There are definite differences between faux wood window blinds and real wood blinds. But the differences aren't easy to spot with the naked eye. But the differences are very easy to spot by studying the specifics of each product.

The most obvious difference is affordability. Faux wood window blinds typically come at a much lower price than their real wood counterparts. Real wood has been said to add "warmth" to a design space, but since many can't tell the difference initially this is questionable.

Faux products are heavier, but real wood is stronger. One consideration that shouldn't be overlooked is the makeup of the faux product. Faux products can sometimes have very high foam content. These are not sturdy enough to withstand long term use. They often end up sagging and always require a high number of support string (distracting from the aesthetics of the product).

Real wood is often seen to offer a few additional design advantages. Real wood products often offer a wider variety of color and stain options than faux wood window blinds products. In some instances faux wood window blinds have been known to yellow after many years.

Faux wood window blinds offer the very big advantage of a substantially lower price tag. They also deal well with moisture. You can get them wet. This is a drastic advantage when it comes to certain situations (bathrooms, kitchens, etc.) and cleaning. Faux wood window blinds can be easily wiped down with a damp rag.

In extreme situations faux wood blinds can be removed from their installed position for extensive cleaning. If the blinds have collected a thick amount of dirt or grime they will benefit greatly from being sprayed down with water. It's not difficult. They can be laid out in an appropriate outdoor area and a household hose can spray them down adequately. They can be carefully towel-dried after cleaning so that they can be re-hung immediately.

Wood blinds, on the other hand, cannot undergo similar treatment. They should be dusted regularly with a dry feather duster. They cannot be sprayed off of they become extremely dirty. They cannot be consistently cleaned with a damp cloth without undergoing damage. They cannot withstand the slight moisture of typical cleaning products. Moisture can have an almost immediate negative on wood blinds in some cases.

Both real wood and faux wood window blinds have their own advantages. Both should be regularly cleaned and maintained for the best function. The main differences are the moisture issue, price, and design options. Consumers should consider the advantages and disadvantages of both in relation to their own situation prior to making their buying decision.

Chris Stanley is a window treatments expert at Blinds Chalet. Blinds Chalet has over 25 years of experience in the window coverings industry and strives to educate consumers about purchasing and installing window shades before they buy. Focusing on high quality, company tested and approved window treatments at affordable prices, Blinds Chalet is a resource for all things window shades related.

During a recession there aren't many homeowners looking to make big financial purchases. Even those consumers who had planned to upgrade their homes in the near future have typically changed their plans or made other plans.

To avoid further credit obligations most homeowners are sticking it out in their current residences. And on top of that the current credit restrictions are guaranteeing that a large portion of Americans are sticking it out in their current residences. They'd have a hard time getting credit approval for another home purchase.

So when homeowners are planning to move into a larger home in the near future and those plans change...what do they do instead? Many turn to their current residence and give it further attention. For instance, many look to update blinds and shades in their residence. Blinds and shades updating can effectively alter the entire look and feel of a home nearly instantaneously.

Drastic change and affordable pricing makes updating blinds and shades the perfect home improvement. It adds value to the home, increases the safety of the home (due to recent increases in safety regulations in the industry).

Blinds and shades inventories have drastically increased in recent years as manufacturers rose to the challenge presented so consumers looking for blinds and shades will be pleasantly surprised when they look through current inventories. Some basics to consider prior to purchase are:

1. Faux vs. wood is often an argument, but it really shouldn't be. It's basic. Faux products are better for kitchens and bathrooms because they handle moisture well. Wood adds warmth to a room and they're also stronger and lighter which makes them a better choice for many even though they don't handle moisture well.

2. Energy savings products decrease the carbon footprints in almost any household. The monthly savings achieved through decreased energy usage typically pay for the cost of the blinds and shades within several months to a year. So they're not only desirable for their green advantages, but for the cost effectiveness.

3. Blinds and shades are a fantastic home improvement: They are much more cost effective in comparison to other home improvements. They provide a high level of change at a low cost. The installation of blinds and shades are a universal value adder to any property.

Installation of any newer blinds and shades products will often result in making a more energy efficient home due to the advances in design and manufacturing processes that have been implemented in recent years. And during a recession anything that is more energy efficient is desirable because of the money saving aspect of the benefit.

Chris Stanley is a window treatments expert at Blinds Chalet. Blinds Chalet has over 25 years of experience in the window coverings industry and strives to educate consumers about purchasing and installing window blinds before they buy. Focusing on high quality, company tested and approved window treatments at affordable prices, Blinds Chalet is a resource for all things window blinds related.

Everyone agrees that roman blinds are a popular choice in the window covering industry. The popularity of roman blinds is due almost strictly to its numerous design advantages.

Versatility means that roman blinds offer a wide number of combinations to provide the possibility to accommodate many design styles. They are actually seen as one of the most versatile products in the window covering industry. They offer a fabulous list of features that provide variations of design.

These design features that provide easy access to customization and change include:

1. Shaped fascias: all classic in design, but adding a slightly different touch depending upon consumer choice.

2. Borders. Borders can be simple or they can be made using a very detailed pattern.

3. Trimmings (this aspect of the design advantage of roman blinds makes many consumers giddy with its possibilities.) They provide the opportunity to add flair to a window easily.

4. Pipings can either provide the perfect subtle finish to the roman blinds or it can add a subtle addition of color.

5. Fabric combination offer almost endless possibilities due to custom opportunities and the wide differences in personal taste amongst shoppers.

The most basic feature is the shaped fascias. They are found at the bottom of roman blinds; two common (and popular) types of shaped fascias are colonial and zig zag. Children's rooms and bathrooms are a favorite for the zig zag shaped fascia. And the colonial shaped fascia is a very classic and classy option that can accent almost any room decor.

The borders are typically made up of unique, custom combination of patterns and colors that consumers can manipulate to suit their needs. The same possibilities exist with pipings and trims. Roman blinds offer myriad opportunities to customize and explore the possibilities.

There aren't many possibilities in the world of window coverings that offer more possibilities than roman blinds. They provide for all the basic needs that lead people to shop for window coverings. And then provide a wonderful array of additional design advantages that ensure that it will continue to gain popularity amongst shoppers.

Chris Stanley is a window treatments expert at Blinds Chalet. Blinds Chalet has over 25 years of experience in the window coverings industry and strives to educate consumers about purchasing and installing window blinds before they buy. Focusing on high quality, company tested and approved window treatments at affordable prices, Blinds Chalet is a resource for all things window blinds related.

Bamboo has been a staple element in interior design for years. The material is a basic in Asian design and art as well as being one of the mainstays in the modern minimalist design many covet. It has a unique ability to add elegance to any room. And one of the easiest ways to incorporate the popular material is through window coverings.

Bamboo blinds offer many unique design benefits. They lend elegance to almost any room decor. Their durability makes them reliable as they fulfill the functions of the traditional blind with little to no maintenance.

In addition, Bamboo blinds are eco-friendly. Many agree this is a big part of the natural ambience that bamboo blinds lend to a room. Green tendencies are growing in every industry, but in the window coverings industry it is more heavily valued than most since one of the main purposes of the window covering in general is to control light (and therefore heat) in and out of a home. The environmentally friendly are looking not only for products to decrease their energy use, but eco-friendly products made of natural materials.

The delicate look of bamboo blinds make them an appropriate accent for almost any design style. There are many aspects of the bamboo blind that make them one of the most popular choices in today's industry. Bamboo blinds are not only durable and versatile, but they are eco friendly and economically priced. Bamboo blinds meet the requirements of a large portion of blinds shoppers because of the wide variety of benefits and advantages that come with the products.

Since bamboo is such an eco-friendly material it's perfect for manufacturer's of window coverings. It is amazingly durable considering the delicacy of it general aesthetic look. It's also surprisingly resilient. It's able to endure lengthy exposure to sunlight (as is evidenced in its natural environment). And it provides the "natural" addition to the room that often requires live plants. With bamboo there's no watering or other care required. The natural element is almost maintenance free.

More and more bamboo based window covering products are added to popular window covering and blinds outlets' inventories. The popularity of bamboo blinds only serves as the demand manufacturer's need to incorporate the popular material into more and more product offerings. And the unique advantages and qualities will continue to lend force to the increased demand for bamboo window covering products.

Chris Stanley is a window treatments expert at Blinds Chalet. Blinds Chalet has more than 25 years of experience in the window coverings industry and strives to educate consumers about purchasing and installing window blinds before they buy. Focusing on high quality, company tested and approved window treatments at affordable prices, Blinds Chalet is a resource for all things window blinds related.