Wood blinds are the most endearing window blind available today. It is a position that they have long held and even the rise of faux wood blinds has not shaken their grip on the upper end of the market. Wooden blinds have been in use for centuries and were the original blinds for window treatments. They are still popular because they combine real aesthetic value while being functionally and operationally superior. They are easy to use and keep the warmth within during winter and the heat out during summer months. The popularity has not diminished even though they are the most expensive blinds in the market today and there are several imitation products such as faux wood. Wood blinds are preferred over other blinds for their many qualities including natural beauty, strength, durability, insulation properties and lightness of weight.
Wooden blinds are made of various kinds of wood with the most popular ones being ramin and basswood. Basswood, from American, is a finer quality and thus more expensive, whereas ramin from Indochina is a combination of hardwoods and is more affordable. Both these types are available in many finishes ranging from light tones such as natural finished wood to deep wooden tones such as mahogany. The most common style of wooden blinds are venetian blinds, which are very popular, not least because of they fit well in both traditional and modern properties.
You need to take some very necessary precautions when fitting wooden blinds. The blinds should come as treated for fire, but always double check. If not a treatment with a fire retardant is required as wood and wood products are obviously very flammable.
Wooden blinds are not recommended for areas that have high moisture content, as water or even excessive dampness can discolour and warp the wood. Wooden blinds usually come with some sort of guarantee against warping, but it is always a good idea to fit blinds that are more naturally suited to their surrounding. This means that wooden blinds are not really suitable as bathroom or kitchen blinds. For longer durability, use wood blinds in stable temperature and humidity controlled environments like your living room and bedroom, where their natural appeal can really enhance the room. Therefore, avoid using them in areas like bathrooms and kitchens, as there are specialist kitchen blinds and bathroom blinds that are much better suited.
You need to take great care when maintaining wood blinds. These blinds cannot be washed with water, like most other blinds. Wood blinds should be regularly dusted with a clean soft dust cloth or a vacuum cleaner brush attachment. Once in a few years, you can polish these blinds with the proper wood polish. Such polish is available in different shades to help you match the wood colour with the interiors of your house.
Wood blinds give the room a timeless style and effortless beauty. These blinds when creatively installed can match most surroundings and therefore remain a popular favourite.