How to Choose the Perfect Hunter Douglas Blinds for Your Home
Investing in new blinds means balancing aesthetics, durability, maintenance, and budget. If you love the timeless elegance of wood blinds—but also want a practical, long-lasting product—you might be torn between Parkland® Wood Blinds (authentic hardwood) and EverWood® Alternative Wood Blinds (a high-quality faux wood). Both are top-tier lines from Hunter Douglas, each designed to offer a beautiful, functional, and customizable window solution. However, their differences in material, moisture resistance, weight, and finish can make one better suited for your specific needs.In this post, we’ll explore how Parkland® vs. EverWood® compare across technical specifications, performance factors, and design considerations, all drawn from the expertise of Normandeau Window Coverings. By the end, you’ll have a clear sense of which blinds fit your lifestyle—and how to approach selecting the ideal window coverings for your home.
1. Understanding the Materials
Parkland®: Real Hardwood Construction
EverWood®: Engineered Polystyrene Composite
Key Takeaway:
2. Performance Factors: Insulation, UV Resistance, & Durability
Insulation & Energy Efficiency
Both real wood and faux wood blinds create a layer of insulation when closed, helping regulate indoor temperatures. Real wood has a marginally better R-value, but the difference in everyday use is minimal. Properly tilted blinds in either material can block or admit sunlight as needed, providing energy savings.
UV Resistance & Fade Protection
Sunlight can cause color changes or fading over time, especially on cheaper blinds. Hunter Douglas tackles this issue with UV-stabilized finishes:
Moisture Resistance & Climate Suitability
One of the most significant contrasts between real wood and faux wood blinds is how they respond to humidity and temperature changes:
Overall Durability
Key Takeaway:
3. Maintenance & Care
Cleaning Parkland® (Real Wood)
Cleaning EverWood® (Faux Wood)
Key Takeaway:
4. Design & Aesthetics
Authentic Warmth vs. Modern Versatility
Color Consistency
Valances, Decorative Tapes & Slat Sizes
Mixing Parkland & EverWood
It’s common to install Parkland® blinds in main living areas (where humidity is low and the luxurious feel of real wood is most appreciated) and EverWood® blinds in bathrooms, kitchens, or laundry rooms (where moisture can threaten wood). You can coordinate colors so the entire home maintains a cohesive look, even though you’re using two different materials.
Key Takeaway:
5. Common Pitfalls & Myths
“Faux wood always looks cheap.”
“Real wood is too delicate.”
“Faux wood always yellows.”
“Real wood blinds are best in every scenario.”
“They’re all the same; just pick by price.”
6. Technical & Functional Considerations
Weight & Operation
Lifespan & Warranties
Both lines come with Hunter Douglas’s limited lifetime warranty, covering defects in materials or workmanship. EverWood’s Performance Plus™ guarantee specifically protects against yellowing, warping, and fading, demonstrating strong confidence in the faux material. Meanwhile, Parkland’s hardwood is also covered if defects appear—but keep in mind that misuse, water damage, or improper installation could void any manufacturer’s warranty.
Light Control & Privacy
Parkland® and EverWood® blinds provide comparable light control and privacy. You can tilt the slats to manage incoming light or raise them completely. For even better light blocking, consider the de-Light™ feature, which eliminates standard route holes through each slat, reducing light leakage.
Key Takeaway:
7. Ideal Room-by-Room Applications
Living Rooms & Dining Rooms
Bedrooms
Kitchens & Bathrooms
Sunrooms & Coastal Areas
Children’s Rooms or High-Traffic Areas
8. Budget & Value
Real Wood Cost
Faux Wood Cost
Return on Investment
9. Frequently Asked Questions
It’s possible but not ideal. Even a well-ventilated bathroom still experiences significant humidity and steam, which may cause wood slats to warp over time. EverWood® is recommended for total peace of mind.
Yes. Hunter Douglas uses TruGrain® technology and advanced embossing methods for realistic patterns. Up close, you may notice slight differences, but many homeowners find EverWood® visually indistinguishable from wood.
One strategy is splitting a wide window into two or more blinds on a shared headrail. This eases lifting and also provides flexible light control. Parkland® blinds might be lighter, but you can manage EverWood® blinds similarly by dividing wide openings.
Over extended periods, wood can develop a slight patina or lighten, but Hunter Douglas uses UV-resistant finishes that help preserve color. Rotating slat positions regularly and using drapery or shades in extremely sunny windows can also mitigate fading.
Yes. Both lines support Hunter Douglas motorized lift systems, letting you control your blinds via remote, smart app, or voice commands.
10. Making Your Decision: Parkland® or EverWood®?
When deciding which is best for your home, consider these guiding questions:
What is the humidity level in the room?
Do you prefer the unique character of natural grain?
Will you open and close the blinds often?
What’s your budget?
Do you have children or pets?
In many cases, the solution is not strictly either/or. For example, you might choose Parkland® in your formal living spaces and EverWood® in your bathrooms and kitchen, uniting the home’s look with matching or complementary finishes. With the guidance of a knowledgeable dealer like Normandeau, you can find color and style consistency across both product lines.
Ready to Transform Your Windows?
Selecting between Parkland® and EverWood® can be challenging when you’re balancing style, function, and budget. Normandeau Window Coverings offers:
By carefully evaluating your environment, design preferences, and budget, you’ll be well on your way to choosing the ideal blinds for your space. Both Parkland® and EverWood® offer genuine style and performance—so no matter which you select, you’re investing in the quality and innovation Hunter Douglas is known for.
Contact Normandeau Window Coverings today to explore Parkland® Wood Blinds and EverWood® Alternative Wood Blinds in person. Our experienced team will guide you through every detail—from color selection to professional installation—ensuring you get the perfect blend of style, durability, and convenience in your home.
