Can You See Through Bamboo Blinds?

Bamboo blinds are affordable, eco-friendly and easy to install, which is why they’ve gained in popularity in recent years. If you’ve never had bamboo blinds before, you might have some questions about bamboo blinds and how they work. Below, we answer the most common FAQs about them, from “Can you see through bamboo blinds?” to “How do you clean bamboo blinds?”

Can you see through bamboo blinds?

Yes, you can partially see through bamboo blinds. How much you can see through them will depend on the exact style. Some woven wooden shades let in more light than others. Bamboo shades offer a certain level of privacy during the day when closed, but they become more see-through at night when occupants are backlit. If you want to make your blinds less see-through, you can use privacy liners or blackout liners. Privacy liners will keep people from seeing into your home but will still let some light through. Blackout liners block out the most light and are an especially good choice for bedrooms.

Are cordless bamboo blinds available?

Yes, you can get cordless bamboo blinds. In fact, cordless bamboo blinds are the most popular style of woven wooden shades. The blinds can be raised and lowered using a discrete loop attached to the back of the blinds. If you’re tired of dealing with tangled cords on blinds, a cordless model could be an excellent solution for your house.

Are bamboo blinds water-resistant?

Because bamboo grows in tropical environments, it does well in humid rooms. If you need blinds for your bathroom, bamboo is a great option to consider. Bamboo’s tolerance of wet environments is also why it’s a popular choice for garden screens and other outdoor uses. Be sure to confirm whether or not the bamboo has been treated with any stains or varnishes that might make it more or less resistant to water.

Is there a difference between bamboo blinds and woven wooden shades?

Woven wooden shades are made from many different kinds of wood, including bamboo as well as jute, rattan, reeds and grasses. Some of these woven wooden blinds may also mix bamboo fibers with those of other plants. If you’re specifically looking for blinds that are 100 percent bamboo, make sure you read the product description carefully before ordering. Different colors of woven wooden shades may be made from different colors of wood to achieve different hues. Because they are all natural materials, the color can vary from dye lot to dye lot, so if you need to get a lot of blinds, it’s best to order them all at once to ensure color uniformity.

How far above the window should I hang bamboo blinds?

Bamboo blinds can be mounted inside or outside the window frame. If you choose to mount them outside the window frame, you can choose to hang them right above the window frame, or further above it. Many people like to hang their blinds six to 12 inches above the window frame for two reasons: 1) it gives the illusion of taller windows; and 2) when the blinds are fully rolled up, they rest on the wall instead of the window and don’t block any light. There’s no right or wrong answer to this question, but this is something to keep in mind as you decide where to mount your blinds.

Do bamboo blinds shed?

Certain kinds of wooden blinds may shed a bit, especially when they are first unwrapped and installed. This is a more common issue with the rattan style of woven blinds as opposed to the bamboo slat style. Gently vacuuming your bamboo blinds with a brush attachment or a hand vacuum will suck up any loose fibers and take care of shedding.

How do you clean bamboo blinds?

Cleaning bamboo blinds is very easy, thanks to their rolled design. Fully extend the blinds so they hang flat and then dust them to remove any loose debris. If you have a lot of dirt accumulated on them, you should vacuum them as well, using a hand vacuum or a duster attachment on a regular vacuum. Spray a rag or paper towel with a cleaning solution and gently wipe down the front and back of the blinds. If moisture still remains, go back over the blinds with a dry cloth to remove excess water. Cleaning your blinds a couple of times a month will keep them in good shape and make them much easier to clean.

If you’re in the market for new blinds, switching to bamboo blinds will upgrade your look in a sustainable way. Shop our collection of woven wooden shades today.