When it comes to groundbreaking trends in the window treatments industry, none has been more noticeable than the continuing rise in popularity if the vinyl shutter. Vinyl is one of the most inexpensive materials available for covering your window, which is probably the main reason that it has become so popular. Don’t be fooled by its price though, this is actually a very sturdy option for longevity and security.

Before vinyl came along, the most popular material was wood, and wood has been around for a very long time, so when a material comes and knocks it off its perch, we really should be sitting up and taking notice. The problem with wood is that it tends to get bent out of shape if it’s not looked after (just like my wife). Even when it is cared for regularly, you can only expect a wooden shutter to look good for the first eight to ten years of it’s life, after that it starts to look weathered and old (just like…. never mind).

As far as finishes are concerned, the world is your oyster. There are literally thousands of different colors, shades, patterns and prints that can be applied to vinyl shutters, each one custom picked by manufacturers to fit a specific need in the market. Many people like to pretend they have wood shutters, even though they have opted for vinyl, and as a result you can get vinyl that not only looks like wood, but has actual textured grains just like the real thing as well. This is a great option if you are trying to achieve a traditional look in your home.

Browse Our Selection Of Vinyl Shutters

There are four main styles of vinyl shutters. Louvres are by far the most popular of the four, as they are the ones that have been used since shutters were first invented. Louvres come in a few different width options, from the thinner style for smaller windows, up to the vinyl plantation shutters for those large spaces like sliding doors. If you want a more solid appearance, then raised panels or board and batten styles are the way to go. Board and batten are a particularly rustic look, resembling an old barn door. You can also get spaced board and batten vinyl blinds that allow light and air into your home as well.

The best thing about vinyl window shutters is their ease of maintenance. With wood you need to be constantly varnishing and sanding them, and you need to be careful not to get them wet in case they warp. With vinyl, however, all it takes is a simple wipe over with a bit of soapy warm water and a damp cloth once a week or so. You can even get vinyl blinds with anti static properties, which will help to keep the dust off them.

Many people seem to perceive vinyl as being on the weaker end of the materials that are used in the creation of window coverings. This couldn’t be further from the truth. Vinyl is in fact, extremely strong, there are even large ranges of vinyl hurricane shutter available that will withstand even the hardest of beatings. This style of shutter is particularly good, not only for protecting the glass of your window, but also the interior of your home.

Whether you are after interior or exterior vinyl shutters, you are sure to find a huge range available if you do a bit of digging. Interior shutters have the benefit of being easy to get to, so that you don’t have to go outside to close them all if there is a big storm coming. On the other hand, having them on the outside of your home will give your window more protection, and add to the character of the house.