The Differences Between Real Wood and Faux Wood Blinds

Homeowners who want to give a traditional, natural wooden look to their windows often go for either real wood blinds or faux wood blinds. Some choose this window treatment intentionally while others think both are the same.

Both real wood and faux wood blinds look similar but have different features and offer their own benefits. Here’s how they differ from each other:

Raw Materials

Real wood blinds are made entirely from wood covered by a protective top-coat or varnish for a glossy finish. They are mostly crafted of hardwood or basswood. Faux wood blinds are made from Poly-Vinyl Chloride (PVC) and coated with a high-tech polymer (composite). However, there are two types of faux wood blinds. The first type is made from vinyl, while the other is made from a mixture of wood and vinyl.

Appearance

Real wood blinds tend to give a richer and more natural look to the windows compared to faux wood blinds. Real wood blinds are grainy in appearance and can be enhanced by adding natural paint and stains to match your home decor, whereas faux wood blinds give a synthetic look and fewer colour choices are available as a result.

Features

Authentic wood blinds are both durable and light-weight. They can last long if maintained properly as they’re sturdy and require fewer ladders or support strings, giving a shutter-like appearance to the window treatment. However, these blinds are not flexible and can crack or split when bent. They are not recommended for high humidity areas as that can cause warping. They do stand up to direct sunlight and heat very well. When exposed to moisture, the wood can swell and give a deformed look to the slats.

Faux wood blinds are more durable than real wood blinds and can withstand high humidity levels. They don’t warp or crack when used roughly and are easy to clean. Due to their sturdiness and durability, they are an ideal choice for kitchens, bathrooms and other areas with moisture. However, they are heavier than real wood blinds and need more ladders for the support thus giving them a cluttered look. When exposed to direct heat or sunlight, they become soft and pliable because they are made of PVC.

Cost

Real wood blinds are more expensive than faux wood blinds because they are made of real wood. On the other hand, PVC is less expensive to manufacture, thus making faux wood blinds an inexpensive option. People with budget restrictions go for faux wood blinds because they provide a natural look to their windows while still within their budget.

Whether you go for real wood blinds or faux wood blinds, both add to the style and functionality of your home décor. They are similar in terms of looks, but differ on composition, price and features.