It’s all the rage in home design right now…earthy, organic fibers. We call them woven woods, but you probably know them as bamboo shades. These natural window coverings bring texture, warmth and visual interest to your home, with woven patterns that filter light and create a distinctive look at the window.
But are bamboo shades and woven wood shades the same thing? While the names are often used interchangeably, not every woven wood shade is made entirely of bamboo. Natural woven shades can feature combinations of bamboo, grasses, reeds and wood, with each material creating its own unique character.
The Balance of Trending & Timeless
While the “woven” look of organic fibers is certainly trending, don’t let the word “trend” scare you. Bamboo shades have become a staple of home design, weaving themselves (pun intended) through the hottest style statements for years now. They effortlessly style farmhouse looks, eclectic decor, modern rustic, contemporary casual…and so many more.
As with everything in the home design realm, they’ve evolved. Years ago, woven woods were more commonly known as matchstick blinds. It’s through the evolution of design that new elements have been added, with different materials, colors and textures introduced. If you love the look of natural fibers, explore our Provenance® Woven Wood Shades collection to see how these textures can be customized for your home.
Bamboo shades traditionally have a soft, folding appearance similar to Roman shades. Today, woven textures can also be found in other window covering styles. For example, the Alustra® Collection offers distinctive woven and textured materials in select Roman and roller shade styles.
What Are Bamboo Shades Made From?
Reeds, grasses, woods and bamboo can all be used in the process of crafting natural woven shades. It’s those combinations of fibers, along with the specialty techniques used to weave the patterning, that create such unique designs.
Some woven materials feature narrow, closely arranged fibers for a more uniform appearance. Others combine fibers of different widths, colors and textures to create a more dimensional look. Even the openness of the weave can influence how sunlight filters into a room. Because these materials come from nature, variations in color, grain and texture are part of their charm. It’s what makes natural woven shades feel so distinctive compared with more uniform fabrics.
How Do Bamboo Shades Filter Light?
One of the most beautiful features of bamboo shades is the way natural light interacts with the woven materials. Depending on the fibers and the openness of the weave, sunlight can filter through the shade, highlighting its texture and creating a warm, inviting atmosphere. A more open weave can allow additional light and visibility through the material, while a tighter weave may provide greater coverage. The effect can vary throughout the day as sunlight changes.
It’s important to consider privacy, too. An unlined woven shade may allow silhouettes or visibility through the material, particularly when interior lights are on at night.
What About the Liners?
Many homeowners appreciate having liners on woven shades. These can provide additional light control and privacy while allowing the natural texture of the front shade to remain the focus.
Light-filtering liners soften incoming sunlight and provide additional coverage. Room-darkening liners reduce more incoming light, making them a useful consideration for bedrooms and other spaces where privacy is important.
Depending on the shade collection and configuration, liners may be attached or designed to operate separately. This gives homeowners more flexibility in balancing natural light with privacy.
Styling Natural Woven Shades in Your Home
One of the reasons bamboo shades have remained so popular is their ability to complement so many decorating styles. Natural woven textures can soften contemporary interiors, add warmth to minimalist spaces and bring an organic element into more traditional rooms.
Consider the overall atmosphere you want to create:
- Modern and contemporary: Choose refined weaves and neutral colors to complement clean lines and simple furnishings.
- Coastal and casual: Light natural fibers pair beautifully with soft colors, airy fabrics and relaxed interiors.
- Farmhouse and rustic: Textured woven materials add warmth and character alongside wood furniture and natural finishes.
- Eclectic spaces: Distinctive patterns and deeper woven colors can become an interesting design element at the window.
The beauty of woven shades is that they don’t have to match every other material in the room. Their natural texture can provide contrast while still feeling connected to the overall design.
More to Love About the Woven Look
Let’s talk about one of the lesser-known advantages of decorating with woven textures: they can create a cohesive look throughout your home without making every window look exactly the same.
Natural woven materials can be used to complement other window treatments, including drapery and fabric shades. For example, you might choose woven shades for a living room where natural texture is the focus, then coordinate with soft fabric treatments in an adjoining bedroom.
And don’t overlook the effect of how shades are positioned at the window. Different shade styles and operating options can influence where light enters the room and how much privacy you maintain.
In this bedroom, the shades are lowered from the top, allowing light to enter near the ceiling while keeping much of the window covered. It’s a beautiful example of balancing natural light and privacy.
Choosing Bamboo Shades for Your Home
When selecting natural woven shades, start with the look and feel you want to achieve. Do you prefer a light, airy weave or something with deeper color and more pronounced texture? Are you hoping to softly filter sunlight, or is privacy your biggest concern?
Consider how the shades will coordinate with the surrounding furniture, fabrics and finishes. Looking at material samples in your own space can help you see how natural fibers respond to changing light throughout the day.
If you’re ready to explore specific products, our Provenance® Woven Wood Shades collection offers natural woven materials with options for light control, privacy and customization.
Do You Want to Get the Look?
The Skyline Window Coverings team would love to show you more about bringing woven textures into your home. Whether you visit one of our showrooms or invite us into your home for a complimentary design consultation, you’ll see the materials up close and discover which colors, textures and styles are your favorites. Get in touch with us today!
