Decorating with Interior Vinyl Shutters

An affordable, and stylish window treatment

Interior vinyl shutters offer an affordable and stylish alternative to real wood or other window treatment options. Vinyl house shutters come in a variety of colors, including natural, that rival their real wood counterparts.

Even if you are not on a budget, vinyl shutters offer an easy-to-care-for alternative. They're durable, and for those with young children, they offer an option that is easily cleaned. They also handle tough environments well, such as high humidity areas. For those who are on a budget, vinyl interior shutters are often priced at about forty percent less than real wood shutters.

Contrary to their wood counterparts, vinyl shutters are extremely durable, and often come with a lifetime warranty. Because they are not painted, you don't need to worry about them cracking or peeling.

They also don't show dings that wood does, and even when scratched, it does not show as much, because the color runs through the vinyl. Aside from cleaning, they require very little maintenance.

Because they can withstand harsh environments, vinyl shutters work well in children's rooms, high-humidity rooms such as bathrooms, and in geographical areas with high humidity. They will not warp like wood does, and they are more resistant to mold and mildew.

What you need to know

Vinyl shutters are actually hollow. While this may seem like a disadvantage, it can actually be a positive and possibly a negative. This allows for greater insulating qualities, which can be a big plus. This also allows more light to come through, which some people may not like. If this is the case, a real wood shutter may be a better option. In addition, because the shutters are hollow, they require caps to cover the ends. Be sure that any vinyl shutters you consider have these caps. Some people find them unattractive, but others don't mind.

When shopping, look carefully at all aspects of the shutters so you know exactly what you are purchasing. While vinyl can look a lot like real wood, you can see a difference. A texturing process gives an appearance of real wood, but the material feels a lot like plastic (this is also why it's so easy to clean). If this bothers you, consider real wood. If not, the price and other benefits may be enough to convince you that vinyl is a good choice for your home.

Even though they are not made of real wood, many people like the look of interior shutters. As such, vinyl shutters can increase your resale value just as real wood shutters do. It may not be as much of an increase, but again, others may appreciate the benefits. In addition, because vinyl is now used in many other applications (such as external siding), many people are more open to the idea of vinyl design elements.

Just as with wood shutters, vinyl can be custom made for your home. Your options are not as extensive as with real wood, but you can order shutters to fit your windows and choose from a range of vinyl shutter colors.

Styles

Vinyl shutters have traditionally been available in limited styles. The plantation style is the most common. This is what many people think of. The style has multiple slats that rotate to open and allow light through. More recently, however, additional styles have been made available due to the popularity of vinyl shutters.

Design options now include plantation style, board styles (horizontal boards of various widths and spacing), and paneled. Raised interior paneled vinyl shutters are based on a traditional Williamsburg wood style. These are solid panels that can be raised to allow light in. This style is both classic and contemporary. For those who like the idea of maximum privacy, this option is also very appealing. Panel shutters may be comprised of two primary panels, or may have multiple panels, depending on the window type and your style preferences.

Many colors are available for raised panel vinyl shutters as well. Classic whites and beiges are options, as are brilliant and bold colors such as forest green or burgundy. For those who like the idea of color, but do not want to paint the walls, for example, incorporating color through paneled shutters or other window treatments is an affordable way to bring in color without the time, investment, or risk. For renters or those wanting to keep basic colors to maintain resale value, using color in this way is another way to add a strong design element while meeting other needs.

Specialty designs are also now options, such as vinyl shutters for sunburst and palladium windows. A number of styles are available for these types of windows, and in a variety of colors.

Purchasing vinyl shutters

Even though vinyl shutters cost considerably less than wood shutters, thorough research, and comparison-shopping is still recommended. The quality of shutters can vary, and you want to find the highest quality shutters available within your budget. For example, be sure to purchase shutters that incorporate end caps and have a quality louver system. If you want a shutter that looks as much like wood as possible, look for an opaque shutter. Also, choose a shutter that comes with a lifetime warranty.

Check the frames for thickness and durability. They should be solid and have no visible defects. Also, look for a manufacturer that offers a variety of framing choices. For plantation or similar shutters, ensure that the shutters open both up and down, and that there is a solid tilt bar mechanism. Shop around for the best prices, installation options, and style choices.

Chances are good you will be quite happy with interior vinyl shutters. When you've done your homework and made a good choice, the many benefits of vinyl shutters make them a solid choice for your window covering needs. They can be used alone or with additional window coverings (such as drapes for added design), they go with almost any style of home, and are long lasting.