Since the green movement, the natural looking home, and the advances in the patterns and weaves, woven shades no longer give the feel of just a tropical environment but serve as a stand alone treatment for any type of décor

Woven shades are economical and environment friendly while controlling light intensity and heat as well. They are made of natural materials like bamboo, thin wooden planks, straws, grass, jutes, rattan, reeds and matchsticks which are later woven together to form a large sheet.

Historically, woven shades were used in Asia, either to cover an entrance or to separate private rooms of males and females. Poor people in the absence of the door will use a large bamboo or a reed shade to place it as a “door” to their house. Depending on the thickness of the shade, they can be completely opaque, semi-transparent or translucent.

Natural materials used in Natural Woven Shades provide interesting and unique colors, textures and overall design. Variations and visual inconsistencies make every woven shade unique; therefore no two shades will look exactly the same.

People choose these shades because it looks great, relatively easy to maintain, durable, natural and sustainable. The shades can be pulled from top to bottom and vice versa. They are also available as woven roller shades.

Let’s look at the most popular four natural materials included under the Woven Shades category.

1. Bamboo which is also used as furniture is eco friendly and generally more dirt resistant, opaque, and good for the environment. Bamboo is a native plant of Asia; they are sturdy and have been used for a long time in Asian households.

2. Rattan is a type of a wicker, is popular too and comes in second to the bamboo. Rattan is typically used in furniture making, so if anyone wants to complete a rattan furniture set, the rattan shades are a plus. Rattan is a plant found commonly in Africa and Asia. In comparison to bamboo, they have really strong stems so they can be considered as durable shades. They are also available in many colors.

3. Reed shades offer more of a ‘tropical paradise’ look. Reed plants are grown near the marshes and have long sturdy stems. Their typical color unlike bamboo is brown and if anyone wants to have shiny looking woven shades, reed is a good choice.

4. Grass woven shades are a great choice if anyone wants a unique natural texture and translucency into the room with a view. Although delicate, these shades are durable and create a timeless

In the old days, the downside of woven shades used to be the limited sizes they came in. Now, you can order custom sizes to fit any window. Specialty shapes are even an option to fit arched windows. Light-filtering and darkening privacy liners can also be attached to the backs of shades. You’ll have to pay a bit more, but you can better control how much light you let in a room and increase your privacy.