Shutters are becoming ever more popular in UK homes. And if you’ve been weighing up your window covering options for your space, you may be aware that they are almost always the more pricey option. But are shutters worth the cost?
In this blog, we’ll weigh up the true pros and cons of installing shutters in your home – and what to consider if you’re unsure.
Curtains Vs Blinds Vs Shutters
Let’s start at the beginning. Say you’ve just moved into a new property – or you’re redecorating your existing house. When you have a vision in mind for your dream space, it can be tempting to go in all guns blazing instead of considering all of your options.
Of course, the window is only one part of the room, but how you cover it has a bigger impact on the space than you might first think. Whether you choose shutters, curtains or blinds, your choice could impact the room temperature, the light level, the sound acoustic and even your sleep pattern.
So before you go and pick up some off-the-shelf curtains that match the new furniture, let’s weigh up the three most popular window options to answer the question: ‘are shutters worth the cost?’
Curtains
Curtains are often a cheap option, but what are the pros and cons?
Pros
- The cheapest option, from as little as £15 from a home store per pair.
- Can be easily changed when it’s time for a decor update!
- You can buy curtains and install them the same day – no waiting for them to be made!
Cons
- Not suitable for bathrooms – the fabric of curtains can be susceptible to mould in damp environments.
- They’re difficult to clean. In fact, many curtains are dry clean only.
- Curtains aren’t ideal for light control. You either have them open or closed, and you aren’t really able to block out low sun angles if you have an east or west-facing window.
- Curtains can allow draughts to flow through your house, meaning a hotter house in the summer and a colder one in the winter.
Blinds
While off-the-shelf blinds can be even cheaper than curtains, good-quality blinds are typically the next step up. So, how do they compare?
Pros
- Lots of design choices! From vertical to horizontal, Roman to room darkening, check out all of the options we offer here.
- Blinds can be tilted and adjusted for better light control than curtains – meaning that you can continue to sleep, work or watch television without the sunlight blocking your view.
- Made-to-measure blinds are an elegant and long-lasting addition to your home.
- Blinds are quick to install. We always recommend using a fitting expert for quality made-to-measure blinds, but it is possible to DIY with basic off-the-shelf blinds.
Cons
- As much as blinds are hardy and long-lasting, they will eventually need to be replaced.
- Blinds usually require a fitting on the wall around your window, which – if not done properly – can cause expensive damage to your property.
- Roller blinds are not always easy to clean. Dust and grime can build up over time on each individual slat, making them look run-down and neglected even when you are cleaning your blinds regularly.
- The quality of blinds varies wildly from supplier to supplier.
Shutters
And now, the star of the show. Shutters cover the entirety of your window like a mini door, and can be painted to match the colour of your room. They’re timeless, durable and can actually add to the value of your property.
Generally speaking, shutters are priced per square metre of the window, costing £295-£795 per square metre on average. This is because they are made-to-measure and hand-crafted from the best possible materials in order to ensure their famously long lifespan.
So, Are Shutters Worth The Cost?
Window dressings don’t come more sophisticated than shutters. Worth the cost? In our opinion, yes, if you’re looking for elegant styling that delivers far more than just aesthetics. What other benefits do shutters offer to your home?
Heat Insulation
Wood is a natural insulator of heat, so yes – even in this day and age – shutters will shave some of the cost off your heating bills every winter.
Total Light Control
The louvres of shutters can be tilted at any angle to allow for a soft light into the room. Or if you’re installing shutters in a bedroom, they can block out all of the light pollution from outside effortlessly, giving you total control of the hue of your space.
Shutters Last For Decades
So, how much are shutters worth? The cost is partly thanks to the fact that they last for years. Because you can paint the wood to match any decor, you can upgrade shutters with the rest of the room without having to re-buy them.
Street Value
Did you know that shutters can also add to the street value of your home? It’s another reason why we consider shutters worth the cost! If moving is on the cards for you in the next few years, they’re a wise investment for your home.
Soundproofing
Just as wood can insulate heat, it also works to soften the acoustic of your home. Meaning that you can enjoy a peaceful time with reduced background frequencies from outside traffic or passers-by.
Let’s Be Honest… They Look Great!
Shutters are more than just a fad. They’re a sleek and elegant addition to a space, streamlining your window without looking minimalist or bare. You’re sure to get compliments from guests with a pair of hand-crafted shutters in your house!
The Different Types Of Shutters
If you’re considering shutters for your home, you might automatically think of full-height wooden panels that cover the entire window. But don’t worry – if that doesn’t appeal to you, there is more than one type of shutter available…
Full Height
These are shutters that cover the entire window. These are the most popular variety for doors or full-length windows as they allow you to have maximum light control and room darkening where necessary.
Café Style
Also known as half-height shutters, these are shutters that cover the bottom half of a window whilst leaving the top half exposed. This is great for a workspace or anywhere requiring privacy and lots of natural light at the same time.
Tier On Tier Shutters
These tiered shutters are split into smaller compartments, usually four. These are versatile and stylish, letting you shut out different window sections. Perfect for those low sun angles in the morning and early evening!
Bay Window Shutters
What it says on the tin – shutters made specifically for bay windows, framing the windowsills in your home perfectly.
Conservatory Door Shutters
Think shutters wouldn’t work in a conservatory? Think again! These shutters in your glass space allow you to block out unwanted heat, light or draught and make your property feel more like a home.
What Other Costs Are Involved?
Pump the brakes – while there are plenty of factors making shutters worth the cost, it’s important to take the potential additional costs into account.
Because shutters are often a specialist area requiring specifically qualified contractors, you might find that the manufacturer you bought your shutters from doesn’t have an installer in-house. So you might have to pay separately for this.
Luckily, we have a dedicated team of talented fitters at Just Blinds who will make your dream vision a reality in no time. With so many glowing reviews about our lovely team, you can expect to be in the best hands – no dirty worker’s boots on your carpet!
The Verdict…
So, what do you think? Are shutters worth the cost? At Just Blinds, we certainly think so! With over 12 years of experience fitting quality shutters in homes across Staffordshire, we’ve seen firsthand just how shutters can transform your home.
So, if you’re convinced that shutters are worth the cost, why not check out our range of shutters on our site today?
