Coastal Decorating Tips: Why You Should Always Order Samples for Bamboo Shades
What I learned while choosing bamboo shades for my beach house.
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Table of Contents:
- I almost skipped ordering shade samples
- Why bamboo shade samples are worth the extra step
- This is why you should always bring samples into your home before ordering
- Tips for choosing the right bamboo shades for your coastal home
- Final thoughts
- Save these coastal decorating tips for buying bamboo shades
I almost skipped ordering shade samples
When I started decorating my beach house, I knew I wanted bamboo shades in my kitchen. They’re timeless, neutral, and instantly add the relaxed coastal look I love. But I almost made one big mistake before ordering: assuming the online photos were enough to go by. Spoiler: they weren’t. Luckily I decided to order samples for seven bamboo shade styles to take a closer look first.
When the samples arrived, I lined them up in the order I thought I’d like them best, based on what I saw online. But as soon as I held them up to the window, my opinions completely changed. The colors, textures, and even the level of privacy looked totally different in person, and the shade I thought would be perfect ended up not even being in my top three favorites.
Why bamboo shade samples are worth the extra step
Ordering samples might feel like an unnecessary delay when you’re eager to decorate, but it’s the only way to really know what will work in your space. Bamboo shades especially can vary widely in texture, color, and weave. Some have a tighter weave that offers more privacy, while others have a loose, open weave that lets in more light, and offers much less privacy.
When I compared them in person, I was shocked at how big the difference was. Some of the samples that looked like a “medium” tan color online were much darker in my actual room lighting. Others looked practically see-through when I held them up to the window. And one light, neutral sample that I’d almost dismissed on the website ended up being my favorite by far.
That lighter shade had a tighter weave, just enough texture, and the right balance between privacy and the beach house decor look I was going for. It feels calm, coastal, and perfectly cohesive with the rest of the room.
This is why you should always bring samples into your home before ordering
1. This is the order I thought I liked the bamboo shade styles in when I viewed them online. I was sure I’d go with a medium tone, until I saw them in person…
2. This is the order I ended up liking them in once I saw them in my space. Totally different from what I expected! Online photos don’t tell the full story…
3. When held up to the window, some weaves were so loose they offered almost no privacy (left). The one I liked most (right) is woven much tighter… and ended up being a lighter color, too.
4. Always test samples in person. It’s the only way to see texture, transparency, and how it really works in your space.
Related: 12 Stylish and Budget-Friendly Neutral Area Rugs for a Coastal Home
Tips for choosing the right bamboo shades for your coastal home
If you’re in the middle of choosing shades for your own space, here are a few quick takeaways from my experience:
- Order at least 5–7 samples. Even if you’re sure of the color you want, you’ll be surprised how much the color can vary from your computer monitor to real life.
- Check privacy levels. Some woven wood shades are so open that you can see straight through them, especially at night.
- View them at different times of day. Morning light and evening light can completely change the look of a shade’s color.
- Hold them up to your trim and wall color. What looks warm online might clash with your paint undertones in person.
Final thoughts
Decorating a coastal home or beach house is all about layering textures that feel natural and effortless, but details like window treatments can make or break the look. I’m so glad I took the extra time to order samples before committing, because it completely changed my mind about what worked best for my space.
If you’re choosing bamboo or woven wood shades, don’t skip the samples. They’re inexpensive (and often free), and seeing them in your own lighting and room is the only way to know for sure if it’s what you’re looking for. You won’t regret taking this extra step. It’ll save you time, money, and frustration later.
Related: Modern Coastal Counter Stools for a Stylish Kitchen Island
Save these coastal decorating tips for buying bamboo shades
Pin this graphic on Pinterest, or bookmark this page, so you can continue to refer back to these tips about shopping for bamboo shades or woven wood blinds for your coastal home or beach house. And don’t forget to follow Stars & Anchor on Pinterest and on Instagram for more coastal lifestyle and beach inspiration.
Coastal Decorating Tips: Why You Should Always Order Samples for Bamboo Shades
Have you ever ordered something for your home that looked totally different once it arrived? I’d love to hear what surprised you most in the comments.
