When it comes to window treatments, faux wood blinds are a popular choice for many homeowners. They provide the look of real wood with the durability and affordability of synthetic materials.
Two of the top brands for faux wood blinds are Levolor and Allen and Roth. But which one is better? Here is an in-depth comparison of Levolor and Allen and Roth faux wood blinds.
| Feature | Levolor | Allen & Roth |
| Price | $$ | $ |
| Style Options | Wide range of colors and textures | More limited selection |
| Warranty | Lifetime limited | 1 year limited |
| Quality | Durable, smooth operation | Prone to warping/cracking |
| Installation | Usually easy DIY | Can be tricky DIY |
When shopping for faux wood blinds, price is often a major factor. Levolor blinds are generally more expensive than Allen and Roth blinds. With Levolor, expect to pay anywhere from $20-$100 per blind depending on size and features. Allen Roth blinds range from $10-$50.
While Levolor costs more upfront, the higher quality materials and lifetime warranty ensure the blinds will last for years to come. Allen Roth uses cheaper materials that tend to warp, crack and deteriorate faster.
Below is a more in-depth look at how Levolor and Allen and Roth faux wood blinds compare across some key factors:
One area where Levolor excels is in offering a wide selection of colors, textures and styles. Levolor faux wood blinds come in over 50 colors from warm natural wood tones to grays, blacks and whites. Textures include smooth, distressed, wire brushed and ribbed.
With Allen Roth, the color and texture options are much more limited – usually around 10-15 choices. The colors tend to be basic tans, cherry, walnut and whitewash.
Levolor also offers wider slats (up to 3”) for a dramatic, bold look as well as narrow 2” slats for a more delicate aesthetic. Allen Roth slats are typically 2” or 2.5” wide.
If you want the perfect match for your home’s existing trim and decor, Levolor’s expansive selection gives you more choices to coordinate.
When you invest in window treatments, you want them to last. This is where warranties come in.
Levolor faux wood blinds come with a lifetime limited warranty. This covers defects in materials, workmanship and mechanisms. As long as you own the blinds, Levolor will repair or replace any blinds that fail due to manufacturing flaws.
Allen Roth faux wood blinds have a 1 year limited warranty. This is a much shorter coverage period, especially considering many owners experience issues 2-3 years into use. The limited time frame makes it hard to take advantage of the Allen Roth warranty.
Clearly, Levolor stands behind their product quality with their lifetime warranty while Allen Roth does not.
A key reason for the difference in warranties is the difference in quality. Levolor faux wood blinds are constructed from premium materials using advanced technology. The result is a durable, long-lasting product.
The slats on Levolor blinds are made from PVC/polyester hybrid polymers. This provides a wood-like texture while resisting warping, cracking and fading. The ladder tapes are reinforced for extra strength. Wand tilters allow for smooth, reliable operation.
With Allen And Roth blinds, cheaper materials are used which compromises durability. The slats can warp and bend out of shape. Cracking is also common as is fading of color. Ladder tapes fray over time. And wands/cords may snap.
While Allen Roth blinds work fine initially, the quality deteriorates faster than Levolor blinds. Within 2-3 years, Allen Roth blinds often need replacing while Levolor blinds still look great and function like new.
Installing faux wood blinds is usually considered an easy DIY project. But when comparing Levolor Vs. Allen Roth, you may find Allen Roth somewhat trickier to install properly.
Levolor blinds come with clear, detailed installation instructions. Their slick headrail design easily clicks into most standard brackets. Center support brackets help for wide windows.
Allen Roth instructions may not fully explain proper installation. Getting the headrail set into brackets takes a bit more finessing. Without center brackets, the slats can sag over time on wide blinds.
If hiring a pro, Levolor blinds take less time to install which saves on labor costs.
So Levolor blinds get the edge when it comes to easy, secure installation.
One concern with faux wood blinds is noise when raising and lowering the slats. This can be distracting, especially in bedrooms and home offices.
Levolor’s durable ladder tapes minimize vibration and rattling. The result is relatively quiet operation.
Allen And Roth blinds are prone to more noise from cheaper ladder tapes that vibrate against the slats. The noise is compounded as the blinds age and crack.
So if noise is an issue, Levolor offers the quieter choice. The smooth performance also enhances the premium feel.
Both Levolor and Allen Roth faux wood blinds do a good job controlling privacy and light. At full closure, minimal light comes through.
Angling the slats open allows you to filter light as desired. Wider Levolor slats give slightly better light blocking when fully closed.
But overall, both brands provide excellent control over privacy and visibility.
Levolor and Allen Roth come in standard faux wood blind styles:
Levolor offers a few more options such as double cell, top down/bottom up and day/night blinds. But the core line-up is similar.
One advantage of Levolor in this category is having matching valances and drapery available. This allows for a coordinated, polished window treatment. Allen Roth focuses solely on blinds.
In summer and winter, heat gain and loss through windows can significantly impact energy costs and comfort. Faux wood blinds can provide insulation.
Levolor’s PVC/polyester hybrid slats have thermal insulation properties. For maximum efficiency, cellular shades trap air pockets between layers.
Allen Roth blinds offer some help with energy efficiency. But the thinner, looser slats don’t insulate quite as well.
Between the two, Levolor blinds have a slight performance edge for energy savings. But both will make a difference compared to bare windows.
Also Read: Differences Between Fezibo And FlexiSpot Standing Desks.
Any window treatments with cords can pose risks to children and pets if not used properly. With proper installation and supervision, risks are minimized.
Levolor includes safety tension devices on the cord loops to avoid strangulation hazards. Cordless options are safest for kids’ rooms.
Allen Roth blinds also come with tension devices but may have longer loose cords. The cheaper materials also mean cords fray over time.
Both brands meet current safety standards. But Levolor’s design choices give them the advantage for child safety.
Proper installation positioning cords high and out of reach is essential. Always supervise children near any blinds.
As mentioned previously, Levolor faux wood blinds have higher price points ranging from $20-$100 per blind. Allen Roth blinds cost between $10-$50.
Below are some average prices for common blind sizes:
There are significant savings choosing Allen Roth over Levolor. However, the adage “you get what you pay for” applies here. The quality and longevity of Levolor offsets the higher initial investment over time.
Both Levolor and Allen Roth blinds are widely available which makes shopping and ordering convenient:
The retailers that carry Levolor give you more choices of where to purchase. Allen Roth requires shopping at Home Depot.
A major reason homeowners choose faux wood blinds is for their attractive, elegant look. This simulated wood grain brings warmth and style to any room.
Levolor’s selection of colors and textures coupled with their realistic grain patterns and sleek craftsmanship allow for an authentic, high-end appearance.
Allen Roth blinds emulate wood but the plasticky sheen is noticeable up close. And the cheaper materials tend to look chintzy over time as slats warp and crack.
Levolor clearly comes out ahead for giving your windows a first-class, convincing wood look.
Faux wood blinds need occasional cleaning like any window treatment. Levolor’s durable slats can be simply dusted or vacuumed using the brush head. For deeper cleaning, use a damp microfiber cloth and mild cleaner.
Allen Roth slats are prone to showing smudges, dirt and grime. The softer materials tend to retain dust. Wet cleaning risks water spots or warping. Gentle dusting or vacuuming are safest.
So Levolor wins for being easier to keep looking fresh and clean over time.
If you have any issues with your blinds, customer service is vital. Levolor’s outstanding warranty coverage is backed by helpful, knowledgeable customer service. They work hard to resolve any problems to your satisfaction.
Allen Roth service is limited by the short warranty period. And Home Depot’s customer service for house brands like Allen Roth has a mixed reputation. You may face bureaucracy trying to make a claim.
Levolor’s excellent reputation for taking care of customers gives them the advantage over Allen Roth when problems arise.
Yes, Levolor is considered one of the best faux wood blind brands. They’ve been in business since 1914 and lead the industry in product innovations. Their blinds earn very high ratings for quality, selection and durability.
Levolor blinds are engineered to resist warping, cracking and fading. Their premium materials and construction prevent slats from bending out of shape. With proper installation and occasional dusting/cleaning, Levolor blinds maintain their form for many years.
With regular use, high quality faux wood blinds like Levolor should last 10-15 years or more. Lower priced blinds may show wear and deterioration after 2-5 years. Proper cleaning/maintenance, keeping blinds fully closed when not in use, and operating them gently will maximize lifespan.
Faux wood blinds are one of the most popular blind styles along with vinyl mini blinds and cellular shades. Homeowners like the natural look of faux wood blinds and their ability to filter light while maintaining privacy. Cordless blinds are gaining popularity for enhanced safety and ease of use.
Also Read: Differences Between Duxiana And Hästens.
While both Levolor and Allen And Roth offer viable options for faux wood blinds, Levolor is the clear winner when it comes to quality, durability, selection and overall customer satisfaction. The steeper initial price tag pays off in the long run thanks to a lifetime warranty, better materials and construction, wide customization possibilities, safer design and helpful customer service.
Allen And Roth provides a budget alternative but quality and longevity are compromised. In the world of faux wood blinds, Levolor remains the top choice for superior performance and enduring visual appeal.
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