Bamboo Window Blinds Are Beautiful and "Green"

There is a lot of attention being given to the issue of global warming and it has spurred many people to become "green" and be more environmentally conscious in the choices they make in selecting materials for their homes. This has created somewhat of a trend, making bamboo window blinds a new favorite of many.

Bamboo blinds can bring an unique air of freshness into the decor scheme of any room and are a great way to bring the outdoors inside. With natural materials and organic lines of nature, and the warm glow of the light honey colored tone of the bamboo, comes the reflex to relax and enjoy the surroundings.

Bamboo has a long tradition of being used as privacy screens in different Asian cultures and has been used for hundreds and hundreds of years in ceremonial uses as well. In the Asian way of life, bamboo is often referred to in a metaphor for flexibility and strength.

Bamboo is considered to be such an environmentally friendly choice because it is a grass that grows rapidly. This means that whatever is used is quite quickly replaced, even within one growing season for the smaller reeds that are used. For people who are increasingly uncomfortable with the idea of cutting down slow growing hardwood trees for the purpose of decoration, or who don't like the idea of materials such as vinyl in their homes, their bamboo window blinds are a viable alternative.

Most bamboo shades and blinds are made with a combination of materials that include reeds, other grasses, jute and even hand-spun flax or linens. The combination of materials and the density of the weave will determine how much light is let through these shades. A loose weave allows a good amount of light in, but still provides for privacy, while a tight weave can almost provide complete passage of light.

Bamboo shades can also be lined, which adds additional ability to control the light. An interesting combination is a loose weave to the woven wood blind which allows light in, but then using a light colored liner to provide complete privacy while allowing the light around the bamboo to glow softly and and warmth to the room.

While most of these shades come in the light golden tan color of dried bamboo, there are color variations available that run the spectrum from very light tan to a deep burnt-wood color. Most bamboo blinds have a fairly finished edge to them, but if you are looking for an even more organic look you can select the blinds that have ragged edges.

For the most part, bamboo blinds either roll up or fold up to allow in light or to take in the view. The roll shade simple draws up, either by tugging to release the spring loaded mechanism that raises the shade, or with a cord.
The style that folds to open is operated by cord and when retracted showed folded layers at the top of the window that looks like a valance, and this gives a more finished look to the room.

Bamboo window blinds are easy to care for as well as attractive, affordable and environmentally friendly, making them an excellent choice for many window treatment needs.