Shutters vs. Blinds: Choosing the Right Window Covering for Your Home
When it comes to window treatment solutions, there are more than enough options available including shutters, blinds, drapes, and curtains. The 2 of the most popular choices are shutters and blinds. Both provide practical benefits and improve the aesthetics of a home, however, deciding betwen shutters and blinds can be a difficult task. We will break down the key features of both and things to consider when choosing which window treatment solution will work best for you!
Shutters
Shutters have continued to stand the test of time as an elegant window covering. Usually they are made of wood, vinyl, or composite materials and installed on hinged panels that allow them to swing open and closed. Shutters also have slats, most often referred to as louvers that allow you to open and close as needed.
Key Features
Style and Interior Design
Shutters have the ability to add a classic look to any room in a property. They come in a variety of styles such as plantation shutters, which are the most popular, that have wide slats, or traditional shutters with narrower slats (louvers). Shutters are easy to customize to match any size window or shape in a home and also are available in a variety of colors and stains to match your home's interior design.
Light Control
While all window coverings have some sort of light control, shutters take it to another level. By slightly adjusting the slats, it's easy to regulate the amount of light that enters the room. When fully closed, shutters completely block out external light and providing the privacy you need. Throughout the day depending on how the sun is hitting the room, it takes a simple push up or down to control how much light is coming in.
Insulation and Energy Efficiency
In today's world with energy prices continuously going up, homeowners and property managers are continually looking for ways to insulate their property to provide energy saving solutions. Shutters provide an added layer of insulation to a home with the ability to keep your hom ecooler in the summer and warming in the winter! This will potentiallly reduce your reliance on the air conditioning and heating units that will reduce overall energy costs.
Durability and Maintenance
As a window treatment solution, shutters are built to last. Depending on the material, primarily wood, makes these treatments sturdy and resistant to warping, fading, and cracking.& Homeowners love shutters because they are easy to clean, they require either a quick dusting or you can wipe them down with a damp cloth. NOTE: Do not use harsh chemicals to clean your shutters.
Blinds
Outside of shutters, drapes and curtains, blinds are the other popular window covering that offers both versatility and functionality. Most often blinds are made of materials like aluminum, wood or fabric and have horizontal or vertical slats. Let's take a look at why blinds may be a viable option for some homeowners.
Key Features
Versatility
Blinds come in a wide variety of styles such as Venetian blinds with horizontal slats, vertical blinds, roller blinds, and more. There are also a wide range of designs, colors, and patterns available that make them suitable for any interior style preference.
Light Control
Blinds also offer adjustable slats that allows you to control the amount of light entering a home, but usually there is a pole or string involved to turn the slats up and down. Whereas with shutters you can tilt them directly with the tilt rod that is usually place directly in the middle of the covering. There are "blackout" options available for those looking for complete light blockage as needed or required.
Cost-Effective
In comparison to shutters, blinds are more affordable which makes them a very cost-effective choice for homeowners on a budget. Blinds are known for combining the balance between functionality and budget. While not consider "cheap" as there are some great materials and solutions out there, they often can be bought over the counter unless you have them customized to your preferences.
Low Maintenance
Blinds are also a very easy cleaning option for homeowners and easy to maintain (depending on the material). They can also be wiped clean with a cloth or dusted regularly to keep them looking fresh.
2 Window Covering Considerations
To determine the best window covering for your home, consider the following factors:
Interior Style
Consider the overall interior decor of your home. Shutters bring more of a traditional and modern look to a property while blinds can be adapted to both contemporary and traditional decors. Wood has a very smooth look to it when properly done that can greatly improve interior decor.
Budget
One of the biggest considerations is to determine your budget and weigh the cost of shutters vs blinds. Shutters in general tend to be more expensive while blinds are considered more of the budget-friendly option.
The decision between shutters and blinds ultimately depends on your personal preferences, style, and requirements for each room. Both are trerrific options but consider the factors above and take your time to explore different options before you make a final decision!
About Cal Coast Shutters
Cal Coast Shutter Company, Inc, is family owned and operated in San Diego County. Founded with the goal to produce the finest quality, custom, hardwood and Poly shutters on the market, while providing the highest level of customer service in the industry.
