Interior Shutters vs Exterior Shutters

12:00PM 31 October 2024

Shutters have been a staple of home design for centuries. No really. We looked it up and it turns out that the ancient Greeks were shuttering their windows back in the day. But let’s get back to the 21st century.

If you’re getting shutters for your home, you should know what you want…and what you’re getting. In this blog, we’ll discuss the differences between internal plantation shutters and their exterior counterparts – and why there’s only one real choice for UK homeowners.

What Are Internal Plantation Shutters?

You can call them plantation shutters, inside window shutters, inside shutters doors, or whatever else. They’re all the same thing: a classic slatted window treatment that fits to window recesses and door frames.

Shutters will blend with all sorts of décors, from cosy and rustic to cutting-edge and contemporary. Plus, they’re not just for windows. You can get interior French door shutters, and some have even been known to work as room dividers.

Benefits of Interior Shutters

There’s plenty to love about internal plantation shutters. Honestly, we could go on forever, but you’re a busy person, so we won’t keep you too long. In a nutshell, here’s what we love about them:

Light and Privacy
Interior shutters let in just the right amount of light and are great at keeping prying eyes at bay. All it takes is a simple tilt of the slats.

Insulation
Interior shutters create an extra layer between your windows and the room, helping to keep your home warmer in winter and cooler in summer.

Style and Versatility
Available in a range of materials and colours, like our Luxe Wood shutters, interior shutters can blend into your home décor or make a bold style statement.

Premium Hardwood
Made with quality materials, inside wooden shutters last for years and are easy to maintain with minimal cleaning.

Waterproof Faux Wood
Our UK-made faux wood shutters are perfect for kitchens and bathrooms. We’ll ship them in record time too.

What Are Exterior Shutters?

As the name suggests, exterior shutters are mounted on the outside of windows. While they do have a certain aesthetic appeal, they’re not super practical. In sunnier countries where people need more protection from the sun, external shutters open and close, but because we mostly have outward opening windows in the UK, they’re almost always fixed to the exterior wall. 

Limitations of Exterior Shutters

Again, yes, they look good, but they do have their limitations when compared to inside wooden shutters:

Less Versatility
Exterior shutters may look great from the outside, but they don’t give you control over light and privacy.

Maintenance 
Exterior shutters are exposed to weather and will require regular upkeep, such as painting and repairing, to stay looking their best.

Limited Insulation 
Since they’re positioned outside, exterior shutters don’t provide the same insulation that interior shutters offer.

Find Your Shutter Style

If you’re sold on interior plantation shutters for windows (or doors), then it’s time to find your style. We’ve got a range of shutter styles to choose from, so you’re sure to find something to suit your space.

Still can’t decide? Send an email to hello@theshutterstore.co.uk with your questions or click the chat icon on the bottom right of the screen. One of the team will be happy to help.

Shop our DIY shutters now.