When considering bedroom window treatments, one popular option to evaluate is shutters. As you compare and weigh the benefits and drawbacks of various window covering options like shutters, it’s important to analyze their suitability for your needs regarding factors like light control, privacy, and aesthetics. This guide breaks down the pros and cons of shutters to help you decide if they’re the right choice for your bedroom.
Key Considerations for Bedroom Shutters
Aesthetic
One of the biggest pros for opting for shutters as your bedroom window treatments is their beautiful, sophisticated look. Shutters can dramatically improve the look of any bedroom. Their elegant, classic style immediately gives a room a more finished, sophisticated appearance.
You can choose shutters made from quality wood, with or without decorative cutout patterns. This allows you to match existing wood trim or furniture pieces, creating a cohesive style. Even basic shutters have clean lines and an understated grace compared to standard blinds or curtains.
Shutters also provide the opportunity to play with texture and visual interest. For example, you could install wood shutters on the bottom half of the windows only, keeping the soft look of curtains on top. Or combine full-length shutters with curtain tie-backs for texture. If your bedroom gets morning sun, try cafẻ-style shutters to block glare while allowing air and light from the top portion of the window.
With so many options – like panel shapes, colors, and hardware – it’s easy to incorporate shutters into your ideal bedroom aesthetic. They work beautifully in formal spaces or cozy cottages. Thoughtfully placed shutters lend style while managing light control.
Functionality
In addition to aesthetics, shutters provide functionality by allowing you to easily control light and privacy. Most shutter styles have adjustable louvers that make it simple to let in the precise amount of light you desire. You can angle them open to any degree, or close them completely when you want full darkness and seclusion.
Bedroom shutters are designed to serve practical purposes beyond just looking nice. One of their main functions is controlling light. Shutters can block out early morning or late afternoon sun when you need the room darker for sleeping or naps. Unlike many window coverings, shutters are opaque when fully closed, preventing all outside light from entering. This blackout ability helps ensure you get truly restful sleep.
Shutters also provide greater temperature control in the bedroom than bare windows or lighter curtains. The wood material offers insulation, helping keep heat in during colder months. In warmer weather, you can open the shutters to let in a cross breeze while still keeping privacy with the shutters’ slatted design. Closed shutters also enhance noise control by adding a thicker barrier between the bedroom and any outside ruckus.
With functionality like customizable light blocking, insulation, airflow, and noise reduction, shutters are about way more than just aesthetics. Their flexibility to serve many needs while still looking stylish makes them a smart addition that improves the day-to-day experience in the bedroom. You can enjoy both form and function by installing these attractive yet practical room enhancements.
The Cons
While they offer aesthetic appeal and functionality, shutters can present a few drawbacks as well. The first is their higher cost compared to alternatives like blinds, shades or curtains. Because they are constructed from wood and usually custom-fitted to each window, shutters can be more expensive to purchase and install. The investment may pay off long-term but isn’t feasible for all budgets.
Shutters also require more maintenance than other window treatments. The wood and any paint or finish need periodic cleaning and conditioning to prevent warping, cracking, or fading over time. You’ll also likely need to make minor adjustments so they continue opening and closing smoothly. Things like humidity and the natural settling of the house can throw shutters slightly out of alignment. There’s no drastic upkeep, but expect to put in a little more care than with vinyl blinds.
Lastly, some people find wooden shutters to block less outside noise than well-insulated curtains. So if exterior sounds easily wake you, shutters alone may not solve the problem. Weighing the pros and cons allows making an informed choice on bedroom window coverings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Shutters can be a great addition to any bedroom. They allow you to control the amount of natural light coming into the room, which is very useful. Having shutters means you can make the room darker for sleeping during the day or block early morning light when you want to sleep in. This level of control over the bedroom lighting helps ensure quality sleep.
Some pros of shutters include their elegant appearance, ability to fit myriad design schemes, light and privacy control, insulation benefits, durability, ease of maintenance, and added value to your home.
Yes, by providing the ability to eliminate all external light and create a completely dark sleep environment, shutters can enable a better night’s sleep. Their noise dampening can also minimize disruptive outside sounds.
No matter which bedroom window covering options you select, carefully weigh the pros and cons and evaluate if shutters are the best fit. Connect with a knowledgeable window treatment pro like The Window Valet to get personalized guidance and recommendations for your unique needs and bedroom aesthetics.
Next Steps
Contact The Window Valet today to schedule your free in-home consultation! Their team of experts will help you determine if shutters are the right choice for your bedroom.
