• 
  Types of Wood Blinds
• 
  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
• 
  Slat Designs
• 
  Rout Options
• 
  Cloth Tapes
• 
  Control Options
  
• 
  Full Grain vs Wood Stains

Slat Designs for Wood Blinds

Wood blinds come in a variety of slat widths that can accommodate any room or home décor. Manufacturers also make wood blinds with slats of various thicknesses and styles in order to better control light or preserve views.

Keep in mind that, unlike faux wood blinds, wood blinds come in styles that are consistent with the grain and style of the wood and are therefore limited in slat shapes. There are, however, a few different styles that give you flexibility in light control and aesthetics.

Most wood blinds come with slats that are either flat or slightly curved. These styles most closely resemble traditional wood blinds and shutters and help maintain the look and appeal associated with real wood window coverings. Although flat slats can still allow some light to seep through, curved slats helps bend the light down so that it does not interfere with normal activities or work. It can, however, cause unwanted light lines when the blinds are tilted shut. As a result, some manufacturers have created wood blinds slats that maximize light control while minimizing privacy.

Since wood blinds are made out of entirely natural material, there is some restriction as to how much the blinds can be shaped or bent to completely block light. Most curved wood blinds slats fit against one another to prevent any light from penetrating into the room when the blinds are tilted shut. Although some people like this look, others prefer slat designs that not only retain the look of traditional blinds and shutters, but also help maximize light control.

One such slat design uses a thinner edge on both the inner and outer side of the blind. When the wood blinds slats are tilted shut these thinner edges let less light through than traditional thick slats.

Other shapes, like those with notches that run horizontally along the slats, help lock the wood blinds slats together, maximizing light control under most conditions. Others use thinner slats to help preserve views when slats are tilted open and reduce light leakage when tilted shut.