The Correct Measuring Procedure In Choosing Bamboo Blinds

Bamboo blinds are blinds made up of stems of bamboos. They come in a variety of sizes, colors or stains, patterns and folding styles. Bamboo blinds are very much effective in covering your window but letting a little light to pass through. This type of blind is very ideal if you want to have a brighter room without people pacing outside seeing you in the inside. Not to mention the great tropical feeling bamboo blinds can give.

Bamboo blinds are done by means of cutting bamboo stems vertically forming long sticks when mounted horizontally. After the bamboos are cut into sticks they connected together by a string. The folding patter of the bamboo blinds is very different from the usual modern Venetian blinds.

There are two major folding styles of bamboo blinds. One is the roll-up. Roll-up bamboo blinds are quite easy mechanism than the other style. Literally, a roll-up bamboo style is rolled upward to let light pass through. The second folding style is the Roman Folding Style. Roman folding style of the bamboo blinds was taken from other drapery blinds. Roman folding style in bamboo blinds has vertical folding orientation.

When buying bamboo blinds the size of your window is a big thing to consider. The bigger the size the more costly you are going to pay for the bamboo blinds. If in case you have a small window and you wish to make it look like a big one, you can do it by measuring the outside mount of the window. The outside mount of the window is the farthest limit of the window which includes the vertical window stills. If in case you have a big or wide window and you want it to look like a small one or else spend a little if you prefer using a bamboo blind, you can do it by measuring the inside mount of the window. The inside mount of the window does not include the vertical still of the window.

The inside and the outside mounts are the things you have to consider in measuring your window for a bamboo blind. When measuring your window for a bamboo blind use the standard measuring unit or if not know first the unit being used by the company you intend to buy bamboo blinds. Think about what you want your window to look like if you install a bamboo blind. Do you want it to look like a big window or the other way around?

Make sure that when measuring you only give a little allowance on the size so that you may not be charged with any extra cost due to extra lengths out of wrong measurement.

Selecting New Bamboo Window Shades

Due to the flexible, eco friendly and easy to work with nature of bamboo, the wood can be transformed into several different bamboo window shade models. Each type of bamboo shade offers slightly different features, all with great style and a unique feel that other wood based shades cannot achieve. When looking into bamboo window shades, it is to first understand the details and dimensions of the windows that the shades will cover. Although the purpose of a set of window shades seems obvious, so do not effectively block out UV rays. Other shade models act more as a decoration piece than an energy saver or an efficient light blocking tool.

One variety of bamboo shades, the cellular shades, provides excellent UV protection. Several cellular models offer cordless systems, which in turn makes them more child safe. The purpose of the cell shaped pattern allows for maximum energy efficiency in rooms with large windows. The cell bamboo shades work to trap in heat during winter while keeping in the cool air during hot summer months. Bamboo can be stained and patterned into different shades, so choosing a matching option is not a difficult task. Most cellular patterns range from 50 to 100 dollars depending on the size of window that the shade will cover. In some cases, custom window shades can be cut to fit oblong or irregular shaped window designs, but custom always costs more than factory run offs.

Bamboo window shades can also be found in the Roman shade style. This design often offers less sun ray protection due to its overall style; the Roman shade looks like several small sticks horizontally or vertically stacked next to one another with very small gaps in between.

Several of these shade designs require the use of draw strings with attachments so that they can be neatly rolled up and down to a desired length. The shades work well in living rooms and kitchen spaces, but can match nearly any living space with the multiple color options available. Several designs have two tone color ways. Traditional Roman shade designs cost between 20 and 75 dollars, but some styles with modern twists and different patterns require more material and therefore cost between 75 and 150 dollars. Bamboo shades are bought and sold at home improvement retailers and online furnishing companies. Several companies began to introduce the bamboo products because of their cost effectiveness; bamboo grows extremely fast, making the wood a great renewable and reusable product.

Bamboo Blinds Installation and Care Instructions

Once the bamboo blinds arrive, you need to know how to install them properly. Then once they are installed, you will have to make some adjustments to get them to operate properly.


Adjusting Your New Blinds

• Yarn is used in the bamboo shades. It is flexible so you will need to adjust it slightly. Do this by pulling down on the short side to eliminate crooked blinds.

• If your blinds are not completely flat when in the lowered position, roll the shade tightly. Then twist the end of the rolls in opposite directions.

• If a strand of yarn comes out from the edge, you can cut it off with scissors without harming the strength of the blinds.


Operating Your Bamboo Blinds

Every bamboo shade has a locking mechanism to keep the shade in the desired position.

• Raise and lower the blinds by pulling the lift cord at an angle. A gentle pull will cause the bamboo shades to release and unroll.
• Locking the shade is done by pulling the lift cord at an angle outward.
• When blinds are in a bind, check the lift cords located under the valance.


Troubleshooting Problems with the Blinds

Sometimes people mistakenly think that slight imperfections and variations in color are flaws. This is not the case. Every bamboo shade is quite unique, adding to the beauty of the blinds. This is due to the natural materials used in making the blinds such as bamboo, rattan, jute, reeds, grasses, and woods.

• Problem - One side moves and the other side doesn't when pulling on cords.
- Solution - Run the loose draw cord through the shade's pulley mechanism and through the rings on the back of the blind. Then tie the cord to the bottom ring.

• Problem - The bamboo blinds are a tad shorter than the length you ordered.
- Solution - You can stretch the blinds a little by gently pulling on the bottom of the shade. This will get it back to the proper length and shape.

• Problem - The shades are uneven once you hang them up.
- Solution - Tap the edges with a ruler until they become even.


Cleaning your Bamboo Blinds

Cleaning your bamboo shades is a snap. All you really need to do is dust the blinds. You can do this with a soft cloth or with a vacuum. When vacuuming, you will want to use a brush attachment.

Wood On The Windows? Yes, With Bamboo Blinds

Many people think that bamboo blinds are only good for rooms with a certain design or furniture type, but the truth is that they are quite flexible. They are inexpensive, look great, and easy to install. Additionally they're a great choice for your home because of their beauty as well as their durability. They are generally more expensive than wooden blinds but many people think it looks much better than wooden.


Roll-up bamboo blinds are easier to function than the other style. Just like it sounds, a roll-up bamboo style is rolled upward to let light pass through. Even the best discounted, brand-name blinds are made from beautiful wood, bamboo, rattan, jute, grass and reeds. Also called bamboo shades, these blinds bring the beauty of nature indoors and provides insulation against the varying temperatures of heat and cold. Traditionally these blinds are popular among those who find an Oriental decor theme attractive, but they also appeals to many who like nature and consider themselves eco friendly.


The distinguished consumer has many options, including custom fit blinds and shades which are easily affordable starting from as little as $20 for the smallest windows but becoming more expensive as the size of the windows to cover increases. So you could perhaps be looking at somewhere in the region of $400 - $500 to cover something like double patio doors. Made from all natural materials, they come in a wide range of styles and shades which will compliment just about any room.


Interestingly enough, these blinds are made with a variety of grasses, jute and reeds which are woven in with the bamboo. Their colors can range right through from pale colored to very dark colored wood. As they are a natural product it's impossible to get them to match identically to the next shade, but this natural variation adds to their charm. If you want a truly natural finish then the edges can be left raw. Some people don't want to be scratched so they will edge them with some fabric tape for neatness.