Curtains & blinds v. internal window shutters 

I was talking in forum 1 to kiwi about this today… and throught I’d post on it.  ( Not cos kiwi a drugged up Kenneth Williams look a like with less hair and memory of a goldfish  )

And again… its the same old argument.  Spend a lot at the start and save money over time or spend less at the beginning and carry on paying out later.  I think this comes down to whether your house is a long term home or a property investment you pan on selling in a few years.

The question kiwi asked was want kept the cold out more: curtains, blinds or shutters?

Well the simple answer is shutters.

All windows over time get draffy.  The frames rot and the putty holding the glass in shrinks leaving gaps.   Even on double glazed windows this happens too over time.   Nothing lasts for ever… if it did double glazing company’s would soon go burst.

As a child I’d hear the wind blowing and see the curtains moving in my bedroom.  The problem really can be that bad on old houses.   Living by the sea with storms blowing up the English channel from the Bay of Biscay the issue can be even worst.

So why are shutters better?

It comes down to the air gap and rigged panels.   It’s like closing a door on the window, drafts hit the shutters.  Without that air (draft) movement rooms feel warm.   Think of a sitting in front of a fan on a warm day, turn it off and you sweat like hell.

Its not the only benefit of them, they add to home security.  If you ever lock yourself out and try to get back in thru a window you will find this out like I did. If the shutters are locked no matter how much kick them you wont get in.  Its like trying to kick in a locked door.

But the main reason I like them is cos I’m lazy. You put shutters in once and swipe them down.  Paint them if they start to look a bit tatty.  They will last 30 years or longer.   You cant say that for curtains & blinds… after 10 years there only fit for the bin.

For between £100-200 per window its worth it.

If like me you’re nearing the big “30” and never plan on moving again….mucking around with step ladders and curtain rails puts many a younger mother in a&e… normally shouting at there hubby’s  for ending up there.

God only knows what its like for those over 30