Are Composite Window Shutters Right for My Home?

Shutters are one of the most costly investments when it comes to window treatments, so you may be wondering if they are right for your home. While they have a larger upfront cost, shutters can actually save you money and add value to your home. In this Budget Blinds of Tempe and Central Phoenix blog, we’ll go over all of that and we’ll help you find the right café, plantation, or composite window shutters for your home. 

History of Shutters

Window shutters are believed to have originated in ancient Greece to control light and ventilation both inside and outside of dwellings and buildings. Back then, they were commonly made of marble, which limited their use. 

Eventually, shutters spread to other regions, like the Mediterranean, and their make changed from marble to wood due to sustainability. 

Today, shutters are used extensively all over the world, for functional and aesthetic purposes.  

Interior Window Shutters

Shutters are a great statement piece for a room and there are a ton of different styles that can fit almost any budget and home. However, shutters are not for every home out there — they can be bulky and can seem overwhelming, especially in smaller rooms or over smaller windows. Keep this in mind while we go over some of the most popular types of shutters. 

Types of interior shutters: 

• Café
• Composite
• Plantation
• Wood

Café Shutters

Café shutters are unique in that they don’t cover the entire window. They usually only cover the bottom half or two-thirds of your window, which means they let in a ton of natural light while still maintaining some level of privacy. They fit snugly into your window frame and close via a rod in the middle, meaning there are no strings!

On top of that, did we mention that café shutters are usually cheaper than a full-set shutter because they cover less. They’re perfect for homeowners on a budget and those who love natural light. They are also safe for children and pets, as they do not have cords that dangle. 

We recommend you use them in the following rooms: 

• Bathroom
• Dining room
• Kitchen

Plantation Shutters

Plantation shutters have been around for nearly 200 years and it’s fairly easy to see why — they’re sturdy, sophisticated, and have a certain element of style that other window coverings lack. These are the types of shutters you may think of when you hear the term “window shutters.” 

While they’re not exterior shutters, they are designed to swing in and out, just like a door. 

Plantation shutters are characterized by their tilted wooden louvers, which are similar to the slats on blinds. They are great for windows and sliding doors! 

This allows you to enjoy your full window and gives you total light control when you need it.  Their tilted wooden louvers give you exactly the amount of light and privacy you need when you need it. 

When you choose our real wood shutters you can rest assured that our wood is responsibly sourced for North America, making them an eco-friendly option.

We recommend you use them in your living room, or any room with a sliding door. 

Composite Window Shutters

If you don't want real wood shutters, you can always try composite window shutters. At Budget Blinds of Tempe and Central Phoenix, you don’t have to sacrifice substance over style with our composite shutters. While it’s true they’re not wood, they are crafted from durable materials that resist bugs, warping, moisture, and UV damage from the sun. 

Other than a light dusting every now and then, composite shutters are maintenance-free and are built to last, which is why they are one of the most popular types of window shutters. 

Their louvers open similarly to café shutters, in that they tilt open and closed via either a rod or motor (depending on your preference). They offer the same amount of privacy and light control as traditional wood shutters too, but for less the cost! 

At Budget Blinds of Tempe and Central Phoenix, our composite window shutters are available in three popular colors and in 2 ½”, 3 ½”, and 4 ½” louver sizes.

Composite shutters are available in bypass track styles, which are best used for patio and closet doors since they stack neatly behind one another.

If you want to find the perfect shutter for your home, give us a call today at (623) 303-4515

 or visit us online to schedule your free design consultation!