Are you team blinds or team shutters? People often compare blinds and shutters because they serve the same purpose – covering your windows. And while there are similarities between the two, there are also some significant differences.
You might think that shutters are like blinds – that they are just two sides of the same coin, but it’s important to know all the similarities and differences before buying either.
In this blog, we will discuss the three ways shutters are like blinds and three ways that they’re not. By the end, you’ll have enough information about the two that it will be easier to decide which one is best for your home.
3 Ways Shutters Are Like Blinds
There are three main areas where shutters are like blinds:
1 – They Cover Your Windows
Shutters are like blinds because they both provide a cover for your windows. Both can be made to exact measurements and tailored to fit your window size.
Shutters are streamlined to fit your window by attaching to your window frame, and blinds can be attached to either your frame or the wall around your window. Both give the illusion of more space, unlike curtains which take up space and can make you feel closed in.
2 – Light Control
Blinds can enable you to control the brightness in a room very easily. Some designs allow you to filter sunlight through for diffused lighting, or you can completely close them for darkness and privacy.
Shutters are like blinds in this respect because they control the light coming into your room too. The size and style of the shutter you choose will determine the amount of light that comes into your home.
Full-height tier-on-tier shutters are the best when it comes to controlling light. With this type of shutter, you can close the bottom slats while keeping the upper section open to flood the room with natural light.
3 – Interior Styling
Whether you choose a shutter or a blind, the style and design can dramatically change your room’s look.
Shutters are like blinds in that they are both available in a variety of styles and colours, although there are fewer options.
Styles Of Shutters
- Full-height Shutters
- Tier-On-Tier Shutters
- Shaped Shutters
- Solid Shutters
- Bay Window Shutters
- Conservatory Shutters
Styles of Blinds
- Wooden Blinds
- Venetian Blinds
- Roller Blinds
- Vertical Blinds
- Panel Blinds
3 Ways Shutters Are Not Like Blinds
As you can see, there are many similarities, but while we’ve looked at why shutters are like blinds, let’s now look at why they are not.
1 – Fitting
There is a big difference between the fitting of shutters and blinds. Many blinds can be DIY’d, whereas shutters require more skilled installation.
Shutters are fitted to your window frames and are harder to replace, whereas you can easily swap out blinds. This is ideal if you want to redecorate or freshen up the style of your room.
But that said, you won’t have to replace your shutters as frequently as your blinds because shutters are designed and made to last significantly longer and have a timeless elegance and style.
2 – Temperature Control
Shutters are more efficient at regulating temperatures because wood is a natural insulator making wooden shutters far more effective at retaining heat in your home.
Most blinds (with the exception of Duette blinds) haven’t been designed with temperature control in mind – their main purpose is to focus on light control. If insulation is an important factor for your room, then consider thermal blinds; however, this can reduce your style options.
If it’s a toasty room you’re after, shutters will always come out on top.
3 – Value
Shutters are more expensive than blinds. However, they add value to your home in a way other window dressings don’t.
Shutters add resale value to your home and, as such, are an investment. And if you compare the longevity of the two, you’ll need to replace your blinds far before you have to replace shutters, meaning that you often spend a similar amount in the long run.
Shutters will also save you money in other ways. Detailed studies conducted by the British Blind and Shutter Association concluded that shutters are the most effective window dressing for heat control, reducing heat loss in a room by 64%. You can read more tips on keeping your home warm here.
Are Shutters Like Blinds?
So, although shutters are like blinds in some ways, the differences are stark. From the aesthetics to the longevity to the thermal efficiency – the two offer very different solutions. Consider what aspects matter to you most, and your choice should be clear.
However, if you’re still unsure which is right for you, we’ve got a blog that might interest you. Read Curtains Vs Blinds Vs Shutters to continue your exploration and find the perfect window dressing for your home.
