News & Articles

As in all things, interior design and window treatment trends come and go. One trend that we have seen making a significant comeback recently is the use of natural wood in interior design. It is easy to understand why: Wood is versatile and can lend a timeless beauty to a space. 

There are numerous ways to incorporate wood into your home’s aesthetic. One of them is to make use of wooden window shades. In today’s post, we will show you the benefits of wooden window shades and share some of the pros and cons of the most common types of wooden shades. We will also share some tips on caring for your wooden shades. 

The Appeal of Wooden Shades

There are several great reasons to incorporate wooden shades into your interior design to enhance both the beauty and the functionality of your space. 

Timeless Elegance and Natural Beauty

Wooden shades offer a classic, sophisticated look. The natural grain and texture of wood bring an organic, earthy element to any space, creating an inviting atmosphere. In rooms that enjoy a lot of natural light, the warm tones of wood can help to create a welcoming golden glow. 

Versatility in Interior Design Styles

The versatility of wood makes it ideal for numerous interior design styles and home aesthetics. 

In modern interiors, wooden shades add warmth and contrast to otherwise sleek and minimalist designs, preventing the space from feeling too cold or sterile. In rustic and farmhouse styles, the natural look of wood perfectly complements the decor and enhances the cozy, homey feel. And in more classic designs, wooden shades enhance the rich, timeless appeal of traditional decor, blending seamlessly with ornate furniture and period architectural details.

Variety of Finishes and Colors

Wooden shades are available in a wide range of finishes, from light natural tones to dark stains, allowing homeowners to choose the perfect match for their other interior design elements and aesthetic preferences. In addition, custom staining options enable precise color matching to existing wood elements in the room, such as flooring or furniture.

Types of Wooden Shades

If you have decided to incorporate wooden shades into your interior design, you will quickly realize that there are numerous styles to choose from. In this section, we will share the benefits and drawbacks of several of the most common types of wooden window shades to help you make the best choice for your home. 

Bamboo Shades

Made from natural bamboo, these shades provide a light and airy feel with an organic texture. Often crafted with woven patterns, bamboo shades allow a soft diffusion of light, creating a warm and inviting ambiance. For this reason, bamboo shades are perfect for living rooms, sunrooms, and bedrooms where a relaxed, natural aesthetic is desired.

Bamboo shades are also particularly suited to spaces that would benefit from a touch of natural elegance and easy light control.

Woven Wood Shades

Woven wood shades are available in various weaves and textures, from tight weaves offering more privacy to loose weaves that allow more light to enter the room. They may also include other natural fibers such as jute and grasses, enhancing their rustic appeal.

The intricate patterns and textures of woven wood shades create visual interest and add depth to flat surfaces. These shades can serve as the focal point in a room, complementing other natural decor elements.

Real Wood Blinds

Real wood blinds are crafted from genuine wood and offer a rich, authentic look that cannot be fully replicated by faux wood.

Faux wood blinds are made from PVC or composite materials designed to mimic the appearance of real wood but with additional resistance to moisture and humidity. Real wood blinds, on the other hand, provide a superior aesthetic quality with their natural grain patterns and rich finishes. They are durable and long-lasting, though they require more maintenance than their faux wood counterparts to avoid warping and damage from moisture.

Faux Wood Blinds

Faux wood blinds are made from high-quality PVC or composite materials that are designed to look like real wood. They are often more affordable than real wood blinds, making them an economical option for homeowners on a budget. 

Compared to real wood blinds, faux wood blinds are more resistant to moisture, making them ideal for high-humidity areas such as bathrooms and kitchens. They are also easier to clean and maintain, as they do not warp or crack as easily as real wood. This makes them a great choice for spaces where the look of wood is desired but durability is a concern.

Faux wood blinds are available in a wide range of colors and finishes, allowing for customization to match any decor.

Maintenance and Care Tips for Wooden Shades

Once you have chosen and installed your wooden shades, it is vital to take good care of them. This will extend their lifespan and keep them both beautiful and functional. In this section, we will share five of our top maintenance and care tips for your wooden shades. 

Regular Dusting

Use a soft cloth, feather duster, or microfiber cloth to dust your wooden shades regularly. This helps to prevent the buildup of dust and dirt. For deeper cleaning, use a vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment on a low setting to gently remove dust and debris from the slats.

Spot Cleaning

If there are stains or spots on your wooden shades, use a damp cloth with mild detergent to perform spot cleaning. Avoid soaking the wood, as excessive moisture can cause warping. For stubborn stains, gently rub the area with a soft cloth dampened with a mixture of water and mild soap. Then rinse the area with a clean, damp cloth and dry it immediately with a soft towel.

Avoiding Harsh Chemicals

Do not use abrasive cleaners, ammonia, bleach, or any harsh chemicals on your wooden window shades as these can damage the wood’s finish. Instead, stick to gentle cleaning solutions specifically designed for wooden surfaces in order to maintain the integrity of the wood.

Managing Moisture

As a general rule, it is best to keep wooden shades away from high-moisture areas such as bathrooms and kitchens to prevent warping, cracking, and mold growth. If wooden shades are installed in moisture-prone areas, however, ensure good ventilation and consider applying a protective sealant to the wood.

Avoiding Sun Exposure

Prolonged exposure to direct sunlight can cause wooden shades to fade and become brittle. Use sheer curtains or UV-protective window films to minimize sun damage to your shades. You should also rotate or tilt the slats regularly to ensure even exposure to sunlight and reduce the risk of uneven fading.

Window Trends: Your Source of Premium Wooden Shades for Your NJ Home 

Here at Window Trends, we supply and fit a wide range of custom blinds and window shades including quality wooden shades to homeowners throughout New Jersey and beyond. No matter your needs, we can help you to find the perfect shades for your home. Numerous customization options are available, ensuring that your finished product matches your vision to perfection. 

To get started, please contact us or visit one of our showrooms—located in Chatham and Morris Plains, NJ—and our team will be happy to help you.