Interior Shutter Myths Busted
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.
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.
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.
