The Difference Between Interior and Exterior Shutters: Guide for Hartford Homeowners

July 05, 2017

Hartford CT exterior and interior shutters

Plantation shutters work just about anywhere – in any Hartford home, in any room, on any type of window, and even outside. And that may be where a few homeowners have questions.

Interior and exterior shutters are very different products, and if you aren’t in the know, you might waste time or money shopping around for a product that isn’t what you need. Here is what you should know.

Exterior Shutters

First, we need to be clear that Sunburst Shutters Connecticut does not make or sell exterior shutters. Instead, we specialize in elegant interior shutters for the home.

Outdoor shutters tend to serve one of two purposes: either they’re purely for decoration as an accent to your windows, or they’re reinforced “hurricane shutters,” built to guard your windows from damage during harsh weather.

Decorative exterior shutters tend to look great on very particular home styles, like Mediterranean houses. Hurricane shutters are somewhat rare outside of a few parts of the country, and many types don’t even resemble what you envision when you think of shutters, but rather look like large steel sheets.

For those outdoor shutters that do open and shut on your window, they don’t tend to have a lot of functionality. They are unable to make a seal to block heat and their louvers (if they have them) usually can’t be adjusted. Aside from that, exterior shutters can add a splash of color that looks fantastic on your home.

You Might Need Exterior Shutters If:

You get heavy storms in your area and need to protect your windows.
You want to add a some flair to your house’s exterior.
You have enough space around your windows to put in outdoor shutters.

Interior Shutters

Interior shutters are our area of expertise, and they’re the ultimate window covering in combining style and usability. Placed directly in or above your window jamb, interior shutters blend into your home’s furnishings from the minute they’re installed. And unlike outdoor shutters, interior shutters can go on any window, anywhere in your home.

The style that classic interior shutters give your space is unmatched, and shutters are incredibly multifaceted. Interior shutters can serve as an amazing accent to any style of home; from historic Cape Cod homes to ultra-modern condos, and have a range of colors, stains, and frame options to fit your taste.

As for tangible benefits, plantation shutters may be the most effective window treatment. Polywood faux wood shutters in Hartford block heat more efficiently than any other window treatment available, making sure your house is as comfortable as possible. The adjustable louvers on a shutter panel also give you a full spectrum of lighting options, unlike shades or draperies.

You might need interior shutters if:

You need to be able to control your lighting, indoor temperature, and energy-efficiency.
You want a flexible, resilient window treatment.
You need to add some elegance your home, and color match your existing indoor trim.

Sunburst is Your Interior Shutter Expert

Chances are, if you’re wanting the protection, style, and lastingness of shutters, you want interior plantation shutters. Sunburst can help. Give us a call at 860-266-5459 today and schedule your free in-home walkthrough of what shutters can do for your space.

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