10 Tips to Help You Buy Wood Blinds

1. Real vs. Faux

Before you get too involved, be sure you know right now there are blinds that are made of real wood ("wood blinds") and blinds that are not ("faux wood blinds"). Faux wood blinds save you money, but real wood blinds are -- well -- real.

2. Options Galore

Wood blinds are sold as custom items. As you wood blind shop, note there are tons of options -- sizes, stains, types of wood, the quality of mechanical parts used, etc. Like I said -- custom.

3. All Those Options Mean You Have Choices to Make

Of course, options can overwhelm. You will find you have a lot of choices to make. That said, do not worry. Some of the websites that sell wood blinds are excellent at guiding you through the process.

4. They Come In a Range of Prices

Most online wood blind sellers offer three price levels, usually based upon wood quality. The names of the levels vary a little, but are usually something like "Economy", "Premium", and "Executive".

5. Luxury Wood Blinds Are Available Online

Most folks who read this will be looking for quality, cheap blinds. That said, with all the options, you can design your own unique luxury blinds online. Luxury and exotic wood blinds can be found rather easily online.

6. Quality Cheap Wood Blinds Are Available, Too

If cheap is your price range, even in wood blinds it can be done. Just be sure to buy something that does not feel too cheap.

7. Did You Know about Tape?

Each piece of wood that performs the function of your blinds is called a "slat". To protect the ends of the slats from wear, there is tape. This is treated by manufacturers as another option. Is there basic tape? Yes. Is there premium tape? Oh, yes! And much to choose from in between.

8. Many Online Wood Blind Shops

While I have not sat and counted, I can tell you that there are several dozen online blind stores -- and some have great sites selling many quality lines of wood blinds.

9. Best Places to Buy Wood Blinds Online

For user-friendly sites and complete product lines, my favorites are BlindsGalore.com, SelectBlinds.com, BlindsChalet.com, and JustBlinds.com.

10. Alternatives to Wood Blinds for Green Living

With the above 9 tips taken into consideration, I really must tell you there is a "greener" way to block out light and maintain your home's privacy. While I like the look of wood blinds, a more sustainable natural crop used for making blinds is bamboo. Why? Trees are replenished in decades, while for bamboo it is a matter of months. If being green is important to you, go with bamboo.