5 Disadvantages Of Woven Shades: Are They Right For You?

Upgrading your current window coverings is one of the best ways to elevate your interior and give your home an updated look. 

Woven shades provide your home with brightness and warmth. They are a chic way to incorporate natural woods into your interior design and are available in various patterns, styles, and colors. 

But…

Before investing in any window covering, you want to know what some of the common disadvantages are. Then, you won’t feel let down or blindsided if you encounter these issues with your new woven shades. 

Blinded by Delight has helped thousands of San Antonio homeowners transform their homes with new blinds, shutters, woven shades, and more since 2004. 

We’re here to educate you on all you need to know about your new window coverings, from the good to the bad. 

5 Drawbacks Of Woven Shades

Like any window treatment option, Woven shades have their benefits and drawbacks. 

While woven shades are a popular choice for their natural and organic look, they do come with a few potential issues. 

Here are some of the biggest problems associated with woven shades.

1. They don’t offer the most light control or privacy

Woven shades are typically made from natural materials such as bamboo, grass, or reeds, which allow light to filter through. 

While this does create a warm and inviting ambiance, it may not provide the total light control you want or need.

Before choosing the right window treatment for you, consider your wants, goals, and needs for your home. How much light control do you want? How much privacy do you want? What do you want them to look like?

Outlining your goals before choosing a window covering will ensure you find the right solution for you and that you will get the most out of your investment. 

If you're looking for maximum privacy or room-darkening capabilities, woven shades may not be the ideal choice.

2. They aren’t the most insulating option

Woven shades generally offer limited insulation compared to other window treatments like cellular shades or curtains. 

The natural materials used may not provide the same level of thermal efficiency, which can result in heat loss during colder months and higher heat during hotter months. 

Other window treatment options, like solar shades or cellular shades, provide your home with maximum insulating capabilities. 

So, if energy efficiency is a top priority for your new window treatments, you may want to consider other window coverings that offer high insulation and protection from the sun. 

3. They can be susceptible to damage

The durability of woven shades, like any window covering, depends on how well it is made. The quality of the materials and construction directly correlates to the durability and longevity of the shades.

Natural fibers can be susceptible to higher wear and tear over time compared to other window covering options, especially if exposed to direct sunlight or high humidity. 

Direct sunlight can cause the fibers to fade quickly and become brittle. Paired with excess moisture and humidity, woven wood shades can warp, become misshapen, and also break. 

It's important to choose high-quality woven shades and ensure proper maintenance to ensure their longevity and get the most out of your new shades.

4. They can be difficult to clean 

With their textured and intricate patterns, woven shades can be challenging to clean. Dust and debris can accumulate and get stuck within the woven fibers, making it difficult to remove and clean them entirely. 

Vacuuming with a soft brush attachment or using a microfiber cloth can help to pick up dust and debris. 

Regular cleaning and maintenance are necessary to keep them looking good as new.

5. They can have limited design options

While woven shades offer a unique and natural aesthetic, they may not provide as many design options as other window treatments. 

The woven patterns and materials tend to have a specific style, which may not suit every interior. When designing your window shades, consider how you want them to look, function, and fit into your home.

If you're looking for more versatility in terms of colors, patterns, or fabric choices, other options like drapes or blinds might be more suitable.

Are Woven Shades Right For You?

Now that you know the five common disadvantages of woven shades, you have a better understanding of if they are the right window treatment for you. 

Remember that these problems are not universal and may vary based on the specific brand, quality, and design of woven shades. 

Woven shades offer a unique style that elevates your home’s interior and brings a natural look to your windows. However, they may not be the right window treatment for everyone. 

• If you’re looking for a stylish window treatment option to enhance your windows and provide you with shade and privacy, then woven shades may be the right option for you. 
• If you want new window coverings that offer maximum energy efficiency, privacy, and sun shade, then other treatments, like drapes or blinds, may be a better option. 

Before choosing a window treatment, it's important to research all your options and outline your wants, goals, and needs before moving forward with your project. 

Ready to upgrade your window coverings with high-quality shades, blinds, or shutters? Schedule your commitment-free consultation with Blinded by Delight today and get the look you love coming home to!