Natural Woven Shades

Aug 3
3 min read

Your windows dressed in natural woven shades make a powerful impression on the overall look and feel of your home. Windows offer the outside world a sneak peek of the beauty that lies within. Also, they allow for a steady flow of natural light, illuminating your life’s most cherished moments.

Outdoor patio with white couches, wicker chairs, purple flowers on a table, and a tree in a pot. Beige brick walls in the background.

Although we would love to embrace that light all day, every day, it’s important to invest in window coverings. They protect our treasured possessions from the sun, and ensure our neighbors aren’t subjected to a daily peep show! Between drapery, shutters, and shades, there are a lot of options to choose from. Sometimes, it can be difficult to determine which is best. Fret not! MFI is here to help and we’re kicking things off with one of our favorites – natural woven shades!

A bright dining area with a glass table, four wicker chairs, and a leafy plant. Plates, glasses, bread, and cloths are set. Leafy wall decor.

We adore layering raw, organic textures, and incorporating window coverings with that same natural vibe is no exception! Plus, with one quick pull of a cord, your room will flood with all the natural light your heart desires. Wondering where to start? Keep scrolling!

THERE ARE MATERIALS APLENTY

Natural shades are available in all sorts of materials, including wood, bamboo, flax, and grasscloth, which means you’re gonna’ get customized texture that blends seamlessly into your home’s design. We also love that going au naturel means working with eco-friendly products, so we can all rest easy knowing that we’re doing our part to hug Mother Earth.

Cozy dining room with a rattan chair and glass table. Beige blinds cover a window with leafy view. Green vine wallpaper adds charm.

Added bonus? In addition to the wealth of textures you have to choose from, natural woven shades offer flexibility in color!

Grid of nine natural woven shades with varied textures and colors, labeled "Hampton," "Atlantique," and "Montauk" under each row.

HOW YOU MOUNT YOUR SHADES MATTERS

Before purchasing and installing your shades, be sure to consider how you want them mounted.

Cozy living room with a blue chair, striped cushion, wicker stool, and side table with a plant and lamp. Neutral tones and patterned art.

Inside Mount: An inside mount creates a seamless appeal, showcasing any intricate trimwork you may have on your windows while also allowing you to hang drapery above your shades with ease.

A beige woven window blind partially covers a sunlit window with a leafy pattern on white walls. A chain is used to adjust the blind.

Outside Mount: Opt for an outside mount if you plan to forego drapery and want your shades to take center stage!

NATURAL WOVEN SHADES STYLES VARY

When you’re shopping shades, it’s smart to show up with a particular style in mind. And, depending on who you’re ordering with, you’ve got lots of options to choose from!

Six styles of window blinds in sketch form: Roller, Dual-Shade Roller, Dual-Shade Roman, Old, Traditional, and Classic, on a white background.

For our most recent Cali project, we worked with The Shade Store to select a highly functional roller shade that feels clean and architecturally streamlined:

Beige window shades partially drawn, with leafy wallpaper on walls. Outside, lush greenery surrounds a visible pool area, creating a serene mood.

We love how this particular style rolls up completely behind the headrail!

You can also opt for a more classic pleated style like the roman shades below. They offer a fuller look while still managing to feel tailored and clean.

Bright living room with a gray sofa and striped ottoman. A wooden table with flowers, white armchair, large windows, and ocean photo decor.

NATURAL WOVEN SHADES CAN BE LINED

Natural shades are amazing for their ability to serve up privacy while still allowing for a steady stream of natural light, but there are times when all of that flowing light isn’t entirely practical. For instance, in your bedroom. For areas that you prefer to keep moody, request that your shade expert add a lining to the back of your window treatment.

With lining:

Bright bedroom with white walls and curtains, a large bed with striped pillows, a wooden desk, chair, lamp, greenery, and a wicker basket.

Sans lining:

Modern living room with a gray sofa, brown chairs, and a woven chair. A vibrant abstract painting adorns the wall, creating a cozy feel.

YOU CAN CUSTOMIZE THE DETAILS

You have a few more options when it comes to customizing your shades. The first being the selection of a continuous cord loop versus a cord lock (also known as a drawstring or cord pull):

Two window treatments compare Continuous Cord Loop and Cord Lock shades in a sunlit room. A bar cart with bottles sits nearby. — Continuous Cord Loop Vs Cord Lock

Your cord selection is purely based on preference and it’s worth noting that those pulley systems have come a long way! Some people do share that the continuous cord loop is slightly smoother and easier to operate, making it a great option for spaces where shades get a lot of use. If you opt for a cord lock mechanism, the string can be safely tucked away using a cord cleat, which keeps the cord wrapped up tight so that a loop cannot be made.

Lastly, don’t forget to look up! Topping your shades with a decorative valance helps conceal the headrail for a classic look that can be implemented on an inside or outside mount.

Split image: Left shows a serene bathroom with a wooden stool and rustic decor; right displays a cozy room with purple flowers, lamps, and elegant furniture.

Loving the natural look as much as we are? Leave your thoughts below!