Cheap Wooden Blinds - Worth It Or Better To Spend The Extra?

With the current recession many of us are feeling cautious about spending on anything we don't see as essential, or making what you could describe as 'investment purchases'. When it comes to window fittings though, is it worth going for cheap wooden blinds or should you spend a little more and invest in a slightly better quality product?

At the end of the day a cheap blind will do the job if all you want is something to cover the window quickly. You can find a range of options in your local diy store, many home stores or a variety of high street retailers who stock home ware. These are all off the shelf sizes, and if they stock a size suitable for your window you may be able to achieve the functionality you require. However, few people find exactly the size they need as surprisingly windows vary greatly in size and shape. Many end up with several blinds across larger windows, or with gaps either side that need to be covered with decorative curtains.

If you are willing to spend a little more rather than buying cheap wooden blinds you can have something that is made to measure and will fit your window perfectly. This gives a more professional and finished look to the window, with no need for drapes to cover up gaps.

Operational quality can be an issue in cheap blinds, as the components controlling the blinds tilt and raise may be very basic, leading to strings getting caught or fraying affecting the blinds ability to raise or lower. A more expensive item usually uses higher quality parts which will last longer and operate more smoothly. If you are unlikely to alter the position of the blind or raise it other than to clean the window, this may not be a concern and an off the shelf product may be adequate for your needs. If you are using something for long term this may also affect your choice, whereas if you are merely adding a blind to finish a room to sell, and it is for appearance only, you may want to go for the cheaper option as you will not have to worry about its durability.

Slat appearance in cheap wooden blinds may affect choice, as they may not be made of real wood and their ability to 'fake it' may not create the look you desire. By spending a little more you can find blinds with quality wooden slats made in a range of woods. The type of wood may be affected by the size of blind you require, as a good quality wooden blind will use a light wood with an even grain.

In cheaper products the slat closure may not be as close as in a better quality wooden blinds, and some wooden blinds now have a option for slats with no strings between them resulting in less light intruding through the slats. Finally it is also worth considering guarantee's, as a more expensive product is likely to have a guarantee that will include replacement parts, collection and redelivery. While cheap wooden blinds might seem like a good choice it's always worth considering whether your budget may stretch to something that will give you quality and durability.