Clearing Up The Confusion: Are They Shutters Or Are They Blinds?

People have used the terms “shutters” and “blinds” interchangeably for years. After all, shutters and blinds serve a similar purpose: they help make your home more comfortable and beautiful. So, when a customer calls and says, "I need blinds for my windows. Actually, I think I mean shutters," we completely understand.

The terminology can be confusing, but what truly matters is getting precisely what you want. Once we clear up the confusion, you’ll be able to communicate clearly with any window treatment professional, whether you want plantation shutters or blinds for your home.

The Simple Truth: Shutters vs. Blinds At A Glance

Despite sometimes sharing a name, shutters and traditional window blinds have fundamental structural differences. 

• Interior Shutters (also called plantation shutters or just shutters) feature hinged panels with rows of movable louvers. They mount to your window frame or wall and serve as a permanent architectural element in your home.
• Window Blinds feature individual slats connected by ladder strings or tapes. They operate through dual mechanisms—one system raises and lowers the entire blind, while another tilts all slats for light control.

To recap, “shutters” are sturdy, louvered panels, and “blinds” are slatted window treatments that raise and lower. It’s simple enough, but things can still get confusing, especially when window treatment terms are combined.

“Plantation Blinds” Has Entered The Conversation

The term "plantation blinds" sounds like it should describe a type of slatted blind. But in many regions and conversations, it describes what we’ve just defined as plantation shutters.

How did this phrase come about? It could be due to a historical quirk, regional dialect, or the iconic "plantation" style’s popularity. Perhaps it was an attempt to make shutters sound familiar by associating them with more common blinds.

Regardless, if you're thinking of beautiful, louvered window treatments and call them "plantation blinds," you're not wrong. You’re using one of the many names these exceptional products go by!

The Regional Name Game: Plantation Blinds Or Plantation Shutters

Travel around the country, and you'll hear the same products called completely different things:

• The South: "Plantation shutters" reign supreme, thanks to historical architecture and cultural preferences.
• Northeast: "Interior shutters" or "shutters" are more common.
• West Coast: You'll hear a mix of everything.
• Midwest: "Plantation blinds" pop up more often than you might expect.
• Southwest: Strong preference for "plantation shutters," influenced by Southern traditions.

Don’t let these variations concern you. “Plantation shutters” and “plantation blinds” refer to the same product. When deciding on the window treatment you want, forget the name and focus on purpose, performance, and function.

Explore the Differences Between Shutters And Blinds

If you’re weighing your options and want to know the primary differences between shutters and blinds, here’s a quick breakdown:

Light Control

• Adjustable shutter louvers offer exceptional light control, and the panels can fully open or close.
• Blinds can deliver excellent light control with options like the precise slat tilting of our faux-wood blinds .

Durability

• Shutters like our composite Polywood® or wood Ovation® shutters are built to last. Polywood is the top choice and will hold up for decades.
• Blinds vary widely by material and type. They have a shorter lifespan than robust shutters, although custom-made blinds are of higher quality and last longer than off-the-shelf options.

Energy Efficiency

• Shutters provide superior insulation. Polywood shutters are the most efficient, with their solid construction and exclusive weather sealing. They can minimize temperature change by as much as 30 degrees. 
• Blinds can help block heat in certain conditions—some styles more than others—but shutters have the upper hand.

Style Versatility

• Shutters offer a timeless, classic look and architectural appeal that complements any décor style. Choose from versatile white Polywood or wood shutters in various wood stains and paints.
• Like shutters, blinds offer style versatility. They are available in white, off-white, various wood stains, and paints.

Investment Return

• Shutters typically require a higher upfront investment but can add to your home's resale value, making them a solid return on investment.
• Blinds generally offer a lower to moderate starting price point. They're easier to update on a whim if your style changes.

Ultimately, it's not about one window treatment being better than the other; it's about what's best for your needs. Think about what’s important to you from the categories above and share what you decide during your window treatment consultation.

Call Them What You Want (Just Call On Sunburst Shutters)

Interior shutters. Plantation shutters. Plantation blinds. You don't need to become a terminology expert—you just need to work with professionals who understand the products and your specific needs. Contact Sunburst Shutters & Window Fashions at 877-786-2877 or use the form below to schedule a free in-home consultation. We’ll bring product samples and help you choose the best window treatments for your needs.