Faux wood blinds

The lovely look of wood, with everyday practicality

Faux wood blinds give you the familiar look of wide timber-style slats in materials that are often better suited to busy kitchens and bathrooms. They can be a great choice if you want something that looks smart without requiring delicate care. There are different finishes, slat sizes and materials to choose from, and we'll happily explain which ones are suitable for your windows and how you use the room.

Moisture: kinder than timber, with a little care

Because the slats do not absorb water the way timber does, faux wood is generally a better choice for steamy rooms. That is relative, so a little care still helps. Direct heat is the bigger worry. Slats mounted right above a hob, a radiator or a heater in a sunny conservatory can be exposed to temperatures that some materials do not like, and the effect depends on the range. If your window sits close to a cooker, tell us at the measure so we can recommend where the blind should stop, or whether another option, such as aluminium venetians, is a better fit. Our guide to blinds for bathrooms covers the wider picture.

Slat sizes and finishes

Wood-effect blinds are often sold in wider slats, with 50 mm and 63 mm common, and some ranges include narrower sizes. Finishes run from pale whites and creams through stained oak and walnut effects to darker greys and browns. Some finishes have an embossed grain, others are smooth and painted in appearance. Check them in daylight against your window frame, because the same finish can look warmer or cooler depending on the light.

Weight and window width

Weight varies by range. Composite slats are often lighter than real timber of the same size, but still heavier than slim aluminium slats, so very wide windows may need to be split into two or more blinds. We will tell you if a window is too wide for a single blind in the range you like.

Controls and safety

You raise and lower faux wood blinds with lift cords and tilt the slats with a cord, a chain or a wand, depending on the range. A tilt wand avoids a loop and is worth thinking about wherever small children or pets are around. Keep cords and chains tucked up out of reach with the cord tidy or safety device supplied, and keep cots and beds away from the window. BS EN 13120 is the UK standard that covers the safety of internal blinds. Our page on child-safe blind choices goes through the options.

Cleaning is where faux wood earns its keep

Most faux wood slats can be wiped with a damp microfibre cloth and, where needed, a drop of mild washing-up liquid. Dry the slats afterwards so water does not sit in the joins. Gentle products are best, as abrasive pads, solvents and strong bleach can mark the surface. Dust the slats regularly and brush the cords and ladder tapes gently. If something sticky has reached the slats, a quick wipe straight away is easier than a scrub later.

Faux wood or real wood?

Real wood has genuine grain, a warmer feel and a more traditional look. Faux wood has easier cleaning, better moisture tolerance and a uniform finish. If your room is dry and you value the natural feel, look at our wooden blinds. If you need the look in a room that sees steam, splashes or strong sun, faux wood is the more forgiving option. Our article on wood vs faux wood has a longer comparison.

Good places to use it

• Kitchens, set so the blind keeps clear of the hob and any direct heat.
• Bathrooms and cloakrooms, with sensible ventilation.
• Conservatories that are very bright, where temperature can swing. Check with us first.
• Rental properties, where a wipe-clean blind is easier to return in good order.

Not sure which window the blind will suit? Book a free measure and we will check the heat, the moisture and the width in person.

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