Finding the best window treatments for your home is not just about style. You’ll also need to consider the function, comfort, and energy bills. Shutters and blinds have unique benefits and are popular products in most households. As a veteran-owned business in Collegeville, Montgomery County, and beyond, we have years of experience providing custom window shutters, blinds, and budget-friendly window treatments. In this blog, we’ll cover both options and help you determine the best choice for your home upgrade.
What Are Shutters and Blinds?
Shutters are solid window coverings, usually made of wood or man-made materials. Shutters can be mounted on the inside or outside of the window frame. At Bartlett Blinds & Shutters, we offer both traditional shutters and custom modern designs. The shutters we provide are high-quality and timeless statements of charm and elegance. Shutters come in multiple sized slats like the traditional 1 7/8″ 2 1/2″, 3, the most popular 3 1/2″, and 4 1/2″
Blinds and Shutters: A Comparison for Homeowners
Cost and Affordability
Blinds usually provide the best value for the money when it comes to affordable alternatives for window coverings. Available in multiple materials and finishes, like real wood, faux wood, aluminum and vertical and specialty styles, blinds are generally a great choice for the budget-conscious shopper.
Shutters come with significantly higher initial costs because of the durable materials and custom made-to-measure installations. However, the durability and timeless appeal of shutters make them an ideal choice for homeowners looking to invest in their home for the long term.
At Bartlett Blinds and Shutters, we provide a range of high quality window treatments to suit every budget! Book your free consultation service to discover your options with no obligation to buy.
Style and Interior Design
Blinds come with a pop of color and a range of materials and slat widths that can fit anyone’s decor. Blinds can also be easily swapped out if one wishes to move towards a trendy or seasonal look, making them a flexible option for lively living spaces.
Shutters add an air of elegance in a home with its traditional plantation or modern custom styles. When installed by professionals like Bartlett Blinds and Shutters, shutters create a luxurious, permanent feature that can increase your home’s value and curb appeal! If you want a sophisticated look that is built to last, then custom window shutters are your ultimate option.
Durability and Upkeep
Shutters are designed to be tough and long-lasting, providing peace of mind for decades if maintained properly. Their hard surface can be cleaned with just a damp cloth, making them a more practical option for busy households.
Blinds require more frequent upkeep with dust building on the surface of the slats. Although modern blinds are tough and durable, their lifespan is usually shorter than that of shutters. You may need to replace your blinds every few years, although with proper maintenance you may be able to extend their lifespan.
Shutters and blinds both are available in wood and faux wood options . Wood offers a warm natural look, but can be sensitive to moisture and costly. Faux wood offers a similar appearance to wood but is more resistant to moisture and is less expensive; making it ideal for kitchens, bathrooms, and other areas that have more humidity.
Installation and Versatility
Blinds are fairly easy to install, which often appeals to both renters, and DIY fans alike. While homeowners can independently install a wide range of styles, hiring a professional is recommended to ensure the best results in terms of aesthetics and functionality.
Shutters offer a much more permanent solution and align with your window style to offer a seamless look. Professional installation, through experts like Bartlett Blinds and Shutters, is highly recommended to ensure proper fitting, functioning, and a flawless installation. In most cases, the timeline from measurement to installation typically ranges from 1 to 2 weeks, depending on the details of your order.
Energy Efficiency and Comfort
Window shutters work as incredible insulators and energy-savers, effectively blocking heat, cold, and noise from invading your home. Their sturdy design creates a seal that locks out drafts and stabilizes your interior temperature, translating into greater energy savings and comfort throughout the year.
Blinds provide insulation too, especially cellular blinds, but their performance varies as per the type of fabric and fit. Faux wood and wood blinds insulate better than vinyl or metal ones, but the gold standard for energy efficiency is still shutters.
Light Control and Privacy
Another area in which shutters shine is light control and privacy. Shutters allow you to adjust the louvers to direct sunlight exactly where you want it, or close them completely for full privacy and room darkening. This makes them ideal for bedrooms, home offices, or windows facing the street.
Blinds offer adjustable privacy and light control, particularly with blackout options. However, some light may still seep through the gaps between the slats, which could be a concern for certain spaces.
Locally Owned & Custom Solutions
Bartlett Blinds and Shutters is a local, veteran owned business in Collegeville/Montgomery County and brings the showroom to your home for a truly customized shopping experience. We specialize in custom window treatments, like blinds, shades, and shutters, that are tailored to your specific windows, style, and budget.
We provide trusted brands and specified finishes to make your home upgrades a reflection of your personal style and functional needs. Our professional team handles the measurements, ordering, and installation to ensure you enjoy a stress-free upgrade of your windows.
Final thoughts:
If you’re looking for affordable/easily changeable window treatments, blinds offer better value! However, if you’re looking for durability, elegance, energy efficiency, and long-term impact on property value, shutters make a great choice. At Bartlett Blinds and Shutters, we make available both product options and are ready to guide you through the process. Take the first step today, schedule a free consultation and see your dream come to life for yourself!
