Two materials, one look
Wooden and faux wood blinds both use horizontal slats that tilt and lift. The difference is what the slats are made from and, as a result, how they cope with the room they live in. Neither is better in every home. The right one depends on the room, the window size and what you want from it.
What they are made from
Wooden blinds use slats cut from real timber, which is stained or painted. The grain is natural, so no two slats look quite the same. See wooden blinds.
Faux wood blinds use synthetic slats, such as PVC or a composite, finished to look like wood or painted in a solid colour. They tend to be uniform. See faux wood blinds. The exact material varies from range to range, so ask us which one you are looking at.
Room by room
Kitchen
Kitchens have steam and the occasional splash of grease. Faux wood is usually the easier choice, because you can wipe it clean. Real wood may be fine away from the hob, depending on the finish.
Bathroom
Faux wood is generally the safer pick for rooms that are often damp. Real wood can be affected by repeated moisture. We go into this in the bathroom blinds guide.
Living room and dining room
Both work well. Real wood adds warmth and a natural feel. Faux wood gives you consistent colour and an easier life if the room has direct sun or heavy use.
Bedroom
Slats tilt to filter light, but gaps between slats and at the edges mean neither material is designed to make a room fully dark. Look at our bedroom guide.
Conservatory and sunny windows
Strong sun and heat can affect materials over time, depending on the range. Ask us what the specific blind is designed for. See conservatory choices.
The main differences
- Weight. Real wood slats are often lighter than faux wood, depending on the range. Faux wood slats can be heavier, which may limit the size of a single blind, and a heavy blind can be harder to lift.
- Moisture. Faux wood is generally more tolerant of damp. Real wood is more sensitive.
- Look and feel. Real wood has natural grain and a different warmth. Faux wood can imitate it closely but has a more uniform finish.
- Colour choice. Both come in a range of finishes, but the range of stains, paints and woodgrain looks depends on what is offered.
- Care. Faux wood usually wipes clean. Real wood needs gentler cleaning, with a dry or lightly damp cloth, and no soaking.
- Wear. Both can chip or mark if knocked. A damaged slat may be replaceable, depending on the range.
Heavier windows and wide spans
A wide blind with heavy slats has to carry its own weight. That is one reason we like to look at the window before recommending one. If you're covering a very wide opening, we might suggest splitting it into two blinds, or choosing a different style. Our roller or vertical comparison covers some alternatives for large openings.
Fitting and gaps
Slatted blinds have a headrail at the top and slats that stack when raised, and the stack height differs between materials. A deep stack can block part of the window when fully raised, so check how much glass you want to keep clear. A slat blind has small holes where the cords pass through the slats, which let light through, unless a cloth tape or a particular style is used.
Cord safety
Venetian-style blinds have lift cords and tilt controls. Keep cords out of children's reach and ask what safety devices are supplied. See child-safe blind choices.
Which should you pick?
- Is the room damp or steamy? Choose faux wood.
- Do you love the grain and have a drier room? Real wood is a good choice.
- Is the window very wide? Ask us about weight.
- Do you want the easiest care routine? Faux wood.
- Do you want a warmer, natural feel? Real wood.
If you're not sure, we can show you samples at the window and see how they look in your light. Book a free measure and we'll talk it through.
