Deciding how to dress your windows has three main areas for you to consider, these include the practicalities, the design and of course, the costs involved.
Should you choose plantation shutters, curtains or blinds? While all of these choices provide you with privacy and light control, there are of course differences between them so, let’s investigate a little.
Cost and Durability
Blinds typically cost less to buy and install than curtains or plantation shutters, but this becomes a disadvantage over time. Roller blinds, Venetian blinds and Vertical blinds will not last as long as plantation shutters do and so, need to be replaced, the expectancy of most blinds is roughly five years.
Curtains can cost more than blinds, a lot more. The fabric, the lining, getting them made to measure and then the curtain poles all add to the overall cost. Of course, you can expect them to last longer than blinds but more often than not, they will not remain looking really good for very long and are likely to shrink when washed or cleaned (another cost!).
Plantation shutters are designed to last for decades. In fact, every shutter in all of our ranges can last a lifetime without needing to be repaired, repainted or replaced. Shutters can cost less than many curtain installations, are resistant to UV damage and have zero maintenance costs, simply wipe them down with a damp cloth every month or two.
Kerb appeal and Home Value
The type of window treatment you put in your home can have a considerable impact on its kerb appeal and saleability.
Blinds are an inexpensive option but they look like it and really do little or nothing to make your home look attractive.
Curtains can look good but from outside, it’s the lining that is seen from outside of course and have a traditional look and feel. They simply don’t pay off in terms of boosting home value.
Investing in plantation shutters can make your home appealing, giving you a stronger likelihood of selling it at a higher price when you put it on the market.
Installing elegant, quality shutters really increases the kerb appeal while also providing better insulation that keeps energy bills down.
Energy Efficiency
When you’re deciding on new window treatments for your home, energy efficiency is an important factor to consider. Improved energy efficiency results in lower heating and cooling bills, which helps you save money throughout the year. Blinds and curtains give some control over how much sunlight comes in, but offer little in terms of insulation.
With wooden plantation shutters, you’ll have more natural insulation which boosts energy efficiency. They help trap heated air in your home during winter and prevent hot air from outside entering your home in summer, leading to a significant reduction in your energy bills and increased comfort levels.
Maintenance
No matter what kind of window treatment you get for your home, taking proper care of it is important. Cleaning helps keep dust from building up in your home and ensures that your window treatment will last longer. Blinds and curtains are at a disadvantage when compared to plantation shutters. Cleaning curtains or blinds often leads to shrinkage and they rarely hang properly afterwards..
Plantation shutters provide more convenience when it comes to cleaning. The slats are stable, there are no cords to get around and so, simply wiping them down on a regular basis is easy to do and keeps dust from building up on them.
When it’s time to choose a new window treatment, let Buzzard Shutters show you our selection of plantation shutters. You’ll never regret it.