Proudly Serving Minneapolis, St. Paul & Greater Twin Cities
Plantation shutters paired with curtains

4 Shutter Myths Revealed

April 03, 2017

We do a lot of talking to homeowners about shutters in Minneapolis.

And even if it may be surprising, when we talk with homeowners across Twin Cities, we hear a few shutter myths repeated. We want to take a few minutes to expose some oft-repeated plantation shutter myths so you’re able to make the perfect choice for your house when looking into new window treatments.

Myth: Shutters Are Simple to Install Yourself

Several home improvement projects are easy to do by yourself in a single weekend. Putting in shutters may not be one of them, though.

Minneapolis shutter installer

Putting in new shutters can be hard from the beginning, as the measurements of the window dimensions have to be extremely precise to ensure an easy and snug fit, as well as to ensure that your windows are able to operate. Depending on what the shutters are made of, from Polywood® shutters to reclaimed wood shutters, hoisting large shutters and installing them straight may present a tough job. If a single part of the process is done incorrectly, you could end up with misshapen shutters or draftiness from ill-fitting weather-stripping.

Myth: Shutters Will Make Houses Look Dim

Less-informed home designers might not prefer shutters, believing shutters tend to make a home look dark or dim. This myth probably stems from unfamiliarity with plantation shutters.

Think about this: outside light will always enter into your home from an angle. What shutters do is allow you to alter that angle by tilting their louvers, giving you more effective control over amount of light that comes in. And keep in mind, shutters are able to swing open all the way to let in as much light as you could need.

Minneapolis sunroom with custom shutters.
 

Myth: Shutters Cost a Lot

It’s a fact that shutters aren’t as cheap as common blinds from a hardware store. But this myth is all about how you’re thinking about shutters. If you’re thinking them as just a plain decoration that you don’t expect to survive more than a year or two, then yes, shutters can be a little expensive. But shutters are a permanent part of your home, and come with multiple benefits: shutters are energy efficient and are shown to lower heating and AC bills, they can increase the value of your home, and shutters can last generations, unlike blinds–which will have to be replaced over and over again.

Myth: Shutters Only Look Good In Older Homes

Maybe the name “plantation shutters” is to blame for the myth that shutters are only good for old houses, but it definitely isn’t true. While shutters were seen often in older home styles throughout the years, their straight, clean lines and neutral shades let them fit in with more fashionable, modern designs just as well. Shutters are the ultimate in versatile window treatments.

white shutters in Minneapolis living room
 

Myth: Sunburst Shutters Minneapolis Doesn’t Offer Design Consultations

Ok, this one isn’t a common myth–we just wanted to see if you were paying attention.

The Sunburst Shutters Minneapolis team is always happy to come to you for a complimentary, no-hassle window design consultation. Just call 952-856-8130 or complete the form below to get started on learning the truth about what shutters can offer your Minneapolis home.