Do You Need Interior or Exterior Shutters?

Shutters can go just about anywhere – in any home, in any room, on any window, and even outside – and that’s where some confusion can occur.

Interior and exterior shutters are very different things, and if you’re not aware of the differences, you might waste time or money shopping around for something you don’t need. Here’s what you need to know.

Exterior Shutters

First off, we need to make it clear that Sunburst shutters doesn’t make or sell exterior home shutters. Instead, our area of expertise is in stylish interior shutters for the home.

Exterior shutters really only serve one of two purposes: either they’re purely for decoration as an accent to your home’s siding, or they’re heavy-duty “hurricane shutters,” designed to protect your windows from damage during intense storms.

Decorative exterior shutters tend to look good on very specific home styles, such as more rustic homes as well as Mediterranean style houses. Hurricane shutters are fairly rare except in a few areas of the country, and many types don’t even resemble typical shutters, and instead look like large metal sheets.

For those exterior shutters that do open and close on your window, there usually isn’t much functionality to them. They can’t form a seal to block heat and their louvers (if they have them) usually can’t be adjusted. Despite all that, exterior shutters can serve to give a splash of color that looks fantastic on your home.

Consider exterior shutters if: 

• You need to protect your windows from heavy storm damage. 
• You want to add a color accent to your home. 
• You have adequate space around your windows.

Interior Shutters

Interior shutters are our area of expertise, and they’re the ultimate window treatment in combining style and practicality. Installed directly in or on top of your window jamb, interior shutters instantly become a natural part of your home as soon as they’re put in. And unlike exterior shutters, interior shutters can go on any window, anywhere in your home.

The style that high-quality interior shutters can add to your home is unequaled, and they’re incredibly versatile. Plantation shutters can beautifully accent any style of home; from historic Craftsman homes to ultra-modern space, and have a range of colors, finishes, and frame options to seamlessly fit your taste.

On the practical side, plantation shutters might be the most effective window treatment. Polywood® faux wood shutters 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, unlike shades or draperies.

Consider interior shutters if:

• You want better control over lighting, home temperature, and energy-efficiency.
• You want a versatile, long-lasting window treatment.
• You want to add visual interest to the inside of your home and match your existing design and trim.

Sunburst is Your Interior Shutter Headquarters

Chances are that if you’re wanting the value, style, and longevity of shutters, you want interior plantation shutters. Sunburst can help with that. Call your local Sunburst Shutters team at 877-786-2877 today and set up a free in-home walkthrough of what shutters can do for your space.