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Plantation shutters in a sitting room

The Difference Between Interior and Exterior Shutters: Guide for San Antonio Homeowners

July 05, 2017

San Antonio Texas interior and exterior shutters

Plantation shutters are able to go almost anywhere – in any San Antonio house, in any space, on any window shape, and even outside. And that may be where some confusion can occur.

Exterior and interior shutters are very different things, and if you’re not aware of the differences, you can waste time or money shopping around for something you don’t need. So let’s break it down.

Exterior Shutters

First off, we need to make it clear that Sunburst Shutters San Antonio does not make or deal in exterior shutters. Instead, we specialize in stylish interior shutters for your home.

Outdoor shutters really only serve one of two purposes: they’re either only for decoration as an accent to your home’s siding, or they’re industrial strength “hurricane shutters,” built to protect your windows from damage during severe weather.

Decorative exterior shutters typically look fantastic on very specific styles of homes, like Mediterranean homes. Hurricane shutters are somewhat rare except in a few parts of the U.S., and many types don’t even look like normal shutters, but rather look like large steel sheets.

Outside shutters in Mediterranean home.

For those outdoor shutters that do open and close on your window, they don’t tend to have a lot of functionality. They can’t make a seal to block heat and their louvers (if they exist) usually can’t be adjusted. Despite all that, exterior shutters can serve to give a much-needed color accent to your home.

You Might Need Exterior Shutters If:

  • You get heavy storms in your area and want to protect your windows.

  • You want to add a color accent to your home.

  • You have enough space around your windows to put in outdoor shutters.

Interior Shutters

Interior shutters are our area of expertise, and they’re the optimum window treatment in combining aesthetics and functionality. Installed directly in or above your window frame, indoor shutters become a piece of your home the moment they’re installed. And unlike exterior shutters, interior shutters are able to fit on any window, anywhere in your home.

The style that classic plantation shutters give your house is unrivaled, and they’re extremely multifaceted. Interior shutters can serve as an amazing accent to any style of home; from historic Cape Cod homes to chic houses, and have an assortment of colors, finishes, and frame options to suit your taste.

Plantation shutters in San Antonio bedroom.
As for tangible benefits, plantation shutters may be the most effective window treatment. Polywood faux wood shutters in San Antonio can help block heat more efficiently than any other window treatment on the market, making sure your house is as comfortable as possible. The tilting louvers on a shutter panel also give you a full spectrum of lighting options, unlike shades or draperies.

Think about interior shutters if:

  • You want to be able to control your lighting, home temperature, and energy-efficiency.

  • You want a flexible, long-lasting window treatment.

  • You need to add some elegance your home, and match your existing interior trim.

Sunburst is Your Interior Shutter Pro

Chances are, if you want the protection, looks, and lastingness of shutters, you want interior plantation shutters. Sunburst can help. Call us at 210-876-0377 today and set up a free in-home consultation.