials for faux wood blinds, but both look practically identical to each other.
Wood Blinds vs. Faux Wood Blinds: Energy Efficiency
You may be asking yourself which of these two products is more energy efficient because this is one of the most sought-after reasons for new window treatments. Both work in exactly the same way as a Venetian blind. You can close the vanes on each of them to block out sunlight, heat, and UV rays. Wood is a natural insulator, but man-made faux wood blinds do too. So, there isn’t much of a difference in energy efficiency between the two products.
Wood Blinds vs. Faux Wood Blinds: Design
The design of each of these two types of blinds is pretty much the same. You can stain or paint them in any color you desire. They both operate in the same manner and have great lighting control because you can tilt the vanes for filtered light, open them entirely for sunshine, or close them to block out heat and sunlight.
Wood Blinds vs. Faux Wood Blinds: Durability
Real wood blinds are heavier in weight, but they don’t hold up to harsh sunlight, heat, and humidity like faux wood blinds. So the clear winner in the durability category is faux wood blinds which can withstand many more elements.
Wood Blinds vs. Faux Wood Blinds: Maintenance
The maintenance of real wood and faux wood blinds is pretty much the same. You merely lower them and use a feather duster to dust them off on both sides to keep them in pristine condition. However, you can’t get hardwood blinds wet, and if something stains your faux wood blinds, you can wet a towel in mild dish soap and warm water and blot the stain off.
Conclusion
If you are searching for window blinds in this area, at The Window Design Studio, we carry a full line of blinds for all of your needs including faux wood blinds in San Francisco. We also customize real wood blinds in San Francisco and can customize both products for the perfect fit and feel in any of your windows. Contact us for your window blinds in San Francisco from your premier window treatment company in California with the most choices in styles possible. We offer a FREE in-home consultation with one of our professional designers to help you with your decisions. Contact us today to see what we can create for you that is special and will make your windows shine!
