Exposing Myths About Shutters

We do a lot of talking to homeowners about shutters in Southern California.

And though it may be surprising, when we talk with homeowners across SoCal, we hear the same few myths about shutters repeated. We want to take a few moments to set the record straight and expose some oft-repeated myths surrounding shutters so that you can make the right choice for your space when looking into new window treatments.

Myth: Shutters Are Simple to Install Yourself

Lots of home improvement projects are easy to do by yourself in a single weekend. Putting in shutters probably isn’t one of them, though.

Installing new shutters can be tricky from the beginning, as the measurements of the window dimensions need to be incredibly precise to ensure an easy and snug fit, as well as to ensure that your windows can still open and close. Depending on the shutter material, from Polywood® shutters to reclaimed wood shutters, lifting big shutter panels and installing them straight can be a rough job. If a single step of the process is done wrong, you may end up with uneven shutters or draftiness from weather-stripping that doesn’t fit.

Myth: Shutters Make Houses Look Dim

New home designers might not prefer shutters, believing they’ll make a home look “too dark” or dimly lit. This myth most likely results from unfamiliarity with plantation shutters.

Think of it this way: outside light will always enter through your windows at an angle. What shutters do is allow you to alter that angle by adjusting their louvers, giving you more effective control over amount of light that comes in. And keep in mind, shutters can still swing completely open to allow as much light as you might need.

Myth: Shutters Are Too Expensive

It’s true that shutters aren’t as cheap as discount rack blinds from a home improvement store. But this myth is all about how you think about shutters. If you’re thinking shutters as just a simple decoration that you don’t expect to survive more than a few years, then yes, shutters are fairly expensive. But shutters are a lasting addition to your home, and offer several benefits: they’re energy efficient and can lower heat and air conditioning bills, they can add to your home value, and shutters can last a lifetime, unlike blinds–which will need to be replaced over and over again.

Myth: Shutters Make a Home Look Old-Timey

Perhaps the name “plantation shutters” resulted in the myth that shutters are only good for old houses, but it certainly isn’t accurate. While shutters were seen often in older home styles stretching back decades, their straight, clean lines and neutral colors makes it so they fit in with more chic, modern designs just as easily. Shutters are the definition of versatile window treatments.

Myth: Sunburst Shutters Southern CA Won’t Offer Complimentary Consultations

Ok, this one isn’t a popular myth–we just wanted to see if you were paying attention.

The Sunburst Shutters Southern California team is always thrilled to come to you for a free, no-hassle window treatment consultation. Simply call 888-611-2474 or fill the form below to get started on learning the truth about what shutters can offer your Southern California home.