The primary difference between shutters and blinds is their structure. Shutters are solid and fixed to the sides of the windows permanently with metal fittings. Whereas blinds are more flexible and are usually only fixed to the top of the window.
More often than not, window shutters will be more expensive than blinds, largely due to the cost of the materials. Since our shutters are custom-made, we'll install them for you so they'll fit your window perfectly. But they might not be as expensive as you think.
Blinds can cost anywhere from just a few dollars per window for aluminum or plastic up to $200 for real wood on a moderately sized window. Shades run at a similar price point, ranging from just a few dollars to $200. Plantation shutters start around $200 and go up to $350 or more per window for real wood.
When they are fully closed, they will keep the warm air in your room and block out any of those money draining draughts. The solid material of shutters will provide a more effective solution than blinds or curtains.
Shutters and blinds both have their pros and cons. Many would argue that shutters are more durable and attractive. However, blinds can be just as aesthetically pleasing – particularly due to the wider range of options – whilst simultaneously being more cost-effective.
Shutters are better than blinds if you're looking for a more durable way to dress your windows, especially if the windows are arched or rounded. Equally, shutters might be the best choice over blinds if you want to add kerb appeal or potentially increase the value of your home.
We like Maria Killam's advice, especially for DIY'ers and novices: “A good rule of thumb if you are considering adding (or trying to decide whether to keep) shutters: if your windows are wider than they are tall, they won't look good with shutters.” If you're asking why this matters, the answer makes perfect sense: if ...
Both have fantastic features for making the most of the light in your space. It's a good rule of thumb that blinds can be more optimized in smaller rooms and shutters can be best displayed in larger rooms. However, it is up to you and your personal preference when deciding how to style your home.
White wooden blinds and Perfect Fit blinds are great alternatives to shutter blinds. They're made to measure so they fit your window frame exactly, creating the same seamless look you'd get with new shutters.
Both wooden blinds and faux-wood blinds are the types of blinds most similar to shutters but without a correlating propensity to block some of the light. Shutters have a frame around all four sides, which means that they block more light overall.
Plantation shutters add value to your house in several ways. Potential buyers will appreciate that shutters are energy efficient and can lower utility costs, making your house appear more appealing than homes without shutters. Buyers save money on energy bills throughout the year, making your property more desirable.
Shutters have been in style for many years and show no sign of going out of style any time soon. While one style of shutters might not suit your property, there will be another style that will. There is a wide range available: plantation shutters, louvered shutters, café shutters, and many more.
Plantation shutters will allow light seep between louvres and also between the panel and the frame. However, this is often less light than other conventional window dressings and most clients will be pleasantly surprised at the increase in darkness which can be quite dramatic.
A lot of people put exterior shutters on their windows to dress up their houses. They want to add curb appeal, especially if they are trying to sell their homes.
Expect to spend $20 to $45 per square foot for a custom job. Wood shutters will run you $200 to $350 per window, while composite shutters cost $80 to $200.
To keep your room cool at night but also private and secure, you can keep your shutter panels closed but tilt your louvres. This is especially handy for those who have ground-floor windows in their home. Other advantages of shutters include their durability, classic style and easy maintenance.
You Don't Have to Put Shutters on Every Window
You don't necessarily need to put shutters on all the windows in your house. This is especially true if you're thinking of installing them on large windows. Some instances of windows you'll want to avoid installing shutters on are bay, dormer and picture windows.
Note that in many cases, the windows are wider than the shutters, and it would be impossible to install conventional swinging shutters to cover that window. Shutters are merely a decorative feature used to make the windows look bigger.
Don't install functional louvered exterior shutters upside down. Do install exterior shutters with the louvers, or slats, aligned correctly. Movable exterior shutters in a closed position over the window opening will direct rain water away from the home.
Well, no, not necessarily. They can still be an incredibly practical way to increase privacy and regulate light and even temperature – and although some styles of shutters are definitely on their way out, many of them actually look good, too.
Shutters should be sized to cover the window if closed and convey the believable appearance of actually being usable even if theyare non-operable. Also, the shutters should mirror image the window. Rails should line up with the lock rail, transom, muntin or other architectural elements of the window.
A question we get often get asked by customers is: “will I still be able to open my windows with plantation shutters installed?” The simple answer is yes. If your windows slide up and down or left to right, plantation shutters will not get in the way of this function.
Don't be afraid of pairing shutters with curtains. While it might seem like an unusual style choice, with a little consideration it can be a fabulous and elegant feature of any room. Don't install your curtains before installing shutters.