The History of Shutter Blinds
You may not know it, but there is a stark difference between shutters and blinds, though many homeowners think of the two as interchangeable.
Shutters vs. Blinds
Part of the reason for this confusion concerns how these window coverings came about. “Shutter blinds” refers to first-generation shutters that were once featured on the exterior of houses to prevent break-ins and the onslaught of Mother Nature.
When interior shutters were first manufactured, they were used primarily for functional purposes in contrast to the famous Venetian blinds that people sought for aesthetic appeal. It was not until the early 1900s that the style of interior shutters became fashionable, and thus needed to be distinguished from interior blinds.
Over the years, there has been a significant rise in window blind subsets, ranging from vertical ones to leather to metal and micro versions with the trend hinging on the style desired during the particular era.
On the other hand, shutters have seen little change in their overall structure and design (albeit modern materials and feature customization), but they continue to be one of the most highly sought-after window coverings on the market.
Homeowners everywhere love the simplistic elegance that shutters provide, not to mention the fact that they complement nearly every housing style. shutters serve as the perfect backdrop for any room in your house, and they look extremely attractive from both inside and out.
Which Window Covering Should I Buy?
Determining whether interior shutters or blinds are the best choice for your home will depend on a number of factors. If you prefer to select from metal, wood or faux-wood, window blinds offer more in the way of versatility. Most shutters are made from either wood or faux wood, but the decision is ultimately yours to make. Wood shutters tend to require more maintenance and long term care than faux wood shutters, and that must also be taken into consideration. Faux wood shutters, such as Eclipse Shutters, are extremely durable and will stand the test of time with minimal care. They will never have to be refinished and will never crack, peel, warp or chip.
From a cost perspective, blinds are a more affordable option that will last for years if maintained properly. They do need to be cleaned regularly and care should be taken when working with the pull cord and wand. Shutters will cost more up front but they are far more durable and will last much longer. Eclipse Shutters have a warranty of 25 years!
Whichever window covering you choose, just know that when you say the outdated term “shutter blinds,” you are actually talking about something that existed centuries ago!