White wooden blinds are quickly becoming the go-to blind for a neutral, bright and contemporary feel. Not only does the white colour encourage peacefulness, the texture of the wooden grain accentuates nature and the environment.
Moreover, white blinds can offer continuity in colour against a white wall or contrast perfectly against a rich or vibrant coloured wall, making them an ideal choice for many interiors at home or in the workspace.
Largely because of their practical appeal and variety of finishes, wooden blinds tend to complement any interior, in any room, no matter what the decor.
Real Wood Vs Faux Wood
For some, the choice between real wood or faux wood, when it comes to window blinds, is a straightforward one. For others, it’s a case of carefully weighing up all eventualities before taking the plunge into plastic or pine. That’s why we’ve come up with this handy guide to help you decide.
Advantages of wooden blinds
- The quality, durability and individualism of solid wooden blinds is often enough to persuade even the most picky buyer. If it's the sophistication you desire, wooden blinds are incomparable to PVC blinds. There’s just something about real wood which makes anything else inferior in comparison.
- The calibre of the wood is exceptional. Our blinds are solid and hard-wearing and able to withstand plenty of usage (hence why they’re backed by our 5 year guarantee).
- Each of our wooden blinds are unique to each customer. The grain of the wood and its patina are often one of the most attractive elements of a wooden blind.
Disadvantages of wooden blinds
Whilst we champion our wooden blinds as a superior product, it can come at a cost. There are sometimes limitations when it comes to dimensions and cleaning too.
- Due to the fact that we responsibly source our wood it will inflate the eventual cost of the blind. But, as the saying goes, ‘you get what you pay for’.
- If you’re looking for a slightly wider blind, you may be disappointed to learn that our wooden blinds have a maximum width of 2400mm.
- When it comes to cleaning wooden blinds, if you are not careful with the chemicals you choose to use, the wood can warp or even stain.
Advantages of faux wooden blinds
Faux wood blinds are as close as you will get to the look and feel of real wood blinds and offer consistency and cost saving.
- Although they are made from 100% PVC plastic, it's hard to differentiate faux wood blinds from their genuine wood counterparts. In fact, they are actually more sustainable.
- Each slat will be identical in colour, shape and size, easy to clean and entirely waterproof. Perhaps, the reason why people opt for faux wood blinds is that they give you that peace of mind.
- Cheaper than real wood blinds, faux wood blinds soften the blow on the bank account.
Disadvantages of faux wooden blinds
There are some clear and obvious disadvantages to faux wood blinds in that they have certain limitations.
- Lack of choice when it comes to control and functionality can cause some buyers concern, particularly if they have a desired side preference for the raise and tilt cords.
- Faux wood blinds are heavier than wood blinds. This can become a hindrance if you are lowering the blinds frequently on a larger window.
- Although technically more sustainable, you may prefer the organic route as opposed to plastics.
Wooden blinds - with or without tapes?
If you’re wondering what role tapes have to play on a wooden blind, rest assured that it is a design element rather than a quick fix agent. They can often be referred to as blind tapes or ladders.
Blind tapes are vertical strips of cotton fabric which act as a sort of overcoat to hide the internal strings of a blind. As a fairly recent innovation, it has proven popular, especially as they are considered to enhance your blinds in other ways.
Advantages of blind tapes
- Whilst the fabric is fully flexible to allow the blind to function as it should, the blind tapes does offer an element of support as they firmly hold each slat in place.
- Blind tapes come in a variety of colours which can complement or contrast the colour of your white blind or interior.
- Privacy enhancement is also said to be a reason why people include blind tapes, as they filter out and conceal the gaps where the cords traditionally run.
Disadvantages of blind tapes
- The maintenance of the ladders can also be tricky. They can trap dirt and dust making the cleaning of them more regular.
- If your blind tapes do become worn, they can be a nuisance to replace.
Different slat sizes
Slat sizes differ depending on the type of blind you want to buy. This may be influenced by the style you require, the size of your window or the purpose behind what you want your blind to do.
Whether it's a horizontal or vertical wooden blind, there will always be a few factors which will determine the slat size of your blind.
Let there be light (or not)
Slat sizes can dramatically increase or decrease the amount of light you want to fill the space. First and foremost, assess where your window is facing and the behaviour of light in that space. It may be that you prefer your blinds to be fully open to encourage light to flood in. If that’s the case, larger slats will allow more space for the sunlight to seep in. In contrast, if you are a fan of tilting your blinds, smaller slats leave more opportunities for light to pass through. If the mood you’re trying to create requires a more intimate setting with less light, opt for wider slats to block further light when the blinds are tilted.
Privacy
Similar to how you make a decision about the amount of light you let in, making a room more private follows suit.
For more private spaces such as your bedroom or bathroom, a smaller slat will reduce the amount of space for passers by to peer in.
Aesthetic
Selecting slat sizes to add to the aesthetic of a space is crucial. The common rule is to select smaller slats for smaller, narrower windows and larger slats for bigger spaces.
From here, the same method applies if you’re looking to enhance a space by making it bold - go for large, wider slats. For more intimate spaces, smaller, slimmer slats are recommended.
The right blind can certainly sharpen the look of your aesthetic but be careful not to detract from your window space. Choose a slat size to complement it instead.
Colour variation of white blinds
As mentioned above, white can be a popular colour choice for a blind as it can deliver the desired effects. Believe it or not, white isn’t a one trick pony, it too has its own spectrum of colour. When most people think of white, they think of a bright white which can sometimes be off putting. However, there are tones available which are less intrusive and more tranquil.
For instance, take our range of white wooden blinds which include distinct differences in the shade of white you require. From Dove White to Snow Chalk, there are subtle differences to help you acquire the desired atmosphere.
Struggling to make a decision on your white window blind?
With plenty to consider, it can be tasking to make that final choice. Choosing your white window blind could be made easier by getting in touch. Why not speak with an expert via our live chat functionality or give us a call?