Do Shutters Last Longer Than Blinds and Curtains?
12:00PM 08 August 2024
When choosing the best window treatments for your home, longevity is key. You want something that not only looks great but also stands the test of time, right? The last thing you want is to change them every couple of years. DIY shutters have become one of the most popular choices for homeowners, but how long do shutters last when compared to curtains and blinds? Let’s find out.
How Long Do Curtains and Blinds Last?
It’s important to remember that natural fibres like cotton or linen generally don’t last as long as synthetic materials such as polyester or nylon. Exposure to sunlight, heat, and moisture will have an impact too.
It’s also worth noting that you could add a few years onto your blinds or curtains with a little extra maintenance and general TLC. However, cleaning can be a hassle, and usually involves removing them from the window. And, frankly, who has the time?
Anyway, you came here for a solid figure, so that’s enough beating around the bush. A set of curtains can last 3-5 years with regular use, or up to 7-10 years with the right love and affection. With blinds, expect more variation. The cheapest roller blinds are often flimsy, and you’d be lucky to get more than 3-4 years of use before issues start rearing their head. A more durable set of blinds should be replaced somewhere within the region of 6-8 years.
How Long Do Shutters Last?
We sell shutters, so obviously we’re going to say they’re much longer lasting than curtains and blinds, right? But the thing is, it’s true. One of plantation shutters’ top selling points is that they’re a long-term money-saver. Because they’re made from sturdy materials like hardwood and polyvinyl, they can handle much more wear and tear than other window dressings. In fact, shutters last anywhere from 20-25 years (or even longer) with just a little bit of maintenance. And don’t forget, each and every order at The Shutter Store comes with a 10-year, no quibble guarantee. How’s that for peace of mind?
The Cleaning Game: Shutters vs. Blinds and Curtains
Now, let’s talk about something we all love to hate—cleaning. Curtains can be a hassle to clean. Depending on the fabric, they might need to be dry cleaned or washed delicately, and then there’s the whole rigmarole of taking them down and putting them back up. Blinds, though easier to clean than curtains, still require regular dusting, and their cords and mechanisms can become dust magnets.
Conversely, shutters are east to maintain and clean. A quick wipe down with a damp cloth is usually all it takes to keep them looking fresh. Because they’re made of durable materials, there’s no need to worry about fraying fabric or delicate mechanisms. Just a simple dust or wipe, and you’re good to go.
Shutters: The Hassle-Free Choice
Something we love about DIY shutters is how easy they are to keep clean. Unlike with curtains and blinds, cleaning your shutters doesn’t have to be a big event. They’re super simple to dust, and for an extra spruce, simply wipe them down with a damp cloth followed by a dry cloth to remove any dirt build up. For the hinges and little nooks and crannies, we recommend using a toothbrush (not your own, of course) on occasion to keep these areas free of debris. And that’s it! Follow those simple steps and you’ll be enjoying your shutters for years, decades even.
If you’ve enjoyed this quick and easy guide but still have a question or two, we’d love to hear from you. Send an email to hello@theshutterstore.co.uk today and one of our expert crew will get back to you shortly.