Thanks so much for your comment, this is exactly the feedback I was looking for.

I had the same question - I couldn’t decide so I went with the clean wood and not sandblasted

I went with the smooth 2 1/2 inch slays and I’ve been struggling with my decision. I feel like they look less expensive than the sandblasted finish. But I also feel like it’s a slightly more contemporary look and the blinds store definitely praised that the smooth blinds are cleaner and easier to clean.

I definitely preferred the sandblasted finish - looked more sophisticated and expensive then the smooth finish. I wanted the 2.5 inch slats but they cautioned me not to since it’ll jut out from the window too much and stick out rather then look flush with the window molding. How did the 2.5 inch slats look in your home? Did you have that problem?

I got the cottage white sandblasted wide slats back in 1993. In the mean time Swiffers came out. My shutters are still absolutely beautiful. A swift dusting in the closed position, both sides, every two weeks is all that is needed. Even the bathroom shutter is still pristine. Get what you like because cleaning is likely the same. The sandblasted bass wood is so pretty and not shiny and glaring which can be the case for slick wood or plastic. I am moving after so many years and will get the sandblasted ones again, but this time without the middle bar if I can find them. Sadly the price has tripled with the popularity... or inflation...