Blinds buying guide

Wood, aluminium or PVC?

Comparison between made-to-measure wooden, aluminium and PVC blindsMade-to-measure horizontal blinds are a popular choice for anyone looking for stylish window decoration with excellent control over light and privacy. But which blinds should you choose: wooden blinds, aluminium blinds or PVC blinds? That depends on the room, the look you want, your budget, the technical possibilities and the level of maintenance convenience you are looking for.

Looking for a warm and luxurious feel? Then made-to-measure wooden blinds are often the most beautiful option. Prefer a sleek, modern, low-maintenance and technically versatile solution? Then aluminium blinds are usually ideal. Looking for a more budget-friendly alternative with a wood-look finish? Then PVC blinds are well worth considering.

In this guide, you will discover the differences, advantages and best applications of each material.

Each material has its own strengths in terms of appearance, maintenance, moisture resistance, weight and technical suitability. That is why it is smart to look not only at the visual style, but also at the room and the type of window.

What is the difference between wooden, aluminium and PVC blinds?

The biggest difference lies in the material, and that immediately determines the appearance, the weight, the stack size when raised, the moisture resistance, the maximum dimensions per system, the price, the maintenance and the visual impact of dust depending on the finish.

Wooden blinds

Wooden blinds have a natural, warm and premium appearance. They fit perfectly in living rooms, bedrooms and interiors where atmosphere and finish matter. Wood is also more insulating than aluminium and generally looks softer and less reflective.

Aluminium blinds

Aluminium blinds look sleek, lightweight and modern. They are highly practical, durable and easy to clean. Thanks to their low weight, they are also technically interesting for larger windows and situations where a compact stack is important.

PVC blinds

PVC blinds combine an affordable price with a look that often resembles wood. They are interesting for anyone who wants a warm wood-look finish without the price level of real wood.

When is it best to choose wooden blinds?

Wooden blinds in a warm bathroom

Made-to-measure wooden blinds are especially suitable when appearance, atmosphere and natural materials come first.

  • warm and natural look
  • luxurious appearance
  • more insulating than aluminium
  • softer, less reflective look
  • perfect for living spaces
  • timeless and decorative
  • easy to combine with modern and classic interiors

Wood is less suitable in damp areas or in places where it may come into direct contact with water or heavy condensation. In a well-ventilated bathroom, however, wooden blinds can certainly be used.

When is it best to choose aluminium blinds?

Aluminium blinds on a large modern window

Made-to-measure aluminium blinds are ideal if you are mainly looking for practicality, clean lines, compactness and easy maintenance.

  • sleek and modern appearance
  • lightweight
  • easy to clean
  • suitable for humid spaces
  • available in many colours and slat widths
  • technically suitable for larger surfaces
  • more compact stack size when raised
  • particularly practical where there is limited space above the window

Because aluminium is lighter than PVC and wood, aluminium blinds can often cover larger surfaces in one single system. For example, 50 mm aluminium blinds can go up to 4 metres wide and 4 metres high, always taking into account the maximum permitted surface area per system.

When is it best to choose PVC blinds?

White made-to-measure PVC blinds

PVC blinds are interesting for anyone looking for an affordable solution with a warm appearance.

  • more affordable than wood
  • often available in wood-look finishes
  • easy to maintain
  • excellent value for money

An important point to keep in mind is the higher weight of PVC. This means PVC blinds are less suitable for large windows or wide surfaces in one single system. They are also generally less suitable for conservatories or very warm rooms, because PVC is more sensitive to high temperatures and major temperature fluctuations.

Which blinds are best for humid spaces?

Blinds in a modern bathroom

For humid spaces such as a bathroom or kitchen, aluminium blinds are usually the safest choice. They are more resistant to moisture, easy to maintain and technically very practical.

Wooden blinds can still be used in a bathroom, provided the room is properly ventilated. They are mainly less suitable in areas with a lot of moisture or where they may come into direct contact with water or heavy condensation, such as above a bath, near a shower or above a sink.

Which blinds are best for large windows?

For large windows, weight, operation, stack size and maximum dimensions per system all play an important role. Aluminium blinds are often the most practical choice for larger windows thanks to their low weight. Wood can also be suitable in many situations, but with larger dimensions more attention must be paid to weight and operation. Because of its higher weight, PVC reaches its technical limits sooner, which means splitting the window covering into several systems is more often necessary.

Which blinds take up the least space when raised?

Compact stack size of aluminium blinds

If you are looking for blinds that take up as little space as possible when raised, aluminium is often the smartest choice. Aluminium blinds generally have a smaller stack size than wooden or PVC blinds. This means they take up less space above the window when the blind is fully raised.

Which blinds are easiest to maintain?

If ease of maintenance is your priority, aluminium blinds usually come out on top. The finish also plays a role: matt aluminium slats generally show dust and fingerprints less quickly than glossy slats.

With wooden blinds, the finish also makes a difference. A matt wooden slat with visible grain will usually show dust less quickly than a smoother, more uniform or shinier finish.

Comparison: wood, aluminium or PVC

Material Strengths Points to consider
Wood warm, luxurious, more insulating, softer appearance more expensive, larger stack size
Aluminium lightweight, compact, moisture-resistant, suitable for large surfaces cooler appearance, glossy finishes show dust more quickly
PVC budget-friendly, wood-look finish, easy maintenance heavier, more limited for large windows, more sensitive to heat

Conclusion: which blinds should you choose?

There is no one-size-fits-all solution. The best choice depends on your room, your style, your budget and your technical requirements.

  • Choose wooden blinds for warmth, a premium appearance and a more natural, more insulating character
  • Choose aluminium blinds for practicality, moisture resistance, larger windows and a compact stack
  • Choose PVC blinds for a more budget-friendly solution with a warm look, especially for small to medium-sized windows