Shutters vs. Drapes: What’s right for your home?

Your home is unique to your individual style and tastes, so what does that mean for your window treatments? Whether you are furnishing a new home or updating your current living space, there are a few ideas you might consider when deciding between shutters or draperies:LightOne of the first things you’ll want to consider is the light sources in the room, the amount of light you want in the room, and the effect of light on the room.Shutters: Though you can open, close, and tilt shutters to your liking, shutters do offer fewer options for diffusing light than draperies might. Shutters are great in high-light areas like kitchens, offices, bathrooms, and family rooms. They can also offer a good light source while blocking an unsightly view.Drapes: Draperies are a great option for soft, diffused light or total blackout. A dimout lining, blackout lining, or a sheer panel can be added to your drapes to help diffuse or block light. You might select to use drapes in a bedroom, dining, or living room, or even somewhere with an exquisite view that you’d like uninhibited during the daytime. Drapes can even be motorized, so you can control the light of a room with the touch of a button.PrivacyBoth shutters and drapes can provide excellent privacy where needed.Shutters: As a rule, shutters are a wonderful option for those looking for privacy. Adding a midrail to each panel allows you to keep the top half open, letting in light, while keeping the bottom section closed, maintaining privacy.Drapes: If privacy is important to you, make sure to choose a fabric that is impenetrable to light, or consider having two panels in different weights to expand your privacy options. A sheer panel with center open drapes on a double drapery rod can be closed at night for privacy while offering you diffused light and just the right amount of sunshine during the day.

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‍Maintenance and Lifespan‍

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Regular maintenance can extend the life of both shutters and drapes.Shutters: Typically, the only upkeep shutters need is periodic dusting with a gentle cloth. Regency’s wood shutters have a limited 10-year lifetime warranty, while our poly shutters have a limited lifetime warranty and never have to be repainted.Drapes: We recommend dry cleaning at least once a year to help your drapes maintain their shape, however a regular feather dusting can prolong the time needed between professional cleaning. Drapes are more prone to damage and fading from light exposure than shutters and have a shorter lifespan of 5-10 years.CostLikely one of the biggest factors you are considering, the cost between shutters and draperies covers a wide range.Shutters: Though the final cost of your shutters will depend on the material, installation process, and where they are manufactured, plantation shutters are an investment. However, if you invest in quality, shutters will last for many years with very little maintenance, making the initial cost worthwhile.Drapes: If your window treatment budget is on the low end or if you like to change the look of your rooms often, choosing curtains is likely your best option. Does that mean that all draperies are inexpensive? No. However, you can find a variety of colors, fabrics, weights, and patterns in a range of prices.

Can’t decide? Regency Shutters is here to help.

If you’re still stumped about the right window coverings for your home, our expert in-home design consultation team is here to help. Often a combination of shutters and draperies is the perfect solution. We offer a variety of wood and poly shutters, custom draperies, and more to help you achieve the look you want without sacrificing privacy or style. Give us a call today at (561) 612-3183 to schedule an in-home or in-office consultation.