Interior Shutters: The Forgotten Window Covering

If you're looking at that window and thinking about how you're going to dress it up, pause a moment before you throw the same old blind and curtain wardrobe on it. Interior window shutters may not be the first idea to pop in your head but, it can be the last idea when you realize what interior shutters can do for your windows.

Unparalleled Durability
Many homeowners will attest to the fact that maintenance is the worst part of their window coverings. Flimsy blinds are easily twisted and discombobulated. Over time, the pull strings can cease to operate smoothly. Curtains gather dirt and can create a fire hazard. Quality interior shutters will last the lifetime of your home and require little maintenance—an occasional dusting and you should be good to go.

Interior Shutter Mounts
Interior window shutters can have inside or outside mounts. Inside mounts attach the shutters inside the window jamb; outside mounts attach them directly outside the jamb. If your window has enough depth, inside mounts are generally preferred as they will help give the impression that the shutter is a part of the window. Essentially, it looks better. For either mount, the depth and the size of the window opening will influence the desired thickness for your shutter.

Decorative Versatility
Interior window shutters are also the perfect window covering for odd-shaped windows. While blinds and curtains tend to work more for windows with right angles, interior shutters can be customized to fit in any size or shape window. The most elaborately curved windows still need only extra measurements and custom-carved wood to match. In fact, for new construction, the versatility of shutters can specifically allow for you to play with unique window shapes.

Shutter/Blind Hybrids
The main difference between a window shutter and a blind is that a shutter swings open, while blinds rotate their slats. Needless to say, it took something less than a home improvement Thomas Edison to realize you could have the best of both worlds. Shutter blinds can be swung open or opened like blinds. These hybrid window coverings are nifty. The biggest drawback of a standard shutter is that it's difficult to control the exact amount of light that enters a room. Shutter blinds fix that problem. They also improve on the idea of standard blinds by creating decorative wings for your windows the shutters are opened. Plus, you don't need that annoying pull string that will eventually lead to guiding the blinds down with your hand in a couple years.