What’s the Difference Between Shutters and Blinds?

Whether you’re redecorating or choosing décor for a new home, the right window treatments have a huge impact. Understanding the difference between shutters and blinds helps ensure you’re happy with your choice for years to come.

The Benefits of Window Coverings

Most window coverings have the same basic benefits. They help filter natural light and improve your home’s privacy. They should also allow airflow into the space. And, of course, you want your window coverings to add value to your home. The difference between shutters and blinds is how they do those things.

The Benefits of Shutters

Although shutters usually cost a bit more than other window coverings, they are a fixed feature. That means they add value to your home, but they also have a durability that even blinds can’t match.

Shutters help increase privacy while giving you greater control over airflow and how much natural light enters the room. They have a unique style, quite literally, as shutters are custom designed to fit your windows. Shutters are a true marriage between form and function.

With most shutters, you control light and airflow via adjustable slats. Both plantation and louvered models feature adjustable slats and they’re the most common types of interior shutters, particularly in Arizona.

There are also shutters made from solid panels. Common styles in this type include Shaker, board and batten, and raised panel. This type is less common Phoenix because they don’t allow gradations of light; they’re either open or closed.

Shutters

Shutters

Shutters

Shutters

The Benefits of Blinds

Although also custom made for your windows, blinds tend to be more affordable than shutters. Similar to shutters, the adjustable slats on blinds offer great light control.

Also like shutters, blinds come in a variety of styles and materials. The two main categories are vertical and horizontal.

Vertical blinds are more commonly seen on larger windows and sliding glass doors. The slats adjust in much the same way as horizontal blinds, only from side to side instead of top to bottom. Panel blinds also run vertically, but they open and close by moving along a track.

The most popular horizontal blind style is Venetian blinds. Other styles include:

  • Mini blinds have smaller slats, generally 1″ wide
  • Micro blinds are even smaller than mini, with slats that are 1/2″ wide
  • Pleated blinds (sometimes called pleated shades) are made from a solid piece of material with pleats similar to the body of an accordion
  • Cellular blinds (sometimes called cellular shades) are similar to pleated but are made from two pieces of material, with the space in the middle serving as insulation

Blinds are great for blocking light, an important feature during Arizona’s hot summer months. And with so many materials and styles available, it’s easy to find the right look for your décor.

Blinds

Blinds

Blinds

Blinds

So, What’s the Difference?

The main difference between shutters and blinds is that shutters are a permanent fixture (although, obviously, you can remove them if you decide it’s time for a change). Shutters can also be installed outside the window, although this is typically an aesthetic choice. But exterior shutters are less common in Arizona due to our climate.

If you’d like to learn more about your window covering options and which is best for your home and budget. Shutters & Blinds of Arizona offers free, no-obligation quotes. We use a local manufacturer, which is why our turnaround time is up to six weeks faster than the competition. Call 480-375-1381 today to get started.

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