Plantation Shutters VS Blinds: Which is Better for Your Home?

Window treatments serve a lot of purposes. Blinds or shutters? Both have their perks and their drawbacks. It is up to you to decide which one will work best for the style of your windows and home. These window treatments impact the look and feel of your rooms, so it is crucial to make this decision carefully.

There are a few crucial factors to consider before deciding on what window treatment will work best for your space. This article will help you understand the difference between plantation shutters and blinds, as well as the benefits of each, the appropriate setting for each, and how much they cost.

Here are a few guidelines to keep in mind when deciding on window coverings. 

The first thing to remember when investing in a new window covering is to buy the best one possible. There is a common misconception that blinds are always the best choice because they appear cheaper than shutters. When you’re thinking about plantation shutters’ cost, you need to think about the upkeep and longevity. If you invest in a quality product, it’s going to last longer and save you money in the long run. It doesn’t hurt to look at the big picture the cost of plantation shutters– over their lifetime.

Second, take time with your choice. It is not a decision that you should make quickly. Blinds or shutters are something that you will look at and look through every day. Think about what features you’ll use daily. These could include cordless, motorized control, or one-touch open/close features for families with children, or products that offer tilt and turn windows. Quality products that meet your needs and reflect your unique personal aesthetic are always wise.

What Are the Difference Between Plantation Shutters and Blinds?

There are two main differences between plantation shutters and blinds: installation and style. Blinds hang from the inside or above the window recess, while plantation shutters attach to the window frame, creating a more sturdy structure and a sleeker appearance.

They are both great window treatment products, but each has its own specialization. Blinds are more suited for the interior of a home, while shutters work well both inside and outside the house. Shutters are sturdier than blinds, but they also block the view. They’re also heavier, more expensive, and require more mounting care than blinds.

The Advantages of Choosing Plantation Shutters

• Longer life span: Plantation shutters have a preference over other window coverings for many people who don’t want to constantly invest in new ones. Since shutters can be crafted from durable material and have high-quality construction, they’re more expensive than blinds but just as long-lasting. Shutters prove to be very cost-effective in the long run.
• Superior heat insulation: Plantation shutters are the perfect window treatment for houses that receive more sun or are situated in warmer climates. This is because they are made up of thicker wooden slats, which keep the house insulated during the summer.
• Better resilience against humidity:  Faux wood shutters are better at withstanding humidity than other types of window coverings. They are ideal for places like bathrooms, kitchens, etc., which are often exposed to both heat and humidity. This quality also makes them ideal for basements.
• Complement internal window coverings:  Shutters also can be installed externally! The external installation actually offers an advantage to the internal window coverings. Shutters block out the heat and light outside and protect curtains or shades from color fading or damage by the sun.
• Customisability:  Customizing your shutters is easy with several different materials available. You can choose from natural wood, composite wood with a water-repellent layer, or faux wood when customizing. A high degree of customizability also makes them a popular choice.

The Disadvantages of Choosing Plantation Shutters

• Expensive: Plantation shutters are a much more expensive purchase than window blinds.
• Take up space: Plantation shutters take up more window space when installed than traditional faux or real wood blinds.
• Heavier: Plantation shutters are heavier than window blinds, so they are more difficult to handle and can be unsuitable for some window styles.
• Lengthier installation time: Plantation shutters are more time-consuming to install than window blinds.

The Advantages of Choosing Window Blinds

• Privacy protection:  Not only are blind flexible in terms of privacy, but they are also flexible in general. With tilt-top blinds, you can use them to provide partial privacy by tilting them halfway. For the full privacy, you can close them all the way.
• Light control:  The blinds at your window are a great addition to your home. They provide you with more control over how much light enters your room. You can tilt, close or open them as you please. In addition, they come in a variety of materials so you can increase your light control options.
• Affordable: Window blinds are a popular choice for many people because they are both affordable and easy to use. In addition, they are made from durable materials and will stay in good condition for a very long time.
• Easy maintenance:  One of the best things about window blinds is how easy they are to maintain. They’re a great choice for rental properties and low-maintenance homes because they’re so easy to clean!

The Disadvantages of Choosing Window Blinds

• Shorter life span: The biggest disadvantage of window blinds is their tendency to wear out quicker than other window treatments.
• Easily color-fading: Window blinds tend to fade when exposed to direct sunlight for extended periods of time.
• Hidden hazard:  The blind cords are inconvenient and dangerous to keep up with. When they’re not dealt with properly, they pose a hazard to small children and pets, and it’s hard not to worry about them.

Cost of Plantation Shutters

There is a common misconception that Plantation shutters are more expensive than blinds. But how much do Plantation shutters actually cost? Blinds are usually less expensive in the short term. But in the long-term, shutter prices will balance out because of their durability and multi-functionality.

Thinking long-term, plantation shutters are a better option than blinds. Shutters can last 25 years or more, whereas blinds typically only last 4-5 years. 

Plantation shutters provide unsurpassed energy efficiency that can be felt during summer heat spells. UV rays are blocked, which prevents stuffiness and makes rooms more comfortable. Shutters also regulate the temperature of your home during winter, saving on energy bills.

Plantation shutters are not only more attractive than blinds, but they also increase the value of your home when you decide to sell. They are permanent fixtures that give your home that traditional and classy look. Plantation shutters will provide more return on investment than blinds in the long run since they never come loose or stop working as blinds can.

Plantation Shutters VS Blinds: How to Make the Choice?

After considering all of the factors mentioned in this article, you still can’t decide which is better – shutters or blinds? Here are some tips to help you choose.

Carefully consider the type of window you need to dress. Some windows are large, and blinds are the most economical choice. Other windows are arched or oddly shaped. For these, shutters are the best solution, as they will make your window’s architecture stand out. 

Consider the room you’re in when buying a window treatment. If you have a busy street or nosy neighbors, shutters are a great solution. They provide privacy and control light when you need it most.

When picking a window treatment for a bathroom or kitchen, you should always use a moisture-resistant material. A waterproof shutter is a good choice because it will do a good job in this scenario. If your bedroom needs blackout treatments to sleep well, using solid shutters will do the best job.

Plantation shutters and blinds have their own set of advantages to offer. Ultimately, it is a personal preference as to which one is better for you. In the end, the preferred aesthetics will be determined by what’s best for you. However, as long as you purchase a high-quality product from the start, the long-lasting and beautiful result will be worth it.

Goodwood Shutters Company has a range of plantation shutters to suit any home — high-quality and stylish. We use high-quality real wood and solid poly materials in our construction to ensure longevity and style in our product. Please fill out the form on our page for more information.