Which are best… shutters or blinds?

Well, there is no right answer if it comes down to personal choice … but does it?

When you are thinking of a window dressing you may ask yourself ‘Am I thinking about what look’s good, how much can I afford, why do I want something on the window in the first place?’

There are so many reasons and so many solutions, I can help you decide what is best for you…

Budget for shutters or blinds

It’s always stated that blinds are cheaper than shutters. Well, not anymore! My budget DIY range of shutters can work out less expensive than a set of fitted wood slat blinds. Especially when you order them DIY online … and when you compare how much better the quality and purposeful use the shutters are, I would choose shutters every time!

Compare shutter and blind louvre size in this video:

Looks

Modern shutters have a far more stylish look than the more commonly used wood slat blinds, which have been around for a while now. A set of white shutters fitted at the front of your house really looks the business, because you can style them to match your window layout, so blending them in very easily with the overall appearance of your home. Again shutters would win hands down.

Practical use of shutters or blinds

Some of the reasons you might choose shutters or blinds as your window dressing could be to; “Keep out the light”, “Avoid nosey neighbours”, “Block out the noise”, “Keep pets inside”. Shutters will do all the above better, as well as being thicker, stronger and held in place top and bottom by magnetic catches, so shutters win over blinds again.

Material

The different types of material shutters or blinds are made from affects their costs. A cheap cloth blind may suit the pocket but fail to last or provide additional strength and character that shutters do. It’s worth noting that, whilst my Elite shutters are made from the more expensive pure timbers, my budget range of shutters are made from MDF providing similar features to pure timber at an excellent cost-effective price to compete with blinds which are not manufactured from MDF!

Security

Both will provide a visual deterrent and allow you to go on holiday with the shutters or blinds left across your window, to provide a normal ‘at home’ appearance. You can tilt the blades just enough for privacy and leave a security light that goes on and off with a timer running in the different rooms. Shutters and blinds beat traditional curtains or older solid shutters hands down, for appearance whilst away, as leaving your curtains closed for a week while on holiday is very obvious. You do however have the advantage of being able to fit additional locks to shutters to help prevent anyone breaking in. Shutters also provide a more solid visual look. I would choose shutters for added security!

Selling the house with shutters or blinds

Anyone can put basic blinds up. But if you have shutters fitted they can add value to your property. Shutters appear as a feature of the house as opposed to blinds hanging in a window. Match the shutters in all the windows across the front of the house and you’ll gain an even more stunning look, hopefully attracting potential buyers and a quicker sale. So, yes it’s a personal choice.

What would you choose – shutters or blinds?