We get it, with so many styles of shades available, making the right choice for your space can feel difficult.

Today, we’re going to address the differences between wood blinds and cellular shades, two very different styles of window treatment, so that you feel empowered to make a decision between the two. However, remember that as always, our team of Shade Gurus is here to help answer any questions specific to your space, or that we didn’t have a chance to address in this blog post. Let’s dive in. 

What are Wood Blinds? 

Wood blinds are window coverings made from, you guessed it, natural wood. Typically crafted from hardwoods like basswood, oak, or cherry, wood blinds consist of horizontal slats that can be tilted to control the amount of light and privacy in a room. The natural grain of the wood adds a rich texture that complements a variety of interior styles.

Pros and Cons of Wood Blinds

So, how do you know if wood blinds are right for you? Let’s start by looking at some of the pros and cons associated with the window treatment: 

Pros:

For boring and dull rooms where style is needed, wood blinds add an element of interest. Like our cellular window treatments, they can be adjusted based on your desired light and privacy preferences.

Cons:

The big issue with wood blinds is the fact that they are REALLY heavy. If they are placed on a large window, many of the wood blinds inner workings may break early because of the pressure of the weight. Another con to having wood blinds is the fact that they are “hard window treatments.” Hard window treatments don’t have much insulation as soft window treatments. If you reside in an area of the country that sees drastic changes in the weather, wood blinds might not be an economically viable option when it comes to efficiency.  

Product Comparison: Wood Blinds Vs. Cellular Shades

Woods Blinds

                                         Wood Blinds                                         Cellular Shades 

 Insulation Considered a hard window treatment, wood blinds offer little when it comes to insulation.  Our cellular shades are considered the best in the industry when it comes to insulation. They’ll help you save on your utility bills throughout the year!
Light Control Just lower and raise the wood blinds along with tilting the blinds to let the desired light enter into your home!  Choose between numerous lift and fabric options depending on what your light preferences are. Our shades are built for 100% light control!
Cleanability  While wood blinds are easy to clean, most darker stained wood blinds show more dust then other available window treatments.  Our cellular shades are very easy to clean. They are dust resistant and anti-static. They are also VERY easy to wash should you want to wash them. 
Installation  Because wood blinds are heavy, for larger windows they can be difficult to install.  Each order of our cellular shades comes with our easy to follow installation instructions. 
Hardware Hardware is dependent on the manufacturer. All hardware comes with your cellular shade order. 
Ideal Use For small untreated windows that need an extra dash style.  An added bonus is you’ll see an increase in energy efficiency in parts of the country with extreme temperatures!
Shade Operation Shade operates up and down with its cords. The veins are tiled to let the light in or out.  The shade operates up and down with a string or can be operated without a cord or via a remote. 
Shade Stack N/A   2″ – 3 1/4″
Durability  Due to their weight, they break wear down faster than most soft window treatments.  Because cellular shades are a soft window treatment, they are built to withstand the test of time and come backed behind our 10-year limited lifetime warranty.  
Energy Efficiency Wood blinds are less insulating than faux wood shutters but do still insulate naturally due to tiny air pockets within wood’s cellular structure. Wood can also stand the test of time and is less likely to become brittle under sun exposure. During the colder season, well-adjusted cellular shades can reduce heat loss through windows by 40% or more, which equates to about 20% heating energy savings. During the warmer season, cellular shades can reduce solar heat through windows by up to 80%, reducing the total solar gain to 15% or less.
Warranty  It’s dependent on the manufacturer of the wood blinds.  Our cellular shades come backed by our 10-year limited lifetime warranty!

What are Cellular Shades? 

Cellular shades, also known as honeycomb shades, are window treatments designed with a unique structure that resembles a honeycomb. They are made from multiple layers of fabric that form air pockets, providing excellent insulation all year ’round. These air pockets trap air in individual cells, creating a barrier between the window and the room, which helps regulate indoor temperatures and improve energy efficiency.

For more on cellular shades, be sure to check out our guide to the subject. 

Pros and Cons of Cellular Shades

Pros: 

Cellular shades are the perfect choice for homeowners seeking energy efficiency, style, and functionality. Their honeycomb design traps air within its cells, providing superior insulation that helps regulate indoor temperatures and leading to energy savings over time. Their multi-layered fabric also serves as a sound barrier, reducing noise and creating a quieter living environment. Available in a variety of colors and sizes, they can be customized to suit any space, and cordless or motorized options make them safe and easy to operate.

Cons: 

While cellular shades may carry a higher upfront cost compared to some other window treatments, their long-term energy savings and durability make them a smart investment for any eco-conscious homeowner. Though they may limit the view when fully lowered, the top-down/bottom-up feature provides a flexible solution for maintaining privacy while still enjoying natural light and outdoor views.

Wood Blinds or Cellular Shades?

With amazing insulating properties, its easy maintenance, its easy installation, and its durability, we believe that cellular shades outperform wood blinds. If you wish to learn more about our cellular window treatments, don’t hesitate to contact us!

Enjoy this post? Be sure to check out shades vs blinds for a similar comparison. 

 

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