Faux Wood Window Blinds

Faux Wood Window Blinds

Window blinds provide privacy, reduce energy costs, and contribute to the color, texture and overall design scheme of your rooms. You have many styles of blinds to choose from, including faux and standard wood versions available in many textures, finishes and types of wood. Whether you decide on real wood or faux wood blinds, selecting and installing new window blinds in your home may seem daunting, but actually it’s a very easy do it yourself project.

The Advantages of Choosing Faux
Not only are faux blinds cheaper than wood blinds, but they also offer some additional advantages. Faux versions get less dusty than wood, and they are also more resistant to warping, sunlight, and humidity. With high quality faux wood blinds, you get all of these advantages with a real wood look and feel that is very difficult to distinguish from real wood.

Selecting Faux Wood Blinds
The first step to choosing faux wood window blinds is to measure your windows. Not only do you have a variety of blind lengths and widths to choose from, but you will also need to choose the size of the individual slats that make up each blind. Common slat sizes range from 2 to 3 inches.
Depending on the size of your window and the look that you want, you will need to choose inside or outside mount blinds. Outside mounts, which cover the entire window and casing, are a good choice if your windows are out of square or abnormally small for your room.

Inside mounts fit inside the casing and cover only the window. They’re a good choice if you have decorative casings or would like to layer curtains and blinds for a strong design statement. However, you need to make sure that there is enough room inside the window opening to hold the blinds and attach the heading. If your window is flush with the wall, you will probably need to use an outside mount.

Design-wise, you can select plain wood blinds or an embellished version. Some faux blinds come with cloth tape connecting the slats instead of nylon string. These tapes can be color-coordinated with your décor. Note that these tapes can’t be removed, so they make cleaning your blinds a bit of a challenge.

Another design choice is a valance. Some blinds come with an attached valance in a variety of colors.

If your blinds are located behind large pieces of furniture, or if you just enjoy cool mechanics, consider a motorized version. With a flick of a switch, you can open and close your blinds.
Do it Yourself; Simple Wood Blind Installation

To install your own faux blinds, you’ll need the following equipment:

• Brackets
• Faux wood blinds and mounting hardware
• Ladder (if your windows are too high to reach)
• Level
• Screwdriver
• Screws
• Steel measuring tape

Once your equipment and materials are ready, follow these simple steps to install your blinds (manufacturer’s instructions may vary):

1. If you have blinds currently installed, remove them. If the holes from your existing blinds will show when the new blinds are installed, consider filling them with spackling or joint compound.
2. Take a look at the wall. If you’re installing on metal, brick, or tile, you’ll need a drill and some special hardware.
3. Measure your windows. For an outside mount, measure about three inches past each side of the window. Measure above and below the window, allowing enough space on top for the mounting bracket. For an inside mount, measure the height and width in three different places and use the narrowest measurement for each one. If you’re uncomfortable taking these measurements yourself, consider calling in a professional.
4. Purchase your blinds. Check to make sure that all of the necessary parts are included.
5. Install the left and right side brackets by screwing them into the walls. For an inside mount, install them on the jambs inside the casing. For an outside mount, install them at the desired height above the window. Use a level to make sure that the brackets are straight.
6. Install the headrail. Before installing, untangle any knots in the cords or tape. Slip the headrail into place between the brackets and snap into place. If your brackets have covers, close them.
7. If your model includes a valance, install the valance clips according to the package directions, and then insert the valance into the clips. Note that the valance may need to be installed before the headrail into place on some models.

Faux Wood Window Blinds