Using Bamboo Blinds

Looking for a new, easy and cost effective way to decorate your home? Natural, elegant bamboo blinds may be the answer for you. In oriental cultures, bamboo was historically used in doorways and windows to allow cool breezes into the house with a modicum of privacy. The Chinese believed that the bamboo brought long life, and in Japanese culture it was believed to ward off evil spirits. Today, bamboo provides a classic style statement that creates an eco-friendly ambience that works well with almost any decor inside or outside - from the kitchen to the bathroom to the patio. Depending on the type of blind, color, and texture, they blend well with any scheme from exotic to rustic. As a decorating statement, the use of bamboo blinds to create a natural, eclectic look is growing in popularity.

When choosing bamboo blinds for various locations in your home, one should consider where they are going to be installed. Bamboo blinds can be easily installed practically anywhere and are low maintenance and easy to clean. They come in many colors and textures to match decor and color schemes in any room. Some of the styles of blinds are: roller bamboo blinds, Roman bamboo blinds, and regular bamboo blinds. Rollers are the old standard and are generally less expensive. These are easily installed and are great for family rooms or casual environments.

Roman bamboo blinds (pictured to the right) are a newer vogue and are slightly more expensive than rollers. They may also need to be specially made for your windows. They can range from extremely casual to more elegant styles. This type is more suitable for a more formal installment.

"Regular", or more traditional, bamboo blinds generally come in two types. The first is woven wood on slats. These are more rustic and are not as popular as other styles – wonderful for kitchens and bathrooms. The second style is the regular slatted type of blinds. These may be quite expensive but add an elegant look to any room.

Since you want your blinds to fit in perfectly with your decor, you must carefully consider what type and style of blind you need to complement your decorating scheme. If you are considering blinds for the bedroom, you might want to take into consideration that natural light comes through the majority of bamboo blinds. The solution is to use a blackout liner to keep out the light. If installing in the kitchen or bathroom, you should purchase blinds that are specially treated against moisture; otherwise you will shorten the life of your blinds. For living rooms and family rooms one should consider that bamboo blinds are not efficient at keeping out noise. Again, a liner will solve that problem.

When you are considering bamboo blinds for your home, thought should be given to the overall effect you are trying to accomplish. Two specific things to keep in mind are how you plan on installing the blinds, and the color they will come in. If mounting the blinds on the outside of the frame, one should remember that this will create a gap that allows light in to the room. Again, a blackout curtain helps here. Inside mounts will enable the blinds to sit flush with the edge of your window frames with no need for a liner.

Most stores that sell blinds offer a sampling of color, types, and styles. This allows the consumer to experiment with the blinds before buying. Carefully examine the quality of the blinds, are they well made? Do they rise and fall easily? Do they hang straight? Can the cords be on either side? Are the cords sturdy and durable? Can you have the blinds customized to fit your windows? If you have to customize your blinds, how long will it take to order them? If you are going to use them outside, are they moisture resistant? Is the store cost competitive? (On the subject of price, if you are looking for a cheap window blinds option, bamboo blinds may not be for you. They are not always super expensive, but plastic or metal blinds could definitely save you some money.)

In addition to their many indoor uses, bamboo blinds are also becoming a popular choice for decorating patios. They are an easy and elegant way to close in your patio or outdoor room. These outdoor bamboo blinds come in a variety of styles and designs. Matchstick mesh is cool and allows breezes to easily pass through.

Another simple treatment that is extremely versatile is woven bamboo blinds that combine flat and round bamboo in multiple sizes bound by intricate decorative threads. Woven patterns are diverse and can range from simple to ornate. These types of blinds are not light reducing thus they afford little privacy. If you desire privacy in your outdoor room, then blinds are not the logical choice. A more tightly woven product should be considered. An alternative is to use blackout liners along with the bamboo blinds.

Whatever your style or decor, the versatility of bamboo blinds brings a touch of the exotic East to your home. Lightweight, low maintenance and relatively inexpensive, bamboo is the eco-friendly alternative for hot summer days and nights.

For information on more home and garden topics,  check out the links to my other Hubs below.

• Heating pads guide
  
• Glass baby bottles and why they're important
  
• Decorating your home with exterior shutters
• Baby blankets