I didn't know you could get 1 inch wood blinds. I thought wood blinds started at 2 inches. The sites I have reading say that the 2.5 inch blinds go well with plantation shutters, which to me means that they would have a richer look to them.

I don't see a problem with the mix of wood blinds and bamboo shades that you are considering.

The JCPenney outlet had wood blinds in both sizes, and also bamboo blinds. Does anyone know anything about bamboo for blinds? Is it as good, it comes in different stains.

Amy

I have the JCP 1" basswood blinds in white on every window in our house. They are excellent. I love the look of 2", but our old windows are not deep enough for them.

I also think your mix of blinds and shades would look good.

graywings, thank you...the Penneys site has 1" and 2" wood blinds, and also bamboo. I haven't seen 2.5". Can you explain how these go with the plantationshutters? Maybe someday we could consider replacing the blinds with shutters, a little at a time.

gsciencechick...thanks! I'm trying to decide between the basswood blinds and they also have bamboo. I am tending toward the thicker blinds. I wonder what the bamboo would be like though...do you have any curtains or valances in addition to your 1" basswood blinds? We would want to keep everything simple but downstairs I think maybe having a simple drape over the blinds might be a nice look, with a little more texture in the room.

Would love to hear more thoughts!

Amy

Amy, the horizontal slats in blinds and shutters make them a good match for adjoining rooms.

I haven't seen 2.5". Can you explain how these go with the plantation shutters?

Apparently the 2.5" vanes of the blinds are about the same size as the vanes on good plantation shutters. So if you were going to have a mix of plantation shutters and blinds and use them, say, on the front of the house, they would look more uniform from the outside.

Also, the larger the vane, the more light gets in when the blinds are open. When the vanes are open, they are parallel to one another and there is more space between 2 inch vanes than 1 inch vanes.

The wider slats look more contemporary than the traditional narrow ones. Especially as they're made in such a smooth wood/material and a polished finish these days. They give a whole different feel to a space than traditionals.

The very wide plantation shutters are reminiscent of the old homes down South, though, and tropical decor.

There is more view, light, and circulation with the wider ones also, as there are fewer slats obstructing when in an open position.

I have the 1" basswood in white from JCP and am very happy with the quality. I could only use 1" because my windows are not deep enough for the 2". If you have deep windows, I would definitly go with 2 or 2.5.

And you are right, JCP has some awesome sales on their blinds. I think mine were 50% off when I purchased.

Tuesday

No, we do not have any other curtains or valances. This was my compromise with DH. He hates curtains, and I told him we had to have good wood blinds if I'm forgoing anything else.

I think the main difference to consider is the 1" blind has alot more slats than the 2" blinds - well twice as many!

It's like a wood version of the metal mini blinds of the 80's.
Depending on the look you're after, the 1" blinds can be very attractive, but if you're drawn to plantation shutters where the slats are 2.5" apart, you might be disappointed with the 1" and looking through all those slats.

Oh yes, I would love plantation shutters, too, but we'd need a whole house full of windows.

I think the blinds could work with a valance. I just have the topper trim that came with them. All our windows are white, so it's a "clean" look I can live with.

I do know neighbors who used the 2" anyways, but it is obviously not flush.

Dang, I was thinking you were looking at shutters. Still, the blinds have a contemporary look. Larger slats are bolder, narrow ones a bit more busy. The extra light, circulation, and view are considerations.