Choosing between shutters of various manufacturers can get somewhat technical when looking at their features. You have to consider so many things to make the right pick: budget, house design, energy efficiency, curb appeal, etc.
So we have analyzed all the market options and came up with this post to help you learn some valuable regarding choosing the best shutters for your Ecoline windows and doors. Are you interested? Let’s get into it!
Choosing the Right Style and Design
You need to consider the colour and style of your shutters so they meet your aesthetic needs.Many interior designers use accent colours when selecting shutters for homes. Accent colours complement the main colour scheme of your home.
For instance, green is a great option for natural-tone exteriors. A great way to determine what accent colour to use is to match the painting of your windows with your shutters. If not, you can use a stately black colour to play it safe. Other popular favourites include gray and navy blue shutters.
Knowing the right architectural style also helps you choose shutters best suited for your home. Common shutter architectural styles include Board and Batten, Solid and Raised Panel, Louvered, and Bahama shutters.
Bahama shutters, for example, give your home the Caribbean feel, while Board and Batten give your home a rustic country feel.
Choosing the Right Materials
Selecting the right materials your new shutters are made of is vital. Your new window treatments should require less maintenance while also being affordable. Shutters are usually made from aluminum, vinyl, wood, and faux wood.
- Wood shutters are durable and can last for years. Their only con is that they aren’t waterproof and easily get water damaged if there are drafts around your windows.
- Aluminum shutters are durable, weatherproof, lightweight, and easy to install. They require less maintenance than wooden shutters.
- Vinyl shutters are not as sturdy as wood or aluminum shutters, but they are cheap and durable.
- Faux wood shutters are also great because they mimic real wooden shutters, but aren’t as expensive.
Shutters, Curtains, and Blinds: What is the Difference?
Of course, you can’t mistake curtains for shutters or blinds. Curtains are made from fabrics and are draped from the top of your windows down to the bottom. Shutters and blinds have slats that are opened and closed to control the amount of sunlight filtering into your room. Since they both have slats, most people find it difficult to distinguish between them. You can tell them apart based on how they are fitted to your window.
Shutters are fitted to the window frame, while blinds are attached a couple of inches above or below the recess.
Asides from their physical characteristics, their cost, and functional characteristics help differentiate them.
Regarding how much they cost, shutters are the most expensive, while curtains are the least expensive. If you are not sure which types of window treatments will work best for your windows, some common bits of advice here is:
- Go with shutters if you want the maximum energy efficiency;
- Install blinds if you strive for aesthetics and bring a modern feel to your windows;
- Choose curtains if you are tight on a budget but want to increase privacy and improve light control.
If you are not sure what will work best for your house, make sure to consult with Canadian blinds experts so they can help you pick the best products to match your house exterior.
How do Shutters and Other Window Treatments Add to Your Energy Efficiency?
Window treatment options help prevent heat loss through your windows. Heat loss through your windows could be up to 30 percent depending on the type of windows you have installed. This heat loss happens through solar heat gain.
Solar heat gain describes how much solar heat passes through your windows to your room. Window treatment options act as a barrier, preventing thermal heat from permeating your home because they are made of materials that reflect the heat.Here’s a perfect scenario to paint a clearer picture of how this works:
If you close your blinds, curtains, and shutters during the cold winter, you’ve added an insulating layer over your windows to trap warm air. However, if you leave them open during the hot summer, cool air can flow in. This way, they boost the overall efficiency of your HVAC systems.
Which Window Treatments to Choose for My Windows?
Remember that the decision relies on your needs.
- If drafts are a major issue around your windows, an aluminum shutter or blind will be perfect because they are moisture resistant.
- If you’d prefer a classic look, stately black shutters are ideal.
- If you want a more homey look, you can opt for curtains.
The Bottom Line
Window treatments are great insulation options if you are on a budget. Not only do they boost the energy efficiency of your property, but they also add to aesthetics and change the overall appearance of your windows, making them look nice, fresh and modern.
