Wood Window Blinds

Wood blinds are becoming more and more popular every year and it’s no wonder why.  They add a natural beauty to a room and can be stained to match your décor while keeping its integrity.  It is important to know what you are buying so you don’t end up with something that will crack the first time the wind blows through the window.

Wood window blinds can come in horizontal or vertical shades, although the horizontal blinds are the most popular.  The vertical blinds tend to be a lot more expensive because of the amount of material needed to manufacture them, but they are certainly worth the investment if you can afford it.  Most real wood blinds are crack-resistant and treated to ensure that they will not warp.  Because of their material they are a lot more difficult to bend or damage than other types of blinds.

It’s important to be cautious about the type of wood being used however, you need to get wood window blinds of a suitable quality in order to get this durability.  The highest quality woods are hardwoods.  These would be something like basswood, aspen, or poplar.  They are the highest quality wood to use in blinds, but may not always be the most widely used.  The price will probably reflect this.  Other suitable choices are Ramin wood or American hard wood.  They are very satisfactory when providing durability and are much more widely used, so they will probably be the best bet.

Wood window blinds can come in a variety of finishes and stains to meet your decorating needs.  You can find anything from a dark shade like mahogany to a lighter shade of pine and anything in between.  Most wood blinds are stained in this manner for a natural look which will be very refined and elegant, but many are also available in a painted or sandblasted look.  Using these options to your advantage when highlighting other aspects of your home, like wood floors.

Slat size of the wood blinds is very important when considering the view you wish to achieve.  Larger slats will give the widest and most unimpeded view of the outdoors.  2 inch slats are the most common, but going to something wider will create a more open feel.  Any wood blinds can make a home feel instantly warm and inviting without having to make any drastic changes.  In addition, the natural insulating qualities of the wood will be very cost and energy efficient.  They will fit nearly any decorating scheme or style and will ultimately make your home a more cozy place to be, a place you want to spend your spare time.  Its best to do your research on blinds manufacturers to find a company that gives you a great quality at a decent price.

Choosing the Right Window Blinds

There are many difference options and choices to make when you are choosing window blinds.  There are certain things that are important to consider when making your decision and other things that are more variable.  These are just a few things you’ll want to think about.

The price tag is always something that is important to consider.  You may end up with blinds that are more of a hassle than the money you saved is worth.  One of the cheapest window treatments to get are aluminum mini blinds.  While they can give you a great view and lighting for that price, keep in mind that they are the worst in energy efficiency.  If energy efficient blinds are important to you then your price tag may have to be a little higher.

If the price is still important you may want to consider mixing and matching your blinds.  While it is usually the best bet to buy all your blinds at once that doesn’t necessarily mean the same kind.  Use cheaper and less efficient blinds for areas like basements or bathrooms that don’t need much insulation and buy the more energy efficient blinds for the busy areas of your home.

Energy efficiency and insulation are probably the second most important consideration apart from price.  Cellular window blinds or plantation shutters are the best for this purpose.  They will keep out extreme sunlight of cold but at a higher price.  Fabric roller blinds are also great for insulation and are unparalleled in offering privacy.  If you live somewhere with mild weather year round, this may not be an important consideration to you.  If there will be a constant mild breeze running through the area, then opening a window and going for other considerations first will be the best bet for you.

One thing that you don’t want to lose when buying window blinds is the view.  While leaving the windows bare will eliminate your privacy, just because you put up shades doesn’t mean that you have to give up the view.  For this to be preserved avoid blinds that are thick or fabric shades that are very dark.  In cases like this a sheer fabric or weaved wood blinds may work the best.  These will block out a lot of the sun but not hinder your view.

The overall theme of a room or home should also be taken into consideration when buying blinds.  For example bamboo blinds are perhaps for a beachside or country theme.  While wooden vertical blinds would be more complementary to a Victorian home.  Buy blinds that show off the rest of your decorating and don’t overpower it.  Blinds should be a compliment not the main statement of a room.

Wholesale Window Blinds

When you are in the process of beautifying your home, there is no reason to pay top dollar for them. There are many ways to buy wholesale window blinds and get huge discounts. All you need to know is where and how to do so. There are many styles, colors and textures of blinds to choose from on the market, you need to consider which of these you’re looking for and then use some of these tips to find the best deal.

Shopping online is probably one of the greatest ways to buy wholesale window blinds. Online stores do not have a physical store to maintain, nor do they have to use huge amounts of money on advertising. Advertising on the Internet is as easy as Google. Because of this they have a lower overhead cost and can provide blinds to you at very little above the manufacturing cost. Another bonus is the huge variety of blinds available.

You may also want to consider other forms of window coverings. Buying window shades or shutters can be cheaper than buying blinds. They are equally as elegant and lovely but may save you some money on the overall cost. Sun control blinds are also a good option. They give you the most control over the sunlight let into your home and can be found online at very low prices.

Instead of looking for real wooden blinds, consider buying bamboo instead. It has the same look and a similar texture, but the cost of buying it wholesale is a lot less. Buying store made vertical blinds is also very inexpensive. Your best bet to finding them at a wholesale or close to wholesale cost is in the store that makes them. This holds true of any wholesale window blinds. If you shop with the actual manufacturer, you will find the best discounts and deals available.

Don’t forget to look for actual wholesale shops or brand new stores in your area. They are popping up all the time and you can rest assured it’s a good price. Keep in mind however that the wholesale shops buy what they can get their hands on, so their selection may not be the best. One thing to never forget when buying window blinds is to buy for your entire home at one time. Often if buy in bulk you can get a discount on top of the already low price. The best combination would be to find a wholesale shop where you can get the blinds you want and buy everything you need at one time. This is one instance when buying things one room at a time is simply not practical.

Hunter Douglas Window Blinds

Hunter Douglas has become a household name for all your home decorating needs, but this is especially true of window blinds.  They are the number one window blinds manufacturer in the United States, and with good reason.

The company has been around for more than 60 years and is the leader in custom made window treatments.  In 1985, Hunter Douglas engineered a honeycomb style shade that was energy efficient and the first of its kind.  While this may have been what was needed to launch them into the popularity they enjoy today, this idea of being ahead of the times has continued.  Even now they use their patented honeycomb shade to produce one of the most energy efficient window blinds on the market.

Hunter Douglas window blinds are designed to be much more than simply stylish.  They provide variable light control and the ability to control your privacy.  Their blinds are unrivaled in blocking out the heat, cold and unwanted sun from your home.  These window blinds also have the added bonus of being available nearly anywhere window shades are sold.  You don’t even need to go to a store, you can do all your shopping right online if you wish.

One of the nicest things is the expertise you get when working with Hunter Douglas.  Whether you are searching online or at a store, there is no need to spend all day hunting and searching for exactly what you need.  You will be able to sort right to what your looking for and work on your custom order from there.  And now only can you get your custom made Hunter Douglas window blinds, you can decorate and coordinate the rest of your home as well.  With any style, model or color you could possibly imagine at your disposal, your options are truly limitless.

But how do you know you are getting genuine Hunter Douglas window blinds?  Unfortunately we do live in a world with unscrupulous people, who are looking to pocket some quick cash.  There have been cases of unsuspecting customers thinking they found the deal of a lifetime on genuine Hunter Douglas only to discover later they were cheap knock offs.  If at all possible go to a Hunter Douglas Gallery store, they will have the best discounts anyway.  If there isn’t a gallery store in your area, look up the company you wish to buy from on the Hunter Douglas website.  They have a list of all stores that buy and sell their product.  Finally, when the blinds are being installed, check the bottom of them for a small Hunter Douglas label. You should also be given a Hunter Douglas certificate after the installation.  All these things will ensure that you get the quality product you deserve.

Faux Window Blinds

For as long as there have been window coverings, there has been a debate over wooden blinds and faux window blinds.  The good news is that there is really no right or wrong answer.  Both choices will fill different needs and will do the job that needs to be done.  For now, let’s focus on faux and all its benefits and features.

First, faux wood blinds have a lot of variety in terms of style.  For a long time the biggest criticism was that they were not very sturdy and there was no variety at all.  However, recent developments in technology and technique have made these complaints a thing of the past.  Now you have many more natural shades to choose from, that even rival those available with real wood.  Faux window blinds are also a lot easier to paint or make in non-natural colors.

Not only are faux wood blinds available in any color or style imaginable, they are even more sturdy than their real counterpart.   They are very versatile because of all the advancements that have been made in their production in recent years.  Faux window blinds can now be made to withstand high heat or high humidity conditions.  This makes them very versatile in how they can be used.  Even if you wanted to use them on an outdoor patio, as long as there is no direct contact with the rain they will not crack, warp, or chip.

Faux wood blinds not only are versatile and stylish, they can perform their primary function of protecting your privacy and blocking out the sun and heat.  Because the wood material is very heavy and solid, they will block out the sunlight as well and even better than most other blinds.  As they are so heavy they will also keep the heat in during the winter and keep the heat out during the summer.  Privacy is also very important.  I’m sure you’ve walked  by someone’s house and been able to see right through their flimsy blinds.  No one wants to be that house.  The faux wood is solid and once they’re shut, they are shut.  Nobody will be looking in.

Finally, but in some cases most importantly, is the cost.  Wanting to have the look of wood can be very expensive if you choose actual wood.  Faux wood is the perfect solution.  It can look as natural as you want, but without the high price tag.  It is much easier to get faux wood blinds for your entire home than other more expensive kinds.  If no one will be able to tell that it’s not real authentic wood, why not save a few dollars to spend elsewhere in your home?  This is one case that cheaper is definitely not inferior.