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Plantation shutters in a sitting room

The Difference Between Exterior and Interior Shutters: Rundown for Cleveland Homeowners

July 05, 2017

Cleveland Ohio outdoor and indoor shutters

Plantation shutters work almost anywhere – in any Cleveland house, in any room, on any type of window, and even outside. And that may be where some confusion can occur.

Interior and exterior shutters are totally different things, and if you’re flying blind, you can spend a lot of time or money shopping around for something that isn’t what you need. So let’s break it down.

Exterior Shutters

First, we have to make it clear that Sunburst Shutters Cleveland does not build or sell exterior shutters. Instead, we specialize in elegant interior shutters for the home.

Outdoor shutters usually just serve one of two purposes: either they’re purely for looks as a complement to your home’s siding, or they’re reinforced “hurricane shutters,” made to guard your windows from damage during harsh storms.

Decorative exterior shutters tend to look fantastic on very particular styles of homes, like Mediterranean homes. Hurricane shutters are fairly uncommon except in a few areas of the country, and most hurricane shutters don’t even look like normal shutters, and instead look like large iron sheets.

Outside shutters in Mediterranean home.

For those outdoor shutters that do open and close on your window, there usually isn’t much functionality to them. They are unable to form a seal to block heat and their louvers (if they have them) usually can’t be adjusted. Despite all that, exterior shutters can add a much-needed color accent to your home.

Consider Exterior Shutters If:

  • You get heavy storms in your area and need to protect your windows.

  • You want to add a color accent to your home.

  • You have adequate space around your windows for the shutters to fit.

Interior Shutters

Interior shutters are our area of expertise, and they’re the optimum window treatment in combining aesthetics and practicality. Placed directly in or above your window jamb, interior shutters instantly become a natural part of your home as soon as they’re put in. And unlike outdoor shutters, interior shutters can mount on any window, in any room of your house.

The fashion that premier interior shutters bring your house is unequaled, and shutters are incredibly multifaceted. Interior shutters can beautifully accent any style of home; from historic Prairie style homes to ultra-modern condos, and have an array of colors, stains, and frame options to fit your personal style.

Plantation shutters in Cleveland bedroom.
As for tangible benefits, plantation shutters may be the most effective window treatment. Polywood faux wood shutters in Cleveland block heat more efficiently than any other window treatment on the market, making sure your house is as comfortable as possible. The tilting louvers on a shutter panel also let you have a wide range of lighting options, a big benefit over draperies and shades.

Consider interior shutters if:

  • You need the maximum control of your home’s lighting, inside temperature, and energy-efficiency.

  • You need a flexible, resilient window treatment.

  • You need to add some more fashion your home, and color match your existing inside trim.

Sunburst is Your Interior Shutter Expert

Chances are, if you want the value, looks, and longevity of shutters, you want interior plantation shutters. Sunburst can help with that. Give us a call at 440-561-6787 today and schedule your free in-home walkthrough of what shutters can do for your space.