Café Shutters: The Pros Weigh In

For many homeowners, shutters are a must. Did you know that there are many different types of shutters, though? You can choose plantation shutters, wood shutters, café shutters, and so much more. Today, we’re going over café shutters — a less common style, but one that has recently taken over the spotlight. Today, the experts — James and Chelsea — at Budget Blinds of North Glendale are weighing in. Café Shutters: yay or nay?

Talking Café Shutters Pros with the Pros

There are many great aspects to café shutters; one of them is that their unique look presents both a classic and sophisticated feel. They’re unlike any other shutter — they have the same slats, but fit snugly into your windows and doors and open and close via a rod in the middle. This means there’s no strings, wires, or dangling bits to break off or hurt anyone! 

The main difference, however, is that they usually only cover the bottom half of a window! They let in natural light, while giving you and your home the privacy you deserve. 

On top of that, did we mention that café shutters are usually cheaper than a full-set shutter or full window blinds?

They are safe for children and pets, as they do not have cords that dangle, and are much cheaper than a full-set shutter or blind that covers a whole window frame. Café shutters might look quirky, yet they are safe, durable and perfect for a semi-private window covering.

Light

Unlike traditional blinds, café shutters only partially cover your window. That means you can enjoy the natural sunlight and your view without worrying about opening your shutters! Additionally, you can allow more of the outside light to filter in by either opening up the café shutters fully or tilting the slats.

Café shutters are also a wonderful option if your desk is set up near a window — just like a coffee shop. While doing your work, the natural light can act as an extra influence to stay awake while closing the bottom portion of the window helps with glare control. The amount of outside light you allow in or keep out is in all your control.

They are also wonderful for bathrooms, as they give you the privacy you need without making the room feel smaller or cluttered. 

Privacy

Both Chelsea and James agree that café shutters offer great privacy...for specific purposes. They don’t cover your full window, so nothing is totally blocked out. The parts of the window they do cover, however, are 100% private when closed. 

That being said, café shutters work best for rooms in which you are okay with being semi-private. You can choose between café shutters that cover either one-third, half, or two-thirds of your window while the movable slats make it easy to control the amount of exposure or light.

If needed, you can consider adding curtains or drapes for extra privacy. This way you still enjoy the benefit of café shutters while the curtains or drapes are open and have the option of keeping your room private when necessary.

Café Shutters Cons 

One of the major cons of a café shutter is you will not be able to transform them from a partial-window cover to a full-set window cover. In fact, if you do decide you want a full-set window shutter you might have to fully remove the café shutter and install a new shutter. 

Also, if privacy is an extreme priority, or if you live in an area in which you do not feel okay with the exposure, café style shutters might not be the best choice.

Finally, light control. Alone, café shutters aren’t built to darken a room. They need to be combined with drapes or curtains if you want a full blackout effect. 

Cafe Shutter Room Ideas

Café style shutters might just be the shutters you were looking for! Here are ways café shutters can nicely complement certain rooms.

Kitchen/Dining Rooms

Your kitchen can be the perfect room for café shutters. If your kitchen faces a beautiful view, you can change a dull moment of washing dishes into a peaceful and relaxing one. You can look out your windows, see your kids playing, or just enjoy nature without having to be out in it. 

Or, enjoy breakfast in your dining room as the softness of the morning light filters into the room or dinner as the colors of the sunset drape above you. At any time, you can simply choose to close the café shutters for more light control or privacy. 

Bathrooms

Bathrooms are another great room for café shutters since their durability works well in rooms with high humidity. They let in a huge amount of light without being bulky, so your bathroom will naturally feel bigger. On top of that, they add elegance that regular window blinds lack, so you don’t have to worry about your bathroom not matching the rest of your home’s style! 

Reading Nooks or Office

Imagine curling up with a good book and a cup of coffee in a reading nook or office. The natural light will help energize you, as well as give you a distraction from time to time. You can immerse yourself in the outdoor world while lost in thought, or watch the sunset paint the pages of your book as you get a completely different world. 

If you’re not convinced that café shutters are right for you, that’s okay! Chelsea and James are more than happy to show you all of the options available at Budget Blinds of North Glendale. Whether you have questions or concerns, feel free to give us a call at 623-922-8385 or schedule a free in-home consultation.