What is a wood blind?
A wood blind is a horizontal blind made from real hardwood slats, usually basswood, that tilt to direct light and raise to clear the window. Wood blinds are lighter than faux wood, so they suit wider windows, and they bring a natural grain and warmth that synthetic materials can only imitate.
The character of real wood
Wood blinds belong in rooms with personality. A study lined with books. A dining room with original hardwood floors. A den in a Victorian on Young Avenue or a Rothesay family home that has been in the same family for three generations.
What wood gives you that nothing else quite does is light you can steer. Tilt the slats up and daylight bounces off the ceiling, filling the room without glare or sight lines from the street. Tilt them down to see out. In a region where the winter sun comes in low, that ability to angle light away from your eyes is genuinely useful.
Options
- Slat width: 5 cm (2") for most windows; 6.3 cm (2.5") for large windows and a more generous, plantation-style look
- Finish: painted whites and creams, natural stains, rich walnut and espresso, and grey-washed
- Ladder style: standard cord ladders, or decorative cloth tapes that hide the route holes and block more light
- Route-less slats: no holes through the slats, for more privacy and better light blocking
- Valance: matching wood valance to hide the headrail
- Operation: cordless lift, or tilt wand with a tensioned lift; motorized tilt
Where wood blinds work best
- Living rooms, dining rooms, studies and dens
- Bedrooms (with route-less slats and tapes for better darkness)
- Heritage homes, where natural materials suit the architecture
- Wider windows, where faux wood would be too heavy
Where not: bathrooms, kitchens near the sink or stove, laundry rooms and basements. Humidity can warp real wood over time. Choose faux wood instead. In coastal cottages that sit closed and damp through the winter, faux wood is also the safer choice.
The honest trade-offs
- Wood blinds cost more than faux wood.
- They are not for wet or humid rooms.
- Any slatted blind lets a little light through when closed. They are not blackout.
- They are a horizontal blind, which means dusting. A microfibre glove makes it quick.
Frequently asked questions
Are real wood blinds better than faux wood?
Real wood blinds are lighter, warmer-looking and suit wider windows and heritage rooms. Faux wood blinds are heavier but resist moisture, so they are better for kitchens, bathrooms and damp rooms. Neither is universally better; it depends on the room. See wood vs faux wood blinds.
Can wood blinds go in a bathroom?
We do not recommend it. Steam and humidity can cause real wood slats to warp or the finish to lift over time. Faux wood or aluminum blinds, or a moisture-resistant shade, are better choices for bathrooms.
Do wood blinds block light completely?
No. Wood blinds block most light when closed, but small amounts pass through the cord holes and between the slats. Route-less slats and cloth tapes reduce this. For full blackout, pair them with drapery or choose a blackout shade.
What slat size should I choose?
Five centimetre (2") slats suit most windows. Larger 6.3 cm (2.5") slats give a more open view when tilted and look better on large windows, though they need enough window depth to tilt without hitting the glass or handles.
How much do wood blinds cost?
Custom wood blinds typically cost about $300 to $750 per window installed, depending on size, finish and options such as cloth tapes or motorized tilt.
How do I clean wood blinds?
Dust regularly with a microfibre cloth or duster, with the slats tilted closed one way, then the other. Avoid water; if needed, use a barely damp cloth and dry immediately.
Pairs well with: Roman shades · Faux wood blinds Read next: Wood vs faux wood blinds · Window coverings for heritage homes