Wood Blinds are the ideal window treatment to achieve a premium look with maximum versatility. But window blinds can be pricey, especially when opting for real over faux wood blinds. This article will help you gauge how much money you might spend on a wood venetian blind from a reliable company, and how much your personal customizations will increase the price.
What are Wood Blinds?
The timeless appeal of natural wood makes these blinds a classic choice that never goes out of style. Every setting is possible; lowered and closed for a warm and private feel, tilted open for light and view, or raised for an unobstructed landscape. The ability to raise the blind completely gives it an advantage over a window shutter, and the view through capabilities while lowered can’t be matched by any shade. The organic characteristics of real wood, like wavy and straight grains, unique knots, and mineral marks, all combine to make your blinds one of a kind.
How Much Will I Spend?
The four manufacturers we have chosen to examine have provided quality, premium blinds to the Upstate of South Carolina for years.
Alta: Wood Blinds, Base Model, Tilt Wand and Cord Lift:
- Single Window (36x60, 2” slat) price range: $300 - $350,
- Double Window (72x60, 2” slat) price range: $650 - $700
Lafayette: Heartland WoodsR Wood Blinds, Base Model, Tilt Wand and Cord Lift
- Single Window (36x60, 2” slat) approximate price: $300
- Double Window (72x60, 2” slat) approximate price: $500
Hunter Douglas: ParklandR Wood Blinds, Base Model, Tilt Wand and Cordless lift
- Single Window (36x60, 2” slat) price range: $300 – $350
- Double Window (72x60, 2” slat) price range: $550 - $650
Norman: SmartPrivacyR NormandyR Wood Blinds, Base Model, Tilt Wand and Cordless Lift
- Single Window (36x60, 2” slat) approximate price: $400
- Double Window (72x60, 2” slat) approximate price: $750
How Can I Customize My Wood Blinds?
Colors and Stains: Each manufacturer listed above has priced their blinds according to the stain, finish, or paint options that they offer. However, some of these companies have extra charges for other options. Norman has a 20% surcharge for certain designer colors, and a 50% surcharge for their line of elite ‘OSMO’ stains.
Valance/headrail: Most companies will include a standard valance with the base model of their blind. Norman, however, offers their sleek headrail design in place of a valance.
Decorative Tape: Decorative tape is the ideal way to embellish your solid wood blinds. The design of the room can be amplified by choosing a tape that coordinates with other fabrics in the room, adding a fabric touch if there are mostly hard surfaces in the room, or merely drawing more attention to the blind itself. The color or pattern choice determines the cost, ranging from $50 - $100 per blind. Hunter Douglas handles this slightly differently with a 20% surcharge per blind.
Slat Size: Wood blinds are typically offered with two slat sizes, 2 inch and 2 ½ inch. Alta is the only exception of our four examples, offering a 2 3/8s inch option. While Norman’s price ranges remain consistent for both 2 and 2 ½ inch slats, Alta, Lafayette, and Hunter Douglas have separate price charts for the larger slat size. For instance, a single 36x60 window blind with 2 inch slats from Hunter Douglas is around $300, or you could get their same blind with 2 ½ inch slats for $400.
Cordless: To get rid of the cord lift and tidy up the appearance of the window blind, cordless lift is the way to go. Cordless is also safer for children. For Hunter Douglas and Norman, cordless lift is included with their standard blind. But for manufacturers like Alta and Lafayette a surcharge of $100 - $150 per blind will apply.
Motorization: Tilt only motorization is available if you’re looking for quick and simple adjustment capabilities. The price range is $300 - $800 per blind based on the system and motor chosen. The system most often chosen by homeowners is an “rechargeable battery motor,” typically sold for $450 - $600. Norman is the only company of the four mentioned above that does not offer any motorization options.
Specialty Shape: Lafayette and Hunter Douglas have non-operable options for unusually shaped windows like arches, cut-outs, bays, or windows with an angled top. Depending on the custom shape, Lafayette charges anywhere from $350 to $600 for a 36” wide window, while Hunter Douglas charges $450 - $1,100 for a 36” wide window. Norman and Alta do not advertise specialty shape options.
Real wood blinds are beautiful, unique window blinds that pair well with a curtain. The variety of colors presents you with plenty of options for your space, from rich stains and finishes that showcase the natural grain of the wood to crisp white slats. We hope that this article has been useful and informative as you decide on what is best for your home.