Shutters vs. Blinds

Many homeowners have the common misconception that blinds and shutters are one in the same. Although they do have similar characteristics in their look and structure, shutters provide a few important benefits that blinds simply do not. If you’re in the process of building or remodeling your home, you will definitely benefit from reading on in this post. Here, we’ll outline the pros and cons of both shutters and blinds to give you a better idea of what window treatment would be best for your home. Assess your window treatment needs then read the sections below to determine which will be best for you.

One of the highest concerns for homeowners today is energy costs. This is where shutters yield an incredible benefit by giving you complete climate control in your home. Thanks to their enclosed structure, shutters keep outside air from entering your home. This means that you can keep the cool or hot air that your AC or heat is pumping out  from escaping through the windows, allowing your home to heat up or cool down quicker and reducing the the amount of energy you spend to do so. Shutters also allow you to open your windows during the summer to let outside air in while they shade your home from the sun. Blinds on the other hand, are not enclosed on the sides and bottom and allow a significant amount of air to get in and out of your home. They also tend to flap in the wind when you leave your windows open to catch the outdoor breeze.

Another common worry for homeowners is the maintenance and upkeep of their homes. Shutters have a solid structure that requires little upkeep and repair. Although it is important to take care of your shutters through cleaning and careful use, you don’t have to worry constantly about the panels bending or falling off as you do with blinds. Shutters are also easier to clean and maintain because their structure remains in place and is comprised of more solid pieces that won’t break during the cleaning process.

The last important factor in selecting a window treatment is cost. This is the part where blinds do catch a small break, however, shutters prevail in the long run as a more cost effective investment. The upfront cost for shutters is slightly higher as they take more time and attention to build, but once you factor in the cost of repairs and replacement down the road shutters come at a much lower cost. Their ability to decrease your energy bill will also be an important benefit to you later on that will make up for the higher cost upfront.

This may have seemed like a pretty one sided argument, but to tell the truth shutters really do trump blinds in a number of important areas when compared side-by-side. Ultimately, if you’re looking for a window treatment that will add the most aesthetic appeal and value to your home, shutters are the answer. Click here for more on the custom shutter options available to you.