Bamboo blinds (shutters, floor, painted, sand)

[gypsyjudy]

We just moved into a new house - a spec home. The floors are a wide plank wood in espresso. I am having a really hard time deciding what kind of blinds to use in the house. My husband wants 2.5 inch traditional wood (white to match the trim). I want bamboo because we have had them before, and I really like them. In my previous house my bamboo blinds matched the color of the wood floors. In this house I am scared it will look too dark and too heavy, but I really don't have a clue what to use. It's a very traditional house with a European flair on the outside. Kitchen(white cabinets)/family/dining room are one large space with quite a few windows. I would be so grateful if anyone could give me some suggestions, as I am stumped on this one! Many thanks!

[Seguinite]

If the bamboo is light brown, I think it would make an attractive contrast to the white trim and darker floors.

[K'ledgeBldr]

By the description of the house, I would go with the white wood blinds- or better yet, plantation shutters.

I guess the real question is do you follow form or function(?).

[Lodestar 77]

I just had Silhoutte and Nantucket blinds from Hunter Douglas installed in my home and they really look nice. I first saw this style blind at a big box store (HD) and was impressed as I had never seen anything like them before. They are soft vanes "sandwiched" between a sheer fabric. You can choose the color you want.

I went with Hunter Douglas because I wanted THEM to do the whole thing, from measuring to installing. A "one-stop" experience. With the big box store (HD) they would sub contract the installation, don't know who would have measured, etc. If anything went wrong I wanted one company responsible.

These are the last window treatments I'm ever going to purchase, and I am very pleased. Worth every penny, IMO.

[Corn-fused]

I would go with white blinds but that is just me. I know that white is not for everyone especially to keep clean if you have a lot of windows.

If your walls are light enough (white or eggshell) then these would look nice:
https://www.google.com/search?q=bamb...6JLxBZN0hYNPM:

Here's a sample with dark wood floors with matching dark blinds. I would think that it would be much too dark though if your walls were anything but white/eggshell. I would suggest also keeping your furniture and area rugs in mostly lighter colors using darker accents/accessories throughout with the dark blinds/floors especially, as you stated, that there are lots of windows.
.https://www.google.com/search?q=bamb...Qr1q6C-F-Uq-M:

Another sample with a lighter shade of brown with the dark floors which would definitely work:
https://www.google.com/search?q=bamb...X5ludn8Jr7qhM:

[nuts2uiam]

While I understand the dilemma, I too, would go with white. I fear too many different wood tones would throw off the overall look. I wish I could honestly say I would like the dark tone of the floor for the blinds, but I agree, it would be a very dark look.

[gentlearts]

You can get very light woven wood shades, or even white, if you think you would like them better.
I have used the white silhouette shades in a bedroom before and I like them very much. They are very good for privacy, yet let the light in.

As someone mentioned, the function comes first as the determining factor....how much light blocking, and how much privacy is required in each instance?

[gypsyjudy]

Thanks for the input. It's very helpful! To answer a few questions: Form and function are important. We live on a larger lot backing up to trees, so privacy is not hugely important. The walls are a light beige (builder beige). The common area will probably stay that color, and the rest of the rooms will be repainted to match our bedding, etc. I am leaning towards the white (actually off white since the woodwork is off white) blinds now. My biggest concern is obstructing the view with the white shutter style blinds. We (finally) have a nice view, so I don't want to obstruct it. Also the dining room is off the front porch (we use it for a homeschooling room), so it is a little dark. I am wondering if the white wood blinds would make the room darker, too. This is very helpful, so thanks for replying!

[Corn-fused]

Originally Posted by gypsyjudy

Thanks for the input. It's very helpful! To answer a few questions: Form and function are important. We live on a larger lot backing up to trees, so privacy is not hugely important. The walls are a light beige (builder beige). The common area will probably stay that color, and the rest of the rooms will be repainted to match our bedding, etc. I am leaning towards the white (actually off white since the woodwork is off white) blinds now. My biggest concern is obstructing the view with the white shutter style blinds. We (finally) have a nice view, so I don't want to obstruct it. Also the dining room is off the front porch (we use it for a homeschooling room), so it is a little dark. I am wondering if the white wood blinds would make the room darker, too. This is very helpful, so thanks for replying!

Do you have any pics of the rooms and your living room furniture perhaps? That would help. And also, do you have a link or pics of the wood "shutter style" blinds you have in mind?

[gypsyjudy]

Originally Posted by Corn-fused

Do you have any pics of the rooms and your living room furniture perhaps? That would help. And also, do you have a link or pics of the wood "shutter style" blinds you have in mind?

I will have to get that.......good idea..... Just give me until after lunch....