Wooden blinds

Natural warmth, with lovely control over the light

There's something welcoming about the texture of real wood at a window. Wooden Venetian blinds bring that natural warmth to living rooms, dining rooms and bedrooms, while the adjustable slats make it easy to change the light through the day. We'd be happy to show you the finishes and help you decide whether real timber is the right choice for your room or whether a faux wood alternative may be more practical.

Slat widths and how they change the look

Slats are available in several widths, commonly in the range of about 25 mm to 63 mm, depending on the supplier and finish. Narrower slats give a finer, more traditional line. Wider slats show off the grain, give a cleaner view when open and suit larger windows. Wider slats also stack deeper when the blind is raised, so it helps to allow a little more room above the window and think about how much glass you are happy to lose. We will show you samples against your window so you do not need to guess from a swatch.

Finishes: stain, paint and natural tones

Finishes include natural woods, stained tones and painted whites and creams. Painted slats give a crisper, more uniform look, while stained and natural finishes keep more of the grain. Strong sunlight can slowly change the colour of timber and stains, so finishes tend to mellow gently over the years rather than stay fixed.

Weight, and what it means for wide windows

Real wood is heavier than aluminium or most composites. On a narrow window you will barely notice. On a wide window the blind can become heavy to lift and the headrail and lifting cords carry more strain. Some ranges limit the maximum width of a single blind, and a wide window may be better handled as two or three blinds side by side, which can also keep the lift light. Ask us about the limits for the range you like before choosing a very wide blind.

Tilt and lift controls

Wooden blinds raise and lower using lift cords, and tilt using either a cord, a chain or a wand. Cord tilt is the classic arrangement and uses a cord at the side of the blind. A wand gives direct tilt without a loop and is often a tidier choice for children's rooms or reachable windows. Whichever you choose, keep cords tucked out of reach of small children, use the cord tidy or safety device provided and keep cots and beds away from the window. BS EN 13120 is the UK standard for internal blind safety. Our guide to blind controls explained compares the options.

Humidity and the room

Real wood takes up and loses moisture. In steamy or damp rooms it can swell, warp or mark over time. That is why real timber is not usually recommended for a shower room, and why many people choose with care before using it in a busy kitchen. If you love the look but the room is humid, faux wood blinds are made for exactly that compromise, and our comparison of wood vs faux wood sets out the differences. Ventilating a room properly helps any blind last longer.

Where wood suits best

Good rooms for real wood include living rooms, dining rooms, studies, hallways and bedrooms with normal ventilation. Wood works well in period homes and in modern rooms that need a bit of warmth. It is a little less suited to south-facing windows that get long, intense sun if you want a finish that will not change, and to damp spaces.

Care and cleaning

Dust with a soft cloth or a feather duster, working along the slat. For marks, use a barely damp cloth and dry straight away. Go easy on water, as gentle cleaners are kinder to finishes than harsh ones, which can strip them. If a tilt sticks, ease it gently rather than forcing it, and check the cords for fraying from time to time.

To compare slat widths and finishes at your own window, book a free measure. Our venetian blinds page covers metal slat options if you want something lighter.

Inspiration