Plantation shutters are typically more expensive than curtains, but they offer several benefits that make them worth the investment. For example, curtains may be the better option if you're on a tight budget.
Shutters vs Other Types of Blinds
Shutters are more expensive than the majority of other blinds or curtains. However, think of them as a piece of furniture as they will last much longer and they have unique features suitable for every season. Furthermore, shutters provide great privacy, light and air control.
Best control of light and privacy? Window shutters are by design, incredibly versatile. They provide varying levels of light and privacy that curtains and blinds simply cannot. The shutter style and configuration and louvre you choose determines the amount of light coming in and how easy it is to see into the room.
From my experience over the last 30 years in general blinds do work out cheaper than curtains. Blinds do work out cheaper for several reasons, firstly there is a lot more fabric used to make a pair of curtains compared to say a roller blind.
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 ...
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.
"Blinds offer the most light control with a variety of tilting options. Blinds or shades can be paired with drapery to enhance windows in any part of the home." While each type of window treatment has its own unique set of characteristics, all of them can be used to transform any room.
The clever use of blinds, curtains, and other window treatments can help keep your house cool and your bills in check. The Department of Energy says the smart management of window coverings can reduce heat gain by up to 77 percent. (And, as a bonus, these same practices can reduce heat loss in the winter.)
For those that prefer a wider range of styles and fabrics to choose from – curtains are great choice for lounge and living areas matching any décor and can be dressed up with padded pelmets or headings. Blinds have a much more stylish, classic look to them – Roman Blinds in particular look chic in a living room.
Shutters should be avoided on double-mulled windows, picture windows, bay windows, and most dormer windows. Can't afford to replace the shutters? Simply adding shutter hardware is a little detail that goes a long way. A home with properly sized shutters.
Energy bills and drafts
People often assume that curtains offer the best insulation for your windows, but various studies have shown that timber shutters and even blinds, when fitted properly to windows can offer significantly greater heat loss prevention than curtains, improving the U-value of your home.
They provide insulation
The main reason why window shutters will add value to your house is because they are fantastic insulators. They are far more effective than curtains or blinds when it comes to keeping your house warm because they're thicker and they add an extra layer of insulation to your windows.
While the cost of custom drapery depends on many factors, the average cost is between $2,000 and $4,000 per window. Each aspect of custom drapes, including fabric, lining, hardware, and more, has different costs.
Shutters material and finish – There are three main types of plantation shutters based on material: composite or faux wood, painted wood, and stained wood. Composite and faux wood shutters are typically the cheapest option, while painted wood shutters fall somewhere in the middle in terms of price.
Since drapes are larger than blinds, it's important to realize that they can make a room look smaller than it is. There's also the possibility of mold growth on the drapes if you place them in a room with high humidity such as the kitchen or bathroom.
The disadvantage of choosing curtains over blinds is that they take up more space than blinds and therefore can make a room appear smaller than it really is. Long curtains can easily get messy, especially for people with young children. Curtains and drapes for windows can be more costly in comparison to blinds.
10-25% of thermal energy loss goes out the windows. Blackout curtains can curtail this loss by a 25%, reducing your utility bills and greenhouse gases.
Wood blinds or faux wood blinds block out a great deal of sun, but not all of it. If you want complete darkness to grab a few more winks on weekends, add some curtains over the binds to double up the sun defense.
One of the main benefits of using blinds and curtains together is that you can make your windows look taller and wider. To do this, try installing the window blinds above the window frame. This helps draw the eye up and creates the illusion of taller windows.
Blinds are a good choice if you want something low maintenance as they are more durable and easier to clean than curtains. However, they don't provide as much insulation against noise and drafts as curtains do.
Shutters ARE still in style in 2023.
They add colour and texture to a room while also adding privacy, especially when closed. Shutters are an affordable way of updating any window in your home without breaking the bank!
Vinyl Shutters:
Plastic shutters are fake and cheap looking. There is minimal texture for louvers molded flat against each other in a permanently closed position making them look flat and bland.
It is safe to say that plantation shutters will not go out of fashion anytime soon! They have been around for centuries, and their design and style evolution mean that they are an adaptable and timeless addition to whatever style of home you have. These window dressings can last for years if you care for them properly.