There are tons of different types of window treatment options available today for replacement windows in Houston, TX. From decorative shades and drapes to more functional blinds and shutters, how are you supposed to choose? Most homeowners are torn between shutters and blinds, and some don’t even know the difference. Both of these types of window treatments have great benefits, but both are not the right choice for every home.
For starters, both shutters and blinds have louvers that allow you to control the air flow, light and privacy coming in and out the space. The real differences come in when it gets down to what they are made from, and how they are made.
Shutters are generally custom made to fit a particular window, either on the inside or outside of the window frame. They allow you to open and close their panels however you want, giving you a lot of personalization from day to day, as they swing in and out. Most shutters have two panels, making them very similar double doors. Just like double doors, paneled shutters’ sides can open independently from one another. Blinds can also be fit on the inside or outside of a frame, but they operate a bit differently than shutters. Blinds have slats that are held together with a string and can be moved up and down by pulling on said string. This string can sometimes pose a problem, as it can easily get tangled or broken. While there are a few different kinds of blinds, this design is the most common.
Shutters are generally much more durable than blinds. Shutters are usually made from wood, wood composites, or tough synthetic materials. Blinds, on the other hand, are generally made of plastic, faux wood, and sometimes fabric. These materials are a lot less durable than wood and synthetics like vinyl and are also a lot less effective at preventing the sun from seeping through and bleaching your carpets and furniture.
It’s a good idea to think of window shutters as an investment, and blinds as a more temporary solution if you can’t afford shutters or are living in a rental home. This is because shutters are usually a lot more expensive than blinds. But, you get what you pay for!
If you are thinking of selling or refinancing your home in the future, shutters are a great investment as they are aesthetically pleasing and add value to your home. They are also easy to care for, last a long time, and can even help you spend less money and energy keeping your home at a comfortable temperature.
All that matters is that whatever you choose works for you and your home. If you want to learn more about the window treatment options for your Houston, TX replacement windows, Custom Windows of Texas is here to help. You can pay us a visit at 1291 N Post Oak Rd #100 Houston, TX 77055, or give us a call at (713) 864-2747 to learn more about what we can do for you.