In the modern age, you have probably come to the same conclusion as most. Window dressing is one of the most important things you can do to your home. The dressing we apply to our windows can be essential in the presentation of overall mood when it comes to our homes.
As with most people, you have probably come to the decision that curtains and nets just aren’t right. At this point, people start to think they are only left with blinds as an option. Blinds are in fact not the only option, whilst not always the obvious choice window shutters can also be an incredible option for any home too.
We are going to look closely today at both shutters and blinds to see which would suit you better overall.
Shutters
Firstly we are going to take a look at shutters. Shutters are in themselves a stylish and sophisticated addition to any home. They offer practicality, reduce noise, increase privacy and still provide light.
With the addition of shutters, you can also add padlocks for additional security to your home. Shutters are also great if you prefer a low maintenance option when it comes to cleaning. There are a number of choices when it comes to shutters, and today we are going to look at just a few.
Cafe-Style – The cafe style shutter is a bottom half cover that provides a cost-effective solution to your window dressing needs. These shutters are ideal if you live somewhere with a lot of passing footfall. They offer a great ratio of light to privacy but aren’t great if you want to shut out light completely.
Tier-on-Tier – These shutters are also known as double-hung shutters. They are pretty much the most versatile shutter you can get nowadays. They consist of two shutters, one hung above the other, yet both working independently. You can, of course, choose which one is open at what time.
Solid Shutters – The solid shutter gives a sleek look and comes with a plethora of centre panels. Solid shutters combine louvre panel above and below sits a solid panel.
Full-Height Shutters – Full height shutters are far better suited to taller windows. With full-height shutters, there is generally a division rail halfway up. This just usually situated towards the natural break of the window. Full height shutters are very sturdy and have the capability of a separation in top and bottom opening.
Now we are more familiar with the types of shutter available; we can address the pros and cons of the shutters.
Pros of Shutters
- A sophisticated addition to the home that will not age quickly
- The light and air can filter nicely, allowing the room to benefit from a great atmosphere
- Stunning look
- Available in many different materials
- Low maintenance
- Extra security
- They offer something different
Cons of Shutters
- More expensive than blinds
- Can take up more space than blinds
Blinds
When it comes to blinds, they are in fact the most popular window dressing in the UK. This fact is not really surprising when we look at the functionality and just how good they look in pretty much any home.
Window blinds have many benefits, and there only real downside is cleaning. Knowing which blind to choose can, however also present issues, we will now take a look at a few types of blind and then weigh up the pros and cons.
Vertical Blinds – Vertical blinds consist of individual slats; these slats are connected to a pully operated track that runs across the top of the window. Depending on which style you choose, these blinds can either open from the centre outwards or from one of the sides. Vertical blinds are a popular choice as they offer distance privacy and come in an array of sizes to suit any window.
Venetian Blinds – Venetian blinds are now and always have been the most popular choice of blind. These blinds feature a horizontal slat design which is connected by a string. The Venetian blinds are raised by a pulley and slot into each other in a concertina fashion.
Panel Blinds – Panel blinds are among the most popular of choices when it comes to patio doors. These blinds also move across a track for the opening and closing process.
Pleated Shades – Pleated shades feature an accordion-like design which can be lowered and raised. The material itself contains a pleat so the accordion shape can be maintained. Pleated shades have a similar look and feel to Venetian blinds, but they also manage to soften the look of the window. Pleated blinds are usually a cheaper option that is made from fabric or paper.
Roman Shades – Roman shades are, in fact, a very traditional window dressing. Although not as popular as some of the others, they are still found in homes all over the world. There are a few different styles of roman shades available, but they all rely on the same concertina like design, similar to the Venetian. The one issue with roman blinds is they take up a large portion of the window area when raised.
Roller Shades – The second most popular blind option in the UK is the roller shade. Generally made from synthetic material or natural fabrics, they can be rolled up or down to meet your requirements. Roller Shades are available with a plethora of mounts that allow you to secure to a window in a multitude of ways. There are so many options when it comes to roller shades; you may be spoilt for choice. They can also come with different backings should you require a blackout feature.
Pros of Blinds
- Variety of choice is huge, for both style and colour
- Style variety is very large; there is something for every home
- Blinds offer a soft and delicate touch to your home
- Can be made to fit your window perfectly
Cons of Blinds
- Mechanisms can fail
- Don’t have the durability of a shutter
- Cleaning can take a while
- Fabrics can damage when exposed to sunlight
All things taken into account, there is nobody that can say that one is better than the other. Blinds and shutters are both amazing options when it comes to giving your home a facelift.
