Wood Blinds: A Timeless Choice Among Interior Designers

The ability of wood blinds to seamlessly blend with most design styles is not the window treatment’s only benefit.

Trends come and go, but one design element never seems to go out of style – wood blinds. First introduced in the U.S. in the late 18th century, these window treatments remain as popular as ever, especially among interior designers who tout wood blinds for their ability to “work well with most kinds of decor styles,” says Southern California designer Darci Goodman.

“They (wood blinds) are equally at home in traditional paneled or rustic-style homes and more modern spaces,” adds Leslie Plummer Clagett of This Old House.

Of course, the ability of wood blinds to seamlessly blend with most design styles is not the window treatment’s only benefit. So, let’s take a look at the variety of other reasons interior designers continue to choose wood blinds.

Why Wood Blinds?

“If you neglect your windows in favor of a different design focus, you’ll be left with a bare view,” says Caren Baginski, HGTV.

Functionality

“Wooden blinds are both functional and a creative design element,” says Blaze Makoid, who has been practicing architecture and design since graduating from the Rhode Island School of Design in 1985. These window treatments look great, yes, but they are also an effective tool when it comes to light control and privacy.

“Aside from being able to provide more privacy, wood blinds can also block incoming light,” says Craig Bell of Ciao Bella! Designs & Interiors.

Wood Blinds are at home in almost any room, but are best suited for the dining room or living room, areas where light control, privacy, and aesthetic appeal are most important.

Unify Your Design

If you want your window treatments to seamlessly blend into the surrounding architecture, wood blinds or shutters are the way to go. These window treatments allow you to “unify your entire interior design by matching your blinds with your interior base moldings and window casings,” says Ramona Griffin of G&G Interior Design, an award winning interior design firm Ramona founded in 2007 with her husband Charlie. This simple technique will give the appearance that your blinds are simply part of the architecture of the room.

“Since shades and blinds are usually a one time purchase, by keeping those in whites or very neutral colors that work with your trim color, you can change all the other things in the room without competing with the window treatments,” says Mike Sills, Next Day Blinds Fairfax, Virginia store manager.

Matching the blinds to the trim is ideal if you are going for a more traditional, sophisticated, or comfortable look.

Wood blinds “add a feeling of warmth and coziness to the atmosphere in the room” and “give a natural look to the room with a graceful charm,” says Sturo.

Layering Styles

Wood “blinds are chic, whether left on their own or layered with drapes,” says interior designer Elizabeth Reich.

Wood blinds work great on their own, but they also play well with others. “They layer well with additional window treatments if you fit them snugly inside the reveal,” says Scottish designer Malcolm Duffin. This gives interior designers more flexibility in terms of design options. By combining wood blinds with curtains/draperies, you can easily add color and texture to a room. “A three-fold layering such as wooden blinds, topped by sheers, topped by floor-to-ceiling draperies will create the most soothing effect,” explains Jill Connors of Elle Decor.

Durability

Wood blinds are made to last. “Yes, wooden blinds are more expensive than plastic blinds, but they can last for a long time if it’s well taken care of,” says Jimmy Sturo of Ezine Articles. Handcrafted in Maryland using 100% premium basswood, our wood blinds are made individually for each window in your home, and designed to be enjoyed for a lifetime.