Woven wood shades, also called bamboo shades, have been a long-standing favorite of bloggers and influencers. Its natural durability and beauty make them some of the most sought-after, value-added elements for interior designs.
In fact, our bamboo window treatments have been featured on “Home Free,” ABC’s “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition,” and “Tiny House Nation.” And they’re still so affordable! Before you buy, let’s dive into what you need to know!
What Are Woven Wood Shades Made Of?
From matchstick-thin strands to wider weaves in enchanting patterns, no two shades are the same when it comes to woven woods.
These window treatments are woven with natural fibers, such as reeds, bamboo, jute, sisal, and grass.
Certain bamboo shades have more of a rough-hewn look while others, like Nomad Woven Wood Shades, are smoother and fabric-like.
Pictured: Designer Ultimate Woven Wood Shades
Do Bamboo Shades Help with Privacy?
Our shades come standard as unlined, which is perfect if you want lots of natural light streaming in. Otherwise, for certain products, you can add a privacy or blackout liner for more light control. Light can still filter through a privacy liner, but it is blocked out with a blackout liner. You’ll see it as a feature if it’s available for your product.
In the left-side photo below, you’ll see light filtering through the unlined Premier Woven Wood Shades. Meanwhile, the Premier Woven Wood Shades on the right side, has a privacy liner that blocks views from the outside but allows incoming light.
Liners are sewn on the back of the shade. While some products allow you to choose the liner color, others come coordinated to the fabric selected. The color is on the inside of the shade while the side facing the street is white or off-white to comply with most HOA guidelines.
How Do You Style Woven Wood Shades?
Woven woods can always be hung just by themselves. One of our favorite looks though is pairing woven wood shades under drapery or curtains. You can match the color of the shade to the drape, or contrast them.
Another option is to smooth out the naturally rougher, textured edges of your bamboo window coverings by adding cloth edge binding to your order. Edge binding also helps reduce the wear and tear on your custom bamboo blinds.
How Do You Clean Woven Wood Shades?
First things first, never use water to clean woven woods because the natural materials can weaken and break down over time when they get wet. Plus, their rougher, natural fibers can easily snag and break off, so you want to be gentle cleaning them.
We recommend lightly dusting your bamboo window shades with a soft feather duster, or a soft, dry, lint-free cloth. Then, gently sweep across (not up and down) these natural coverings with a vacuum brush attachment. Check out our video demonstration.
What Are The Disadvantages of Woven Wood Shades?
As mentioned before, woven wood shades aren’t very private unless you get a liner. To get a better understanding of what this looks like, request free samples to see how much light would filter through an unlined shade.
Because they are made with natural materials, woven wood shades will fray over the years. Edge binding can help with this, but it’s something to be aware of with its custom weave.
Woven wood window coverings are also not the best shade for rooms with high humidity. Similar to how wood swells in heat and humidity, the natural fibers can be affected as well. It would take a period of time, but to get the most use of your custom woven wood shade, place them in a living room or bedroom.
Finally, if you’re looking for an energy-efficient shade, woven woods by itself is not your best option. Cellular shades, faux wood shutters, and room-darkening/blackout curtains are the best window treatments for insulation; however, you can add a blackout liner to your bamboo shades or layer them under drapery to increase the insulation value.
Now You Know What You Need to Know!
If you’re ready to get this natural charm and character in your home, it’s time to start shopping. If you have more questions, call or chat with one of our Design Consultants at (888) 257-1840. They’re easy to talk to!
