Are you struggling to decide between curtains and plantation shutters as the most viable window covering solution for your home? Perhaps you’ve had curtains for many years and fancy a change, but you don’t know if shutters will live up to your expectations. Whatever the case, this is the article for you. We’re going to highlight the key differences between curtains and shutters, their pros and cons, and establish which window covering solution is best. Here’s what you need to know…
What are the pros of curtains?
So, let’s kick things off with the pros of having curtains:
- Curtains can stop direct sunlight
- They can be handy for climate control to some degree
- Curtains offer definitive privacy when closed
- Curtains can be used to insulate your home during the winter
- They can reduce noise pollution
- They can be used to enhance your chosen décor, particularly given how many different styles, colours, and patterns are available
What are the cons of curtains?
As for their drawbacks:
- Curtains take up much more space than plantation shutters and can make a room feel smaller
- Longer curtains can get dirty easily – especially in homes with small children
- Certain types of curtains can be very expensive
- They need to be removed and washed regularly
- Smells can cling to curtains quit easily
- Privacy and light control are limited to either being open or closed – there’s no advanced control
- Curtains aren’t ideal in homes with pets. Not only are cats notorious for scaling curtains, but animal fur clings to fabric curtains as well
What are the pros of plantation shutters?
And what are the pros of plantation shutters?
- Plantation shutters are very sturdy with solid construction. Unlike cheaper blinds that can bend, break, or crinkle, plantation shutters are far stronger
- They’re exceptionally easy to clean. Curtains need removing and washing, whereas plantation shutters simply need a dusting and a wipe with a damp cloth
- They offer exceptional light control. As the individual slats or ‘louvres’ can be adjusted, you can allow in as little or as much light into a room as you want
- Plantation shutters are available in a wide variety of styles, designs, and material choices. These each provide a number of unique pros and cons, depending on what room you are renovating (e.g., aluminium plantation shutters for moist environments like bathrooms and kitchens, with solid hardwood looking wonderful in bedrooms and living rooms).
- Plantation shutters have a timeless design and a desirable aesthetic that many people favour in their homes today
- High-quality plantation shutters can not only add value to a property but improve its kerb appeal thus increasing the overall buy ability
- They offer great insulation
- They can be customised to fit the unique shape of your windows
- Certain plantation shutters can be used on the outside of your house as well. Additionally, they can be paired with other window coverings as well
What are the cons of plantation shutters?
Are there any drawbacks to plantation shutters?
- Plantation shutters are typically the most expensive window covering solution. That said, there are certain materials that are cheaper and they do offer a significant amount of benefits justifying the increased price tag
- They can impact your furniture placement. For example, it’s hard to place a tall-backed sofa near a window with plantation shutters as you might not be able to open them
- You can install curtains by yourself. Plantation shutters on the other hand have much longer lead times and require professional installation
- Not as easy to change. Curtains can be replaced with great ease, however, once you’ve committed to plantation shutters, having them changed or replaced can be complicated and costly
- Needs customising for a black-out effect. Curtains can typically create total darkness, whereas plantation shutters need to have additional blackout blinds installed underneath to achieve this. In any case, the amount of light they block out without this add-on is substantial
Which are better curtains vs plantation shutters?
So, which is the better window covering option between curtains and plantation shutters? Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference and requirements, however, plantation shutters do offer far more value in terms of positive features.
If you want to add value to your property with the potential of selling up in the future, plantation shutters are very hot right now.
Not only that, but if you are paying a lot in energy bills, plantation shutters can offer excellent temperature control solutions, thus increasing your home’s energy efficiency.
All in all, plantation shutters are the superior window covering solution.
Final thoughts
Let’s have a quick recap of what we’ve learned:
- Curtains can block out the sun, provide reasonable climate control, and total privacy, reduce noise pollution and are available in a wide variety of styles, designs, patterns, and colours. However, they are a nuisance to clean, bad odours can cling to them, they get dirty easily, and their light control is typically all or nothing.
- Plantation shutters, while being the more expensive window covering solution, have many benefits, such as being exceptionally sturdy, offering the best light control, having a timeless design, having many material choices (with individual pros and cons), they’re easy to clean and maintain, and more.
- All in all, plantation shutters win the battle. Curtains do have their advantages, however, the pros for plantation shutters far outweigh the pros for curtains.
We hope that you’ve found this article insightful and now know which window-covering solution is best suited to your needs.
