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Shutters for windows have existed for a very long period and have been widely used for that amount. After all, they have many diverse functions, like protection from various weather factors, additional safety, and the ability to enjoy a little more privacy.
However, as the years went by, you must have also begun avoiding window stutters. It’s time to seek some better shutter alternatives, whether because of technological developments or a shift in your preferences.
In this article, let’s discuss some of the best shutter alternatives in case you are looking for window shutters right now.
Outline
15 Alternatives To Window Shutters
1. Awnings
An awning, a straightforward cloth or wooden cover that goes over your windows, is your first choice. Awnings are typically on the exterior of the home and are fantastic for offering a little bit of shade when you want to stand in front of the window in the middle of the day.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Good for decorating purposes | You won’t get much privacy |
| Provides more shade | More stationary in nature |
| Can be built in several shapes and designs |
2. Cellular Shades
Cellular shades, commonly referred to as Honeycomb shades, are one of the most widely used replacements for window shutters. The most modern technology is used in cellular shades, which offer exceptional weather protection. If you want something more customizable for your windows, they are readily accessible in a wide range of styles and color schemes.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Not too expensive to purchase | Not the easiest to clean and maintain |
| Ideal for people looking for better insulation | Not suggested for natural light lovers |
| Awesome air, light, and privacy control based on your liking |
3. Window Film
Window films, which are thin plastic sheets that may be used to cover windows, are another incredibly popular window shutter alternative. Because you can use them on both the inside and outside of any home window, these are very excellent.
Along with having many other advantages, they are also excellent at safeguarding privacy. Experts have demonstrated that tinted windows lower both utility costs and the total amount of energy used by the home. Therefore, these are suitable replacements for those who are passionate about making their home a bit more energy efficient.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Excellent protection from harmful UV light | Flims might not be easy to install on certain window designs and structures. |
| An extra layer of security for your beautiful home | You might miss out on solar energy and light that you might actually need and want. |
4. Window Box Planters
Now those of you who enjoy a bit of gardening at home, are going to appreciate this alternative! Not to mention that planting flowers right outside your window will enable some wonderful smells to spread throughout the house.
Window box planters are again incredibly customizable because you can get boxes that precisely match the decor of your home’s windows. To make them seem flawless, you could also use a little more creativity and paint them yourself. It might be a DIY project that the whole family works on together to enhance the exterior of your wonderful home.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Extra space to plant herbs, flowers, or anything else | Won’t provide much privacy |
| Improve the exterior look of your house windows | Protection from weather conditions might not be doable |
| More unique than some of the other window shutter alternatives |
5. Norman Plantation Shutters
Regular plantation shutters are a fantastic choice for those of you who don’t mind paying a little extra for robust shutter alternatives. You’re going to adore these shutters if you prefer complete control over how much privacy you receive and how much light reaches your room through the window.
If you make smart decisions, these shutters are also extremely durable and can easily last a few years. Another feature that makes these shutters appealing is that you can customize them based on the color and pattern you choose. These shutters may easily turn your windows into the main feature of any room in your house with a quick installation process.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| In-depth light and privacy control | More expensive than some other shutter alternatives |
| Detailed customization can be done based on personal taste | Might not always suit the kind of interior you have in mind for your house |
6. Roller Shades
As the name suggests, roller shades are window coverings that can roll up and down on your windows. This is a smart alternative in case you don’t like complex shutter designs but still want to maintain a healthy level of privacy from the outside world.
There are numerous styles available for roller shades for you to choose from, circular often being the most popular style. These shades can be super stylish based on the style you choose to purchase and can elevate the end look of any windows you want.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Decent filtering features when it comes to light | Don’t fit as well on odd window shapes |
| incredibly simple to use and manage | A bit of privacy still might need to be compromised |
| Versatile enough to fit many room structures and house styles | Motorized blades might become a hassle to maintain over time |
7. Faux Shutters
Faux shutters are for those who still want the traditional shutter look even when they look for suitable alternatives. Often made from wood, plastic, or other materials, faux shutters are often preferred by people who like the real wood look for their shutters.
Mostly faux shutters are used for decoration purposes though, so they won’t provide you any privacy or security. So if that is your main reason for purchasing shutter alternatives, faux shutters will work well for you!
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Often less expensive than real wood shutters | Cannot be closed as opposed to real shutters |
| Super resistant to moisture | Won’t provide any privacy or insulation |
| More environment-friendly |
8. PVC Shutters
PVC (Poly Vinyl Chloride) is a type of vinyl material often used to make several home appliances, especially pipes. PVC is a new name in the window shutter industry and has already become quite popular. If you don’t really care for aesthetics when it comes to window shutters, PVC shutters are a great alternative for you to try out.
You also need to replace these often as the shutters tend to turn yellow over time. But apart from these two things, these shutters still tend to be adored by people around the globe for their quality.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Moisture resistance | Needs to be replaced every few months |
| One of the least expensive shutter alternatives on the market | Cannot be exposed to direct sunlight for a long period of time |
9. Foamed Synthetic Window Shutters
Foamed synthetics are an alternative choice for those who aren’t very pleased with the way window shutters look. Foamed window shutters, which are composed entirely of artificial materials, are more concerned with performing their functions well than with enhancing the appearance of the home.
These shutters provide protection against a variety of threats and weather conditions. In addition to being significantly less expensive than the alternatives on this list, they can be tailored to meet your specific needs. Since they are the most flexible option, foamed shutters are what we advise over other synthetic alternatives.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Much cheaper than wood shutters | Cannot be stained at all |
| Highly functional and provide resistance to fire, water, wind, and many other factors | Less wind protection compared to real wood shutters |
10. Aluminum Blinds
One of the shutter alternatives that have been used for a long time is aluminum blinds. These are super popular among buyers who want to cover windows on a tighter budget. Even though they are less expensive, they nevertheless give you access to the functions that window shutters offer.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| You don’t need a big budget to get these installed | Can be super noisy compared to other shutters |
| Despite being metal, it is super resistant to weather changes. | Maintainance can quickly become a headache |
11. Security Shutters
These shutters are intended to increase the overall security of your property, as their name suggests. These shutters will allow you to unwind without being concerned for safety, whether you are in your house, office, or any other location. Security shutters also offer protection from environmental hazards like UV rays and wind.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Enhanced security | Complicate to operate at times |
| Reductions in energy use | Cleaning can be tiresome |
12. MDF Shutters
If you truly want your windows to have a woodsy appearance, MDF is a great alternative to shutters. Shutters of exceptional quality are produced using MDF (Medium Density Fibrewood), which is made by joining wood and resin. MDF shutters are inexpensive, flexible, and available in a wide range of styles. They also bend easily with each new season.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Same quality as regular wood shutters | Not good at fighting against moisture |
| Plastic coating makes them more durable, yet easier to clean | Not ideal for staining |
13. Sliding Barn Door Window Coverings
Sliding barn door window coverings are unquestionably one of the most fashionable alternatives to window shutters! Barn door coverings can be applied to your windows on the outside, even though they are typically used inside, to increase seclusion. Your windows will look better and stand out to everybody who sees them thanks to barn door coverings.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Unique and stunning visuals | Not much privacy or security |
| Saves space more than other shutter alternatives | Less functional and more for visual purposes |
14. Roll-up Shutters
Roll-up shutters are super easy to install and you can roll them up or down based on your preferences. Roll-up shutters can be made from metals like steel, aluminum, etc. They also come with a remote control for those of you that adore technology. These kinds of shutters also offer many functionalities like normal window shutters.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Super inexpensive compared to other shutter alternatives | Extensive cleaning is required. |
| Extremely user-friendly as well | Mechanical operations are not very reliable. |
15. Venetian Blinds
These blinds are basically a type of roll-up shutters that are usually operated using cords. Mostly, Venetian blinds are preferred by those who want to control the amount of light that enters any room. If you constantly struggle with too much sunlight in your house, Venetian blinds can be installed on your windows.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| fantastic at preventing sunlight in any room | become dirty more frequently than other shutters |
| They are frequently manufactured from natural materials | Not suitable for all kinds of windows |
There you have it, the best window shutter alternatives for you to think about. Now that you have more options, hopefully, you can find window shutters that better suit your needs!
