Window shutters are a type of window treatment that adds charm to window settings. They can be installed on the inside for easy access or on the outside for protection from storms.
Advantages
The advantages of window shutters are:
- Protection. Interior shutters protect against sun and heat in summer and wind and cold in winter. Exterior shutters eliminate the need to install plywood over windows before a storm. They also protect windows from flying debris and high winds, especially in hurricane prone areas.
- Privacy. Shutters allow you to easily choose between privacy and visibility. When closed, you can still adjust the rod to allow light to enter.
- Easy customization. Ready-made shutters come in many sizes. Most of the time, finding the correct size for your windows isn’t a problem. If it is, choose a pair slightly larger than your measurements and trim them with a table, miter, or radial arm saw for quick customization.
- Light control. Window shutters with louvers can be adjusted to allow varying amounts of sunlight to enter between the slats.
- Security. Window shutters come with a latch or lock to keep them from flying open. This feature also provides additional security by adding a second “lock” to the windows.
- Neat appearance. Wood shutters fold open neatly to expose the entire width of the window and close to display the details of the shutter.
Disadvantages
The disadvantages of window shutters are:
- Reduced visibility. Shutters must be wide open to enjoy the view. When closed, they can be adjusted to allow light to enter, but the slats will still be in the way.
- Awkward. Interior shutters swing in, so furniture can get in the way when opening them.
- Not all shutters are operable. Nonfunctional shutters are decorative side panels mounted on the wall. They can be painted or stained with just about any color and they don’t have to match the window frame.