How much better would it be if you could just adjust the blinds from the comfort of your seat using a remote control? You don’t get up to change the TV channel so why should you do so to close the blinds? Well luckily you don’t have to anymore. Remote Control Blinds are becoming more common place in the home.

The only thing stopping most people from purchasing remote control blinds is the cost. The additional cost of a motor, sensor and remote can add quite a significant amount to the price of your blind(s). However the price does largely depend on the complexity of the product. Currently the cheapest remote blinds available are remote aluminium venetian blinds. This is because the only required operation is that the slats tilt. You don’t really need to raise and lower the blinds. If you do want to do that you can always do it manually of course.

That is the most basic example of remote blinds, however there are much more complex solutions such as remote blinds that raise and lower at certain times of day, blinds which raise depending on the ammount of light, really anything is possible, if you have the money to spend!

In terms of supplying power to the blinds motor you have two options: Mains Powered or Battery powered. Both have their advantages and disadvantages, we’ll address that in a future article. One difference worth mentioning is that anyone can install a battery powered option, in contrast to an mains powered option which requires a qualified electrician.

For remote blinds you obviously need a remote control, there is a good variety of these available on the market. Infra-red is the cheapest option, Radio Frequency is a superior but more expensive option. Most remotes can control more than one blind, around five blinds is the standard, which is usually enough for a room or two. If you are using a radio frequency technology remote you can control groups of blinds rather than single blinds. This means you could have a room full of blinds in one group which raise and lower simultaneously.Â

One limitation of remote blinds is that the motors are only so powerful, this means there will be restrictions on the size of blinds you can have (to keep the weight down). Because of this you may have to settle for a lighter material if you have a large window, for example aluminium venetians are a lighter alternative to wooden venetians.

Overall remote blinds are definitely an option to consider if you have room for them in your budget, they certainly add a wow factor to your home and impress your visitors!

Most people when faced with this infinite choice become over whelmed and just choose a white or creamy colour fabric. This is, how can I put it. Boring, or even dull. A much classier choice which will have your friends in awe are wooden window blinds.

There are a few different types of wooden window blinds to accommodate to different peoples tastes and styles. Here are the two most popular types:

Wooden Venetian Blinds

Wooden venetian blinds consist of horizontal slats of wood that can be tilted or raised and lowered to control the light. Being able to tilt the blinds offers an extra degree of light control that you don’t get with a lot of other blinds.

Slat Width – Another part of the blind which you get to make a decision on is the slat width. The three sizes most commonly offered are 25mm, 35mm and 50mm. Their are no obvious benefits to each side, it is more about personal preference than benefits.

Type of wood – Each supplier will have their own selection of woods that they favour, generally speaking the higher the price of the blind, the higher the quality of wood. Although just by looking at the product you should be able to make your own conclusions on the quality side.

Woodweave Blinds

Surprisingly woodweave blinds are made out of strands of wood woven together! This creates a very natural effect that lets light seep through the imperfections to offer a very classy finish.

Unlike venetian blinds, woodweave blinds are one solid piece like a roller blind. Except instead of rolling up they bunch up at the top of the window.

Hopefully my explanation of wooden window blinds will help you with your purchasing decision, and ideally you will be happy with your selection!

4 Reasons to Buy Made to Measure Wooden Blinds

1.The Perfect Fit

All made to measure blinds are manufactured to fit your window perfectly, this offers a much better finish than ready made blinds which look cheap and don’t fit your window correctly. There is nothing worse than buying ready made wooden blinds and having to cut down the sides yourself as this leaves a very untidy finish.

2.Stylish

Wooden blinds are one of the most stylish blinds available, not only do they compliment your wooden floor or furnishings, but they can also give that classic look depending on which wood colour you choose. Wooden blinds make a great addition to any room.

3.High Quality

Wooden blinds are created from high quality woods and if used correctly and not abused they should last a long time. A high quality wood is easily distinguishable from a cheap one, so if in doubt order a sample of the wood, they are usually free of charge.

4.Easily Maintained

Made to measure wooden blinds can be cleaned easily using a dry cloth, simply wipe the dust or dirt away. If the stains are more stubborn contact your supplier before using any cleaning liquids or chemicals.

3 Reasons Not to Buy Made to Measure Wooden Blinds

1.Expensive

You can’t really expect to buy a high quality wood blind for the same price as a paper thing vertical blind can you? Don’t expect your local 3 blinds for £99 to offer you wooden blinds as part of the offer, and if they do be very weary of the quality. When buying wooden blinds you are paying for quality.

2.Not water resistant

Wooden blinds and water do not mix well, if you are looking for bathroom blinds then choose another material, water will ruin your wooden blinds. Maybe consider faux wood blinds.

3.Heavy

Compared to the alternatives (Aluminium, PVC, ect) wood is a heavy material, when purchasing your blinds you must ask yourself: Is this going to make the blinsd difficult control, and also will the blinds last long holding up that weight? Your supplier should be able to assist you with these queries.

If you think about it carefully you will realise that a lot of the products you buy could have damaged the enviroment in some way, for example to make wooden blinds you must chop a tree down. Once that tree is chopped down it will be no longer absorbing carbon dioxide and producing oxygen.

I’m not saying you shouldn’t purchase wooden blinds, I personally think they are the most stylish material used in blinds. What I am saying is that you should consider who you purchase of and their concerns for the enviroment, or look for alternative solutions such as wood-effect aluminium blinds.

In case you do decide to purchase wooden blinds you could ask the supplier if they support any re-forestation projects such as replanting a tree for everyone cut down in the manufacturing process. The blinds may cost a little more but in return you are doing your bit for the enviroment.

That being said, let’s look at the types of wooden blinds available.

Wooden Venetian Blinds

Venetian blinds are the most popular variety of wooden blinds, and rightly so, they look absolutly fantastic and are extremely practical and durable. Wooden venetians come with different slat sizes depending on your supply, but the standard is usually 25, 35 and 50mm. I personally prefer 35mm as they look perfect but it’s all down to your preferences.

As with each type of blinds they do have their problems, I can think of two:

Damp

Unlike the aluminium alternative wooden blinds can be damaged by damp, so it is extremely important to make sure your room, more specifically your window cills are damp proof.

Dust

If you have ever had venetian blinds you will agree with me when I say they just attract dust! Fortunatly you can easily wipe down wooden blinds so this isn’t too much of a problem.

Woven Wood Blinds

Otherwise known as woodweave blinds, these blinds are the result of skilfully weaving veneers of natural woods and reeds. Although the same style, each woodweave blind is essentially unique in its pattern because of the natural different in tone and pattern. Woven wood blinds are available in two types, one type which rolls up like a roller blind, and one which folds up like a roman blind. Both types look absolutely fantastic and the natural warming effect makes them great for any room.

Wooden Vertical Blinds

If you are looking to purchase an unusual type of wooden blinds then verticals could be the right choice for you. I’m not entirely sure whether vertical blinds are rare because of the price, or if it’s because they aren’t really that good. I’m not really a big fan of vertical blinds in the first place, so these don’t excite me too much. In the hands of an interior designer they may be able to come up with suitable decor for these blinds, otherwise I think you should avoid them.