Window shutters are a popular alternative to curtains and blinds. But, if you would like shutters for your home, should you choose interior or exterior shutters? There are some important differences between them and each has some unique advantages.
Interior shutters are part of the interior of a home and can help create a warm atmosphere in the room where they are installed. They are both elegant and functional. Louvred shutters can be adjusted to suit the weather conditions. Their louvres can be opened to let air and light through or closed to keep air and light out. Depending on how they are adjusted they can offer privacy. If shutters are closed with the louvres partially open then it can make a room more private while not blocking out the natural light; they can be adjusted so the light comes in at an angle without allowing people on the outside to see in. Due to the wood used in the manufacture of wooden shutters, they can keep the warmth in during the winter a lot more than curtains do, and due to the quality of wood usually used, even more so than blinds. The can also keep the heat out during the summer, eliminating the need for air conditioning in hot climates. Therefore, having shutters installed can reduce heating and cooling bills. Interior shutters are also easy to maintain. Simply wiping them down with a damp cloth is all that is needed when cleaning them, as opposed to curtains which will need to be take down to be washed. A final benefit of interior shutters is that they can increase the value of a home. As they are permanent fixtures the cost of having them installed can be recuperated should you choose to sell your home.
In some ways exterior shutters are very different to their interior counterpart. While they add to the interior design when on the inside of a window, when they are on the outside they look great to passers-by. They give a home a Mediterranean feel, which is where they originated from. A practical advantage to some is that they offer added security. For this reason they are sometimes used in places susceptible to natural disasters such as hurricanes, tornadoes and earthquakes. There are many styles available so you can usually get them made to fit your home, with many providers offering them custom made. Exterior shutters can eliminate the need for internal window coverings. You may choose to have then for decorative purposes, but for practical purposes interior curtains or blinds will not really be necessary. Repainting is an option. Once worn, they can be repainted and home owners can change the colour of them should they wish to go for a different look. A similarity with interior shutters is the adjustability, as they can be easily altered depending on your preference in any particular weather conditions; you can keep out or let in sunlight as you choose. Another similarity is the energy efficiency.
There are both differences and similarities between interior and exterior shutters. They are both elegant in their own way and each has practical qualities.
Andrew Marshall ©
Whether you choose interior or exterior shutters, they can add a touch of elegance to your home.
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