Which is Better for a Bedroom: Drapes or Shutters?

The bedroom should be a place of retreat for you: your own personal oasis for alone time and relaxation. We all think of having a cozy bed, the warm glow of a lamp next to you as you lounge, watch television, or read, and maybe a chair to snuggle up in with a cup of tea or coffee. But what about your windows? Are they covered with luxurious layers of drapes, carefully dressed with blinds or shades, or did you bring in modern elegance with shutters? 

Whatever you choose, it should match your budget, style and your needs, above all else. If you want to go bold and ditch the typical blinds and shades for a more refined look, we’re here to help. That’s why today, we at Budget Blinds of Tempe and Central Phoenix are going to help you decide if you want shutters or drapes in your bedroom. 

Bedroom Drapes and Shutters: Which is Better? 

Both shutters and drapes are great choices to bring in depth and texture to a bedroom, but which one you choose depends entirely on your preference (and your windows). If your window is in the corner, then it’s likely you won’t pick up these options simply due to space limitations. However, if you have a central window that you want to highlight in your master suite, then drapes and shutters are great for you. Which should you choose? We highlighted some of their key features before to help you decide. 

Light Control

Shutters offer superior light control to drapery. You can open and close them to provide the exact level of like you desire. However, when it comes to diffusing light, drapery is king. The fabric can let the soft morning light through to naturally wake you up, or give your room a warm and welcoming glow that shutters simply can’t provide. 

When it comes to light control, drapes don’t give you a lot of versatility. You can open them to let all the sunlight in, partially open them to let in an awkward vertical beam of light in, or close them for little to no light. 

Unlike shutters, though, drapes can even be motorized, so you can open and close them with a push of a button. So what you choose here depends solely on conveniences and how much natural light you’ll want in your master suite. 

Privacy

Shutters will naturally give you 100% privacy when closed. Adding a midrail to each panel allows you to keep the top half open, letting in light, while keeping the bottom section closed, maintaining privacy. It’s perfect for lounging in the sun, without letting your neighbors peer into the room. However if your window isn’t big enough for a midrail, then you’re stuck with three options: open, partially open/private, and closed. 

When it comes to drapes, you can choose how light permeable the fabric is. If privacy is important to you, then pick a fabric that is impenetrable to light, paired with a sheer panel that lets diffused light in throughout the day. In the bedroom, pairing sheer and thick drapes together offer more versatility than shutters! 

Cost

Shutters are one of the most expensive window treatments on the market and are an investment. However, they will last a lifetime and require very little maintenance. 

Drapes can be costly too, depending on which style and fabric you choose, and they require more maintenance. They need more than a simple dusting every once in a while, so factor that into the cost. Is your time cleaning your bedroom drapes worth the potential savings? 

Energy Efficiency

Shutters and drapes both are energy efficient as they insulate your home and block out the heat and cold from your windows. 

Shutters can double or triple the insulating capacity of your windows, with energy efficiency ratings of between R-2.77 and R-3.17. The R-value is the overall insulating value of a window and window treatment. Look for efficiency ratings on thermal-fabric and other lined drapes, which may range from R-3 to R-5, when drapes are completely closed. Thermal-lined drapes can also reduce radiant window heat by as much as a third!

Views

Everyone loves a beautiful view. If your windows look out over a stunning landscape, you will want window treatments that frame your view. Drapes can do this better than shutters (unless your shutters can swing open), because you can pull them wide open. Shutters,on the other hand, will always block your view with their slats. 

However if you don’t have an appealing view out of your bedroom window, then shutters are your best friend. They will be the view for your room and can help block whatever you want to block. 

Aesthetics

Above all, your window treatment should reflect the style and mood of your space. They should also enhance and complement the decor through color, texture, and patterns. Also consider if there are any architectural aspects of your room that you want to highlight. Window treatments are meant to embellish and beautify your space.

If you need help deciding, give us a call at 623-303-4515 to schedule your free design consultation! We’ll help you figure out which treatment is best for your taste and your bedroom windows. We at Budget Blinds of Tempe and Central Phoenix are here to help!