Blinds come in several types, the most common being Venetian blinds, Roman blinds, and roller blinds. Shutters are also available in many styles, including full height, tier on tier, cafe style, solid, and tracked. All these window treatments work well to control light and provide privacy. The main differences between shutters and blinds are aesthetics and endurance. Shutters can last for decades, whereas you will likely find yourself replacing blinds every five years or so.
Because window sizes vary significantly, even in the same home, window shutters should be custom-made. The work involved makes them quite a bit more expensive than blinds you buy of the shelf, but they will add value and improve the curb appeal of a home. In this sense, unlike blinds, you can think of shutters as an investment.
Off-the-shelf blinds are available in many sizes to fit rectangular or square windows. However, some homes have odd-shaped and sized windows. The main advantage of custom blinds is that they offer a bespoke solution for extra-large windows or those that have unusual shapes (circles, triangles, hexagons, etc). If your home has regular windows, the benefits of custom blinds probably do not justify the additional cost.
Yes. Window shutters are the most energy-efficient window covering on the market. Shutters help keep a room at a constant temperature, blocking cold drafts in the winter month and keeping the room cool in the summertime.
Some blinds are better at reducing heat than others. For example, roller blinds are inexpensive but usually made of thin fabric and have little impact on heat. On the other hand, vertical or horizontal slat blinds are more effective at reducing heat but are less efficient at keeping cold out in the winter.
Interior plantation shutters are extremely easy to clean. Depending on where you live and how much dust comes off the street, shutters can be vacuumed, dusted, or wiped with a damp cloth whenever they show signs of dirt or dust.
Most roller blinds are made from fabrics, which you can easily vacuum using the upholstery brush attachment a few times a month or wipe them down with a damp cloth. Venetian blinds are a bit more complicated. The slats make it easy for dirt to accumulate unnoticed and make them more difficult to clean. So, for a fast and hassle-free clean, roller blinds are the best option.
Although plantation shutters have been in use in different parts of the world for centuries, it is unlikely they will ever go out of style due to their energy efficiency and practicality. Google Trends data confirms the term “plantation shutters” is searched for more frequently in the UK compared to five years ago, indicating shutters are trendier than they were half a decade ago.
In the 70s, many UK homeowners switched from curtains to blinds. Both vertical and Venetian blinds were a trendy window treatment with long vinyl stats that loosely dangled from a track. The advantages of Venetian and vertical blinds are they are economical and come in a myriad of colours. However, the slats break easily and bang into each other, making a noise if there is a breeze. Furthermore, these blinds do not cover windows as adequately as other treatments as they swing and snap easily. In 2021, a lot of homeowners are switching from blinds to interior shutters as a more attractive, long-lasting, and energy-efficient option.
Shutters are a popular and practical window treatment, especially if you want protection from the elements or desire a high level of privacy. Some benefits of shutters include:
Aesthetics: When properly fitted, interior plantation shutters look fabulous! They come in many styles and finishes, so it is easy to match them to existing decor. Not only do shutters look great from the interior of a home, but they also improve curb appeal.
Easy to maintain: It is easy to keep shutters in a pristine condition with a damp cloth and a duster. Compared to taking down heavy curtains and washing or dry cleaning them, shutters are practically maintenance-free.
Energy-efficient: Shutters create a barrier between the windowpane and the living space, offering a layer of insulation against the heat in the summer, and the cold during winter months. This, in turn, helps reduce electric bills.
Block sunlight: You can adjust shutters to prevent direct sunlight from entering a room and fading carpets and furnishings.
Versatile: Shutters can be made to fit any size window, including those with an unusual shape or depth.
Privacy: Shutters are perfect for rooms that are on street level or face neighbouring properties. You can open and close them fully or partially, depending on the privacy level required.
Cost effective: While shutters do require an initial outlay, they are cost-effective and, over the years, will save you money. Unlike blinds, they won’t need replacing every five years, and because they maintain a room at a constant temperature, they help lower utility bills.
Safe: Interior shutters are a child and pet safe option, as there are no hanging strings or cords.
Installing window blinds is a cheap and straightforward way to improve the appearance of any room in your home. Some benefits of shutters include:
Versatile: Window blinds come in numerous fabrics, colours, and patterns, so you are bound to find the perfect shutter for the bedrooms, living room, kitchen, or bathroom.
Price: Although they may only last a few years, some window blinds, such as Venetian blinds, are cheap, costing only around £10 for an average-sized window if you buy off the shelf.
Ease of Use: Window blinds are easy to install and adjust.
Shutters are sturdier, more energy-efficient, and look more stylish and sophisticated than blinds. But when it comes to price, blinds are the cheaper option. Though bear in mind blinds will need replacing far more frequently than shutters. So, when making a choice, these are the main points to consider.
Kevin Addington is the founder of Diamond Shutters. He has more than 20 years of experience in the purpose-made joinery sector. Kevin launched his company in 2008, and along with his team, has become one of the leading shutter installers in London and the South East, supplying and fitting window shutters for domestic and commercial customers.
