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!
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.
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.
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.
Introducing the Basswood Beauty!
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.
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.
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.
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!
