Top Differences Between Home Shutters and Blinds
Living in Arizona means you get to enjoy loads of sunshine throughout the year, but the warmer temperatures may result in an ongoing hunt to keep your home insulated and comfortable throughout the year. When searching for a solution, many homeowners often ask us — what is the difference between home shutters and blinds, and which option is a better fit? Let’s take a look at what makes these two types of window treatments distinctly different.
Shutters vs. Blinds
Let’s start with the basics. Shutters are typically durable, solid coverings that have slats for easy opening or closing. Slats can be adjusted based on how much light and airflow you want to let into the room. Shutters are usually made from sturdy materials like wood or vinyl, and the slats can be filled with dense foam for excellent insulation during the warmer months.
On the other hand, blinds feature horizontal slats or vanes held together by cords that reach down from a headrail. They allow the homeowner to adjust the slats based on how much coverage is desired. Blinds come in a variety of fabrics and colors to match the style of the home.
Which Treatment Costs Less?
Blinds offer cheaper initial costs, but when you consider durability, properly maintained shutters can last for decades, compared to an average lifespan of five years for blinds. For a window treatment that won’t have to be replaced frequently, shutters are the way to go. They may cost a little more than blinds up front, but the top-notch insulation means you can enjoy savings of up to 60% on your cooling bills for years to come.
How Does Upkeep Differ?
Maintenance and care is another aspect of the difference between home shutters and blinds. Shutters have ample space between sections, resulting in quick and easy cleaning and dusting. And since shutters don’t operate on a cord, you won’t have to deal with it tangling, breaking or getting stuck. Meanwhile, with blinds, the small amount of space that’s left between each blind can make for a drawn-out cleaning process.
What About Installation?
Compared to other household fixtures, neither blinds nor shutters tend to be labor-intensive installation projects. You can have shutters installed over doors, windows, patios or wherever an insulated barrier is desired. Blinds are typically designed for installation in only the interior of your home. If you are interested in installing window coverings on both the interior and exterior of your home, shutters are an ideal option for flexibility.
Arizona shutters are an ideal window treatment for upping the resale value of your home. You can rest easy in knowing that the amount you invest into your shutters can be added back to your home’s selling price. At Tucson Rolling Shutters, our window treatments provide superior safety, insulation, and durability along with improved noise reduction and privacy. Plus, you can even control them with the push of a button. Get in touch with us to schedule your free in-home estimate!