Blinds are available in many different styles. Most preferred today seems to be the 2" inch premium wood blind in standard routed construction. Routed construction indicates the slats each have small holes in them to allow for the operating cord. Routeless is also an option. With routeless construction the holes in each slat are eliminated. The tilting and lifting operation are controlled by the strings on the room side and street side of the slats.

 

The elimination of the holes will also remove a little more light penetration therefore allowing a little more privacy as well. These options are available most often in 2 inch and 2 ½ inch only. Generally, 1 inch blinds are not offered route less. A somewhat out of date method to provide the same effect is cloth tape.

 

Cloth tape covers the cord controls where holes in the slats would be; therefore, also eliminating light and allowing for more privacy. Though not as popular as it once was, cloth tape seems to be showing some signs of trend building once again.

 

Another style choice is the type of material. Real premium wood is lighter for smoother operation and highly superior in stain display and choice variation. A bit higher in price, the premium wood is normally bass wood and is very elegant, warm and rich in color. Also wood is available in white.

 

Faux wood blinds are also available in routed and routeless depending on the type chosen. Faux woods come in stain colors and whites. This blind style is heavier than wood and not as delicate which makes it great for applications where bumps and bruises might be expected.

 

Faux wood blinds are available as 2 and 2 ½ inch widths. They come in custom made widths and heights or as cut downs (sometimes called express.) These latter versions are usually pre-made and trimmed to fit, also many times not offering as many color choices and or options. They can still be a great product depending upon the application of the blind.

 

The 1 inch blind: still a favorite for doors and some windows that may not have the 3" depth needed for most 2 and 2 ½ inch blinds recess. The 1 inch wood blind is not available in cloth tape or route less construction, rather the normal and still most desired route construction.  1 inch blinds can be purchased in local stores as vinyl and or aluminum which are nice, but I strongly suggest consideration of the wood type for that certain rich elegance required by many discerning home owners.

 

Faux is fabulous, but wood is wonderful. Either way you are certain to find great blind styles from the selections available today.