So what's the average lifespan of blinds? Blinds, like shades, need to be replaced every few years. Often, you'll see signs of wear and tear on your window treatments that are a good indication they need to be replaced. We recommend replacing them every 6-8 years to ensure proper safety and ease of use.
How Long Do Blinds Last? The average lifespan of window treatments is seven to eight years but homeowners may want to replace their blinds even before then. Otherwise, old and worn-out blinds in your Philadelphia home might become unsafe and unsightly.
For readymade faux wood blinds, their lifespan can range between 2-5 years but other than if the wood veneer itself is of a particularly poor quality and starts to peel or acquire damage, will tend to last 3-5 years before requiring replacement.
Both wood and faux wood blinds are perfect for homeowners who want natural, warm beauty in their window coverings. And while you can't go wrong with either type of blind when it comes to matching your home's décor and style, faux wood blinds are the way to go if you're looking for the utmost in durability.
Real wood is more expensive than faux or composite blinds but allows for excellent insulation, shielding from direct sunlight, as well as privacy. Harsh chemicals need to be avoided with real wood and these would definitely not be the choice above a bathtub or other high moisture area.
The mixture of the materials makes composite wood blinds lighter than faux wood blinds and even offers more insulation. Considerably less expensive than real wood, composite wood blinds provide a realistic wood appearance, giving your home that warm, classic look. They are also both fire and moisture-resistant.
Not if they're well made and hung correctly, no. Good quality made-to-measure faux-wood blinds won't sag, because they're designed and manufactured properly, with the appropriate number of brackets/supports provided to ensure that the blind is held safely in place and properly and evenly supported along its width.
While window treatments can help to add value to your home, there are some cases when the opposite holds true. If the blinds or shutters are outdated or in disrepair, that may end up lowering the value. Likewise, inexpensive plastic blinds purchased at hardware or home goods stores won't add anything to your home.
The short answer is: it depends! We recommend sticking to a common element in terms of color, fabric, or style. For example, if you want some blinds and some shutters, you could use the same color wood. For homes with varying styles in each room, you may want to focus on cohesion on a room-by-room basis instead.
If your window recess is very narrow (as per the table above) you might find that some styles of blinds won't fit snugly inside of the recess and will instead stick out into the room to a degree, in which case you'll almost certainly think they look better hung outside of the recess instead.
The national cost of new blinds (both the blinds themselves and installation) averages $700-771 for eight windows (a “full house” job); $200 to $1,330 is a typical range. But of course, you can spend less or (a lot) more, depending on the style, material, degree of customization and tech features.
The easiest way to maintain your blinds is to prevent them from getting too dirty in the first place. Clean your blinds regularly—every week or two is best—and the dust won't have a chance to build up, says Sara San Angelo, a professional housecleaner and founder of Confessions of a Cleaning Lady.
Older window treatments not only make your home look dated, but they're likely worn out and could be dangerous. Other than interior shutters, most window treatments only have a usable life of about 7 or 8 years, so it's probably time to upgrade yours.
'They are great at effectively getting dust off blinds and are a great substitute. ' Running a used dryer sheet over clean blind slats can also help keep them dust-free for longer, repelling a fresh covering, says Vera Peterson.
Real wood blinds have a finish that can become spotted if you use too much water. Rather, use Murphy's Oil Soap according to directions, or apply wood polish for a nice finishing shine.
The best thing to clean blinds with is a soft cloth or brush dampened in mild soap or wood conditioner mixed with warm water. You can also use a vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment to do a quick dusting. Finally, dry off each slat with a microfiber cloth to make sure they are streak-free.
Disadvantages of Faux Wood Blinds
Faux wood blinds are also not as durable or long-lasting as real wood. They may potentially chip, crack or stain easier than natural wood, making them less practical for homeowners who want to invest in window coverings that will last long term.
Thermal blinds can be extremely effective depending on the type of window and how they are installed and used. The blind will need to be down to be the most effective, so there are no gaps around the edges that lets the warm air escape.
The fabric selections will make your roller shades statement-worthy. They just have a more luxurious look and feel. However, vinyl is sometimes just more practical. If you plan to keep your roller shades in a high-traffic area where they will be likely to get dirty, then you should definitely choose vinyl over fabric.
Higher quality blinds are often more durable in comparison to cheap fabric or wooden ones, and are also less prone to wear and tear. Aluminium is a good choice in this respect, as it is resistant to rusting, cracking and corrosion. Quality aluminium blinds are constructed to last for many years.
Pros: The greatest appeal of faux wood blinds to any new home owner is of course less expensive price. You get to choose from durable blinds that come in many different styles without having to break the bank. Cons: The greatest con, however is that at the end of the day faux wood isn't as high quality as real wood.