When it comes to choosing wooden blinds, one common question that arises is: should you go for decorative tapes or stick with traditional strings (also known as ladder cords)? Each style offers unique benefits in terms of appearance, light control, durability, and maintenance. In this guide, we’ll break down the pros and cons of wooden blinds with tapes vs. string to help you make the best decision for your home.
What Are Wooden Blind Tapes and Strings?
Ladder Strings (Cords): These are the standard, discreet strings that hold the slats in place and allow you to tilt and raise/lower the blinds.
Tapes: These are wider, fabric strips that run vertically down the blinds, covering the ladder strings. They come in various colours and patterns, offering a decorative touch.
Wooden Blinds with Strings – The Classic Choice
✅ Pros of Ladder Strings
- Minimalist Look: Thin and subtle, strings blend into the blind slats, offering a clean and simple aesthetic.
- More Light Control: With less fabric, there are fewer light-blocking elements, allowing more natural light in when the blinds are open.
- Easier to Clean: Fewer surfaces and less fabric mean quicker dusting and maintenance.
- Generally More Affordable: Since they require fewer materials, blinds with strings are often cheaper than taped versions.
❌ Cons of Ladder Strings
- Visible Cords: While discreet, strings are still visible and may not appeal to those looking for a seamless design.
- Less Customisation: Ladder cords don’t add much to the style or décor and can’t be colour-matched like tapes.
Wooden Blinds with Tapes – A Stylish Upgrade
✅ Pros of Tapes
- Enhanced Aesthetic: Tapes add a tailored, luxury feel to wooden blinds and can be matched or contrasted to your slats or interior décor.
- Conceals the Strings: The tapes hide the ladder cords completely, offering a neater finish.
- Increased Privacy: Tapes can reduce light bleed through the gaps, making them ideal for bedrooms and living rooms.
❌ Cons of Tapes
- Can Block Light: The wider fabric strips can block more sunlight, even when the blinds are open.
- More Maintenance: Fabric tapes are prone to dust and may need extra cleaning compared to simple strings.
Higher Cost: Taped blinds are often considered a premium feature, making them a bit more expensive.
Which Style Should You Choose?
Choosing between tapes and strings ultimately comes down to your personal style, budget, and practical needs.
Choose Ladder Strings if you want a low-maintenance, minimalist blind that lets in plenty of light and keeps things simple.
Choose Ladder Tapes if you’re looking to add a bold, design-led element to your window, need more privacy, or want to match your blinds to other fabrics in the room.
In reality, both options are equally durable and functional — the decision really hinges on your preferences for style and performance.
Try Before You Buy – Make the Right Choice with Free Samples
We always recommend taking advantage of our free sample service before placing your order. You can request samples of both blind slats and tape colours, allowing you to mix and match combinations and see exactly how they’ll look in your own space. Seeing your chosen slats and tapes in natural light will give you a true sense of their texture and finish, helping you make a confident, informed decision, with no regrets later.
FAQs About Wooden Blinds with Tapes vs Strings
It depends on your priorities. Taped blinds offer a more decorative appearance and better privacy by covering the holes in each slat. However, blinds with strings are more minimal, let in more light, and are easier to clean. It’s a matter of style vs practicality.
Yes. Because the fabric tapes are wider than strings and cover the holes in the slats, they can slightly reduce the amount of light that enters a room—especially when compared to blinds with traditional ladder strings.
Yes. Since the tapes are made from fabric, they tend to collect dust more easily than strings and may require more careful cleaning. A gentle vacuum brush or fabric-safe wipe can help maintain them.
Absolutely. We offer a wide range of tape colours designed to either match or contrast with the slat colour. You can request free samples to see how different combinations look in your space.
Consider where the blinds are going and what matters most to you. If you want easy maintenance and lots of light, go with strings. If privacy, softness, or visual impact is more important, especially in bedrooms or lounges tapes are a great option.
Final Thoughts
So, tapes or strings — which one wins? There’s no universal answer, but understanding the pros and cons of both can help you choose the best wooden blind style for your space. While tapes deliver elegance and enhanced privacy, strings offer lightness, simplicity, and affordability.