When a homeowner wishes to enjoy privacy, reduced sunlight and occasional weatherproofing, shutters and blinds are a great choice because they will also add to the décor of a home. Usually, the shutters and blinds are installed in the interior window frames, but exterior shutters can enhance the outside of the house. These types of shutters are often decorative rather than functional, although some can be used for weatherproofing. When considering shutters and blinds for your home, there are plenty of styles, colors and brands to choose from. The shutters and blinds you purchase will most likely depend on the size of your rooms and personal preferences, as well as budget.

Different Types of Blinds

Blinds can be used to cover both windows and doors. To achieve this security and privacy, an assortment of styles and materials are available. Slat blinds consist of individual, horizontal slats, which are held together by strings. Adjustable amounts of light can enter the room with a pull of a cord or twist of a long wand. Newer trends allow motorized operation of the blinds. Venetian blinds are a popular slat variety that dates back to about 1770. When the slats of Venetian blinds are 19 to 24mm wide, they are considered mini-blinds.

Basic materials used to make slat blinds include metal, aluminum, plastic and vinyl. Sometimes wooden slats are used. These are referred to as wood blinds or bamboo blinds.

Solid blinds are rolled or folded up by the pull of a cord. There are no individual openings like the slat blinds. In this category, you may choose from Holland blinds (also known as roller shades), pleated shades (made from fabric), and woven-wood blinds, which involve slats of decorated wood or bamboo. It is the woven-wood option that offers a better control of light and has been known to save energy.

Different Types of Shutters

Shutters are a solid type of window covering that often consists of a side stile, louvers and top and bottom rails. Individual panels can be hinged together to create one shutter unit. They are often used to enhance the appearance of a home, inside and out. Some of the functions associated with exterior shutters include the ability to shed rain and protect windows and the home from small flying objects during rain and windstorms. When choosing non-functional shutters, they are quite easy to install with a simple screw or bolt to the outside of your home.

The different kinds of material used for shutters include wood, faux wood, vinyl and plastic. They can be ordered or bought with a variety of painted or stained finishes. Fabric shutters and European styles are a popular trend among homeowners. Further expanding the possibilities, both shutters and blinds can be custom-made.

Some of the different styles of shutters include plantation and traditional selections. Shutters may also come in the following styles that showcase horizontal, vertical or diagonal patterns and sometimes more than one style at a time: Bead Board, Tongue & Groove, Fixed Louvers and Board & Batten.

Before Purchase and Installation

Measuring your windows will allow you to make the best purchase for your home. It is important that you use a metal measuring device for this task. First, measure across the window opening, moving from edge to edge. Then, measure the top, middle and the bottom of the width of the window. Record the smallest measurement for your width. Measure from the top to the bottom on both sides of the window. Record the largest measurement for your height. Keep in mind that the blinds you purchase will be about ¼ inch smaller to avoid scratching of the window paneling.

When choosing shutters and blinds for your home, you will find that the list of potential manufacturers and companies is rather abundant. A few businesses to consider include the Exterior Shutter Company, Horizon Interior Shutters, Shademaster Window Blinds and Sullivan’s Shutter Factory, as well as popular manufacturers, such as LouverDrape, Verosol, Levolor and Nanik.

When installing shutters, most kits include precut mounting frames and hinges that make it an easy project for anyone. To keep up with the maintenance of your shutters and blinds, various methods are used. While some can be dusted, such as wooden slats, others can be wiped with a moistened cloth to remove dust and buildup.