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Plantation shutters in a family room

Interior Shutter Myths Busted

October 10, 2017

We’ve dismantled some shutter myths before. During our previous myth-busting binge, we looked at some of the most common misconceptions people have regarding interior shutters in Clearwater.

Well, the Sunburst Shutters Clearwater team is back to set it straight on a few more myths we’ve heard from shutter-buyers in and around Florida. Let’s get started.

Myth: “Plantation Shutters Are Meant For Southern Houses.”

When some homeowners see the name “plantation shutters,” their minds stick to the image of a huge, sprawling southern mansion surrounded by plains. While it’s true that the shutters owe their name to that location and time, plantation shutters were actually popular way before and way after 19th Century Southern America.

Clearwater pink living room with shutters 
Plantation shutters likely picked up that name because they were in just about every house in the south of the time. Because of their immense popularity there–due to their ability to block a huge amount of light and heat, as well as offering excellent views for those huge houses–the name just stuck.

However, plantation shutters can give those same benefits to any style of home. Craftsman houses can utilize shutters, just like Tudor homes, Mid-Century Modern houses, and even lake houses can.

Myth#2: “My Home Style Won’t Work With Shutters Is Too Eclectic For Shutters.”

Because plantation shutters have enjoyed widespread use over several decades, some homeowners may have gotten the impression that shutters may seem somewhat boring. We’ve heard a customer say before that their space was “too distinct” for shutters, which was a big head-scratcher–since shutters are probably the only window treatment that can match any style. 

Clearwater man cave with shutters
 
Plantation shutters are versatile and can work with any fashion, from stylish parlor to relaxed man cave. And don’t forget, shutters have been popular for so long for a reason: they’re always in style. Get a set of the newest and most fashionable curtains and they’ll look out of fashion in a year or two. Shutters stay stylish, chic, and fashion-forward year after year, especially when you get premium Polywood plantation shutters.
 

Myth #3: “Blinds And Shutters Are Pretty Much The Same Thing.”

For some reason, there happens to be a lot of confusion over the difference between shutters and blinds. Maybe it has to do with the confusion between “slats” and “louvers,” or maybe there’s confusion because of their somewhat similar shapes. Regardless, blinds and shutters really couldn’t be further apart on the window treatment spectrum. Here’s the basic breakdown of the battle of blinds vs. shutters.


What’s the difference?

Blinds

Shutters

Can block out whole window134

No

Yes

Structure

Dangles from cord

Solid frame attached to window jamb

How long will they last?

Usually break down or fall apart after 2-3 years.

Can usually last 20+ years.

Permanent or temporary?

Temporary

Permanent

Adds to value of the home?

No

Yes

Energy Efficiency

Minimal

Can block up to 30 degrees of outside temperature.

Specialty Windows

Can only fit rectangular windows.

Can fit any specialty shape windows.

What are the horizontal parts called?

Slats

Louvers

Myth: “All window treatments offer basically the same energy efficiency.”

As the “Blinds vs. Shutters” table shows, window treatments can vary by a wide margin on how much energy efficiency they offer. The shape, material, and finish can all have a big impact in how energy efficient a window treatment can be.

At the bottom rung of energy efficiency is leaving your window completely bare. Offering only a tiny bit more energy efficiency are your common retail aluminum blinds. Up a little further on the spectrum are draperies and sturdy fabric window treatments. Going further into energy efficient territory we have typical wood shutters and cellular shades, built to offer thermal protection and heat reduction. But dwarfing all of these other window treatments are Polywood plantation shutters, designed to both reflect and block outside temperature from passing into your home.

No More Shutter Myths

If you feel as if you’re swimming in a sea of half truths regarding shutters, we want to throw you a lifeline. Call Sunburst Shutters Clearwater today at 813-580-7288 to talk to one of our experts and set up a free in-home consultation to find your perfect shutter or window treatment today.