Way back in 1769, the Englishman Edward Bevan patented Venetian blinds, revolutionizing the world of shutters, blinds, and shades. Today, several variations later, we have the ability to control exactly how much light, air, and breeze we want to let into our homes. A truly ingenious invention.
Yet, if you’re here it’s likely you don’t have any for your home. Or perhaps the blinds you do have are beginning to look a little worn.
Well, if you’re still on the fence about getting some for your house, we’re here to help. Stick with us to find out the various perks that come with adding new shutters, blinds, or shades to your windows.
Let’s dive right in!
1. Get the Privacy and Security You Need
Shutters, blinds, and shades each do their part in adding an extra layer of privacy to your home. It’s always comforting to know that you have a safe place, separate from prying eyes, to live your life comfortably and peacefully.
Windows are generally a quick and easy point of entry for thieves. Some studies show that 25 percent of burglars use windows as an entry point into your home. However, not only does an open window allow for complete access into your home, but an unprotected one allows them to scout your home before breaking in.
2. Reduce External Noise and Disturbances
Neighbors throwing a party next door? Barking dogs that just won’t seem to quiet down? Shutters can help immensely.
This added layer between you and the world helps reduce your contact with external noises and outdoor disturbances. Your nights will be quieter, your sleep more peaceful and uninterrupted by loud noises.
If noise reduction is important to you, wooden shutters are an excellent option for your home.
3. Improve Your Curb Appeal and Property Value
Although it may seem like a relatively minor change, shutters, blinds, and shades are an important tweak to make to your home. They’re that finishing touch that brings everything together for improved curb appeal and creates better value.
They’re elegant, convenient, and a timeless classic.
4. Control of External Light
Sometimes you don’t want just a little light to penetrate into your home; sometimes you want none at all. Shutters allow you the option of controlling exactly how much or how little light enters your home.
Depending on your choice of preferred ambiance, you can opt for light-filtering blinds or blackout shades. As an added bonus, interior shades also prevent up to 99 percent of ultraviolet rays from entering your home.
Shutters, on the other hand, also allow you to control the direction of the streaming light. However, they are the more expensive option.
With good quality shades, blinds, and/or shutters in place, you could even go easy on the indoor sunscreen, provided you choose to keep that sunlight out!
5. Improved Thermal Insulation and Energy Efficiency for Your Home
Shutters are a great way to add a layer of insulation to your windows. They help block out the cold air from entering your home during winters. Don’t worry, they also keep your home cooler during the summers by blocking out the hot air and direct sunlight.
This also helps you cut down on energy costs and increase energy efficiency. Your heaters and air conditioners won’t have to work so hard to keep your home temperatures regulated for your comfort.
So if you’re counting – that’s cooler summers, warmer winters, less expensive energy bills, and a more eco-friendly way to live.
6. Better Ventilation
Air ventilation is essential for fresh, clean indoor air. Without a fresh supply of air, your home is going to feel stuffy, hot, and stale. The air indoors can also build up higher levels of moisture and foul or musty odors, and accumulate various pollutants.
Outdoor shutters allow you to open your home up to newer, fresher, and cleaner air, encouraging better ventilation throughout your house.
7. Convenience, Maintenance, Ease of Use, and Style
Good quality shades and shutters are highly durable and require little to no maintenance throughout the year. You can dust them or vacuum them to keep them clean.
In fact, they actually prevent damage to your home by keeping out hail, and other elements during storms and bad weather.
Make sure to choose the right materials depending on the room in question. For example, your bathroom will require something that’s moisture resistant, while your kitchen would need materials that are heat resistant.
Choosing the right material will help maximize the efficiency and durability of your shades, blinds, and shutters.
Know the Difference
Not sure what you need for your home? Here’s a quick rundown of the differences between the three.
- Shades: extremely convenient and easy to use, various customization options with little light control
- Blinds: these tend to be moisture resistant, offer good control over lighting, are easy to clean and relatively inexpensive
- Shutters: durable, easy to clean, add a layer of security, but are more expensive
Consider your needs before you make a decision.
Shades, Blinds, and Shutters for the Win
Shades, blinds, and shutters come with a whole host of benefits ranging from excellent light control to increased curb value. Consider which of these benefits matter to you the most, and start shopping for your windows, today!
Ready to find the right ones for your home? We’ve got you covered.
Explore our full range of options for your windows right here, and open yourself up to a world of benefits.
