Dressing up your window can greatly refresh your home, enhance curb appeal, and increase energy efficiency. If you’re new to home improvements, you may think vertical blinds are the only game in town. After all, blinds are ever-present in offices and are frequently the window dressing of choice in apartment rentals. However, for several reasons, vertical blinds are often not the best for residential spaces.
The Problems with Vertical Blinds
Vertical blinds are everywhere, largely because they are cheap. They’re also easy to install and come in colors and patterns that match any room. But that’s where the benefits end. Blinds are not especially durable and can be easily damaged, especially if you have children or pets. And if gusty weather doesn’t damage them, blinds knocking against window frames can be quite annoying. Depending on the material of the blinds, it may fade under continuous sunlight. Further, vertical blinds don’t completely block out the sun. Only blackout blinds do.
The term “blackout blinds” is misleading. Blackout blinds are a form of shade. And shades are one of the more common alternatives to vertical blinds. Dark shades, or blackout shades, can block out sunlight. However, black shades may not fit with your room’s decor. And if you choose another color, you may not be assured of complete privacy from the outside. Further, they can reduce air circulation when pulled down and, in some cases, can be difficult to manage. Moreover, if you have motorized roller shades, you must call a licensed professional when the motor fails.
Curtains are also among the popular alternatives to vertical blinds. However, curtains are usually a more expensive option than blinds and shades. They don’t provide as much privacy as some other vertical blind alternatives. Moreover, their length can make them challenging for homes with children and pets. The wrong-sized curtains can also create the impression that a room is smaller than it is.
Yet another challenge with curtains (as well as fabric blinds and shades)? They can retain a room’s odors from pungent meals, cigarette smoke, or musty pets. Removing those odors will likely require more maintenance work than you want.
Why Consider Shutters for Your Windows
One of the best alternatives to vertical blinds is shutter treatments for your windows. The classic plantation shutter look is ideal for homeowners in warm regions as these shutters perfectly control the flow of light, air, and sound into a room. Plantation shutters can also be crafted in various styles to suit home aesthetics. And not only can these shutters offer a talking point for your visitors. But the right plantation shutters can also offer a bit of curb appeal, making your home more attractive to passersby.
Plantation shutters can provide excellent insulation against chilly weather. Their design can help keep heat from escaping, reducing your risk of high energy bills. They can also provide homeowners with a great deal of privacy. You can keep plantation shutters clean with a simple weekly wipe-down, and unlike other vertical blind alternatives, they won’t retain odors.
You’ll also find that plantation shutters are very durable. High-quality plantation shutters offer excellent protection from the elements and can even signal to would-be intruders that your home may be more difficult to access. No matter your home’s decor or aesthetic, plantation shutters offer a suitable style, along with durability, energy efficiency, privacy, and security to your home.
Window Shutter Installation in Phoenix
You don’t need to look far in Phoenix for the best vertical blind alternatives. At Weaver Shutters, we handcraft the plantation, wood, or poly shutters just right for your home. Since 1976, we’ve outfitted homes like yours throughout Arizona with the best shutter treatments, and we’re looking forward to working with you to refresh your home. Contact us today for a free in-home quote, and let’s get started.
Image source: A.Flassig via Shutterstock