Faux Wood vs Real Wood Blinds: Which Option is Best for Your Home?

Modern kitchen with windows featuring 2 1/2" Luxe Modern Faux Wood Blinds in Antique White Embossed
2 1/2″ Luxe Modern Faux Wood Blinds in Antique White Embossed

How do you decide between faux wood blinds and real wood blinds? Both have their pros and cons, so it’s important to know what you’re looking for. Consider what room they’ll be in, how wide the window is, etc.

Faux Wood Blinds

Faux wood blinds imitate natural wood so well that your guests won’t know the difference. These blinds come in a wide range of colors, so they can complement your current interior design.

Neutral colored living room with windows featuring 2 1/2" Luxe Modern Faux Wood Blinds in White Embossed
2 1/2″ Luxe Modern Faux Wood Blinds in White Embossed

The vinyl material is extremely durable, which makes them compatible with almost any room. Faux wood is a good option for your bathroom or kitchen because of its moisture resistance. These blinds are also resistant (not unbreakable) to warping, fading, and cracking in high and low temperatures.

You can feel secure putting them in the living room or sun room too. These blinds are scratch resistant and able to hold their own against young children and pets.

Thanks to the vinyl material, these blinds are an easy clean. Dust them off, and then wipe them down with warm water and a mild cleaner!

Real Wood Blinds

Nothing says elegant like natural real wood blinds adorning your windows. They add texture, depth and dimension to your rooms!

Modern living room with windows featuring 2 1/2" Architect Wood Blinds in Madera Solitude
2 1/2″ Architect Wood Blinds in Madera Solitude

The majority of our wood blinds are made from hardwood, and some are made from basswood, like the 2″ Select Basswood Wood Blinds. They can be mounted outside or inside the frame, making them perfect for large or wide windows.

Wooden blinds should be used in rooms that aren’t exposed to high moisture to help retain its longevity. Even when cleaning them, avoid water and use a feather duster or dust cloth instead to wipe away imperfections.

Wood blinds, like all window coverings, are also a great insulator against the heat and cold. The slats also have a protective UV coating to prevent fading.

The Results

Ultimately, the best blinds for your home is entirely up to what you want!

Want to talk more about which blinds work best for your home? Call or chat with one of our Design Consultants! Call (855) 818-3656. They’re easy to talk to!

Blinds Inspiration: National Puppy Day

National Puppy Day is on March 23rd, so we’re sharing which dog breeds remind us of certain window coverings. Let’s dive right in!

Disclaimer: Multiple dogs could have represented the categories below. If you have a suggestion, please tell us in the comments!

Wood Blinds – Chocolate Lab

As American and traditional as apple pie – wooden blinds and chocolate labradors. Reliable, beautiful and family-friendly (especially with our Cordless Lift).

Left: 2″ Select Basswood Wood Blinds in Beaver Brown

Woven Wood Shades – Goldendoodle

The natural frays from woven wood’s reed and bamboo fibers remind us of Goldendoodle’s wispy fur. Woven wood shades also fold over easily, and if you try holding a Goldendoodle pup, you’ll see they flip and flop every which way.

Classic Cordless Woven Wood Shades in Golden Poppy

Vertical Blinds – Great Dane

Great Danes seem to sway whenever they move due to their size, and it reminded us of the vertical blinds’ movement as you draw them open.

Designer Vertical Blinds in Textured Ink

Roman Shades – Corgi

We picture corgis living anywhere from wealthy homes to a secluded English cottage. Same with Roman Shades. They work with various interior design styles, thanks to the fold, pattern and color options!

Lifestyle Roman Shades in Breeze

Curtains/Drapery – Shar Pei

Shar Pei are all rolls (adorable) and drapes have a lot of rolls. Some curtains, like Jewel Tone Drapery, even have 200% fullness.

Jewel Tone Drapery in Velvet Topaz

Mini Blinds – Chihuahuas

Chihuahuas are known for being yappy dogs. If you’ve ever bumped into mini aluminum blinds or tried using broken ones, you know they make quite a bit of noise.

1″ Premier Aluminum Blinds in Pure White

Roller Shades – Australian Shepherd

Aussies have so many different color combinations from their fur to their eyes. As working dogs, they’re reliable to get the job done. Rollers are extremely durable with its PVC material, and they come in lots of colors and patterns.

Luxe Modern Light Filtering Roller Shades in Refined Honey

Cellular Shades – Pitbull

Cellular shades are one of the most commonly used window coverings, partly due to their efficiency. When thinking of a common dog, we thought of the beloved pittie. They’re a bit goofy-looking, like cellular shades (in our opinion), and great family dogs.

Designer Sleep Shades in Spanish Brown

Solar Shades – Weimaraner

Solar shades are made with a sleek colored polymer, and the Weimaraner looks so slick that water could roll off it.

Traditional Solar Shades in Vapor Gray 3%

Sheer Shades – Pomeranian

Sheer blinds are so delicate that you might worry you will damage them (you won’t); similarly you have to look down with these pups to make sure you don’t step on them.

3″ Refined Light Filtering Sheer Shades in Linen Creme

Shutters – Golden Retriever

A classic dog for a classic shade. We love how shutters can be versatile in different households, and Goldens fit any family.

White Faux Wood Shutters in Vanilla

Call or chat with one of our Design Consultants to talk more about shades – or dogs. Call (888) 257-1840. They’re easy to talk to!

Why Wooden Blinds are Your Best Friend This Winter

2″ Architect Wood Blinds in Roasted Chestnut

During winter, you want to keep everything in your home as warm and cozy as possible. Wooden blinds are your go-to friend with slats that insulate your home against the chilling wind. Friends don’t let friends get cold after all.

Not only are wooden blinds affordable and easy to install, they also bring the essence of the outdoors inside with their natural, furniture-quality hardwood. At SelectBlinds, we only sell wooden blinds that have been sustainably harvested. Each blind is custom-crafted to your measurements and color choice to warm your home.

Plus, wooden blinds have your back with their tight-closing slats, like the 1 3/8″ Architect Wood Blinds, to give you the privacy you need. Cloth tapes are available as an upgrade for certain wooden blinds; the tape hides exposed cords and keeps out more light.

1 3/8″ Architect Wood Blinds in Stripped Jacobean
2″ Select Basswood Wood Blinds in Linden Wood with Dijon Cloth Tape

The only time wooden blinds will let you down is if you install them in bathrooms, kitchens, or other rooms with high humidity and moisture. The slats will warp. However, faux wood blinds’ vinyl slats can be in rooms with different temperatures without warping, fading, or cracking.

Additional Wooden Blinds Benefits:

  1. They can be economical – Wooden blinds are relatively low-cost compared to other types of window coverings. They are also eco-friendly.
  2. Wooden blinds can add personality – Basswood blinds add texture and depth to your rooms. They can be layered with drapes to add another dimension.
  3. They’re easy to clean – A feather duster or dust cloth is all you need to keep them looking nice.
  4. Wooden blinds can help reduce outside noise – Wooden blinds can help reduce outside noise from coming in.

Want to talk more about wooden blinds? Call or chat with one of our Design Consultants for more info! Call (888) 257-1840. They’re easy to talk to!

Real Wood vs Faux Wood: Which Would Win?

It’s the age-old question people ask regarding wooden blinds: What’s the difference between real wood and faux wood, and which one is better?

Today, we’re helping you find the answer by adapting classic beauty pageant categories to see which would win … because that sounded more fun than a direct reply. So get ready to see who would win as you, the judge, base each wood off of: 

  • Evening Wear – Care and Maintenance
  • Talent – Media Appearances
  • Interview – Eco-Friendliness
  • Physical Fitness – Durability and Strength
  • Swimsuit – Moisture and Temperature Resistance

*cue award music*

Meet the Fabulous Faux Wood!

2″ SelectWave Cordless Faux Wood Blinds in White

Faux wood is your rags-to-riches story. With hardwood having a good 100+ years in the limelight, faux wood blinds gained popularity in the 1980s with its affordability. Now that they’re in the blind sphere, they aren’t leaving anytime soon.

Evening Wear – Care and Maintenance

Faux wood blinds may be knockoffs, but they mimic wood’s natural texture so well only a counterfeit specialist could tell it’s fake. These blinds come in a wide range of styles and designs; you can choose up to 15 colors to complement your style.

Because faux wood is made from vinyl, these blinds are an easy clean. Dust them off, and then wipe them down with warm water and a mild cleaner.

Talent – Media Appearances

They are no stranger to the limelight. The stars of Queer Eye gave our 2” Designer Faux Wood Blinds a shoutout. Our 2” Luxe Modern Faux Wood Blinds are also favored by the Fab Five and have been featured on ABC’s Extreme Makeover: Home Edition.

2″ Luxe Modern Faux Wood Blinds in Natural Textured

Interview – Eco-Friendliness

This is faux wood’s weakest category for obvious reasons, but its doing its best. With its vinyl material, faux wood will last years without fading. When you’re ready for a change, you can donate them to a friend or repurpose them into home crafts, like these mini Christmas trees!

Physical Fitness – Durability and Strength

Faux wood would be the power lifter of the two. Heavier and more durable and flexible than real wood, faux is built to withstand the hustle and bustle of everyday life. They’re also scratch resistant and able to hold out against young children and pets.

While they come in the traditional 2” slat size, they also come as vertical window coverings for your sliding or patio doors. Impressive form.

Select Faux Wood Vertical Blinds in Maple Dark

Swimsuit – Moisture & Temperature Resistance

These blinds have almost “full coverage” when it comes to humidity resistance. The vinyl slats can be in rooms with different temperatures without warping, fading, or cracking. Faux wood is a good option for your bathroom or kitchen.

Left: 2″ Traditional Cordless Faux Wood Blinds in Carbon Plank; Right: 2″ Premier Faux Wood Blinds in Snow

Introducing the Basswood Beauty!

2″ Select Basswood Wood Blinds in Gauntlet Grey

You know them better as “hardwood.” At this time, all of our wood blinds are made of basswood, which is on the lightweight end of hardwoods.

This is your wealthy, uptown main character who has down-to-earth vibes. They add real value and style and know the value of saving a dollar.

Evening Wear – Care and Maintenance

Sporting 100% kiln-dried wood, nothing says elegant like natural wood blinds adorning your windows. Basswood blinds add texture, depth and dimension to your rooms.

2″ Classic Cordless Wood Blinds in Snowy

Between the slats, headrail, interior lift cords, etc, everything can be color-coordinated or customized to your preference – there’s over 30 options with our different paints and stains. And, its slats have a protective UV coating to prevent fading.

Basswood blinds do need a little more TLC when it comes to maintenance. It has to preserve its natural beauty after all. Water is a big no-no; a feather duster or dust cloth is enough to wipe away any imperfections.

Talent – Media Appearances

Basswood is a more humble celebrity. Our 2” Modern Wood Blinds were featured on Fox’s Home Free design competition series.

2″ Modern Wood Blinds in Boston Walnut

Interview – Eco-Friendliness

Of course, basswood is eco-friendly as its natural, furniture-quality hardwood. At SelectBlinds, we only sell wooden blinds that have been sustainably harvested. Each blind is custom-crafted to your measurements and color choice to warm your home. We love that for you.

Physical Fitness – Durability and Strength

Basswood is lighter in weight than faux wood – they would be like a marathon runner. Don’t count them out of this category though. If you are looking to cover larger windows, real wood is best as it’s less strain on your window frame and walls. Plus, wooden blinds, like all window coverings, are also a great insulator against the heat and cold. 

Swimsuit – Moisture & Temperature Resistance

The humidity does not do basswood any favors. Even though they can resist warping and fading compared to other hardwoods, they should be used in rooms that aren’t exposed to high moisture. This will help it retain its longevity. It’s not as “covered” as faux wood.

Left: 2″ Luxe Modern Faux Wood Blinds in Bright White Smooth; Right: 2″ Modern Wood Blinds in Woodland Snow

The Winner

It’s all participation ribbons here! (Did you really think we’d throw shade on our products?)

Ultimately, we want to help YOU win with blinds you love. From the wood type to the style to the cordless lift system options, we want your windows to be the crown of the home.

Need help figuring out which blinds are best for your rooms? Call or chat with one of our Design Consultants for more info! Call (888) 257-1840. They’re easy to talk to!

4 Ways to Spice Up Your Windows for the Holidays

As the holiday season approaches, the to-do list gets bigger and bigger: preparing the Thanksgiving food, picking up a Christmas tree, maybe buying Hanukkah gifts. Add in cleaning and decorating and your mind can get so foggy even Rudolph with his nose so bright can’t help you.

What’s one thing that often gets missed in the shuffle? Windows! They’re easy to turn a blind eye to, but really, window coverings are the finishing touch to getting your home holiday ready.

Don’t worry, we have 4 ways you can spice up your windows!

1. Make sure all your windows are properly covered throughout the home.

Plus, nothing says spice like something new! Decide first on the atmosphere of the room, choose a color, and then land on a style.

Remember:

  • Bold shades make a statement: i.e., chocolate tones, navy blue, peach
  • Natural hues brings a nature element: i.e., greens, browns, purples, and blues
  • Neutral tones add a softening effect: i.e. shades of white and beige

Traditional

These coverings are timeless for a reason. Roman shades, wood (or faux wood) blinds, and shutters each bring a classic element to a room. Roman shades especially have a wide range of materials, textures and fabric.

Left: Rustic Americana Roman Shades in Distressed Brick; Right: 2″ Modern Wood Blinds in Cypress Auburn

Modern

For those wanting to break the norm, panel tracks and dual shades add a simple but innovative look to a room. Roller shades are also a great budget-friendly way to achieve this style.

Left: Architect Blackout Panel Track in Seal Gray; Right: Traditional Room Darkening Dual Shade in Oak Brown

Unique

Let your window coverings be the conversation starter. Whether it’s the texture of woven wood shades, or eye-catching fabrics, like our Textured Glam Roman Shades, they are sure to leave a lasting impression. 

Left: Classic Woven Woods in Golden Poppy; Right: Textured Glam Roman Shades in Beige Spatter

Our Buying Guides break down which window treatment is best for you based on the room, style and more. 

2. Layer window coverings to give the room a facelift.

Your holiday fit isn’t the only thing that looks better with layers. By adding to your current window coverings, you’re giving your home a fresh look.

Incorporate drapes to add dimension, and guests will think you did something new to your house. Reflect your personal style by choosing one of our solid color options, vintage chandelier designs, or artistic scribbles – all possible with our Lifestyle Custom Drapes.

Classic Curtains in Natural Linen layered with Traditional Light Filtering Dual Shade in Beige

If you have drapes but are looking to layer something underneath for more privacy and protection, consider adding a solar shade or cellular shades. Boom – you just added more privacy and light control to the room while creating dimension.

3. Extend the holiday spirit all the way to the windows with some decorations.

If you got it, flaunt it! Accentuate your windows by dressing them up. Just don’t forget to dust off your window blinds and shades before drawing attention to them.

You can frame or hang wreaths, snowflakes, lights, mini-ornaments and more on your windows. Depending on the window location, you can face the decor inside to add holiday cheer or face them outside for curb appeal. We recommend doing both!

Image courtesy of Brittany Lyle and @ourvintagenest
Left: Brittany Lyle accentuates her blinds with a classic garland; Right: Alicia Armstrong from Our Vintage Nest dresses up her curtains with golden bells.

4. Tie the room together with decorations that complement your windows.

If you’re completely in love with your windows and don’t want to cover them up, choose decor that will complement your current shades. Whether it’s rustic, contemporary, or something else, there is plenty out there to mix and match.

We love how Alicia Armstrong from Our Vintage Nest took a more natural, earthy approach, in decorations to complement her SelectBlinds Designer Series Woven Wood Shades in Jute Wheat. The woven texture is reflected throughout the room from the hanging wall decor to the woven blanket basket and tree collar.

Image courtesy of @ourvintagenest

But wait, there’s more!

Before you’re off to the races, be sure to do the following for a worry-free holiday:

  • Seal leaky windows with weather sealer or strips to keep everyone cozy and save on your energy bill. (Those cellular shades we talked about earlier naturally insulate your windows!)
  • Wash your windows with a DIY mixture of vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Wipe to a with a microfiber cloth for a no-streak shine. 

Want to talk this out more? We’re happy to help! Call or chat with one of our Design Consultants for more info! Call (888) 257-1840. They’re easy to talk to!

What Are The Most Popular Types of Window Treatments? Part 1 (Blinds & Shutters)

Whether you prefer a traditional window style, or something more modern, we at SelectBlinds have the perfect custom solution for you. We offer you more than 170 different customizable products, in over 1800 colors, with countless feature combinations, upgrades, and add-ons available. Did we already say that we can make any budget happy? 

What are the most popular types of window treatments? You might not want window coverings that are merely functional. You might want something stylish, as well. It should come as good news that you can enjoy window treatments that are stylish and also that function smoothly, the way they’re supposed to! So, what would work best in your home? In the second installment of this article, we’ll go into more detail regarding window shades and curtains. For now, let’s discuss some of the most popular types of window treatments, blinds in particular, and how they function.

What Is the Difference Between Blinds and Shades?

First, though the two terms are often used interchangeably, let’s distinguish blinds from shades.

Basically, blinds are hanging window treatments, that can have either horizontal or vertical slats that can be tilted open or closed, usually with some sort of mechanism. Different kinds of blinds are made with a wide variety of materials, including wood, faux wood, aluminum, and PVC. Shades, on the other hand, also hang down from the top of a window to the bottom, but they feature a solid, continuous surface that covers the window, and which can be raised or lowered to open up the view outward or to cover up for privacy. Shades can be made from fabrics, bamboo/woven woods, lightweight cellular material, or sheer fabrics, to name a few.

What Types of Blinds Are In Style?

Let’s talk about blinds first. Here are some examples of popular styles of blinds, ranging from traditional to less traditional.

  • Wood Blinds – Solid, natural-looking wood blinds can add real value and style to your home. They are custom quality-crafted to be long-lasting and to add texture, depth, and dimension to your windows and interiors.
  • Faux Wood Blinds – Custom faux wood blinds are more budget-friendly, yet still, high-quality window treatments that don’t look like fake wood! Try faux woods out and get that real-wood look without stressing out your budget! Note that faux wood and aluminum blinds work exceptionally well in damp environments, like kitchens and bathrooms, where they won’t get warped or get moldy. If you decide to install wood blinds or fabric shades in your kitchen (i.e., over your kitchen sink) or bathroom, know that you might need to replace them sooner.
  • Aluminum Mini Blinds – If you’re looking for solid, durable, all-purpose custom window treatment, that also looks great, you should give aluminum mini blinds a chance. Mini aluminum blinds feature slats that measure about half the width of the slats of regular size blinds. They are not only budget-friendly, but they also add a modern, crisp, clean touch to your space. Note that aluminum and faux wood blinds work exceptionally well in damp environments, like kitchens and bathrooms, where they won’t get warped or get moldy. If you decide to install wood blinds or fabric shades in your kitchen (i.e., over your kitchen sink) or bathroom, know that you might need to replace them sooner.
  • Shutters – Louvered shutters, a traditional framed blind with an exposed vertical tilt bar in the middle of the panel for opening and closing, are the peak of posh for window treatments. Easily hang them yourself to transform your house with the unsurpassed style and quality found only in this coveted take on slat blinds. Either in wood or faux wood, they are an excellent investment in your home’s resale value!
  • Vertical Blinds – A trendy twist on these classic coverings for sliding glass and patio doors provides an excellent solution for covering wide doors and windows. Our versatile vertical blinds come in updated colors, fabrics, and textures to complement your interior design anywhere in your home.
  • Panel Track Blinds – Get your window design right on track with trendsetting, smooth custom sliding panel track blinds. Just choose the number of wide vertical panels you prefer to make a stunning statement for covering sliding glass doors, as well as for large windows.
  • Fabric Blinds – A much softer version to the eyes and to the touch of the classic blinds made of solid materials? Soften up any room with the flexible fabric slats (or solid slats wrapped in fabric) of these fresh-looking, custom fabric blinds for your windows.

How Often Do You Need to Replace Your Window Treatments?

Quality blinds, shades, shutters, curtains, or any other types of window treatments can last you for many years (particularly when installed correctly and maintained regularly). There really is no rule of thumb regarding how often you should replace them. Basically, replace them according to your personal preference, as trends and fashions change and evolve.

Just be sure to follow manufacturer directions when using blinds or shades, in order to preserve them as long as possible. Dust and/or wipe them down on a regular basis. Thoroughly clean your window treatments at least twice annually in order to reduce heavy dust accumulation. Curtains tend to be somewhat easier to maintain, as they can be removed for laundering, dry cleaning, or steaming as you need to. 

Select Blinds Staff Recommendations for Your Space

If you’re looking for some recommendations for your home, be sure to keep on reading. We’ve made selections from each of our product tiers for you, to offer viable design solutions for any budget. How about spending some time window shopping to see what custom solutions we’ve got for you?

2” Classic Cordless Wood Blinds (Essential Tier)*

Few things say “classic sophistication” quite like natural wood blinds in your windows. They’ll look amazing from indoors and out, for years. 

Classic Fabric Vertical Blinds (Essential Tier)*

Cover your large windows and patio doors with the subtle textures and soft color palette of these soothing fabric verticals. Amazing for almost any space! 

*Our Essential Tier products include simple designs in familiar styles. Made of materials known for strength, and easy cleaning, Essential Tier products are a great starting point for first-time homeowners or renters that are looking for budget-friendly solutions.

2” Traditional Cordless Faux Wood Blinds (Signature Tier)*

Budget- and kid-friendly cordless faux wood blinds are exactly the solution your family and home need. The printed wood grains give the horizontal slats a realistic, wood-like look and feel. 

1” Single Touch Cordless Aluminum Mini Blinds (Signature Tier)*

These versatile, modern-looking cordless aluminum mini blinds are amazingly affordable and simple to install and use. No wand needed. Just tilt and lift with the bottom rail. 

*Our Signature Tier products feature thoughtful designs in trendy styles. Made with durable materials, Signature Tier products are the perfect place to start when looking for a beyond-basic solution that is also affordable.

Refined Fabric Vertical Blinds (Premium Tier)*

Take your décor up a notch with these high-quality fabric vertical blinds, available in a trendy selection of relaxing colors and patterns. Perfect for patio doors and wide windows.

*Our Premium Tier products feature lasting designs in timeless styles. Made of high-quality materials, Premium Tier products are the ideal choice for an excellent investment that’s made to last. Some upgrade features may be included.

Designer Elements Blackout Panel Track (Luxury Tier)*

Forget those traditional verticals and deck out your large windows and sliding glass or patio doors in ultimate style with these blackout panel tracks. 

Stained Basswood Shutters (Luxury Tier)*

Upgrade your windows with the classic, elegant look they deserve. These beautifully hand-crafted natural basswood shutters will astound for years to come! 

*Our Luxury Tier products include superior design in distinct styles. Made with unique materials and quality craftsmanship. Luxury Tier products are for the homeowner looking to indulge in sophisticated customization. Some upgrade features are included.

Take More Control Over How Your Dream Home Turns Out

DIY Design never meant “Do it ALL by Yourself.” For any space, a home design upgrade should never feel intimidating. 

Nothing makes a space look warmer and more inviting than beautiful new window treatments, and Select Blinds is all about supporting you, all the way from start to finish. We offer you tons of helpful resources to make your life (and projects) easier because we’re invested in your success! Make your dream home ALL YOURS as you custom-craft it into your dream home, without breaking your budget. As you sharpen those interior DIY design instincts, you can save yourself plenty of money in the process. 

Check out our FREE interior design consulting as just another way we can support you from start to finish. Get tips, color guidance, product recommendations, solutions to the problems you may encounter, etc. Call us today at (855) 235-3120 to take advantage of our free design consultation resources.

Free Samples. Free Shipping. Free Design Consulting. Every Day. Only at SelectBlinds.com.

Go Window Shopping For Custom Solutions to Get Your Dream Home Looking Exactly As You Dreamed It! >>

Selecting the Best Kitchen Window Treatments: Over the Sink

By SelectBlinds

The kitchen and dining room are the heart of any home. Holidays, laughter, Sunday dinners, cooking, homework, late night chats, etc. That’s why so many of your best family stories start in the kitchen.

Custom window treatments provide a fashionable finishing touch that accents and complements the way you design your own interior spaces. Lots of opportunities to highlight with colors, patterns, and texture. Window coverings provide light control, privacy, and peace of mind.

A kitchen is a unique space, and you may have different considerations for how you decorate the windows, based on where each window is located. Your choice of window treatments offer additional opportunities for touches of softness and style in the middle of bulky, metallic appliances and smooth, hard surfaces.

Select Blinds bamboo / woven wood shades for the kitchen window
Select Blinds bamboo / woven wood shades look great in your kitchen sink window,
but be careful about water and moisture in the area.

Maybe you want kitchen window curtains. If you only have one window in your kitchen, you’ll want window coverings that let as much light as possible filter in, while still being able to maintain privacy. You may consider sheer shades. If you have a kitchen window that faces the street, privacy might be a primary concern, with incoming light also being important, but perhaps slightly less so. You may want window coverings that offer a unique view, like Top-down Bottom-up shades. Then there are those windows immediately over the sink. What looks best over them? Time to get cooking. Read on as we serve up a deeper dive into kitchen window ideas and considerations as you find what fits best with your personal style and sense of décor.

Decorative Window Coverings

If you’re thinking about a covering for a kitchen window over the sink, be extra careful that you keep the right kind of materials in mind. You can still go with stylish bamboo/woven wood shades or Roman shades, but be aware that because this area over the sink often involves water splashing, spills, etc., you might have to be extra careful to avoid water damage. Wood blinds are also at risk for getting wet and possibly warping or discoloring, but you might just love the way they look in that window over your sink. It’s always up to you, just be aware of the risks that are involved if you decide on a material that doesn’t take well to water.

Select Blinds light filtering roller shades for the kitchen window
Select Blinds light filtering roller shades allow just the right amount of light
and view into your kitchen, without compromising your privacy.

Privacy

As mentioned, privacy may be a concern if your kitchen sink window faces the street or a neighbor’s home. Roller shades may be what you’re comfortable with in terms of providing privacy, and perhaps with some light filtering functionality.

Light Control

If your kitchen sink window faces the east or west, you’ll especially want to take account of direct incoming sunlight. Direct UV rays can be harsh on your eyes, your skin, your furniture, and they can definitely crank up the heat in a room. A stylish, but heavy-duty solar shade may be what you want to employ over your sink to protect yourself and your interior while you’re doing dishes after evening summer cookouts. Solars are typically constructed of durable PVC materials, so they’ll look great and maintain that “brand new” look for a long time to come. You can also custom order them with the degree of UV blockage of your choice.

Also, consider aluminum mini blinds for your kitchen sink window. Aluminum shades built to last, with plenty of light and privacy settings.

Select Blinds Solar screens for the kitchen window
Select Blinds Solar screens help block out harsh UV rays,
while keeping your kitchen cool. They look great, too!

Functionality and Longevity

In addition to durable solar shades and aluminum blinds for your kitchen sink window, there is another excellent option for a food-prep, dishwashing area. If you love the look of real wood blinds and shutters, but can’t bear the thought of them getting wet and warped, faux wood blinds and shutters might be just the perfect find.  

Not only do they perform amazingly at maintaining light and privacy, they also look great, they’re also super easy to care for, and they’ll last forever. You can clean them with little more than soap and water as needed. Many faux wood slat constructions also feature insulation against heat and cold. The lush look and feel of real wood in your home, and their resilience ensures they’ll never warp, crack, chip, or discolor when exposed to water, food stains, or steam. And much less expensive than real wood. Low-maintenance, and no worry.

Select Blinds Faux Wood Blinds for the kitchen window
Faux wood blinds give any kitchen window a crisp look and feel,
along with privacy and light adjustments.

SelectBlinds’ Staff Recommends:

Here are some of our favorite suggestions for the window above your kitchen sink.

Remember, kitchen window treatments can serve a design/decorative function to go with your kitchen’s décor, but especially for the window over the sink, it should also be durable, provide privacy, and block out harsh UV rays. Choose whatever kind of blinds work best for you, but remember that the most functional ones for that particular window are moisture- and mold-resistant. Happy decorating!

#BlindsWeLove     #kitchenblinds

Why Wood Still Wows in Interior Design

Since the Stone Age, wood has been the go-to construction material for builders and designers. Compared to steel and concrete, writes Clay Risen of Popular Science, it’s “cheaper, easier to assemble, and more fire resistant, thanks to the way wood chars [who knew??]. It’s also more sustainable. Wood is renewable like any crop, and it’s a carbon sink, sequestering the carbon dioxide it absorbed during growth even after it’s been turned into lumber.”

More simply put, because wood used to be a living organism, it contains a spiritual energy that affects us in a positive way and helps create a relaxing environment. (Don’t believe me? Search “forest bathing” to learn about the benefits of walking through a forest of trees.)

Wood’s Zen-like presence can be found everywhere in interior design. Its natural organic properties make it one of the most versatile elements evident in all good design, and a simple way to bring nature to every room of your home.

The root of great design

In addition to its soothing effects on your senses, wood is one of the only materials that can be finished to look like shiny marble, or in almost any way you can imagine. There are lots of techniques for texturizing, smoothing, painting and staining wood to give it the look you want. Or left in its natural state, wood can be crafted into truly gorgeous, one-of-a-kind designs that showcase its unique imperfections, knots and grains.

Photo via Stanley Furniture on Wayfair

Wood can be used virtually everywhere – inside and out – as a design element to complement any style. In addition to the durable, classic beauty of fine wood furniture, envision it on your floors, walls, ceilings, patios and in accessories throughout your home.

‘Woodn’t’ this look spectacular hanging in your home? You can see why Pinterest users have pinned this gorgeous wooden pendant light to so many lists.

Nail any décor from country to contemporary, traditional to transitional by mixing and matching wood finishes. Sustain your look for years with reclaimed and refinished wood used in doors, windows, flooring, ceiling beams, and as a decorative accent almost anywhere.

Can’t afford to re-floor with wood? Reach for it on your windows with natural woven wood coverings (like our new Veronica Valencia Island Woven Wood in luscious Lomaloma), or real-wood blinds like our 2” Select American Hardwoods (shown here in Old Mahogany).

Need some more inspiration? Here’s a link to 18 incredible DIY ideas (like this sweet little side table) to create your own unique wooden designs. Let us know how they turn out. Post your projects in the Comments section here on The Blinds Spot blog.