As each year passes, shutters continue to become an increasingly popular feature in many homes because they provide aesthetic value and enhance room privacy. Besides, the adaptability of plantation shutters to various designs and their low maintenance nature make them excellent substitutes for curtains.
Unfortunately, the increasing popularity of shutters creates room for propagating misconceptions about them. Many people continue to fall prey to these myths, making them reconsider installing window shutters in their homes.
At Plantation Shutters Brisbane, we take pride in educating clients and potential clients on window treatment options. If you are considering window shutters as a potential window treatment, then these six myth busters will help you distinguish fact from fiction, and guide you in your search for window treatments.
Installing Shutters Is an Easy DIY Task
While there are numerous easy-to-do home projects that almost anyone can handle with little expertise, installing window shutters is not one of them. Right from the start, putting new shutters in place can be challenging, especially considering the various angles and lengths on a typical window.
All measurements should be precise to ensure the shutter fits snugly and smoothly, otherwise you may end up with an inoperable window. Also, depending on window size and shutter material, lifting and properly leveling big, heavy shutters can be physically demanding. Without professional expertise, it is easy to fit their weather-stripping and shutters crookedly.
There Is No Difference between Shutters and Blinds
It is quite surprising how people confuse shutters and blinds. Perhaps it is because they are similar in shape, or maybe people find “louvers” and “slats” confusing. Regardless, shutters and blinds are far apart in the grand scheme of window treatment. For instance, while blinds have an average lifespan of 3 to 5 years, shutters could easily last you 20 years or more. Also, blinds fit rectangular windows only while shutters can fit virtually any window shape.
Shutters Darken Homes
Some interior designers avoid shutters because they allegedly make homes seem too dark. This misconception is mostly due to unfamiliarity with how shutters let light into a room. Shutters can be modified to allow sunlight to pass through by changing the angle of the louvers. This feature provides plenty of control over how much light passes through the window. Furthermore, if you desire full sun exposure, you can swing the shutters open at the hinges.
All Shutters Are Similar
This is among the most propagated misconceptions in the world of shutters and is the primary reason most people prefer cheaper options. Since shutters are not manufactured equally or identically, all shutters cannot be the same.
While looks may seem strikingly similar, there are vast differences, especially between shutters at different price points. Unfortunately, most people who opt for low-priced shutters ultimately end up spending more on repairs, hence revealing the subpar quality of the cheap options.
All Window Treatments Provide the Same Level of Energy Efficiency
The difference between various window treatments becomes quite apparent when distinguishing them based on energy efficiency. The construction, material, and shape of window treatments will have significant bearings on how energy efficient they are.
For a better perspective, picture a window without any window treatment at the bottom of the energy efficiency totem pole. Right above it is a window with low-priced aluminum blinds that provide minimal energy efficiency. Next in the hierarchy are fabric window treatments such as draperies, which provide significantly higher energy efficiency.
Moving into a more noticeable category, we have honeycomb shades and traditional wood shutters, which provide heat reduction and sun-blocking protection. Lastly, at the top of our hierarchy sit the Polywood plantation shutters, that block and reflect outside temperature and light from moving through the window.
Modern Homes Are Too Distinct for Shutters
Since plantation shutters have become a common feature in homes over the years, some people may view them as old school and boring. Homeowners who claim that shutters are too eclectic for their homes perhaps are not aware that shutters are arguably the only window treatment capable of matching virtually any style.
Shutters are adaptable enough to match different designs, ranging from posh and stylish to a comfortable man cave. Also, shutters never go out of style. The trendiest shades may become passe after some months, but not shutters, especially the premium variety.
