Shutters vs Blinds

If you’re looking to upgrade your home with brand-new window dressings, it can be a difficult choice between shutters or blinds. Whether you want to prioritise style, functionality, durability, cost or aesthetic appeal, there are benefits to both blinds and shutters.

Installing either shutters or blinds will enhance light control, privacy, and contribute to the interior design choices made in your home. So, to help you decide, we’ll take you through all the differences and the pros and cons…

The primary difference between shutters and blinds is the structure and installation of the two window dressings. Window shutters are more of a permanent fixture when compared with blinds.

Shutters are fitted directly to your window frames, or with no drill shutters fitted directly onto your windows without the need for drilling into the frame. They are crafted from solid wooden or composite materials providing them with great durability.

Blinds are typically fitted to the top of your windows, although they can sometimes be installed within the recess. They can be crafted from a variety of materials including wood, fabric and vinyl. However, the materials are less solid and durable than those used to create plantation shutters.

Window shutters come in a variety of styles to suit any requirements. At California Shutters, our shutters are crafted from either quality hardwood or highly durable and waterproof faux wood, and are available in the below styles:

• Full height shutters – these shutters cover the full height of your windows operating as one single panel
• Café style shutters – sometimes referred to as half window shutters, these are fitted to the bottom section of your window to provide a sophisticated European style café look
• Tier on tier shutters – these shutters are like full height shutters but operate with two separate panels
• Solid shutters – made of single wooden panels, without moveable shutter slats.

As with shutters, blinds are available in a variety of different styles. We have listed some of the most common styles below:

• Wooden blinds – crafted from real wooden materials
• Roller blinds – made from a single piece of fabric and operated by moving up and down on a tube
• Vertical blinds – crafted from either individual fabric or a combination of panels, these hang vertically and operate from side to side
• Roman blinds – made of fabric that fold into neat pleats when raised and are flat when lowered
• Blackout blinds – crafted from materials that prevent light from entering your room when fully drawn

Window shutters are more than just a functional addition to your windows. They can be a statement piece in any room that adds a luxury feel thanks to their timeless aesthetic.

The main benefit of the appearance of shutters is added kerb appeal. This can even increase your home’s potential value and make you truly proud of showing off your home to family and friends.

Because of the materials they are crafted from, shutters are much easier to clean than blinds. Cleaning shutters is as simple as wiping away any stains with a damp cloth.

Our shutters also come with a 10-year guarantee. That is because we are confident in the quality of our materials and craftsmanship.

We’re all about DIY shutters at California shutters. The great news is that by installing shutters yourself, you can save up to 40% on costs vs professionally installed options.

Not to mention that because shutters form a thick barrier between your windows and the outside, they’ll provide plenty of insulation. This means you can save money by not putting the heating on for as long.

Let’s take a look at why shutters make such a great choice.

When it comes to blinds, you have plenty of control over how the finished product will look. You can customise blinds in a range of patterns and designs, as well as having the choice of a variety of different fabric colours and shades.

Blinds are typically crafted from just a single piece of fabric or thin wooden materials. This means that the upfront costs of blinds are cheaper than if you choose window shutters.

If blocking out light totally in your room/s is important to you then blackout blinds can achieve this better than shutters. These blinds are specially designed to block out almost all light, creating an ideal environment for sleeping or watching your favourite movie.

Naturally, we’d always advocate for shutters over blinds. Not only are they highly practical and durable, but they also provide greater insulation, are easier to clean and maintain and add greater kerb appeal.

However, there are instances when blinds might be the better option depending on your budgets, tastes and requirements. So, the end choice is dependent on your individual needs. 

If you decide to invest in window shutters, check out our range of shutters today!