CONGRATULATIONS on your new home! Exciting, I know. Remember this rule, and yes it is a rule: The WIDER the slat , the BETTER the view. If you would like to see the view of outside better, buy the 2-1/2". There is just a slight difference, but I assure you, you would see the difference if you had the 2 blinds/sizes held up next to each other. I just ordered new faux wood blinds (and faux is a very good choice; I have had both). I wanted the 2-1/2" slat but I also wanted the decorator's cloth tape, but alas, the fabricators STILL don't make cloth tapes to accommodate the blinds with 2-1/2" slats. If cloth tape is not an issue, I recommend the 2-1/2" slat. Whether I have a view or not, I like seeing more light and nature. Hope this helps

You should talk to a local flooring expert. I was going to go with a 5" plank in our lower level and they talked me out of it because it's too dry here (which causes shrinking etc) and because it isn't as flexible in earth quakes. They sell anything, but don't recommend anything above 4" wide and really push you to 3. Its not a sales issue, they will pull out sample pics to share showing why NOT to use it. It's such an issue here, they would sell me the 5" but wouldn't warrenty it.

Well, I finally did it.....I actually ordered the darn thing. It will arrive in about a month. Ended up going with a two inch top. My husband broke down and built a prototype so I could really get the look and feel of this thing. He made it to size and even painted it a dark brown. Started out with a 2-1/2" version and it just felt too tall for me functionally...it looked good, though. He whacked off some boards from the bottom and it was then 2". We both agreed that this height was better. Moral of the story, so wish we had done this prototype weeks ago. It made all the difference in helping me make my decision. I'm not good at visualizing. Our island is very small so it wasn't that big a deal to make the prototype. I encourage any of you out there to do the same if at all possible.

I'd go for the 2". If you go with 1", you're going to have a lot of "lines" with all those windows.