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

July 05, 2017

Austin Texas exterior and interior shutters

Shutters are able to go just about anywhere – in any Austin home, in any room, on any type of window, and even on the outside of your house– and that’s where some confusion can occur.

Exterior and interior shutters are very different products, and if you’re flying blind, you might spend a lot of time or money shopping around for a product you don’t need. Let’s look at what you need to know.

Exterior Shutters

Upfront, we need to be clear that Sunburst Shutters Austin does not build or sell exterior shutters. Rather, our specialty is in stylish interior shutters for your home.

Outdoor shutters really only serve one of two purposes: either they’re only for looks as an accent to your home’s siding, or they’re heavy-duty “hurricane shutters,” designed to guard your windows from heavy damage during severe storms.

Decorative exterior shutters usually look good on very particular home styles, such as more rustic homes as well as Mediterranean homes. Hurricane shutters are fairly rare barring a few areas of the U.S., and most hurricane shutters don’t even resemble typical shutters, but rather look like large aluminum sheets.

Exterior shutters in Mediterranean home.

As for those outdoor shutters that do open and close on your window, they don’t tend to have a lot of functionality. They aren’t able to form a seal to block heat and their louvers (if they have them) usually can’t be adjusted. Aside from that, exterior shutters can add a layer of color to 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 treatment in combining style and functionality. Placed directly in or on top of your window frame, indoor shutters instantly become a natural part of your home as soon as they’re installed. And unlike exterior shutters, interior shutters can mount on any window, anywhere in your home.

The fashion that classic interior shutters bring your home is unequaled, and they’re incredibly flexible. Plantation shutters can serve as an amazing accent to any style of home; from historic Craftsman homes to contemporary apartments, and have an assortment of colors, textures, and frame options to fit your personal style.

Plantation shutters in Austin bedroom.
On the practical side, plantation shutters may be the most effective window covering. Polywood plantation shutters in Austin can help block heat more effectively than any other window treatment on the market, helping to keep your house at a comfortable temperature. The adjustable louvers on a shutter panel also let you have a wide range of lighting options, unlike shades or draperies.

Think about interior shutters if:

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

  • You want a flexible, resilient window treatment.

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

Sunburst is Your Interior Shutter Pro

Chances are, if you’re wanting the value, looks, and longevity of shutters, you want interior plantation shutters. Sunburst can help. Give us a call at 512-549-6077 today and set up your free in-home consultation.