• 
  Types of Wood Blinds
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  Stains and Finishes
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  Maintenance and Durability
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  Light Control
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  Manufacturers
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  Slat Sizes
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  Choosing Slat Sizes
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  Slat Designs
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  Rout Options
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  Cloth Tapes
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  Control Options
  
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  Full Grain vs Wood Stains

Stains and Finishes for Wood Blinds

Although traditional genuine wood blinds generally don't require any type of stain or finish, wood blinds constructed of American hardwood (like basswood or aspen) can be painted or stained to match almost any décor. Keep in mind that not all wood blinds need a finish and you'll want to browse samples of woods and stains prior to making a definite decision.

In general, wood blinds come in four basic colors, stain and finish options:

• Genuine Wood – no stain or finish due to the natural beauty of the wood blinds
• Stained Finish – staining some woods to appear darker than their natural color
• Sandblasted Finish – a rugged finish that brings out the grain
• Painted Finish – choose from a variety of colors that match your décor.

If you've saved up the money for real, genuine wood blinds you may not want to stain or finish them at all. These genuine wood blinds are usually made of naturally colorful woods like cherry, ash, oak, or maple and requires no special finish or stain. These wood blinds are generally more expensive due to the quality of wood required, but they are an amazing addition to any room. If you are looking for the “real thing”, you may want to opt for the genuine wood blinds and treat yourself to the warm glow of real wood.

Most wood blinds, however, are actually stained wood made to resemble the more expensive grains of oak or cherry. Most American hardwood wood blinds come with options to stain them to appear darker and bring out the grain. Some manufacturers even let you match the stain of your wood blind finish to any existing wood in your room. This gives you the option of really tailoring your window treatments to meet your exact needs. Although they are generally less expensive than genuine wood blinds, stained wood blinds cost more than painted finish, but the natural grains and warmth can be worth the price.

Sandblasted wood blinds give you just one more option to bring out the natural beauty of the grain. Although wood stains often accent the existing grain and highlight the beauty of your wood blinds, sandblasted finishes can give you just one more layer of texture and elegance, emphasizing the richness of the natural wood grains.

Although many people love the look of real wood blinds, a huge number of homeowners opt for painted wood blinds. This option combines the look and feel of traditional wood blinds with the color options available in other window treatments. Most manufacturers offer a wide range of color choices, offering everything from white to reds to blues and greens. Painted wood blinds let you tailor your blinds to the exact color requirements of your room décor, giving you the warmth and aesthetics of real wood, but blending it with your own personal style.