Windows are the path that light takes to illuminate the interior dimensions in any household. They are also the main mode of ventilation in many households. However, plain, unembellished window panes seem a bit austere and threadbare, to be frank. You need to spice things up if you want your home’s environment to feel warm and inviting. But what can you do about decorating them?
Many options are available but not as prominent or effective as that of window blinds and Plantation shutters. Where blinds are the more established and prevalent options in this category, Plantation shutters are admittedly a newer phenomenon. But what is it that sets them apart from each other? Which is the one that you should go for? That is what we are here to answer, and all that you require towards this end is as follows.
Blinds and plantation shutters are both very effective means for controlling the light in your home. They also serve the dual purpose of protecting and ensuring your privacy as well. But, there are some subtle differences that you should remember not to conflate these two. These differences will enhance your information and might also affect your decision to choose which one to purchase for your needs.
The main differences between shutters and blinds are as follows:
1. Size of the Slats:
The first thing that distinguishes shutters from blinds is the size of the slats. Blinds have smaller slats in contrast to shutters, about 2.5 inches smaller, to be precise. Also, their slats are thinner in girth as well.
2. Location of Installation:
You mostly install shutters within the opening of the windows of your choice. On the other hand, blinds are installed on the upper part of the window.
3. Operating System:
The mode of operating is different for both of these gadgets. Blinds are usually operated with a cord. Shutters are operated by a lift system that is bereft of any cord. Instead, it employs one’s dexterity and tactile effort.
Now that we know about how these two differ from each other, it is time to move on to more pressing details. Whatever option you choose will have an impact on your home’s ambiance, style, and overall appearance. Your rooms’ very look and feel will be modified from your window treatment. Now, it can be a challenging prospect to choose between these two excellent window accessories.
But fear not, for we are here to facilitate you in this regard. We have compiled all the requisite information that you might require to make an informed and practical decision. So, without further ado, let’s dive into it:
Factors that Affect your Decision:
1. Personal Preference:
The first thing that will shape your decision in this regard is your preferences in this regard. Some of you might prefer a more old-school approach in all of your decisions. You should opt for blinds if this holds in your case. On the other hand, shutters are usually chosen by people who want a more facilitated and convenient option in window treatment. They are more innovative and should be chosen if you prefer said attribute.
2. Budget:
As is the case with everything in this world, money matters greatly. Your budget will be a decisive factor in this endeavor. You will eventually have to settle for the option that your pocket can endure. Blinds are usually more affordable, with shutters being the more expensive option.
3. Placement:
Placement is another vital factor in this regard. Shutters are the best option if you don’t have any space constraints. However, if the aforementioned is an issue, it would be best to opt for trusty blinds.
Things to Remember:
You should keep specific guidelines in perspective before you set forth on this task. These will ensure that you end up with a decision that is congruous with your preference and requirements. These are as follows:
1. First of all, you have got to loosen the purse strings. Yes, it can be excruciating, and it can hurt your budget a lot. But, at the end of the day, you are, after all, spending money towards a worthwhile cause. Your home will be spruced up, and the appearance enhanced no matter what option you go for.
2. Longevity matters a lot, and that is a fact, especially when it comes to window treatments. Blinds are usually the safer and more feasible option since they are economical and cheap. But they don’t last as long now, do they? You have to trade them in for new ones periodically, after about 1 or 2 years maximum.
That doesn’t sound too frugal now, does it? But, on the other hand, plantation shutters get the job done, and they keep on doing it for many years. They are the very definition of longevity, and once installed, they continue to serve you and your kids as well.
3. Don’t act on impulse or instinct when making this decision. Blinds or shutters, whatever you choose, you will have to stare at it every day, frequently. Ascertain all the pertinent factors, like the dimensions of the window, the room, whether small children will be present or not, the aesthetics, designs, the wavelengths of the light, etc., before you make a final decision. Your decision will have a greater chance of being workable if you invest considerable time ruminating over it.
4. Don’t settle for suggestions or assistance from anyone. Not everyone is suited for being an authority or opinion giver on this topic. You should invest time in meticulous research and collaborate with experts in the field before making a final decision.
5. Cogitate on the style, texture, material, and variations of shutters or blinds before you make any decision. There is a huge catalog to sort through, and it is best to do your homework and set some ground preferences before you venture forth. This will ensure that the whole experience is practical and expeditious.
Plantation Shutters vs Blinds:
Both shutters and blinds have their own respective set of pros and cons. This makes it easier to discern between them and probably decide more in line with your requirements and preference. These pros and cons are as follows for your consideration:
Pros and Cons of Plantation Shutters:
The main difference that you will notice between plantation shutters and blinds is how to attach them to a window. Shutters are mostly attached within the frame of the window and thereby provide a more sturdy and durable structure. Blinds, on the other hand, are attached above the window.
The main pros and cons of Plantation shutters are as follows:
Pros:
- The first thing that sets plantation shutters apart from mere blinds is the unique structure that they evince. It adds a certain level of value to your house and uplifts it.
- It is a robust item and stay with you for the long run. Plantation shutters are very durable and can last a very long time in your service.
- Plantation shutters don’t require any chains, cords, etc., for operating. This is what makes it so convenient, especially if you are going to be using them in a home where children are present.
- Plantation shutters are very effective at keeping the light out of the room. They are also excellent insulators and will protect your house’s interior during the hotter and colder days of the year.
- You won’t have to invest much in the way of capital when it comes to maintaining these shutters. In addition, they are very low cost in this regard.
- They are hard-wearing and durable and can weather any inadvertent damage or punishment with ease.
- They are very attractive and will acclimate to almost any ambiance or style in a home.
- You can get plantation shutters in a wide variety of materials—these range from faux wood, PVC, wood, etc.
- Plantation shutters provide for unmatched control over a room’s ventilation and lighting. In addition, each different movement and operation of these shutters allow for a different mode in terms of ventilation and lighting.
Cons:
- Shutters probably aren’t for you if you are looking for a cost-effective solution for your window treatment. They are pretty expensive and cost a lot more than regular blinds.
- They aren’t the best when it comes to space-saving. Plantation shutters take up a lot of space in your windows because you have to fit them into the window frame. It doesn’t leave much in the way of space or viewing angle.
- Not all window styles can be fitted with plantation shutters. This is especially true for the lighter and more fragile ones since plantation shutters are quite heavy.
- The installation time required for setting up plantation shutters is quite long. Getting one of these installed in your windows can take up the better part of a day.
Pros and Cons of Window Blinds:
Blinds are the most popular and prominent of decorations or dressing for your windows. They are the most prevalent as well and are available anywhere in the world. They are much more accessible and readily available in comparison to shutters. But, as is the case with everything, these blinds aren’t bereft of their share of pros and cons.
These pros and cons are as follows:
Pros:
- The one thing that you can count on with absolute certainty is that variety is the name of the game when it comes to window blinds. They are available in a veritable cornucopia of colors, designs, motifs, etc. You will be able to choose the one that matches your home’s interior to an explicit and precise degree.
- There are many materials that blinds embrace, and each one is different and suitable for different settings and environments. For instance, you can choose PVC blinds for washrooms, normal cloth textured ones for the living room, and so on.
- Blinds provide for a softer and repressed aesthetical quality in contrast to shutters. This makes them more suitable for certain environments where you need soft lighting.
- Blinds are cost-effective and don’t cost a lot. Cheap window blinds still manage to deliver on the design front, so don’t worry about not getting your money’s worth.
- You can adjust blinds to manage the levels of shade and light entering your room.
- You can get specialized blinds that provide accentuated insulation for improving your home’s internal ambiance.
Cons:
- These blinds aren’t as robust or durable as shutters and can be damaged easily.
- You will have to exert much effort and attention when it comes to cleaning and maintenance of blinds.
- Ultraviolet rays from excess sunlight can rapidly damage the texture and fabric of most blinds.
- Never opt for blinds if you are worry about longevity. Window blinds don’t last a long time at all and deteriorate fast. This means that you will have to change them frequently, which will certainly cost you more in the long run.
There you have it, all that you might need to know about window blinds and plantation shutters concisely collated in one place for your perusal and eventual decision.
Both Blinds and Plantation shutters are superb options when it comes to a window treatment. They both have their own sets of advantages and disadvantages. Their features define them and distinguish them from each other. If your room is smaller, you can opt for blinds without question. However, plantation shutters will be a more effective option if your room is larger. The thing is, the whole point boils down to your preference and requirements. You can opt for whichever option you think is best for your usage.
We recommend the Plantation shutters for all prospective users for various reasons. Yes, they might cost a lot, but they are worth it when you look at the bigger picture. They last longer, require low maintenance and are more innovative and sophisticated. But that’s just us; you do what you feel is right any time of the day.