Everything you wanted to know about Bamboo Blinds

rolling bamboo blinds with beautiful flowers outside
Source: Amazon

The Complete Bamboo Blinds FAQ

Privacy is extremely important to all of us. This is especially true in this crazy connected world we live in. People film anything and everything, all in the chase of the ever-out-of-reach likes and views.

That’s why it’s one of the biggest factors when it comes to choosing the right style of blinds for your house. Luckily for us, blinds made from bamboo easily fulfill this most basic of human needs — and then some!

What are bamboo blinds?

Blinds made completely out of bamboo are an increasingly popular product throughout North America. They’re eco-friendly eye-catchers that almost always garner comments from house guests.

They’re a great way to add a bit of a tropic feel to your living room or bedroom —  if that’s what you’re going for. Some people even use them outdoors as wind blockers on their patio fixtures.

They’re also economically priced for the most part, with many brands selling bamboo blinds between $30 to $60.

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Are bamboo blinds eco-friendly?

Absolutely! Bamboo is one of the most exciting materials in the new green age. More and more types of products are being released every month as designers are realizing how affordable and great for the environment these products are.

There are over 200 varieties of bamboo trees. But the main reason they’re considered a good material for products is because of their fast-paced growth.

The type of plant often used in manufacturing can completely regrow in less than 2 years! Compare this to 20–30 years for other species of trees and you start to get an idea why it’s considered to be so green.

Less time required to grow = Fewer natural forests chopped down for farmland

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Are bamboo blinds in style?

Designers are certainly coming around to the idea that more and more people want to add a form of natural warmth to their homes. And bamboo blinds are a perfectly subtle way to do just that!

Their natural design adds the perfect amount of texture to almost any room in the house. 

Gone are the days when a simple bland colored blind has to remind you of life’s lack of joy. Flavor it up with natural bamboo blinds which remind you of the outdoors, tropics, and adventure.

“Any designer will tell you that wood accents to add natural warmth to rooms and make them feel more inviting. For this reason, homeowners and designers are turning to bamboo and woven wood shades to give windows a textural feel. This popularity means what was once an expensive showroom exclusive is now a fraction of that price. But as woven wood shades make their way into the spotlight, many customers may wonder if they’re the right fit for their home’s style.

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Can bamboo blinds be cut to size?

Of course! The easiest way is to just order bamboo blinds in the proper custom size, but we don’t always measure correctly and they sometimes cost a bit more.

So save your money and cut them yourself.

If your blinds are too tall in height, all you’ll need is a tape measurer, some scissors, and a hot glue gun. (And the ability to tie your shoes.)

On the flip side, if you think your blinds are too wide for your window, you’ll need a tape measurer, pencil, and preferably a table saw. 

This guide gives specific instructions on how to trim down bamboo blinds in either case. 

Remember, measure twice, cut once! (Not your finger.)

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Can you paint bamboo blinds?

Although it’s not highly recommended, some people do paint their bamboo blinds at home.

It’s not their sketchy artwork that’s the problem either — it’s because the blinds may chip or flake over time as they’re retracted and unfurled over and over.

Some types of bamboo blinds also use treated wood that paint won’t stick to easily.

However, if you aren’t worried about either of those scenarios and you have a specific brand of bamboo that works well with painting — then go for it!

Here’s a quick guide on how to stencil or paint your bamboo blinds if that’s the case. Good luck!

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Are bamboo blinds waterproof?

Most varieties of bamboo blinds are indeed waterproof — as the natural climate they grow up in is super wet! The tropics aren’t usually known for their lack of rain, and that’s why so bamboo is such a popular building material there.

Keep in mind not every style of bamboo blinds will be waterproof — especially if the natural bark has been removed in the manufacturing. If you’re really unsure, just dabble some water on a sample and see if it’s absorbed or not. 

If the water is reflected and beads up — you’re good to go.

If you don’t have a sample on hand, try asking the manufacturer or retailer in their forums and FAQ’s.

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Can you see through bamboo blinds?

Even though bamboo blinds come in many different styles, most of them allow some amount of light to filter through. If that’s a big deal to you, don’t fret — you can modify them to become more private.

Some brands also sell specific bamboo blinds which are thicker and overlap more. These would be suitable for most people concerned about privacy. But just check the reviews to be sure! 

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How to make bamboo blinds more private?

If you already have a set of bamboo blinds and want to make them more private, people create something called a privacy liner which adds a secure extra layer to stop all light from going through.

The easiest way around this is of course to purchase bamboo blinds that already come with an attached privacy liner — or specifically state they are particularly made for extra privacy. But you already knew this, you bamboo lover, you.

In case you need to add one yourself, here’s an in-depth guide to walk you through the process. Note, it can take several hours depending on your skill and the size of the blinds.

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Can bamboo blinds be used outdoors?

Definitely. Since most types of bamboo blinds are naturally waterproof, you should be perfectly okay adding your new blinds to your patio fixtures. 

So don’t be shy when thinking you want to add a bit of a funky tiki-style to your backyard — that’s what they’re made for!

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How much are bamboo blinds?

Most brands of bamboo blinds are in the price range of $30 to $60. Of course, both cheaper and premium brands are available, but there’s no need to be so fancy (or cheap!).

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J.J. Pryor

Want to learn about other bamboo products? Check out our bamboo straws FAQ or our bamboo sheets FAQ.

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