Ultimate Guide to Basswood and Faux Wood Plantation Blinds for Home Decor

Introduction

Plantation blinds are a popular choice for homeowners seeking to combine style, functionality, and durability. Basswood and faux wood plantation blinds each offer unique benefits that can enhance the look and feel of your home. This comprehensive guide will explore the differences, advantages, and considerations for choosing between basswood and faux wood plantation blinds.

Why Choose Plantation Blinds?

Plantation blinds, also known as plantation shutters, are characterized by their wide louvers and elegant design. They offer excellent light control, privacy, and insulation, making them a versatile window treatment option. Whether you prefer the natural beauty of basswood or the durability of faux wood, plantation blinds can complement various decor styles and improve the overall aesthetics of your home.

Basswood Plantation Blinds

Natural Beauty and Lightweight Design

  1. Material Characteristics

    • Natural Aesthetics: Basswood is a type of hardwood known for its fine, uniform texture and smooth finish. It has a natural, warm appearance that adds a touch of elegance to any room.
    • Lightweight: Basswood is lighter than many other hardwoods, making it easier to install and operate, especially for larger window treatments​ (The Home Depot)​.
  2. Advantages

    • Customizability: Basswood blinds can be easily customized with various stains, paints, and finishes to match your interior decor. They can be tailored to fit any window size and shape, including specialty shapes like arches and angles​ (Window Digest)​.
    • Durability: Despite being lightweight, basswood is a durable material that resists warping and bowing, making it suitable for long-term use.
    • Insulation: Basswood provides excellent insulation, helping to regulate indoor temperatures and reduce energy costs.
  3. Considerations

    • Cost: Basswood blinds are generally more expensive than faux wood options due to the quality and craftsmanship involved.
    • Maintenance: While basswood is durable, it requires regular maintenance to preserve its natural beauty. This includes dusting and occasional refinishing to prevent damage from UV exposure and moisture.

Faux Wood Plantation Blinds

Durability and Moisture Resistance

  1. Material Characteristics

    • Synthetic Composition: Faux wood blinds are made from PVC, vinyl, or composite materials designed to mimic the appearance of real wood. They offer a similar aesthetic without the same level of maintenance​ (The Home Depot)​.
    • Heavier Weight: Faux wood is typically heavier than basswood, which can be a consideration for larger window treatments​ (Norman® USA)​.
  2. Advantages

    • Cost-Effective: Faux wood blinds are often more affordable than basswood, making them a budget-friendly option for homeowners who want the look of wood without the high price tag.
    • Moisture Resistance: Faux wood is highly resistant to moisture, making it an ideal choice for high-humidity areas such as bathrooms, kitchens, and laundry rooms​ (Norman® USA)​.
    • Low Maintenance: These blinds are easy to clean and maintain. They can be wiped down with a damp cloth, and they do not require refinishing or special treatments to maintain their appearance.
  3. Considerations

    • Weight: The heavier weight of faux wood can make them harder to install and operate, especially on larger windows.
    • Aesthetic Differences: While faux wood closely mimics the look of real wood, it may lack the depth and natural variation in grain that comes with genuine basswood.

Comparing Basswood and Faux Wood Plantation Blinds

  1. Cost and Budget

    • Basswood: Higher initial cost but offers a premium, authentic wood look and long-term value.
    • Faux Wood: More affordable upfront, with lower maintenance costs over time.
  2. Installation and Operation

    • Basswood: Lightweight and easier to install, suitable for larger windows.
    • Faux Wood: Heavier, which can be challenging for large installations but provides excellent durability.
  3. Environmental Considerations

    • Basswood: A renewable resource when sourced from sustainable forestry practices. It’s biodegradable and has a lower environmental impact compared to synthetic materials.
    • Faux Wood: Made from non-renewable materials like PVC and vinyl. While it’s durable and long-lasting, it has a higher environmental impact due to the production and disposal processes​ (Blinds.com)​​ (Blinds Chalet)​.

Tips for Choosing the Right Plantation Blinds

  • Assess Your Needs: Consider the specific needs of each room, such as moisture levels, desired light control, and aesthetic preferences.
  • Measure Accurately: Ensure precise measurements for a perfect fit, especially if ordering custom blinds.
  • Consider Long-Term Costs: Factor in maintenance and potential replacement costs when deciding between basswood and faux wood.
  • Match Your Decor: Choose finishes and colors that complement your existing interior design for a cohesive look.

Conclusion

Basswood and faux wood plantation blinds each offer unique benefits that can enhance your home decor. By understanding the characteristics, advantages, and considerations of each material, you can make an informed decision that suits your style, budget, and practical needs. Whether you opt for the natural beauty of basswood or the durability and low maintenance of faux wood, plantation blinds are a versatile and stylish addition to any home.

For further information and to explore a wide range of options, visit reputable providers like Blinds.com, The Home Depot, and Norman USA.


This guide is designed to provide you with comprehensive information on basswood and faux wood plantation blinds, ensuring your home decor is both stylish and practical.

“Testimonials”

Our real estate agent recommended your company. You have been everything that she said, “completely turn-key”. The products work flawless and exceed the development criteria. All we know is that they are beautiful and our warranties and paid receipt were laying on the breakfast bar. The other public service companies need to take lessons from you. We are left to think,” who were those masked men anyway”

Tom & Gina, Birmingham, Al

Mom and Dad really love the new blinds. Boy were they surprised when they returned from vacation!

Darrell, your UPS guy

Our first two orders were near your corporate office and we were very pleased with the products and service. Since moving to New Hampshire, we have placed four more orders and each of my sisters have placed orders as well. One was in Texas and the other was in South Dakota. We are one of those customers that you seldom hear from because our orders just pop up and are filled without a flaw. It is nice to have a company that you feel good about recommending to friends and family.

Harrison, Salem, NH

The blinds and shades that you recommended were a perfect gift. When our daughter returned from her honeymoon, she had trouble believing that we got everything for the price we paid. She still has trouble believing that we pulled this off without her finding out about it!

Susan Farrish, Panama City, FL

It is hard to believe that we ordered 23 faux wood blinds at 9AM and they were delivered by 3PMjust in time to be loaded on the moving van for the trip to our new home in New Orleans. We will never forget what you did for us!

Penny, New Orleans, LA

Who would have ever thought that we could buy custom made shutters in Atlanta, Georgia for our home in Conway, Arkansas for $7.00 a square foot less and a 5 week shorter lead time. I am sure glad that I mentioned shutters to my business associate while I was in Atlanta.

Patrick L., Arkansas

I am the owner of several Harley Davidson Motorcycle shops who has done well enough to build a custom designed 10,000 square foot home. I could write a book about all the difficulties and the headaches that I encountered in the process of building my home. I can say that the blinds, shades and shutters for the 198 windows and doors were the easiest part of the total building process. From order to installation, your company made it trouble free. All the products were on time, operate without a flaw and are simply beautiful. Ifl can hook you up with a Harley, let me know.

Eddie H., Dallas, GA

I am the owner of several Harley Davidson Motorcycle shops who has done well

Your company makes being a contractor a pleasure and I wished I could say that for all the other trades. Our customers are always pleased. You and you·rstaff always provide professional service, great products and timely completion for every project.

Richard, Perry Homes

I sent my wife to buy blinds for our new home. After 2 days and many different stores with either long lines or running around huge stores looking for help, she finally called me at work to explain how it seemed impossible. She explained that she had learned that it took exact dimensions and she had seen so many different products that she was confused. Thank goodness that a co-worker over heard my conversation and told me about your company. From the first call, your representative was at our home, the order was placed and in 3 calendar days the blinds were delivered. A fantastic job and wonderful experience. We will be sure to tell everyone we know!

Bobby and Susan, Columbus, GA

Great price, excellent service, state-of-the-art products, thank goodness we found you!

Ted & Nancy, Eugene, Oregon

You have made my mother’s Christmas. The plantation shutters that us kids ordered for her trailer was everything that she has always dreamed of. It is amazing how the frames you provided caused the shutters to fit like they we meant to be. You would think that you had just walked in to a multi-million dollar home! Mom’s doctors tell us that she may not make it until next Christmas so we are very glad that we ordered when we did.

Tony, Fit-Rite Muffler

We are certainly glad that we mentioned needing something for our motor home when we ordered the Basswood blinds for our new house. The $165,000 motor home was not new but the blinds in it rattled when we went down the road and it was simply driving us insane. The new shades with the day/night feature the you provided were exactly what we needed. Not only are they quiet, but, they make it easier to keep it cool inside. We are hoping that you have a solution for the odd shaped windows in our ocean cruiser too.

George & Kendra, Quik Trip Stores

I am not sure if the Fed X guys ran the blind over with a forklift or something else happened but the speed in which it was replaced was simply an1azing! Thanks!!

Anna, Nashville, TN

Being a commercial pilot, I sleep most days and fly most nights. Having a dark room during the day is a must for me. We had ordered shades to accomplish this from another source. When we installed the shades, we discovered that they didn’t fit snug and leaked a lot of light. On bright sunny days, I just could not get to sleep. We took the loss and called your company. You provided room darkening shades with thicker cells that fit snug with almost no light leak. They actually make our bedroom quieter and insulates better and it cost less than what we previously paid. Thanks a million!

Capt. Curt, UPS Air Freight

We saved when we purchased in Georgia and saved even more when we purchased in Florida. Finally retired!!

Betty M., Ocala, FL

Getting rid of those verticals and replacing them with plantation shutters is the best thing we have done. The psycho wing with the East/West window exposures has stood the test of time and patients. In less than one year, we have saved enough in utilities and lack of maintenance expense to completely pay for the shutters. We have budgeted to do the remaining hospital windows over a 2 year span in 7 different phases. Our $28,942.00 deposit check for the next phase is included.

Tim McDonald, Tanner Hospital

Being a first time homeowner, I could not trust myself to get all the details correct in the variety of products my wife and I wanted. Lucky for us, we had purchased a home in one of your local service areas. Michael Busbin, our representative, was at our home right on time within two hours of our call. Michael gave me a free lesson in measuring, showed us the product samples and explained their insulation and privacy values then was out the door in just over an hour with our order in hand. Then came the surprise, our custom dimensioned blinds were installed in 4 days, shades were in 6 days and the shutters were 18 days later. Our neighbors are still waiting on their shutters from another company and they say it will be about a month more. Your guys and girls are worth their weight in Gold. Next time around, we will be able to order and install ourselves.

Robbie Martin, Senoia, GA

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