Is it better to install blinds or shutters?

Installing a protection against the sun is necessary in the windows of many facades. At this time the question arises, to install blinds or shutters? Both solutions have advantages that can be taken advantage of if chosen wisely.

With so many ways to protect your home from the sun it can be difficult to decide which option is the most suitable for your home. If you have doubts between installing blinds and shutters, we can help you.

In this guide, and with the help of professional shutter systems, we provide you with information so that you can make an informed choice between blinds and shutters, as well as basic considerations about their installation and operation.

Difference between blinds and shutters

The main difference between blinds and shutters is the way they are installed on the window. While the blinds are attached to the top inside of the window, the shutters are attached to the window frame by a stronger structure.

The blinds are usually made of lightweight, but resistant materials. The most common are aluminum and PVC. They can be operated in various ways, but the most popular are roller blinds and Venetian blinds.

In the case of roller blinds, there is the advantage of leaving the window completely clear when they are folded up. Venetian blinds are distinguished because they can regulate the light in a simple way, changing the inclination of the slats.

The shutters are made of wood and PVC. Being a more solid structure, they can provide additional protection to the window, in addition to protecting it from the sun. There are models that incorporate a mechanism to regulate sunlight, but most are fixed.

Most shutters are installed on the outside of the window, and may have one or more locking and closing mechanisms.

What does the choice between blinds or shutters depend on?

Experts who have worked with Shutter systems state that in addition to personal taste or local regulations, there are several factors that can influence the choice between shutters and blinds.

Window type

The type and size of the window has an important influence on our choice. If it is very large or long, blinds are the best and most practical option. But if the window is round or of unusual shape, custom-made shutters will enhance its beauty. Standard windows will look great with either option.

The room also influences

In which room would you like to put the blind or shutter? This will be an important factor in your choice. For a bedroom with a window facing a busy street, exterior shutters are the best option.

In common areas, dining rooms or rooms, with sunny facades, hybrid solutions are usually preferred, to regulate the light and protect at the same time.

The cost

As a general rule, investing in a high-quality item is worth every euro. Shutters are generally more expensive than blinds due to the material they are made of. Also, the ones that are made to measure cost more than the standard versions.

Longevity

For a timeless look that will stand the test of time, a traditional shutter is ideal. Their resistance and robustness make them ideal in places where storms are frequent, as they protect the window from the wind and any object that it carries.

A blind can also be durable, but only if you choose a high-quality one. When you buy it, read carefully the conditions of purchase and the guarantee.

The advantages of shutters

The shutters are small doors attached to the windows that also help insulate your home.

There are many types: they can be interior (known as friars) or exterior; with horizontal opening (outwards) or vertical (upwards); fixed slats or movable slats to control how much light enters; etc. Nowadays, there are also automated shutters, but it is a less widespread technology.

Shutters guarantee better insulation from the outside than windows. This is possible because they are thicker and cover the windows better. For this same reason, they also provide greater security against theft, being one more barrier of protection.

However, the best thing about shutters is that they make the houses in which they are installed have their own personality; they no longer go unnoticed. Compared to blinds, which are more discreet and therefore more adaptable to different architectural styles, shutters are the ideal complement for houses with a traditional appearance.

These usually have wooden shutters, but are also made of PVC or aluminum. This makes them also suitable for more modern buildings. In any case, before choosing them, you must take into account the aesthetics pre-established by your neighborhood community.

At the end of the day, the choice between blinds and shutters sometimes comes down to a simple preference. Ultimately, there is no right or wrong decision; you just have to choose what best suits your needs and the style you are looking for.