Breaking Down Shutter Myths
We spend a lot of time talking to homeowners about plantation shutters. And though it may be surprising, when we speak with them, we hear the same few myths about shutters floating around. Let’s set the record straight and dispel some of the most common myths about plantation shutters so you can make the best choice for your home.
Myth: Shutters Are Easy to DIY
Several home projects are easy to do on your own in a single weekend. Installing shutters may not be one of them, though.
Putting in new shutters can be tricky from the start, as the measurements of the lengths and angles of the windows need to be extremely precise to ensure a smooth and snug fit, as well as to enable proper operation of your windows. Depending on the shutter material, from Polywood® to reclaimed wood, lifting big shutters and installing them level can be a tough job. Unless every part of the process is done exactly right, you could end up with crooked shutters or frequent drafts from ill-fitting weather-stripping.
Myth: Shutters Make Your Home Look Dark
Some home designers might shy away from shutters, claiming they’ll make a home look “too dark,” or dimly lit. This myth most likely stems from unfamiliarity with plantation shutters. Think of it this way: sunlight always comes through your windows at an angle. What shutters do is allow you to modify that angle by tilting their louvers, giving you more control over the amount of light that comes in. And remember, shutters can still swing completely open to allow all the light you could want.
Myth: Shutters Are Expensive
It’s true that shutters aren’t as cheap as your run of the mill blinds from a big box store. But this myth is all about how you’re thinking about shutters. If you think about them simply as a simple decoration that isn’t expected to last more than a few years (like you would blinds), then yes, shutters are expensive. But shutters are a permanent addition to your home, and have multiple benefits: they’re energy-efficient and are proven to lower heating and AC bills, they can increase the value of your home, and shutters can last a lifetime unlike blinds–which will need to be replaced over and over again.
Myth: Shutters Only Work In Older Homes
Maybe the name “plantation shutters” has something to do with the myth that shutters are an “old-timey” treatment but it certainly isn’t true. While shutters were frequently used in older home styles stretching back decades, their crisp, clean lines and neutral tones allow them to fit in with more chic, modern designs just as well. Shutters are the ultimate in versatile window treatment.
Myth: Sunburst Doesn’t Offer Free Consultations
Ok, this one isn’t a popular myth–just making sure you’re paying attention.
Your local Sunburst team is always ready to come out to your home for a free, no-hassle window design consultation. Just call 877-786-2877 or use the form below to get started on learning the truth about what shutters can do for your home.
