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Plantation shutters in a sitting room

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

July 05, 2017

Raleigh North Carolina outdoor and indoor shutters

Plantation shutters can go almost anywhere – in any Raleigh house, in any space, on any window shape, and even outside. And that may be where some homeowners might get confused.

Exterior and interior shutters are very different things, and if you aren’t in the know, you can spend a lot of time or money shopping around for something that isn’t what you need. Here’s what you need to know.

Exterior Shutters

Upfront, we have to make it clear that Sunburst Shutters Raleigh does not build or deal in exterior shutters. Rather, our specialty is in elegant interior shutters for the home.

Exterior shutters really only do one of two things: either they’re only for decoration as a complement to your windows, or they’re industrial strength “hurricane shutters,” made to protect your windows from heavy damage during severe storms.

Decorative exterior shutters typically look great on very specific home styles, such as more rustic homes as well as Mediterranean homes. Hurricane shutters are fairly uncommon barring a few parts of the country, and many types don’t even look like what you envision when you think of shutters, but rather look like large metal sheets.

Outdoor shutters in Mediterranean home.

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

Consider Exterior Shutters If:

  • You want to guard your windows from heavy storm damage.

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

  • You have enough space around your windows to put in outdoor shutters.

Interior Shutters

Interior shutters are our area of expertise, and they’re the ultimate window treatment in combining looks and functionality. Put in directly in or above your window jamb, interior shutters become a piece of your home the moment they’re installed. And unlike outdoor shutters, interior shutters are able to go on any window, no matter the space limitations.

The style that premier plantation shutters give your home is unequaled, and shutters are extremely flexible. Interior shutters can beautifully accent any style of home; from historic Craftsman homes to chic houses, and have a range of colors, stains, and frame options to fit your taste.

White shutters in Raleigh bedroom.
On the practical side, plantation shutters might be the most effective window treatment. Polywood faux wood shutters in Raleigh block heat more efficiently than any other window treatment on the market, making sure your house is as comfortable as possible. The tilting louvers on a shutter panel also give you a full spectrum of lighting options, something that shades and drapes can’t do.

Look into interior shutters if:

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

  • You want a versatile, long-lasting window treatment.

  • You want to add some elegance your home, and color match your existing inside trim.

Sunburst is Your Interior Shutter Pro

Chances are, if you want the protection, style, and lastingness of shutters, you want interior plantation shutters. Sunburst can help. Give us a call at 919-887-9198 today and schedule your free in-home consultation.