Shutters vs. blinds: Which is right for you?

Blinds and shutters are more than just decorative window coverings. They also keep spaces well-insulated, making it more comfortable to lounge around indoors. 

In this article, learn more about the differences between blinds vs. curtains to know which window treatment best suits your home. 

What are shutters?

Shutters are permanent window treatments fitted to the sides of the windows. You can either install them inside or outside the house to add a window covering. Some homeowners even combine interior and exterior shutters in their windows for better insulation. 

Traditional shutters are made of narrow wooden louvers or slats that can be opened and closed to control light and improve home ventilation. Today, you can find window shutters with a modern design like plantation shutters. They are typically made from faux wood and PVC and have larger louvres than the traditional ones. 

One disadvantage of installing shutters for windows is that the louvers can obstruct some of the views on the windows even if you completely open them. Plus, replacing shutters would be difficult and more expensive due to their permanent installation design. 

What are blinds?

Blinds are window treatments made of horizontal or vertical slats with cords holding these slats together. Like shutters, blinds are made from various materials such as solid wood, faux wood, aluminum, and fabric. However, blinds have a more flexible design than shutters because you may tilt, raise, or lower them to increase your privacy and control light. 
In addition, blinds are versatile window treatments suitable for many contemporary and modern homes.  They usually come in many styles and designs, including:

• Venetian blinds with classic horizontal slats 

• Louver blinds with vertical slats

• Cellular blinds with honeycomb-styled shades

• Smart blinds or remote-controlled blinds with motorised slats

Blinds also have a fair share of disadvantages. Their slats are not as durable as shutters, so be careful when cleaning the slats of blinds. 

Blinds vs. shutters: Which adds more value to your home?

Whether planning on a complete house renovation or a simple home upgrade, choosing the right window treatment is vital in elevating your home’s functionality and aesthetic value. 

If you’re unsure which to choose between blinds and shutters for your living room, check out this comparison guide to make an informed decision. 

In terms of light and privacy control

If you’ve decided already to go with shutters, particularly the plantation shutters, one lingering question would be, do they block out light? Yes, but not completely. Although plantation shutters have tilted louvers that help control natural light, small streams of light can still escape through the gaps in between these tilted louvers. 

Moreover, some modern plantation shutters have flexible louvers. Double-hung shutters, in particular, can give you more privacy while allowing more natural light in the house, as they consist of separate lower and upper sections.

Meanwhile, window blinds, like Venetian blinds, provide excellent light control because their slats are adjustable. However, other types of blinds, like Roman blinds, offer less privacy. You’ll have to completely roll them up or down, giving you less flexibility in controlling light and privacy in your home. 

In terms of energy efficiency

Do shutters keep heat in? Yes, because they completely enclose a window frame, helping resist heat transfer to keep homes cool. Moreover, real wood shutters are thermally dynamic, meaning they reflect the cold outside air. This improves insulation, helping you save more energy.

Other types of shutters, like faux wood shutters, also have a hollow core made of vinyl or PVC. This hollow core creates air pockets that help block or resist heat transfer. 

On the other hand, blinds are less superior in terms of energy efficiency. Unlike shutters, you only have to install them at the topmost part of the window frame. This allows heat to escape or penetrate through the gaps between slats. 

In terms of durability

Shutters are more durable in general. With proper care and maintenance, these window treatments can last long, especially if they’re faux wood shutters. And since they’re fitted securely inside or outside the window recess (the little nook in the wall where the window is installed), they’re less likely to get damaged.

Meanwhile, the durability of the blinds depends on the material they are made from. Faux wood and metal blinds are generally more durable than other types of blinds. However, window blinds made of solid wood are less durable than most shutters because their slats are thinner, so they can easily bend and break.

Another thing is that blinds have cords and pulleys that can wear out quickly with repeated use. Fortunately, a professional can still repair your blinds if someone accidentally pulls on the cord too hard and breaks the slats.

In terms of maintenance

Between plantation shutters vs. blinds, shutters are easier to clean or maintain due to having a more durable structure and less intricate design. Plus, you only have to occasionally wipe plantation shutters with a damp cloth because they usually do not collect as much dust, unlike blinds. 

On the other hand, cleaning vertical wooden blinds is a little more complicated since they can be fragile. A soft cloth or duster is necessary to prevent the slats from breaking while wiping the dust off. You must also be extra careful when cleaning Venetian blinds, especially those made from light materials such as aluminum and vinyl, because they’re prone to damage. 

In terms of aesthetic appeal

Both window treatments come in many styles, colors, patterns, and sizes, making them both ideal for bespoke windows. However, blinds are more suitable for modernized homes. Venetian and Roman fabric blinds, in particular, are decorative blinds ideal for modern minimalist spaces because of their clean and uncluttered look.

Meanwhile, for a more classic and traditional look, choose DIY shutters. These window treatments have a timeless charm with their solid panels, tilted louvers, and picture-framed design. If this seems too old-fashioned, you may opt for external window shutters with larger louvers for a cleaner and more streamlined look. 

In terms of the assembly process

Assembling blinds is slightly more manageable because they have a simple design and come in standardized sizes. However, you may still need professional help, especially when fitting window curtain blinds. Having an expert do the job ensures they are securely attached to your windows, preventing the blinds from falling quickly when pets and kids accidentally pull the cord.

Meanwhile, assembling and installing shutters is more difficult because they require precise measurements to fit them securely on your windows. Plus, it is more hassle and time-consuming since they typically require more tools and steps. 

Take the hassle out of your shutters or blinds assembly with Airtasker

While you can assemble your blinds and shutters yourself, entrusting this task to experts is a better choice. At Airtasker, you can find many assembly experts who can help save you more time as they will ensure your blinds or shutters are fitted and installed correctly to your windows. With this, you don’t have to frequently replace your window coverings, which helps you cut costs.