Shutters vs Blinds: Which One to Choose for Your Home?

 You may not realise but the windows are a big part of your home's interior design. They can make or break the whole look. So, choosing the right window treatment is very important. The two most popular options are shutters and blinds. Both have the same function but work in different ways. They have their pros and cons and deciding which one, corner window shutters or blinds, depends on the window placement, your budget and of course, your personal preference.

Plantation Shutters

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Before you go to the store and buy the best window treatment, you should know what shutters and blinds are. Plantation shutters are large wooden slats installed in their own wooden frame. They're incorporated inside the house with a permanent installation. You can fixate them on windows and in some cases even door frames. Another word for the slats is louvres so don’t get confused if someone mentions it.

The slats are the adjustable part of the mechanism that controls the amount of light and airflow that comes inside the room. Besides the regular square and rectangular shutters, you can also find high-quality, durable corner window plantation shutters. This way you’ll have everything covered even if it’s under an awkward angle. Your corner windows will be just as beautiful and protected.

There are many benefits that come with plantation shutters. They’re precisely sized and fashioned to fit the exact dimensions of your windows. You can customise them to your needs and measurements so the room can get a smooth, polished look. Because they’re permanently installed on the frames, they add value to the house. This is a good thing in case you decide to put the house on the market someday.

When properly incorporated, they give the room a friendly, welcoming vibe. This simple addition can create a timeless look not only on the inside but on the outside as well. They'll create a stunning curb appeal that will make people turn their heads. Plantation shutters come in many designs. This makes them suitable for homes with different aesthetics, modern, traditional, Victorian, classic and contemporary.

Shutters are also a very safe option when the weather is harsh. You won’t have to worry if they’ll get damaged by strong winds and difficult weather conditions. The fact that they are so simple to adjust in terms of light and air circulation makes them an excellent energy-saving option as well. Plus, the lack of suspended cords is great if you’re a family that has small children and pets.

Shutters are well known for their durability. As a long-term investment, they’re worth every dollar you pay. Almost all manufacturers offer a 10-year warranty, but they’ll most certainly last way longer than that. They don’t require a lot of upkeep. The cleaning and maintenance process is simple. An occasional wipe with a damp cloth will do the trick.

Another fantastic feature is their non-porous nature. This means they won’t catch the unpleasant smells of cigarettes, pets or smoke from the fireplace. They're also a good way to add privacy to the space. You can adjust them at an angle where you still get enough light but prevent anyone from having a peek inside your home.

Plantation shutters come in three different material options: wood, plastic, and insulate, with wood being the most popular one. It has a unique grain and many colour variations that make it look gorgeous in any setting. It comes from lightest to darkest shades, plus, you can repaint it in any colour you want.

However, wood has drawbacks as well. The price is the biggest thing that can change people’s minds. These shutters can be on the expensive side. The second drawback is moisture. If you don’t add a nice protective coat on the shutters, they won’t survive long in humid climates. Plastic shutters are also a strong, long-lasting choice because their colour will never fade, and they don't require painting or finishing.

They're also very affordable and can fit into any budget, which is another great benefit. Most importantly, you won’t have to worry about moisture and water damage because they’re not porous. The only drawback is the limited colour choice. Insulite is a fire-resistant, affordable material that’s completely recyclable.

Blinds

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After learning you can add corner window plantation shutters and all the benefits from installing the shutters, now it’s time for the blinds. Blinds are available in many sizes and designs. That's why people love them so much. There are a few types of blinds you can find.

Venetians are equipped with horizontal slats and have a cord that allows you to control the light and privacy. The most common Venetian materials are plastic and wood. If you want something more sophisticated, go for Roman blinds. They're made of soft fabric, and you roll them up to let the light in. They're not as flexible with light and air control as Venetians, the sun can still come inside even if they’re down.

Next are roller blinds. They're thick, sturdy and made of fabric that gets rolled up in a tube. They're very affordable and very easy to install. There are also blackout blinds. They’re coated with a special substance that stops light from coming inside the room. They work well in bedrooms and children's rooms, where complete darkness is required for a good night’s sleep.

Last but not least, we have flittering blinds. They're mostly created for privacy and are made of sheer fabric. If you need to control the light coming inside the room, they’re not the right choice. Blinds also have their advantages. The price is the biggest one. They're affordable, yet very practical when dealing with light. They can also help you take control of the room temperature.

Blinds are also versatile in colour and design because of the materials they’re made of. You can choose to match them with the carpet, sofa, curtains, door frames or even small details around the house. Plus, you don’t have to call professionals to install them. When everything’s said and done, both blinds and shutters have their pros and cons. It's on you to decide what are your priorities, your budget and your preferences.