Looking to update your home with new window coverings? The modern homeowner has a wealth of alternatives, so here’s a look at how shutters stack up against the rest.

Shutters vs Curtains

It’s pretty much an open and shut case here. When closed for privacy, curtains also block out most air and light, depending on the fabric you’ve chosen. But when opened to get the air flowing, they don’t offer any privacy or light control. Keeping curtains clean is also a cumbersome affair and requires taking them down, having them cleaned, and then putting them up again.

In comparison, the louvres on shutters can be adjusted for whatever privacy you require from the outside world, while still allowing light and airflow through the adjustable louvres, which can be angled either up or down. They’re also a breeze to clean with no maintenance needed.

Shutters vs Shades

Let’s face it: shades are not the prettiest covering by anyone’s standard. Besides, in terms of light, air and privacy, shades are similar to curtains. When closed you have total privacy, while they block much of the available light and air. When open, there’s plenty of airflow, but you can’t control light and they offer no privacy.

Again, shutters trump shades as you can close the louvres completely to block out light, or tilt them up or down to provide you with privacy while still allowing light and air to flow into the room. Plus, the eye-catching solid wood shutters have beautiful wood grain that enhances the appeal of any room.

Shutters vs Window Blinds

Window blinds and shutters both feature adjustable louvres to create privacy and control the flow of light and air into a room. But that’s where the similarities end. They differ vastly in terms of aesthetics, quality and value. Window blinds are notoriously tricky to clean and have just about no insulation or energy efficiency benefits. The strings that hold their louvres in place fray and break as time passes. Also, the blinds are susceptible to bending, folding and breaking and do little to add to your home’s value.

Shutters on the other hand enhance the beauty and investment value of your home, while providing a great deal of insulation. They’re durable, easy to clean and will look like new for many years to come.

An important consideration in South Africa is, of course, home security. Curtains, shades and window blinds don’t offer any kind of security. Plantation Shutters® – the leading timber and aluminium shutter manufacturer in South Africa – have a proven track record in securing openings through their unmatched locking mechanism on their security shutters, strength of frame and attention to detail.

So go on, let the light shine in (or keep it out) with gorgeous shutters from Plantation Shutters®.

visit: www.plantation.co.za

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