The Difference Between Exterior and Interior Shutters: Guide for Riverside Homeowners
Exterior and interior shutters are very different window coverings, and if you don’t know about the differences, you might waste time or money shopping around for something you don’t need. Here’s what you need to know.
Exterior Shutters
First off, we have to make it clear that Sunburst Shutters Riverside doesn’t build or sell exterior home shutters. Rather, our area of expertise is in elegant interior shutters for the home.
Exterior shutters tend to serve one of two purposes: either they’re only for looks as an accent to your windows, or they’re industrial strength “hurricane shutters,” built to guard your windows from debris during severe weather.
Decorative exterior shutters typically look great on very specific styles of homes, such as more rustic homes as well as Mediterranean houses. Hurricane shutters are somewhat rare outside of a few parts of the U.S., and many types don’t even resemble typical shutters, but rather look like large metal sheets.
As 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.
Consider Exterior Shutters If:
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You get heavy storms in your area and want to protect your windows.
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You want to add a some flair to your house’s exterior.
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You have enough space around your windows to put in outdoor shutters.
Interior Shutters
Interior shutters are our specialty, and they’re the ultimate window treatment in combining aesthetics and functionality. Placed directly in or above your window jamb, interior shutters instantly become a natural part of your home as soon as they’re installed. And unlike outdoor shutters, interior shutters are able to go on any window, in any room of your house.
The style that classic interior shutters bring your space is unrivaled, and they’re extremely flexible. Indoor shutters can beautifully accent any style of home; from historic Cape Cod homes to contemporary apartments, and have a range of colors, finishes, and frame options to suit your personal style.
Think about interior shutters if:
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You need better control over lighting, inside temperature, and energy-efficiency.
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You want a flexible, long-lasting window treatment.
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You want to add visual interest to the inside of your home, and complement your existing indoor trim.
