Faux Wood Blinds - Are They For You?
Faux Wood Blinds – Are They For You?
Here we are, you’re deciding to buy blinds for your home and don’t know whether to choose faux wood or real wood?
Worry not, we have the answers you’re looking for!
By the end of this blog, you will be able to make an informed decision on whether faux wood blinds are for you. (We’ve also thrown in some fun facts and tips 😉)
What are Faux Wood Blinds?
Faux wood blinds are made from PVC and are a replacement for wooden blinds. They are made primarily for places which are susceptible to moisture and humidity. Faux wood blinds maintain the beautiful look of a traditional wooden blind whilst reaping all of the benefits of PVC. They are durable and moisture resistant, hence why they are made as a replacement for real wood blinds in these humid or moisture prone areas.
What is PVC?
PVC or Polyvinyl Chloride is a highly durable thermoplastic material which is very widely used in the building and construction industry for things such as door frames, drainage pipes, cable and wire insulation, and in this case, blinds.
PVC is widely recognised for its versatile nature. By the 1950’s the production of PVC was skyrocketing worldwide and being used for many different purposes. It is a very useful material for sure!
Why use PVC?
We use PVC as it has many benefits that traditional wooden blinds do not. PVC, like previously stated is moisture resistant, meaning moisture will not penetrate the material causing it to fade or warp (which is a big issue when having blinds in kitchens and bathrooms). 💦
It also acts as a heat retardant. The chlorine in the PVC’s makeup stops the spread of fires, making it all the safer inside your home especially in kitchens where open flames are more likely to be.
Fun fact: In order to ignite PVC, you need to heat it to 392° over an open flame. It is also self-extinguishing due to the chlorine in its formulation.
More Benefits To Note
In comparison to real wood, blinds made from PVC are more affordable, despite their high-quality components and durability. Whilst maintaining the look of a real wooden blind they can be a cut of the price and still fit into your home aesthetic. (These blinds can be used in any room, however they are particularly beneficial in moist/humid environments!)
Being made from a durable material means they are less likely to break in the house. This makes them safer to have around young children and means they will last longer before needing to be replaced. (Which is always a plus!) Replacing blinds can be tedious and money-consuming so having blinds which are durable can help give you greater piece of mind, which is something we all need :)
They are also easy to maintain and clean in comparison to wooden blinds. You can use something as simple as warm soapy water and a microfiber cloth to clean them, without running the risk of rotting or mould building on the material. Additionally, if you dust them regularly you will keep them looking relatively new!
Top Tip: Abrasive cleaners are not necessary when cleaning faux wood blinds as it can damage the paint or the finish. Don’t go crazy, soap and water will be just fine 😊
Drawbacks
An unfortunate drawback of PVC is that it is made from plastic, thus making it non-biodegradable. Additionally, the product cannot be recycled as it is made up of a mixture of materials and chemicals.
Another drawback is that, despite being similar, you will not be able to directly replicate the look and feel of traditional wooden blinds. As much as we will praise their similarity, being similar and an exact match are two different things.
Conclusion
In conclusion, if you are looking for an alternative to ordinary or wooden blinds in your bathroom or kitchen, we believe you should consider faux wood blinds. Their durable formulation and moisture resistance makes them a great match for all your rooms that are prone to humidity and moisture exposure.
They can replace wooden blinds, and look good in the process, however they cannot 100% replicate their same look and feel. (Even though they are very close!)
Consider these if you are looking for a durable blind to last a long time or as an alternative to your blinds in your bathrooms, kitchen or washrooms, that are easy to maintain and could make your life a bit easier :-)
For any of your blinds needs get in touch for a free consultation, we’d be delighted to help! ❤️