The Difference Between Interior and Exterior Shutters: Rundown for Seattle Homeowners

July 05, 2017

Seattle Washington exterior and interior shutters

Plantation shutters can go almost anywhere – in any Seattle house, in any space, on any window shape, and even outside. And that may be where some confusion can occur.

Exterior and interior shutters are very different products, and if you aren’t in the know, you might waste time or money shopping around for something that isn’t what you need. Let’s look at what you need to know.

Exterior Shutters

First, we have to state that Sunburst Shutters Washington does not build or sell exterior home shutters. Rather, our specialty is in elegant interior shutters for Seattle homes.

Outdoor shutters really only do one of two things: they’re either just for looks as a complement to your windows, or they’re reinforced “hurricane shutters,” designed to guard your windows from heavy damage during intense storms.

Decorative exterior shutters tend to look great on very particular home styles, such as more rustic homes as well as Mediterranean houses. Hurricane shutters are fairly rare except in a few parts of the country, and many types don’t even look like what you envision when you think of shutters, but rather look like large iron 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 form a seal to block heat and their louvers (if they exist) usually can’t be adjusted. Aside from that, exterior shutters can add a layer of color to your home.

Think About Exterior Shutters If:

You get heavy storms in your area and want to protect your windows.
You want to add a splash of color to the outside of your house.
You have adequate space around your windows to install exterior shutters.

Interior Shutters

Interior shutters are our forte, and they’re the ultimate window treatment in combining looks and functionality. Placed directly in or above your window frame, interior shutters become a piece of your home the moment they’re installed. And unlike outdoor shutters, interior shutters can mount on any window, in any room of your house.

The style that premier interior shutters bring your home is unequaled, and shutters are extremely multifaceted. Plantation shutters can beautifully accent any style of home; from historic Craftsman homes to contemporary apartments, and have a range of colors, textures, and frame options to fit your personal style.

On the practical side, plantation shutters may be the most effective window treatment. Polywood faux wood shutters in Seattle can help block heat better than any other window treatment on the market, keeping your house more comfortable. The tilting louvers on a set of plantation shutters also give you a wide range of lighting options, a big benefit over draperies and shades.

Think about interior shutters if:

You need to be able to control your lighting, home temperature, and energy-efficiency.
You want a flexible, resilient window treatment.
You need to add some more fashion your home, and complement your existing inside trim.

Sunburst is Your Interior Shutter Expert

Chances are, if you want the value, style, and lastingness of shutters, you want interior plantation shutters. Sunburst can help. Call us at 360-464-2277 today and set up a free in-home walkthrough of what shutters can do for your space.

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