Dispelling 4 Shutter Myths

We make a priority of talking to residents about shutters in Chicago.

And although it may come as a surprise, when we speak with people across Chicagoland, we hear the same couple of shutter myths repeated. Let’s spend a few minutes to set the record straight and expose some of the most common plantation shutter myths so that you can make the perfect choice for your home when looking into new window treatments.

Myth: Shutters Are Easy to Install Yourself

Many home design projects are simple enough to do by yourself in just one afternoon. Installing shutters might not be one of them, however.

Installing new shutters can be tricky from the start, as the measurements of the window dimensions must be extremely precise to ensure an easy and tight fit, as well as to ensure that your windows can still open and shut. Depending on what the shutters are made of, from Polywood® shutters to reclaimed wood shutters, hoisting large shutters and installing them level can be a difficult task. If just one step of the process is done wrong, you may end up with crooked shutters or draftiness from weather-stripping that doesn’t fit.

Myth: Shutters Make Houses Look Dim

Less-informed home designers might shy away from shutters, believing shutters will make houses look dark or dimly lit. This myth most likely results from inexperience with shutters.

Think of this: outside light will always enter into your home at an angle. What shutters do is allow you to modify that angle by tilting their louvers, offering you more control over level of light. And keep in mind, shutters are able to swing completely open to allow all the light you could want.

Myth: Shutters Cost a Lot

It’s true that shutters aren’t as cheap as common blinds from a department store. But this myth has to do with how you think about shutters. If you’re thinking them just as a basic decoration that isn’t expected to survive more than a few years, then yes, shutters are a little expensive. But shutters are a lasting addition to your home, and come with several benefits: they’re energy efficient and are proven to lower heat and air conditioning bills, they can increase your house’s appraisal value, and shutters can last a lifetime, unlike blinds–which will have to be replaced over and over again.

Myth: Shutters Only Work In Older Homes

Maybe the name “plantation shutters” resulted in the myth that shutters are only good for old houses, but it definitely isn’t accurate. While shutters were mainstays of older home styles throughout the years, their crisp, clean geometry and neutral colors allow them to fit in with more fashionable, up-to-date designs just as well. Shutters are the definition of versatile window treatments.

Myth: Sunburst Shutters Chicago Doesn’t Offer Design Consultations

Ok, that wasn’t a common myth–we just wanted to see if you were paying attention.

The Sunburst Shutters Chicago team is always ready to come out to your home for a free, no-hassle window design consultation. Just call 847-250-6544 or use the form below to get started on learning the truth about what shutters can do for your Chicago home.