Your Comprehensive Guide to Interior Window Shutters

Sunshine Drapery sliding glass doors window treatment

If you’re planning on redecorating, one of your biggest considerations is your window treatments. Not only do window treatments dramatically influence the atmosphere and style of a room, but they also control the amount of light, air, and privacy you get. Blinds and shades remain popular options in most households, but interior window shutters, also known as plantation shutters, are making a comeback in St. Louis. Traditionally associated with Southern plantations, interior window shutters add class and luxury to any room while also providing many other benefits.

The Benefits of Using Interior Window Shutters as a Window Treatment

Work with Any Style

Interior shutters can work with any style of home or room. Use natural wood, and they’ll fit perfectly with cozy nooks and relaxing living rooms, or paint them a bold color to spice up minimalist decor. No matter the style of your home, there are bound to be some window shutters, interior or exterior, that will complement and enhance it.

Energy Efficiency

There’s a reason that plantation shutters were so popular in the South—they’re excellent at keeping rooms cool in the summer and warm in the winter. Wood is an excellent insulator. The wide slats let cool air in while blocking most of the light and heat of the summer sun. Similarly, closed shutters will add another layer of insulation in winter, keeping the warm air inside. If you’re looking for a way to reduce your heating and cooling costs, then interior shutters may be the perfect choice for your home.

Increased Home Value

Window shutters, interior and exterior, add a dramatic flair to your home that’s visible from the curb. They can immediately up your curb appeal and create a better impression for potential buyers. Since interior window shutters are becoming increasingly popular, they’re also a great investment in terms of home value.

Long-Lasting

Blinds and shades are relatively fragile and tend to need replacement every seven to ten years. Properly installed and maintained hardwood interior shutters can last for decades. Hardwood is resistant to heat and sun damage while also handling humidity very well. With a bit of TLC, you can expect your shutters to last a long time.

Minimal Maintenance

Apart from the occasional operating mechanism lubrication, interior shutters don’t need much maintenance. Cleaning them is incredibly simple. All you need is a microfiber brush to wipe away dust and maybe some delicate cleaning products for the occasional spill or mishap. If you’ve struggled with shades and keeping them dust-free and clean, you’ll absolutely love the no-fuss nature of plantation shutters.

Installing Interior Window Shutters

So, you’re convinced—interior shutters are the perfect window treatment for your home. What are your next steps?

Choosing the Right Shutters for Your Home

While plantation shutters are the most popular type of interior shutters, they’re by no means the only style on the market. Other options include:

Cafe shutters that only cover the bottom half of the window. You still get all of the privacy of full-size shutters with more light and air.
Solid shutters have solid wood panels instead of slats. They’re perfect as black-out options and are incredibly energy-efficient.

If you’ve opted for custom shutters, you can control the size and width of the louvers and tailor them to your taste. You’ll also have to decide on the materials used in your new interior shutters. The most common option is hardwood, which looks great, is long-lasting, but does come at a premium price. Composite wood retains the good looks of hardwood while being a better insulator. Vinyl shutters are more affordable and versatile but do lack the robustness and appeal of the traditional plantation-style hardwood.

DIY vs. Professional Installation

You can find pre-made interior shutters, and it may be tempting to go full DIY and install them yourself. While it’s possible, the chances are that you won’t get the perfect finish and fit that you’d want. For the best results, we recommend working with professional window treatment installers. Not only will we guide you on every step of the journey, but we have the necessary experience to install your shutters correctly. They can even help with the aftercare, such as tightening the opening mechanisms and repairing any potential future damage. By working with window installation professionals for any residential window replacement project, you can rest assured that all your windows will get high-quality finishes. From bay windows to circular bathroom windows, they can design interior shutters that fit your windows and complement your home.

FAQ: Interior Shutters Frequently Asked Questions - [Answered]

Are Interior Plantation Shutters Still in Style?

Plantation shutters are becoming increasingly trendy due to their many benefits. If you’re looking for something that looks great and saves you money on your energy bills, interior shutters are a perfect choice.

How Much Do Interior Window Shutters Cost in St. Louis?

It depends on the size of your windows and the materials you choose. The price can range from $75 to $500 per window. Hardwood shutters sit at the top of the range, especially if you’ve opted for a custom build.

Are Plantation Shutters Good for Your Home?

Advice from Sunshine Designer: Elaine Potashnick As a decorator, I frequently get asked whether plantation shutters are a good application for window coverings in the home. Shutters have a very clean look that complements well any modern, classic, or contemporary home in the most distinguishable style. They are of excellent quality, have great durability and long-term value in any home. They also serve very well as a room darkening product. Shutters also can be used in every shape of windows too…round windows, octagon, half windows, and more. I highly recommend all shutters be professionally installed. At Sunshine drapery, we don’t even sell a shutter unless we are allowed to measure it with the installer and the same installer puts it in the window. The professional installation provides better functionality and fashion. One other benefit that can save you money too is the cleaning factor. Draperies do need to be professionally cleaned and this can cost money. But, with shutters, there is no cleaning cost except wiping with a damp cloth occasionally to clear the dust.