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Plantation shutters in a sitting room

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

July 05, 2017

Boston Massachusetts exterior and interior shutters

Plantation shutters are able to go just about anywhere – in any Boston home, in any room, on any type of window, and even on the outside of your house. And that may be where some confusion can occur.

Exterior and interior shutters are extremely different things, and if you’re flying blind, you could spend a lot of time or money shopping around for something you don’t need. So let’s break it down.

Exterior Shutters

First, we need to be clear that Sunburst Shutters Boston does not make or deal in exterior shutters. Instead, our specialty is in stylish interior shutters for your home.

Outdoor shutters really only do one of two things: they’re either just for decoration as an accent to your windows, or they’re reinforced “hurricane shutters,” made to protect your windows from damage during severe weather.

Decorative exterior shutters typically look fantastic on very specific home styles, such as more rustic homes as well as Mediterranean houses. Hurricane shutters are somewhat uncommon outside of a few parts of the U.S., and most hurricane shutters don’t even resemble normal shutters, and instead look like large iron sheets.

Outside shutters in Mediterranean home.

For those exterior shutters that do open and shut 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. Despite all that, exterior shutters can add a splash of color that looks fantastic on your home.

You Might Need Exterior Shutters If:

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

  • You want to add a some flair to your house’s exterior.

  • You have enough space around your windows to install exterior shutters.

Interior Shutters

Interior shutters are our area of expertise, and they’re the optimum window covering in combining aesthetics and functionality. Placed directly in or above your window jamb, indoor shutters instantly become a natural part of your home as soon as they’re installed. And unlike outdoor shutters, interior shutters are able to mount on any window, anywhere in your home.

The style that premier interior shutters bring your space is unequaled, and they’re incredibly multifaceted. Interior shutters can beautifully accent any style of home; from historic Cape Cod homes to contemporary apartments, and have an assortment of colors, textures, and frame options to suit your personal style.

Plantation shutters in Boston bedroom.
On the practical side, plantation shutters might be the most effective window covering. Polywood faux wood shutters in Boston block heat more effectively than any other window treatment available, keeping your house more comfortable. The tilting louvers on a set of plantation shutters also offer a full spectrum of lighting options, something that shades and drapes can’t do.

You might need interior shutters if:

  • You need better control over lighting, home temperature, and energy-efficiency.

  • You want a flexible, resilient window treatment.

  • You want to add style to your home, and match your existing interior trim.

Sunburst is Your Interior Shutter Pro

It’s likely, if you’re wanting the value, style, and lastingness of shutters, you want interior plantation shutters. Sunburst can help with that. Call our team at 781-352-2205 today and set up a free in-home consultation.