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Wood blinds are durable, easy to clean, and provide a warm and natural look that other window blinds can’t match.  Today’s faux wood products are nearly indistinguishable from real wood and provide more durability at a lower cost.  However some styles benefit from the use of true wood.

Although they complement a wide variety of decors, wooden window treatments are particularly suited to certain styles.

Asian Artistry

There isn’t any single type of Asian decor since the region covers such diverse cultures as Japan, China, and Thailand, however there are a number of common elements in these decors. Asian themes favor natural materials like wood and bamboo.  Wooden window blinds are particularly appropriate for Japanese rooms which favor simple window treatments.  Chinese decors on the other hand tend toward more ornate decorations, such as window blinds that have been painted with elaborate designs.

The Western interpretation of Asian styles often uses neutral foundation furniture offset by Asian accent pieces.  Rugs are an essential part of almost every Asian style and an entire room can be designed around a beautiful oriental rug.

Tropical Treasures

The tropical decor is another one that leans heavily on natural materials such as rattan or wicker.  Blinds of dark wood block the hot afternoon sun then open to catch gentle evening breezes. Tropical colors are also inspired by nature.  The brown of wood, the orange of a sunset, the bright hues of tropical flora are all common in rooms using this style.

Tropical style furniture tends to have an ornate and grand presence.  This is not the tropical decor of Robinson Crusoe, but rather that of a Caribbean governor’s mansion. A few, large accent pieces finish off the design better than a lot of small knick-knacks.  A vibrant mural or lush plants in ornate planters are typical examples.

Southwestern Style

Today’s southwestern style is a blend of Spanish, American Indian, and modern influences. The earth tones common in southwestern themes go well with the look of wood blinds.  Desert-inspired reds and browns, perhaps with accents of orange or turquoise, are an ideal canvas for the look of wood.

Southwestern homes favor rough textures such as adobe walls, terracotta tile, and exposed beams in the ceiling.  Wood blinds fit these textures much better than modern materials do. Southwestern style furniture is covered in rough, utilitarian fabrics that may follow the same red and brown theme or may imitate the bright colors of a serape.  Rather than fabric, furniture is often covered with leather, inspired by the region’s history of cattle ranching.

Almost any design style will compliment the unique look of wood or faux wood blinds, but some décor styles really make your wood blinds seem even more dramatic.  The wide variety of materials and colors of wood blinds and faux wood blinds give homeowners a huge range of options when looking at the best in window treatments.