Wood Blinds - Get the Best of Your Windows!

There are many options available for covering windows and sometimes the choice comes down to wood blinds or using a Roman blind. Both are attractive choices but each has its pros and cons. Wood blinds echo the colors of nature and can blend into the other wooden tones in a room or simply add the warmth of natural wood. A Roman blind has its own advantages - it can be bought in a variety of color choices. It can also be used to help make a window the focal point of a room, especially if print fabrics are used.

Neither blind choice is absolutely better than the other and some people actually use wood blinds for part of the year and then swap to a Roman blind for the rest of year (just as some people switch slipcovers on furniture from season to season. This helps keep a room looking fresh and the window coverings from being dated).

Also, consider the fact that wood blinds can be combined with fabric toppers or other treatments. This can soften the look of the blinds a bit or help them blend more easily into a traditional room. For traditionalists, these blinds add historical accuracy to many homes, since wood has been used for window coverings for hundreds of years, even going back to Thomas Jefferson's era. They are an excellent choice for a home which has to meet the often strict standards of historical associations.

Potential buyers should know that there are faux woods out there and they may look exactly like wood - but they aren't made of real wood. They are one option that may be less expensive than wooden blinds. However, for those who want "real" materials, only wood will do.

When comparing wood blinds to the Roman blind, think about care and maintenance of the window covering. It can be fairly simple to wipe wood blinds while the Roman blind made of fabric may have to be specially treated or taken down and cleaned. In between major laundering, they can be simply dusted or vacuumed but the risk of colors fading from the sun is a real possibility. Some are treated to prevent this but there is no guarantee that a Roman blind put up in rooms which get hot sun pouring onto the fabric won't fade over time.

Stains which fall on fabric covered blinds can be permanent, including stains from water leaking through the windows or roof. With wood blinds, if the leak is detected early, the wood can simply be wiped down to prevent warping. If moisture remains on the wood for too long, there is the danger of warping or cracking but many of the woods used for blinds have been pre-treated to resist moisture. Some brands are even used in bathrooms.

Don't ignore pets when making the right choice of blinds. For those who have new kittens, a Roman blind covered in fabric may seem perfect for climbing. The result could be a torn and tattered blind. For pet owners, wood blinds are often the best option. However, they can also be damaged if not installed properly or without talking to an experienced sales person.

Both types of window coverings (wood blind or the Roman blind) can work in a variety of rooms. However, Roman blinds can often be designed with fabric to match seat covers, wall coverings or other parts of a room's decor. If this matching look is important, this could be the best choice.