Bamboo is a renewable resource that is also highly versatile. While it grows in temperate, tropical, and sub-tropical locations around the world, there's more bamboo in China than any other country worldwide: It ranks first in the amount of land used for bamboo growth, the number of bamboo plants produced, and the amount of wood produced, and around a third of the world's bamboo species grow in this country, largely south of the Yangtze River in the Anhui, Fujian, Guangdong, and Sichuan provinces.
Researchers have found archaeological evidence that (bamboo) was used in China as far back as 7,000 years ago. This evidence was unearthed in what is now the province of Zhejiang. During the Shang Dynasty, between the 16th and 11th centuries B.C., people made bows and arrows of bamboo as well as household items. Bamboo was also made into strips for writing on before the invention of paper; it was well-suited to this use because it was abundant and much cheaper than silk as a writing medium. During the Han Dynasty, between 206 B.C. and 220 A.D., bamboo was used in the actual creation of paper, due in part to its low cost. Today, bamboo is still used for this purpose, including in xuan paper, a type of paper made from young bamboo that's used for paintings and calligraphy.
Historically, bamboo has fulfilled many of the daily needs of the Chinese people. During the Song Dynasty, bamboo was used to make articles of clothing such as rain capes, hats, and shoes. It was also used as firewood and to make tiles and rafts. Bamboo was also a source of food, as it still is today: Bamboo shoots have a mild taste that is crunchy and sweet, and they are a source of potassium, protein, antioxidants, fiber, fatty acids, and phytochemicals.
Today, bamboo is found in homes worldwide. It's used to make bedding and pillows or to accessorize windows with window coverings made of bamboo wood in the form of shades and curtain rods. In the construction of green homes, its strength and durability make it an ideal building material over other forms of wood. It's also suitable for making cabinets, sheds, fencing, furniture, and utensils such as spoons and chopsticks. Floor tiles, rugs, and mats are also made with bamboo.
Arts and crafts made of woven bamboo are also popular today. In China, the practice of bamboo weaving dates back more than 2,000 years, and it is still common in the provinces of Guangdong, Hunan, Anhui, Fujian, Sichuan, and Zhejiang. Items commonly made of woven bamboo include screens, toys, baskets, tea boxes, and lanterns.
Medicine is another area where bamboo is used. In traditional Chinese medicine, it is used in the treatment of problems such as asthma, coughs, and disorders of the gallbladder. It is also thought to help fight infection, aid digestion, and help with the treatment of stomach problems such as diarrhea.
The beauty of bamboo's graceful, tall stalks makes it desirable for home décor, and it's also fairly easy to grow: Bamboo can thrive in poor soil, and it fares well in both hot and cold weather. It also grows back after being cut. However, these properties can make it difficult to control. Before planting bamboo, it's important to select the right variety, such as clumping bamboo, to minimize its invasive tendencies.
Bamboo's abundance, endurance, utility, and elegant appearance have inspired painters, poets, and other artists throughout history, including the Chinese writer, calligrapher, and painter Su Dongpo. It's a staple of Chinese culture that has become appreciated all over the world.
Researchers have found archaeological evidence that (bamboo) was used in China as far back as 7,000 years ago. This evidence was unearthed in what is now the province of Zhejiang. During the Shang Dynasty, between the 16th and 11th centuries B.C., people made bows and arrows of bamboo as well as household items. Bamboo was also made into strips for writing on before the invention of paper; it was well-suited to this use because it was abundant and much cheaper than silk as a writing medium. During the Han Dynasty, between 206 B.C. and 220 A.D., bamboo was used in the actual creation of paper, due in part to its low cost. Today, bamboo is still used for this purpose, including in xuan paper, a type of paper made from young bamboo that's used for paintings and calligraphy.
Historically, bamboo has fulfilled many of the daily needs of the Chinese people. During the Song Dynasty, bamboo was used to make articles of clothing such as rain capes, hats, and shoes. It was also used as firewood and to make tiles and rafts. Bamboo was also a source of food, as it still is today: Bamboo shoots have a mild taste that is crunchy and sweet, and they are a source of potassium, protein, antioxidants, fiber, fatty acids, and phytochemicals.
Today, bamboo is found in homes worldwide. It's used to make bedding and pillows or to accessorize windows with window coverings made of bamboo wood in the form of shades and curtain rods. In the construction of green homes, its strength and durability make it an ideal building material over other forms of wood. It's also suitable for making cabinets, sheds, fencing, furniture, and utensils such as spoons and chopsticks. Floor tiles, rugs, and mats are also made with bamboo.
Arts and crafts made of woven bamboo are also popular today. In China, the practice of bamboo weaving dates back more than 2,000 years, and it is still common in the provinces of Guangdong, Hunan, Anhui, Fujian, Sichuan, and Zhejiang. Items commonly made of woven bamboo include screens, toys, baskets, tea boxes, and lanterns.
Medicine is another area where bamboo is used. In traditional Chinese medicine, it is used in the treatment of problems such as asthma, coughs, and disorders of the gallbladder. It is also thought to help fight infection, aid digestion, and help with the treatment of stomach problems such as diarrhea.
The beauty of bamboo's graceful, tall stalks makes it desirable for home décor, and it's also fairly easy to grow: Bamboo can thrive in poor soil, and it fares well in both hot and cold weather. It also grows back after being cut. However, these properties can make it difficult to control. Before planting bamboo, it's important to select the right variety, such as clumping bamboo, to minimize its invasive tendencies.
Bamboo's abundance, endurance, utility, and elegant appearance have inspired painters, poets, and other artists throughout history, including the Chinese writer, calligrapher, and painter Su Dongpo. It's a staple of Chinese culture that has become appreciated all over the world.
- Introduction to Hardy Bamboos
- Medicinal Use of Bamboo
- Bamboo (Bambusoideae)
- Bamboo Plants: Facts, Growing Tips, and Uses
- What Is Bamboo?
- Is Bamboo Flooring Better for the Planet Than Traditional Hardwood?
- Bamboo Might Just Be the Construction Material of the Future
- Bamboo: Remarkable Giant Grasses
- Bamboo
- Lucky Bamboo
- Where Bamboo Grows
- Bamboo Drapery
- Bamboo Steps Up
- Five Things Everyone Should Know About Bamboo
- Bamboo in China
- A History of Bamboo Flooring
- Bamboo
- Bamboo Woven Wood Shades
- Bamboo Facts
- Bamboo Construction and Inspection
- Building With Bamboo
Article written by Lexi Westingate
Related Articles
Bamboo Roller Shades, Woven Wood Shades and Sliding Panels
Bamboo has become increasing popular with consumers for many reasons. The first is bamboo’s sustainability. Harvesting bamboo is nothing like harvesting trees from the forest. Bamboo grows at a faster rate than almost any other plant on earth, up to four inches per day. The next reason bamboo is becoming popular in home decorating is the flavor it brings to a room. Bamboo offers style, as well as an ‘island’ feel.... more
Bamboo has become increasing popular with consumers for many reasons. The first is bamboo’s sustainability. Harvesting bamboo is nothing like harvesting trees from the forest. Bamboo grows at a faster rate than almost any other plant on earth, up to four inches per day. The next reason bamboo is becoming popular in home decorating is the flavor it brings to a room. Bamboo offers style, as well as an ‘island’ feel.... more
Green Window Treatments
Many people ask if there are ways to incorporate eco-friendly window treatments into their home design and still have a stylish appearance. There are. Bamboo offers and exotic flair to homes, while roller and solar shades give a subtle polished appearance to a room. Cell shades are probably the most plain as far as design goes, but the selection of rich, neutral colors are a great compliment to any room.... more
Many people ask if there are ways to incorporate eco-friendly window treatments into their home design and still have a stylish appearance. There are. Bamboo offers and exotic flair to homes, while roller and solar shades give a subtle polished appearance to a room. Cell shades are probably the most plain as far as design goes, but the selection of rich, neutral colors are a great compliment to any room.... more
Cool Shades
There are tons of blinds, shades and window treatments on the market. There are the energy efficient ones – honeycomb cell shades – the environmentally friendly ones – EcoGreen Roller Shades and bamboo shades – there are the elegant blinds – Roman Shades – and there are the classic blinds – wood blinds. But where are the fun ones? Where are the window treatments that show a little personality?... more
There are tons of blinds, shades and window treatments on the market. There are the energy efficient ones – honeycomb cell shades – the environmentally friendly ones – EcoGreen Roller Shades and bamboo shades – there are the elegant blinds – Roman Shades – and there are the classic blinds – wood blinds. But where are the fun ones? Where are the window treatments that show a little personality?... more
Bamboo Blinds
Tavarua bamboo blinds may also be referred to as matchstick blinds or woven wood shades. To create an exotic look, these blinds are woven into a light filtering window covering that is full of character. Each Tavarua woven wood shade comes with color coordinated cords and tassels as well as a matching 6-inch valance. Edge bindings are available for the entire Tavarua line of bamboo blinds to help protect the delicate edges from cracking or breaking.... more
Tavarua bamboo blinds may also be referred to as matchstick blinds or woven wood shades. To create an exotic look, these blinds are woven into a light filtering window covering that is full of character. Each Tavarua woven wood shade comes with color coordinated cords and tassels as well as a matching 6-inch valance. Edge bindings are available for the entire Tavarua line of bamboo blinds to help protect the delicate edges from cracking or breaking.... more
How To Add a Liner To Bamboo Shades
Bamboo shades without a liner offer little privacy and simply filter the light. The amount of light that passes between each of the woven wood bamboo slats will vary based on the pattern and size of the bamboo. For instance woven grass shades offer less privacy than thicker bamboo shades. If you have existing bamboo shades, adding a privacy or blackout liner is possible with these easy steps. ... more
Bamboo shades without a liner offer little privacy and simply filter the light. The amount of light that passes between each of the woven wood bamboo slats will vary based on the pattern and size of the bamboo. For instance woven grass shades offer less privacy than thicker bamboo shades. If you have existing bamboo shades, adding a privacy or blackout liner is possible with these easy steps. ... more
How to Shorten Bamboo Blinds
Woven wood shades can be shortened when the length is too long. Bamboo shades with liners and edge binding are more difficult than standard bamboo shades such as our Tavarua Basics Bamboo Shades. To shorten standard woven wood shades follow these easy steps:... more
Woven wood shades can be shortened when the length is too long. Bamboo shades with liners and edge binding are more difficult than standard bamboo shades such as our Tavarua Basics Bamboo Shades. To shorten standard woven wood shades follow these easy steps:... more
Cleaning Horizontal Blinds Decorative Cloth Tapes or Edge Binding
Horizontal blinds can be ordered with decorative cloth ladders. Bamboo shades or woven wood shades sometimes will also have a fabric edge binding. Here are some simple ways to clean these fabrics if they get dirty.... more
Horizontal blinds can be ordered with decorative cloth ladders. Bamboo shades or woven wood shades sometimes will also have a fabric edge binding. Here are some simple ways to clean these fabrics if they get dirty.... more
Blackout Shades for Theater Room Or Bedroom Window Treatments
Blackout shades are great for bedroom or theater room window treatments. Room darkening blinds or blackout shades can often be added to shades like honeycomb shades, roman shads, room darkening soft sheer shades or bamboo shades.... more
Blackout shades are great for bedroom or theater room window treatments. Room darkening blinds or blackout shades can often be added to shades like honeycomb shades, roman shads, room darkening soft sheer shades or bamboo shades.... more
Design Benefits of Bamboo Blinds
Bamboo is becoming increasingly popular amongst manufacturers and designers due to its design possibilities paired with its durability. It offers a unique style and tone to any room design. Bamboo has long been popular as a strong element in Asian design and art, but nowhere is the unique effect of bamboo more effective on the tone and style of a room than when used for window coverings. ... more
Bamboo is becoming increasingly popular amongst manufacturers and designers due to its design possibilities paired with its durability. It offers a unique style and tone to any room design. Bamboo has long been popular as a strong element in Asian design and art, but nowhere is the unique effect of bamboo more effective on the tone and style of a room than when used for window coverings. ... more
Bamboo Shades: Why Manufacture with Bamboo?
Bamboo is a traditionally central aspect of Asian design and art. But it is also an increasingly popular product used in the manufacturing of window coverings. Bamboo shades are often recognized by designers and window covering professionals as offering a uniquely natural element to the design flavor of any room while providing durable functionality that keeps up with the competition. Bamboo shades are often seen as having a wide variety of advantages in comparison to other, similar products on the market. ... more
Bamboo is a traditionally central aspect of Asian design and art. But it is also an increasingly popular product used in the manufacturing of window coverings. Bamboo shades are often recognized by designers and window covering professionals as offering a uniquely natural element to the design flavor of any room while providing durable functionality that keeps up with the competition. Bamboo shades are often seen as having a wide variety of advantages in comparison to other, similar products on the market. ... more
Woven Wood Roller Shades
Woven Wood Roller Shades are most often employed during the summer months or for homes in warmer climates. They allow light to filter in while minimizing glare and reducing the amount of heat that enters a home. Their style is always unique as the patterns in the wood vary with each window treatment made.... more
Woven Wood Roller Shades are most often employed during the summer months or for homes in warmer climates. They allow light to filter in while minimizing glare and reducing the amount of heat that enters a home. Their style is always unique as the patterns in the wood vary with each window treatment made.... more
Spring Window Treatments
Are you ready to update the look and feel of your home? One thing to consider is the sun’s glare. It can cause serious damage to our eyes, to our furniture. UV rays can be filtered to eliminate their fading power, all you need are some fabulous spring window treatments and you’ll be on your way! ... more
Are you ready to update the look and feel of your home? One thing to consider is the sun’s glare. It can cause serious damage to our eyes, to our furniture. UV rays can be filtered to eliminate their fading power, all you need are some fabulous spring window treatments and you’ll be on your way! ... more
UV Blocking Window Shades and Sun Blocking Fabrics
Protect your home in style with UV blocking shades—our sun-blocking window shades that cut harsh glare, filter damaging UV rays, and keep rooms cooler without sacrificing your view. Choose sleek solar rollers for daytime clarity, insulating cellular fabrics for comfort, or blackout options for total light control. Finish with cordless or motorized lifts for a clean, child-safe look (and effortless scheduling). Preserve floors, artwork, and furniture while creating bright, comfortable spaces tailored to how you live.
... moreBamboo Panel Track Blinds are Environmentally Friendly
Bamboo Track Blinds are made from all natural bamboo. The sliding panels work as an alternative to vertical blinds and are eco-friendly. Not only that, but the panels slide open to allow light in. There will always be one panel facing the room, which is a nice way to frame off large French doors or sliding glass doors. Bamboo panel track blinds may be sold with or without a matching bamboo valance. The benefit of a valance is it hides the headrail, giving a room a cleaner more finished look.... more
Bamboo Track Blinds are made from all natural bamboo. The sliding panels work as an alternative to vertical blinds and are eco-friendly. Not only that, but the panels slide open to allow light in. There will always be one panel facing the room, which is a nice way to frame off large French doors or sliding glass doors. Bamboo panel track blinds may be sold with or without a matching bamboo valance. The benefit of a valance is it hides the headrail, giving a room a cleaner more finished look.... more
Defining Eco-Trends in Regards to Window Shades and Blinds
Consumers are becoming more eco-minded and are looking for ways to incorporate environmentally friendly elements into their homes. However, many consumers are unsure as to what the different environmental terms mean. Blinds Chalet has defined the following terms in order to help consumers shop wisely:... more
Consumers are becoming more eco-minded and are looking for ways to incorporate environmentally friendly elements into their homes. However, many consumers are unsure as to what the different environmental terms mean. Blinds Chalet has defined the following terms in order to help consumers shop wisely:... more
Bamboo Products Benefit the Planet
Bamboo is becoming a substitute for wood and cotton on many levels. From houses to flooring, cabinetry and even window treatments, the benefits of bamboo are creating a surge in demand for this product. Because bamboo is a sustainable resource, meaning it replenishes itself in a short amount of time, growing demand doesn’t deplete bamboo forests or cause the long-term devastation to habitat that logging oak, pine or other woods does.... more
Bamboo is becoming a substitute for wood and cotton on many levels. From houses to flooring, cabinetry and even window treatments, the benefits of bamboo are creating a surge in demand for this product. Because bamboo is a sustainable resource, meaning it replenishes itself in a short amount of time, growing demand doesn’t deplete bamboo forests or cause the long-term devastation to habitat that logging oak, pine or other woods does.... more
