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Plantation shutters in a sitting room

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

July 05, 2017

Philadelphia Pennsylvania interior and exterior shutters

Plantation shutters work just about anywhere – in any Philadelphia home, in any space, on any type of window, and even outside. And that may be where some confusion can occur.

Interior and exterior shutters are extremely different products, and if you’re flying blind, you can waste time or money shopping around for something that isn’t what you need. Let’s look at what you need to know.

Exterior Shutters

Upfront, we have to state that Sunburst Shutters Philadelphia does not make or sell exterior home shutters. Rather, our specialty is in stylish interior shutters for the home.

Outdoor shutters really only serve one of two purposes: they’re either purely for looks as a complement to your home’s siding, or they’re industrial strength “hurricane shutters,” made to guard your windows from heavy damage during intense storms.

Decorative exterior shutters typically look fantastic on very specific home styles, 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 what you envision when you think of shutters, but rather look like large metal sheets.

Outside shutters in Mediterranean home.

As for those exterior shutters that do open and shut on your window, there usually isn’t much functionality to them. They aren’t able to form a seal to block heat and their louvers (if they exist) usually can’t be adjusted. Despite all that, exterior shutters can serve to give a layer of color to your home.

You Might Need Exterior Shutters If:

  • You need to protect your windows from severe storm damage.

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

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

Interior Shutters

Interior shutters are our forte, and they’re the optimum window covering in combining looks and usability. Installed directly in or on top of your window jamb, interior shutters become a piece of your home the moment they’re put in. And unlike outdoor shutters, interior shutters are able to mount on any window, no matter the space limitations.

The fashion that premier plantation shutters bring your house is unrivaled, and shutters are extremely versatile. Plantation shutters can serve as an amazing accent to any style of home; from historic Cape Cod homes to chic houses, and have a range of colors, finishes, and frame options to suit your taste.

Interior shutters in Philadelphia bedroom.
When it comes to practicality, plantation shutters might be the most effective window treatment. Polywood plantation shutters in Philadelphia can help block heat more efficiently than any other window treatment available, keeping your house more comfortable. The tilting louvers on a set of plantation shutters also give you a wide range of lighting options, something that shades and drapes can’t do.

You might need interior shutters if:

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

  • You need a flexible, long-lasting window treatment.

  • You want to add some more fashion your home, and complement your existing inside trim.

Sunburst is Your Interior Shutter Headquarters

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 215-874-4897 today and schedule a free in-home estimate.