Plastic-free and sustainability are popular words nowadays. There’s no escaping the fact that we are constantly being encouraged to think of the planet in all the life choices we make. There’s no reason then, not to try and do your bit when purchasing items for your home. The official definition of the word sustainable is “the ability of something to be used without being used up or destroyed; methods that do not use up or destroy natural resources; able to last for a very long time”. In other words, choosing something that is sustainable will mean you can cherish it and make it last long into the future. Wood is one material that has become popular once again. It wasn’t so long ago that it was a material very much out of favour. However, it is enjoying a revival, especially with our current abhorrence of all things plastic. If you’re wondering how you can do your bit and bring more natural wood products into your home, this article is for you. It will provide you with an understanding of the benefits of this beautiful, elegant, luxurious, and most importantly, sustainable material.
The Benefits of Using Wood in Your Home
Wood has a certain natural beauty and elegance we all appreciate, and it is something that cannot be copied, no matter how hard we try. In fact, every single piece of wood is totally unique. There will be no other piece like it, and it’s one particular feature we struggle to replicate. Many of the imitation wood materials available look very similar, with the patterns and colours looking exactly alike. Natural wood, on the other hand, will have its own individual grain and the colour will vary, even though the difference may be very slight.
Research has also shown that the beauty of wood makes us feel a certain way. We feel a connection and attraction to the array of materials that come from the natural world. However, there are plenty of other benefits worth mentioning. For example:
- It is easy to work with
- Adds value to your home, as well as improving kerb appeal
- Suits both traditional and modern living spaces
- Natural beauty
So why should we continue to choose wood for our home decor? We explore more below:
Wood is an Eco-Friendly Material
Wood is by far an eco-friendlier material than plastic, steel or aluminium. We are very conscious of the impact our lifestyles have on the planet and wood is now seen as a sustainable alternative. Using it in the construction of homes and buildings, as well as for fittings such as windows and doors, is becoming a popular choice for building designers. Using wood for window treatments such as blinds, shades and shutters means you’re using a material that can be grown, cut, and regrown time and time again. There are many types of wood which are fast growing, and suppliers are working hard to ensure they have replanting and forestry management plans in place.
Different Types of Natural Wood Products You Can Add to Your Home
There are many different wooden products you can easily bring into your home. Adding accent wooden walls behind your bed, for example, will add a spiritual simplicity to an often-overlooked space. The most obvious way to add a touch of wood to a room, however, is with items of furniture. Wooden flooring is becoming a very popular improvement homeowners are choosing to make, as the allure of carpets is waning. If you want to make a statement, natural wood window shades are worth considering, and the benefits are many. Choosing a natural product for your home such as stylish plantation wooden shutters, will benefit your bank balance, the style of your home and save energy.
The Benefits of Wooden Window Treatments
If you want to add shutters to your home, there are a few decisions you’ll need to make. Style, colour and detailing are a few examples. However, before you start thinking about these, you need to decide on the material. While plastic shutters may have been popular for many years, nowadays, more homeowners are choosing to adorn their windows with sleek natural wood treatments. There are many reasons why, which are outlined below:
Wooden Window Treatments are Gentle on Your Bank Balance
Plastic shutters and shades are the most obvious choice if you’re trying to save the pennies, although this only applies in the short term. While you may save on the cost initially, in the long run, wood works out to be the more cost-effective option. One reason for this is that wood is a natural material which is extremely durable, making it water and stain resistant, meaning you’ll need to replace plastic treatments long before any wooden ones.
Wood is a Durable Material
As mentioned above, if you choose to install plastic blinds, they will very quickly lose their like-new appearance, thanks to scratches, dents and other wear issues. As well as protecting your home from the worst of the weather, wood window treatments will be far more durable. To keep them looking their best will only require a new coat of paint or stain every now and again. Unlike blinds and curtains, a quick wipe down with a damp cloth will remove any build-up of dust, making this stylish option a great choice for anyone with a dust allergy.
Insulation from Sound as well as Heat
Wooden shutters provide occupants with a high level of sound insulation. When they are closed, they provide an excellent barrier between the inside and outside of your home. If you live in a busy area, this is an obvious plus, blocking out the noise from traffic and passers-by. It makes them perfect for bedrooms which face the street. However, shutters also provide excellent thermal insulation. If you’re concerned about the size of your energy bill, wooden shutters will keep your home warm in the winter and cool in the summer.
Extra Privacy Compared with Curtains
Compared with curtains or blinds, wooden shutters provide residents with an increased amount of privacy. Curtains and blinds can either be open or shut. Wooden shutters, on the other hand, can be adjusted using the louvres, to let in light while making no compromise on privacy. The sunlight can shine in while any prying eyes are shut out. If you live alongside a busy thoroughfare, shutters will be ideal.
Keep Out Those Damaging UV Rays
The sun doesn’t shine too often in the UK. So, when it does, you really don’t want to be forced to shut it out altogether. UV rays, however, can be very damaging. Not just for the occupants but for furniture, carpets and other furnishings too. The louvres in certain types of wooden shutter can be angled, rather than shut completely. This allows occupants to control how much light gets into a room. The sun’s rays can also be very damaging for the shutters themselves. Thankfully, most top quality wooden treatments will have a UV-protective layer to protect them from the sun.
Deter the Burglars Out and Keep Your Possessions Safe Inside
It’s a sad fact that burglaries affect hundreds of families in the UK every year, but installing shutters in your home will increase your security. The view of anyone looking into your home will be restricted, making it difficult for them to see whether someone is at home. A would-be intruder will walk on by if they can’t be certain the property is unoccupied.
Shutters Can be Made to Measure
It is easy for wooden shutters to be customised to fit the style of the interior and exterior of your home. Available in a wide range of styles, designs and shapes, they can be made especially to fit your unique windows, whatever size and shape they may be. If you have circular windows, shutters can be created perfectly to fit them. Furthermore, if you can’t find a wood finish that suits your needs, there is always the option of painting them to match or contrast the colour scheme of your room or the exterior of your home.
Increase the Kerb Appeal of Your Home
You may not want to sell your any time in the future, but should you change your mind, wooden shutters will be a big attraction for prospective buyers, adding to your home’s kerb appeal. Installing wooden shutters will add character and style to your home, and they will be one of the first things any potential purchasers see when coming to visit. As well as increasing the chances of a sale, they add value to your property, increasing the likelihood of receiving a higher price for your well-loved abode.
In Conclusion
As you can now appreciate, there are many good reasons why you should include more natural wood products in your home. Using such a sustainable material means you’re doing your bit for the environment, while your health and wellbeing benefit too. When it comes to choosing window treatments, picking such a beautiful and natural material will add to the aesthetics and style of your home in a positive way. All different types of rooms can be transformed by the simple addition of wood shutters or shades. As well as changing the look and feel of a room or your home, they add value and increase security. The investment in such a window treatment may be a large one to begin with, but the return will be huge. They are long lasting, easy to maintain, versatile and energy saving.
I really love the vibe wood decorations bring. I also love having wood flooring for I think it brings elegance to the room. Great points you have there! Cheers! 🙂