Bamboo Window Treatments

Bamboo window treatments are becoming more and more popular not only because they are simple yet attractive but also because of their eco-friendly and natural qualities. Their neutral tones blend well with any decor.

There is a technical difference between blinds and shades but the lines seem to be blurred when referring to those made with bamboo. Blinds have individual slats that can be adjusted to control lighting whereas shades are one continuous piece that filters the light for the entire window.

Many people refer to them as bamboo window shades (which would be correct since they are one continuous piece) but they are just as often called bamboo window blinds (which is understandable since there are individual slats although they cannot be controlled individually.) The terms are interchangeable and have no bearing on how they operate.

Bamboo has plenty of cultural symbolism although nowadays it is usually chosen for the look it creates. The Chinese believed it would bring long life while the Japanese used it in their temples to ward off the evil spirits. And in India bamboo simply symbolizes friendship.

Although they are called “bamboo,” these wood-like blinds are not always made out of bamboo. Many manufacturers will often use bamboo, rattan, reed, or faux wood and just call it bamboo. While this may seem a little deceptive, most people are more interested in the look that is created rather than the material used. As long as it is natural or appears natural, that will satisfy most buyers.

While you can find bamboo vertical blinds, the most common kind are the horizontal ones with the two main choices being Roman and roll up or roller shades.

Typical vinyl or wooden blinds will pull straight up with a cord but roll up blinds operate differently. Roller or roll up shades will do as the name implies … roll up, similar to how you would roll up a sleeping bag. If you are wanting a liner on your shades, you will not want the rollup kind since your liner will be (unattractively) visible when the blinds are up.

Bamboo roman shades, on the other hand, actually pull up in folds, similar to a wide horizontal pleat. These provide a more sophisticated look and can easily be lined without the lining being visible from inside your home.

A lining is optional for your bamboo shades but many homeowners prefer it as it provides a bit more privacy. While the slats for the most part lay comfortably against each other to provide a constant cover, usage of natural materials such as bamboo, reed or rattan will have slight inconsistencies which create tiny holes.

Depending on which room you have your bamboo blinds in, you can decide whether you feel a liner is necessary or not. The liner would also provide a little more filtering of sunlight making your room darker as if you were using blackout window shades.

Probably one of the most understated yet greatest time-saving advantages of using bamboo blinds is the fact that they are very low-maintenance. You can easily dust them with a feather or lambs wool duster or you can even carefully vacuum them with your duster attachment. And for a little deeper cleaning, just wipe them down with a damp cloth or use a little furniture polish.

A great way to bring some shade to your patio or sunroom is with outdoor bamboo shades. Sometimes referred to as plantation blinds, these bamboo roll up blinds are great for outside window coverings or hanging on your patio. Since they are relatively lightweight, they can be hung from most surfaces and the bamboo is thick enough to keep out the blinding afternoon sun and to reduce the accompanying heat.

Can’t you just picture in days of old, men dressed in white suits like Colonel Sanders and their ladies in frilly white dresses and parasols enjoying a Mint Julep or a glass of Sweet Tea on the veranda with the plantation shades down to keep out the afternoon heat.

(OK, back to the 21st Century …)

Whether inside or outside, bamboo blinds add a certain feel to the decor that appeals to homeowners and interior decorators worldwide. It is hazy and laid back yet has a certain cultural feel that vinyl blinds or fabric drapes just cannot emulate. And while the bamboo can be painted, the most popular choice of finish is just a simple varnish or light stain to preserve and highlight the natural colors.

An earthy tone yet classy enough for even your formal dining room, choose from either matchstick or woven blinds. With all the different hues and the naturally occurring irregularities in the grain, bamboo is versatile enough to incorporate into any decorating theme whether modern or traditional … allowing you to achieve a look that is exotic, rustic or just casual, depending on the shade of the wood and the design of the blinds.

Add some grace and character to any room or corner of a room and capitalize on the special lighting effects that bamboo blinds provide. With direct sunlight filtering through the tiny holes between the slats or a more muted lighting with a fabric backing, you can create virtually any look you want to with your bamboo window treatments.