I have had the white 2" faux wood blinds throughout my house in the past. I loved the light control on the southern and western windows but never closed those on the north and east sides. I didn't ever find it necessary to pull them all the way up unless I was cleaning windows. They collected so much dust just as a general rule and though I dusted them frequently I needed to wash them slat by slat with a wet towel at least twice a year. In my sewing room the dust from the fabrics was twice as much!! In my new house I am going with lace curtains so I get plenty of diffused lighting, can throw them in the wash when needed and I'm adding plain white roller shades so I can close them when wanted for light block out or privacy. The best of both worlds in my opinion. I think the blinds look fabulous but I'd rather sew than dust! Good luck with your choice.