The Difference Between Interior and Exterior Shutters: Guide for Indianapolis Homeowners

July 05, 2017

Indianapolis Indiana outdoor and indoor shutters

Shutters work almost anywhere – in any Indianapolis home, in any space, on any window, and even outside– and that’s where some confusion can occur.

Exterior and interior shutters are totally different things, and if you aren’t in the know, you can waste time or money shopping around for something you don’t need. Let’s look at what you need to know.

Exterior Shutters

First off, we need to make it clear that Sunburst Shutters Indianapolis does not build or sell exterior shutters. Rather, our specialty is in stylish interior shutters for Indianapolis homes.

Exterior shutters tend to serve one of two purposes: they’re either only for looks as an accent to your windows, or they’re industrial strength “hurricane shutters,” made to guard your windows from heavy damage during severe weather.

Decorative exterior shutters usually look fantastic on very specific styles of homes, like Mediterranean homes. Hurricane shutters are somewhat rare outside of a few areas of the U.S., and many types don’t even look like normal shutters, and instead look like large aluminum sheets.

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

Consider Exterior Shutters If:

You want to guard your windows from heavy storm damage.
You want to add a some flair to your house’s exterior.
You have adequate space around your windows to put in outdoor shutters.

Interior Shutters

Interior shutters are our forte, and they’re the ultimate window covering in combining aesthetics and functionality. Placed directly in or above your window frame, indoor shutters become a piece of your home the moment they’re installed. And unlike outdoor shutters, interior shutters can fit on any window, no matter the space limitations.

The style that premier plantation shutters bring your space is unrivaled, and they’re incredibly flexible. Interior shutters can serve as an amazing accent to any style of home; from historic Craftsman homes to contemporary apartments, and have a range of colors, finishes, and frame options to fit your personal style.

On the practical side, plantation shutters might be the most effective window treatment. Polywood faux wood shutters in Indianapolis block heat more efficiently than any other window treatment on the market, making sure your house is as comfortable as possible. The adjustable louvers on a set of plantation shutters also offer a full spectrum of lighting options, unlike shades or draperies.

Look into interior shutters if:

You need better control over lighting, home temperature, and energy-efficiency.
You need a flexible, resilient window treatment.
You need to add some elegance your home, and color match your existing indoor trim.

Sunburst is Your Interior Shutter Pro

It’s likely, if you want the value, looks, and lastingness of shutters, you want interior plantation shutters. Sunburst can help. Call us at 317-558-9066 today and set up a free in-home estimate.

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