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Why Choose A Wooden Blind Over Other Materials?

March 27, 2010 By Leave a Comment

Wooden blinds are great window treatments that look good in almost any type of décor they are used in. The blinds are available in different slat lengths such as 2 inch or 1 inch slats. They are the perfect type of accessory item for windows in a porch area. Because the wood is a natural looking product, they fit well in areas designed to bring the outdoors inside. You can use them to match with wood furniture items you have on an enclosed porch area such as a couch, chairs and table.

The wooden venetian blinds come in assorted stain colors. This is helpful when choosing items to match the area they will be used in. You could choose a light oak or pine look or a darker cherry or mahogany. The rich mahogany grain would add a distinctive touch to a den or office area. They also would work well in a room that is used as a library. The blinds would enhance the feel of other wood and leather items that might be used in the room. They are designed to provide optimum light filtration as well as being attractive.

Wooden window blinds can also be painted in any color you want so they can be used in any general living space. You can place then in a bedroom or bathroom to create a nice effect in combination with curtains or draperies. The easy drawstring allows you to choose how much light is actually coming into the room without needing to raise the whole blind. This is a nice option for a nursery or small child’s room where the little one may need to nap during the day. The units are easily controlled effortlessly and quietly so you will not disturb a slumbering child.

When used in a bathroom setting the units provide an element of color while also filtering the light. You may not want to use a full set of curtains in a bath area so the styles of blinds works well for these rooms. They are also easy to maintain by wiping clean with a damp cloth from time to time. Most of the wood styles are treated with a finish so they will not absorb moisture or fade due to sun exposure. The slats are designed to overlap each other, which creates the maximum light filtering effect.

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You might be able to purchase cheap wooden blinds by looking for clearance items at a window treatment retailer. Major department stores also have many sale and clearance items during the change of the seasons. A department store has limited room for stocking items, so when they get new things they need to make space in the department to place them. They do this by putting the older or discontinued items on sale. This is a good place to look for lesser expensive blinds for your home. You might be limited in the size selection so be sure you check on the length and width of any item you find.

If you own a modern style living room, you could use the white wooden blinds as the window covering. White is a good clean color that works well with many of today’s contemporary rooms. You can use them as standalone coverings for your windows or in combination with some panels or drapes. The styles of blinds that are constructed of wood can also be custom designed. This is beneficial if you have an odd size window are you would like to use the covering for. By choosing the right style, size and color of blind, you can create an amazing look to any room.

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Timber Blinds – Styles and Finishes

August 30, 2009 By Leave a Comment

Anyone who has timber blinds in there home will tell you that it changes the whole feel of the house; giving it a natural warmth and character that makes you feel comfortable being in. Timber blinds have always been a favorite, and continue to be used in all sorts of different styles of homes, from more modern to older heritage houses. People usually choose timber as the material to cover their windows in based on its looks, but there are plenty of other benefits to this material. There are also a few different ways you can present timber, each one giving it a unique characteristic.

Stained – If it’s the natural look of timber you are after, then stained is definitely the way to go. When you buy stained wooden blinds, you are buying the look of timber in its most natural form. The beauty of timber is that every single slat is unique, it has its own grain patterns, like a fingerprint that sets it apart from all the other slats. This natural grain is able to show through in a stained finish and gives your window a whole lot more character.

Lacquered – If you like the unique aspect mentioned above, but would prefer a smoother finish, then you may want to consider lacquered timber. Adding a lacquer will make the end product a lot more shiny and smooth, and in many types of wood, this glossy finish will help the unique grains of the wood stand out even more.

timber blindsPainted – If it’s the functionality of the wood that you are after, but have a interior decor that wood would not work in, then you can still get wood painted, helping it to blend in more with your home. Painted wood will quite often last longer than stained or lacquered. That is, you won’t need to repaint as often as you would need to relacquer or restain. You can buy blinds that are already painted, or save yourself a bit of money, buy them raw, and paint them yourself. When painting timber blinds and shutters, you need to keep in mind that you are going to need to the right tools to do the job properly. Many people prefer spray paints for blinds, as it can be difficult getting between all those slats with a brush.

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Coated Finishes – For extra protection, regardless of whether you choose stained, lacquered or painted, you are going to want to finish your blinds with a high quality coating. These coatings are specifically designed to repel dust, meaning you don’t have to clean them as often. They also will protect the wood against moisture and the harmful UV rays of the sun.

The three most popular timbers used to make blinds are basswood, cedar and ramin. Basswood is a hardwood, and because of its great strength and durability, is one of the most popular timbers for use in window coverings. It also has a very distinctive look with grains that really stand out on your window. In America, the use of rainforest timbers and wood from old growth forests is no longer legal. Make sure when you buy your blinds that you ask the retailer where the wood was sourced from. You want to be sure that it has come from a renewable resource and is environmentally sustainable.

Any type of blind that is available on the market is available in a timber finish. By far the most popular style is timber venetian blinds, which are perfect for the average sized window, and give you the benefit of controlling the amount of light that comes into your home. The great thing about wooden venetian blinds is that they won’t break the bank, so if you have a lot of windows to cover, this could be a great option for you. Any timber blind and shutter choice also will give you the added benefit of keeping your home cool during summer and warm during winter. Wood is a natural insulator, and although it is a little more expensive than synthetic materials, it will pay for itself over time in savings on your energy bills.

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Wood Window Blinds

August 26, 2009 By Leave a Comment

If you want to add warmth and character to a room in your home, or indeed to multiple rooms in your home, then the best decision you can make is to go with wood window blinds. There is no other material that quite matches the natural character of wood, and there’s a huge range of different styles available. Ever since humans have had windows, they have been covering them with wood, and all these many years later it is still one of them most popular materials out there. Although many will tell you about all the benefits of newer materials such as vinyl, there is something very romantic about the natural aspect of wood.

There are many places that you can get wooden window blinds. If you prefer to walk into an actual shop, then you may need to do a bit of research about what’s available in your local area, but if you are open to the prospect of shopping online, there are some great bargains to be had, and a huge range to choose from. Many people avoid buying large items like blinds online because they think that any savings to be had will be lost in the cost of having the item delivered, but this is not necessarily the case. Many online blind retailers will even offer free shipping if you spend a certain amount of money with them, so it’s well worth at least having a look before deciding.

As far as different styles available in wood, there are many. wood window blindsThe most popular are venetian blinds, which are stunningly attractive and also incredibly functional. Most venetian blinds (some people refer to them as min blinds) have moveable slats on them, which are operated either by a pull cord or a wand, and it’s this moveability that makes them a fantastic option if your top priority is controlling light in your home. A wood window blind with slats that can be rotated will allow you to have control over exactly how much, if any, light you want, as well as giving you complete privacy control as well. On the high end of the price scale, you can take this functionality even one step further by getting motorized blinds, which allow you to control the slats at a press of a button.

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Wood is not the cheapest of options when it comes to window blinds, and if money is tight it can be difficult to warrant spending that much money on something that can be had a whole lot cheaper using other materials such as vinyl. There are some places that offer discount wood window blinds at times, but you need to be careful that you are not paying for a lesser quality item. If you are sold on the look of wood but having trouble finding the money for it, you may want to consider faux wood window blinds. The technology used to create faux wood has come a long way in recent years, and in some cases can look (and function) every bit as good as the real thing, at a fraction of the price.

If you do decide to go the cheaper option of faux wood, then you are not going to have to worry too much about maintenance, as you can simply give them a wipe down with a damp cloth and they will continue to look great for years to come. If, however, you are able to get real wood, then there is, unfortunately, a little more work involved in their maintenance. For starters, you need to keep moisture away from them as much as possible. Too much moisture will cause your blinds to buckle and warp, and once they are bent out of shape, they cease to be useful as a window covering. You should be cleaning the dust off them regularly with a vacuum cleaner, but you need to make sure that you have the brush attachment on so that the wood doesn’t get scratched. You will also need to take them down and recoat them, with varnish or paint, every year or so, depending on how exposed they are to the sun.

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Wooden Window Blinds

August 19, 2009 By Leave a Comment

Wooden window blinds have been around longer than any other material that is used as a window covering, and while there are many materials out there that now surpass wood in their functionality, the allure of wood is so strong that it is likely to remain a favorite long into the future. Wooden blinds are synonymous with classic old time charm, and harken back to an easier life, a life where we lived off the land and built things by hand. There is a certain nostalgia associated with wood that is so deeply ingrained (pardon the wood pun) in us, that it will be with us for many generations to come.

That said, wood has rolled with the changes, and is not only a favorite of those of us that love the concept of yesteryears. Wooden window blinds are just as popular in corporate environments, as big businesses understand the importance of creating a relaxed and natural environment, for both their workers and their clientele. Wood is also still used extensively in window coverings for new homes. Even with a modern style decor, wood blends right in and enhances the home tremendously.

One of the great advantages of wood is the protection it offers your home. For starters, it is a great deterrent for would be intruders that are looking for somewhere to break in and get some quick cash. If a thief sees that you’re windows have a decent covering on them, and then they are more likely to move on to an easier target. Likewise, if you are in an area that is prone to big storms during the summer, and are looking for a good protective covering for your window wooden blinds are the way to go. wooden window blindsViolent storms can cause a lot of debris to start flying around, and your windows need all the protection that they can get.

The main issue people have with wood is that it is expensive. The main reason for this is that wood is a fast dwindling resource. For this reason, if you are considering creating your window treatments with wooden blinds, you should try and choose wood that has been harvested from a renewable resource. Ask your retailer where the wood came from, and if they can’t tell you, get them to find out. They have an obligation to let you know where they are sourcing their materials from, and you want to a part of the solution, not a part of the problem.

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Although wood is an expensive material, in the long run it will pay for itself in your home. A wooden window blind is a great insulator, and during the middle of summer, will put less pressure on your air conditioner to keep the place cool. The same applies in winter, when your heater starts getting a work out.

Wood needs to be looked after in order to last a decent amount of time and to continue looking good in your home. You should be treating your wooden blinds yearly with the lacquer or oil that is recommended by the manufacturer. You should also try and keep them clean and out of moist environments, otherwise you may have trouble with them warping and cracking. If you follow some simple steps, then your blinds should look great for years into the future.

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Cheap Wood Blinds – They Do Exist

August 15, 2009 By Leave a Comment

It seems that many people are warming to the idea of getting back to basics. Whether it’s an increased awareness of the trouble our planet is in, or just the constant bombardment of technology wearing us down, it seems that more and more of us are trying to get back in touch with nature, in many varying ways. One place where this is noticeable is in home furnishings. Since the 1980′s (and even earlier), people have been using the newest types of materials, vinyls and plastics especially, in abundance in their homes. But it seems that since we entered the new millennium, more natural materials are coming back into fashion, such as wood and bamboo. Although you may have to do a little work to find cheap wood blinds for your home, they are out there, and they can give you that natural look that you are looking for.

There is, however, a misconception that needs to be cleared up. People tend to think that if they are using natural products in their home, then they are being more environmentally friendly. And while this may be true to a certain extent, a great amount of care and thought needs to be put into where you are sourcing your materials from. Using wood that is harvested from ancient forests is doing more harm than any amount of plastic would. We need our trees to survive, especially the ones that have been cleaning our air for hundreds of years. That said, if you’re wood has come from a sustainable resource, then you will benefit from a natural warmth in your home, and you will feel at ease with the decision that you have made.

If it’s cheap wooden blinds that you are after, then one option available to you is to buy second hand. Quite often people will upgrade their blinds, trying to keep up with the neighbours, or changing trends, and will list their old wood blinds for sale to try and recoup some of their expense. cheap wood blindsAuctions are a great place to check for these items, as before old houses get demolished, items such as doors, window frames and blinds will be removed for resale. Another place that you can find second hand wood blinds is in the classifieds section of your local paper. If you are considering buying second hand, just be aware that you need to check the blinds thoroughly for warps and cracks. If these blinds have not been looked after, you may find yourself purchasing a whole bunch of trouble. Another place that you could look is online; websites like craigslist and eBay are a great source of second hand furnishings. Just make sure that you are buying from a trusted seller.

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If you would rather steer clear of second hand blinds, but still need to watch the hip pocket, then you can find some great bargains by shopping out of season. The busiest time of year for window covering sales is approaching summer, as everyone scrambles to hide their homes from the piercing sun. As a result, this is also when blinds are at their most expensive. Buying your blinds in autumn will give you more bargaining power, and potentially save you a bundle.

If you are not so concerned about the environmental aspects of wood, but still desire the natural look, you may want to consider some cheap faux wood blinds. Even the most expensive of faux blinds will be cheaper than the real thing, and the technology has come a long way over the years, allowing you to create the look you are after for a fraction of the cost. Faux wood is much easier to clean as well, and won’t warp when exposed to excessive amounts of moisture. Another alternative material to wood is bamboo, which is still a lot cheaper, but just as natural, and even more environmentally friendly.

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Exploring Wood Blinds

July 30, 2009 By Leave a Comment

If you have a large window or door to cover, you will find that wood blinds are lighter than most other blind types, and would be the perfect choice for your needs. Slats are great, as they allow you to really control the amount of sunlight you want filtering into your room, and yet still give you privacy from nosy neighbours and passers by. There isn’t any other material out there that will give the warmth and sophistication that wood provides. Because wood is such a robust product, you are sure to be getting value for money if you purchase wooden blinds, and wood is a natural insulator, so you will be doing a good job of keeping your home cool during summer as well.

There are two main types of wood that are commonly used in the creation of wood blinds; basswood and ramin wood. Basswood is considered to be the better of the two types of wood, mainly because it is stronger, and has a more distinctive grain than ramin. The only downside is that basswood is a more expensive option. If you are planning on painting your wood window blinds, rather than staining them, ramin can be an inexpensive alternative.

When researching wood blinds for your home, the more information you can get, the better. One of the best things that you can do is to ring around all the blind retailers you can find and ask them to send you out their current catalogue. wood blindsMost shops will be more than happy to do this, and then you can do a lot of the research from the comfort of your own home, without being pestered by pushy salespeople. You should also follow up your research by going online and having a look at the price ranges being offered on different websites. Quite often you will find that businesses that sell their blinds online are able to offer a much lower cost, as they don’t have the overheads of shop rental and employees.

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A lot of people are put off from purchasing wood blinds because of the supposed environmental impact that chopping trees has on our ecosystem. What you may not realise is that there are now many government regulations around the harvesting of trees, and the majority of blinds being sold are farmed from renewable forests. Of course, if you have doubts you should ask the retailer where the wood was sourced from before purchasing. In the long term, using wood is a much more eco friendly option, as it is a biodegradable material, whereas plastics and PVC’s will be around thousands of years after you’re gone, still clogging up our landfills.

There are so many different types of blinds that are made from wood, that the choices can sometimes be daunting to the beginner, everything from woven wood blinds, to wood mini blinds, and everything in between. One of the biggest deciding factors will be how much you are prepared to spend on your window coverings, if you have very little money available, then you may need to settle for a set of cheap faux wood blinds rather than getting the real thing.

One final thing to keep in mind; because of the organic nature of wood, it is not a good choice for any room that may get damp. Too much moisture in the air will most likely warp and buckle your wood blinds over time. In these cases, you would be better off going for a plastic solution instead.

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Wooden Blinds – A Warm, Natural Alternative

July 24, 2009 By Leave a Comment

One of the most versatile styles of blinds you will ever find are wooden blinds. Wood is a fantastic material, and will compliment almost any home decor, it will work just as well in a modern inner city apartment as it will in a rural country cottage. Wood gives your home a natural organic feel that just can’t be beat, but it comes at a price; wooden blinds are considered to be one of the more expensive options when it comes to window coverings. You will usually save a fair amount of money by opting for a vinyl or fabric solutions, but the welcoming atmosphere that wood provides cannot be matched with any other type of material.

If you do decide to go with wood for your window covering, there are a few things you will need to keep in mind. Probably the biggest downside of wood is that it is susceptible to moisture. If the area that you are planning to cover tends to get damp during the wet season, you may be well advised to steer clear of this type of blind, as it will tend to warp over time when exposed to moisture. Likewise, when cleaning your blinds, you will need to be careful to keep them dry. It’s OK to wipe them down with a damp cloth, but make sure that you rub them dry after cleaning them to avoid any damage.

wooden blindsYou have a few different options when choosing the size of your blinds. The most popular width for wooden slats are around 2 inches, but you can get wooden mini blinds that have slats as small as half an inch. Your decision should be based on the size of the window you are looking at covering. The larger your window, the larger the slat size should be. Getting this right will give you a much cleaner and proportioned look for your windows. The benefits of the larger slats are that they are easier to clean, and they give you more of an uninterrupted view out of your window when the slats are open.

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Speaking of opening and closing, you also have a few different options in that department. Probably the most common, and cheapest, option are cords. You will generally have a cord for opening the slats on your blinds, and another one for pulling the blind up and down. A much cleaner solution, and one which I prefer, is the tilt wand. The slats are opened and closed by twisting the tilt wand one way or the other. It is recommended that you get a tilt wand that is located on the opposite side of you cords, so that they don’t easily get tangled together. Another option are battery operated openers with a remote control, but these can set you back a fair amount of money and give you the added hassle of having to replace batteries on a regular basis. These can however be beneficial for disabled people and the elderly.

The most common type of wood that is used in the manufacture of window blinds is basswood. Basswood is a tried and true material that has been popular for a long time, it has a very distinctive grain and gives your room a great ambiance. A less expensive alternative to basswood is ramin, however some people report that this type of wood is not as hardy, especially in moist conditions. If you are on a tight budget but still want that great wood feel, you could consider faux wooden blinds. A decent quality faux blind can look every bit as good as the real thing. The only downfall is that you will not get the insulation benefits that a natural wood blind will offer.

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