Windows are a big part of the interior and exterior design of the house. So, you should be careful when choosing the window treatment. There are plenty of choices on the market, but the two most popular ones are blinds and plantation shutters as they offer more light control than curtains. Both have their pros and cons, and deciding which one to buy should depend on your budget, personal preference and placement.
Let’s Talk About Blinds
source: pinterest.com
Blinds have been a very popular window treatment option for a long time. Their practicality and ease of use is what made them a favourite among homeowners. They come in a wide variety of colours, sizes and designs, that there’s something for everyone and every home interior.
There are several types of blinds you can find. The latest addition to the bunch is automated or motorised blinds. They serve the same purpose as regular blinds with the big advantage of not having to do anything manually. You won’t have to get up and disturb your sleep if you want to regulate the light coming through the window.
Nowadays, there are many brands selling motorised blinds, but not all of them can be trusted. One of the leaders in the Australian market is Somfy. They have a 50-year-old history of making life easier for millions of people not only in Australia but all over the world. The reliable, high-quality Somfy blinds are based on years of research and innovation.
With their quiet and connected motors, you won’t even know the blinds are moving. These custom-made blinds will give you the light and air control and privacy you deserve. They have created an app for your phone that controls the shades remotely. They even have sun sensors and adapt to external conditions. This helps your home to become more energy-efficient. Choosing Somfy will be the best investment you’ve ever made.
There are also Roman blinds. They’re very sophisticated and elegant and are made of some kind of soft fabric. As you manually roll them up, they fold in pleats at the top. They’re not so flexible and easy to control as Venetians for example, and sunlight will go through them because of the material they’re made of.
Next, we have roller blinds. They’re thick, sturdy, made of thicker fabric and rolled up in a tube. They’re very easy to install and simple to use. Plus, they’re affordable which is a big advantage. If you want something to completely prevent the sun from coming into the room, invest in blackout blinds. They’re great for bedrooms where you need complete light control.
Blinds have a lot of advantages. One of the main ones is their affordability. They’re an inexpensive window treatment that deals with light and privacy in a very effective manner. Some of them, like the motorised Somfy blinds, give you the chance to control the room’s temperature.
Because they can be made of so many different materials, you have tons of design and colour options. The option of having them custom-made is a perfect opportunity to match them with the rest of the interior like your floors, walls, sofa or some smaller details. Plus, many of them are easy to install and you won’t need professional assistance to do it.
How About Plantation Shutters?
Now that we’ve explored blinds, it’s time to talk about plantation shutters. Shutters are large wooden slats that are fixed inside a wooden frame. Their installation is permanent and they can make quite a statement. The slats, also known as louvres, are the movable part of the mechanism. They move up and down to let in or block out the sun and airflow.
If you decide on plantation shutters, they’ll be measured and tailored to the dimensions of your windows. This will give the space a smooth and cohesive look. Because they’re permanently fixed on your windows, they add value to the house in case you want or need to sell it in the future.
With plantation shutters, your house will have a warm and welcoming vibe. A simple addition like this will give your home a timeless look and a wow factor everyone will love. With the flexible designs and colours, you can match them to any aesthetics, modern, contemporary, rustic, traditional, Victorian and many more.
Just like the Somfy motorised blinds, plantation shutters are very durable. They’re a long-term investment worth every cent. Plus, they come with a warranty of at least 10 years. In many cases, they’ll last years and years after that. They also don’t need a lot of upkeep. You only need a damp cloth to sweep them occasionally.
Shutters are perfect for families with small children and pets. The lack of cords makes them safe around both children and pets. Another great feature of theirs is that they’re not porous. Besides the great light control, you also get the perfect privacy control. At the right angle, you get enough sunlight and the desired privacy.
Plantation shutters come in three different material options: wood, plastic, and insulite. The most common one is wood. With its distinct grain and an infinite range of colours, it looks gorgeous. Wood shutters differ in colour, from the lightest to the darkest. There’s also the possibility to repaint them whenever you want.
However, wood has some drawbacks as well. The price is the first thing. Wooden shutters can be pricier than the rest. The second one is moisture. If exposed to moisture for a long time ,they can warp and get damaged. So, if you live in a humid climate, wood is not the best choice. Plastic is durable, affordable and isn’t porous so you don’t have to worry about warping.
In Conclusion
source: medium.com
When compared side by side, both blinds and plantation shutters have their pros and cons in terms of durability, materials, colours, design, privacy and light control. Some people lean towards Somfy blinds, and some like the look of wooden shutters. All in all, it all comes down to your personal preferences and needs.