Pros and Cons of Shutters
Oh soothing darkness
Common types of shutters include traditional, plantation, louvered, cafe, boards and batten, French door, multi-tier, and arched shutters.
Shutters can be installed on the inside and outside of your home.
Shutter installation costs about $802 and replacement costs between $140 and $455.
Shutters tend to be more costly than common blinds.
Shutters are a great solution for anyone looking for elegant, stylish, yet effective ways to keep their indoors dim and cozy. However, shutters aren’t for everybody. Knowing the pros and cons of shutters and their alternatives can help you make the best choice for your home.
What are Shutters
Shutters are fixed, permanent structures installed on the sides of your windows. They are often made of wood or composite materials and come in various sizes and styles. Common types of shutters are traditional shutters, plantation shutters, louvered shutters, cafe shutters, boars-and-batten shutters, french door shutters, multi-tier shutters, and arched shutters.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Robust style choices bring more customization possibilities | Higher initial cost |
| More durable | Challenging installation requires a pro |
| More flexible and can be installed as interior or exterior structures | Higher cost to repair |
| Stronger light and temperature control | Certain design and space limitations |
| Increased property value |
Pros of Shutters
Shutters have many significant advantages compared to other light-blocking options. These include:
Aesthetic versatility: Since shutters come in various design styles, they provide more versatility for those aiming for a vintage or timeless aesthetic.
Durability: Shutters, especially wooden shutters, tend to be far more durable than shades and blinds.
Installation flexibility: Shutters can also be installed on your home’s exterior, whereas blinds and shades are only suitable for the interior.
Stronger light and temperature control: Shutters, when fully closed, are far more effective in blocking out sunlight than shades and blinds. They also provide additional temperature control.
Property value bonus: Certain shutters, such as plantation shutters, are great for curb appeal and can therefore increase your property’s value.
Cons of Shutters
Shutters also have certain disadvantages, including their higher initial cost. Shutter installation costs around $802 per window. If you want to install functional shutters instead of purely decorative ones, expect to pay up to $2,000 per window. Sutter installation is also not something you should try to do yourself. In comparison, blinds, curtains, and shades are far easier to DIY an installation.
Most shutters also have a specific aesthetic, meaning they might not be suitable for all homes. For similar reasons, shutters might not be feasible on certain windows depending on how your furniture is placed or how your space is shaped.
Shutter Alternatives
If thorough light-blocking or permanent aesthetic modifications do not align with your desires, don’t worry. There are plenty of alternatives to shutters, including blinds and shades.
Blinds are one of the most affordable alternatives to shutters. Wood blinds cost $50 to $150 per window, whereas vinyl blinds often cost less than $40 per window. Blinds can be easily installed by yourself and only require minimal maintenance, such as dusting and wiping. However, they are rather limited in terms of design options.
Shades are a more elevated shutter alternative. Popular types include solar shades, roller shades, roman shades, and cellular shades. They can be purely decorative or designed to significantly prevent light from entering. Most shades are made with fabric and may be less effective in light-blocking than blinds and shutters. Pricing varies depending on the type of shades you want, and installation is fairly simple.
Finally, you can always opt for curtains. They are stylish and come in various styles and fabrics, and many curtains now have powerful light-filtering and light-blocking functions.
Are Shutters What You Need?
Shutters are best for old-style homes looking for both curb appeal improvement and light-blocking functionalities. Shutters are permanent home additions instead of temporary blockages. Therefore, be sure to evaluate your furniture, room layout, and overall home structure before investing in shutters.
Since shutter installations are highly technical, it’s best to hire a window or shutter contractor for the job. They may also help recommend the best design and style of shutters for your home. Similarly, repairs should also be done by a professional. Ultimately, shutters carry more decorative value unless you install storm shutters to protect your windows from the exterior.
Plantation shutters cost an average of $2,990, making them one of the pricier shutter options. However, they offer a 75% return on your investment and are great options for boosting curb appeal and property value. Most people go for plantation shutters for their timeless, vintage look. They also provide the strongest light blocking and temperature control for your home.
Wood is the most classic shutter material. Common options include pine, cedar, or brasswood. MDF shutters are also a more affordable option that retains the timeless, classic look. Composite shutters, mainly vinyl and aluminum shutters, have also become more popular over the years. You may also find steel shutters, sometimes referred to as security shutters, used on the exterior. Shutters also come in various colors and finishes, adding another layer of design flexibility.
Shutters are best for large, full-size windows or French doors. On the contrary, avoid placing shutters on double-mulled windows, picture windows, bay windows, and dormer windows. Since shutters will block more light into your room, it’s also best to keep them in rooms that require that much darkness and privacy, such as your master bedroom or the main window in your living room.
