The Ultimate Guide to Wood and Simulated Wood Shutters for Timeless Elegance

Introduction

Shutters have long been admired for their ability to elevate any space with their timeless charm and practicality. Wood and simulated wood shutters stand out as premium options, offering durability, style, and excellent light control. Whether you’re aiming for the natural beauty of authentic wood or the cost-effective resilience of simulated wood, these shutters add character and value to your home. This guide will help you explore their benefits, differences, and tips for making the perfect choice.


Why Choose Wood or Simulated Wood Shutters?

  • Classic Aesthetic: Shutters provide a polished, timeless look that complements a variety of decor styles, from traditional to modern.
  • Exceptional Light Control: Easily adjust louvers to let in natural light while maintaining privacy.
  • Increased Property Value: High-quality shutters are a long-term investment that can boost your home’s resale value.
  • Custom Fit: Both wood and simulated wood shutters are available in custom sizes to fit standard and specialty windows, including arches and bay windows.

Wood vs. Simulated Wood Shutters

1. Wood Shutters

  • Features: Crafted from premium hardwoods like basswood or poplar, wood shutters offer natural grains and a warm, authentic look.
  • Benefits:
    • Lightweight yet sturdy.
    • Customizable with stains, paints, and finishes.
    • Eco-friendly when sourced sustainably.
  • Best For: Interior spaces where aesthetics are a priority, such as living rooms and dining rooms.
  • Top Pick: Norman Woodlore® Shutters provide superior craftsmanship and a range of natural finishes.

2. Simulated Wood Shutters

  • Features: Made from durable materials like composite wood, PVC, or vinyl, these shutters mimic the look of real wood.
  • Benefits:
    • Highly resistant to moisture, warping, and cracking.
    • Low maintenance and easy to clean.
    • More affordable than real wood.
  • Best For: High-humidity areas like bathrooms, kitchens, or laundry rooms.
  • Top Pick: Hunter Douglas Palm Beach™ Polysatin™ Shutters are moisture-resistant and ideal for humid environments.

Key Benefits of Shutters

  1. Durability: Both wood and simulated wood shutters are built to last, withstanding daily use and environmental changes.
  2. Energy Efficiency: Shutters provide excellent insulation, helping to regulate indoor temperatures and reduce energy costs.
  3. Low Maintenance: Simulated wood shutters require minimal upkeep, while wood shutters only need occasional dusting or refinishing.
  4. Versatile Design: Available in a range of styles, including full-height, café-style, and tier-on-tier shutters.

Top Brands Offering Wood and Simulated Wood Shutters

  1. Norman USA: Known for high-quality wood and composite shutters with custom designs and finishes. (Norman USA)
  2. Hunter Douglas: Offers premium simulated wood shutters designed for durability and style. (Hunter Douglas Shutters)
  3. Graber: Provides eco-friendly, customizable shutter options for every budget. (Graber Shutters)
  4. The Shade Store: Features luxurious wood shutters with a wide variety of stains and paints. (The Shade Store Shutters)
  5. Blinds.com: A cost-effective choice for both wood and simulated wood shutters with customization options. (Blinds.com Shutters)

Considerations When Choosing Shutters

  1. Room Suitability: Choose wood shutters for formal spaces and simulated wood for humid or high-traffic areas.
  2. Customization Needs: Opt for custom measurements and finishes to match your windows and interior design.
  3. Maintenance: Consider the level of maintenance you’re willing to handle—simulated wood shutters are lower maintenance, while wood shutters may require refinishing over time.
  4. Budget: While wood shutters are more expensive upfront, simulated wood offers a cost-effective alternative with similar aesthetics.

Maintenance Tips

  • Wood Shutters: Dust regularly and clean with a damp cloth. Avoid excessive moisture to prevent warping.
  • Simulated Wood Shutters: Use a soft cloth and mild detergent to wipe down surfaces; they’re highly resistant to moisture and stains.

Conclusion

Wood and simulated wood shutters are a timeless addition to any home, combining functionality with classic elegance. Whether you prefer the natural beauty of real wood or the durability and affordability of simulated wood, there’s an option to suit your needs and style.

Explore top brands like Norman USA, Hunter Douglas, and Graber to find the perfect shutters for your space.

Ready to enhance your home with stunning shutters? Get your free quote today and transform your windows with the charm and durability of wood or simulated wood shutters!

 

“Testimonials”

Our real estate agent recommended your company. You have been everything that she said, “completely turn-key”. The products work flawless and exceed the development criteria. All we know is that they are beautiful and our warranties and paid receipt were laying on the breakfast bar. The other public service companies need to take lessons from you. We are left to think,” who were those masked men anyway”

Tom & Gina, Birmingham, Al

Mom and Dad really love the new blinds. Boy were they surprised when they returned from vacation!

Darrell, your UPS guy

Our first two orders were near your corporate office and we were very pleased with the products and service. Since moving to New Hampshire, we have placed four more orders and each of my sisters have placed orders as well. One was in Texas and the other was in South Dakota. We are one of those customers that you seldom hear from because our orders just pop up and are filled without a flaw. It is nice to have a company that you feel good about recommending to friends and family.

Harrison, Salem, NH

The blinds and shades that you recommended were a perfect gift. When our daughter returned from her honeymoon, she had trouble believing that we got everything for the price we paid. She still has trouble believing that we pulled this off without her finding out about it!

Susan Farrish, Panama City, FL

It is hard to believe that we ordered 23 faux wood blinds at 9AM and they were delivered by 3PMjust in time to be loaded on the moving van for the trip to our new home in New Orleans. We will never forget what you did for us!

Penny, New Orleans, LA

Who would have ever thought that we could buy custom made shutters in Atlanta, Georgia for our home in Conway, Arkansas for $7.00 a square foot less and a 5 week shorter lead time. I am sure glad that I mentioned shutters to my business associate while I was in Atlanta.

Patrick L., Arkansas

I am the owner of several Harley Davidson Motorcycle shops who has done well enough to build a custom designed 10,000 square foot home. I could write a book about all the difficulties and the headaches that I encountered in the process of building my home. I can say that the blinds, shades and shutters for the 198 windows and doors were the easiest part of the total building process. From order to installation, your company made it trouble free. All the products were on time, operate without a flaw and are simply beautiful. Ifl can hook you up with a Harley, let me know.

Eddie H., Dallas, GA

I am the owner of several Harley Davidson Motorcycle shops who has done well

Your company makes being a contractor a pleasure and I wished I could say that for all the other trades. Our customers are always pleased. You and you·rstaff always provide professional service, great products and timely completion for every project.

Richard, Perry Homes

I sent my wife to buy blinds for our new home. After 2 days and many different stores with either long lines or running around huge stores looking for help, she finally called me at work to explain how it seemed impossible. She explained that she had learned that it took exact dimensions and she had seen so many different products that she was confused. Thank goodness that a co-worker over heard my conversation and told me about your company. From the first call, your representative was at our home, the order was placed and in 3 calendar days the blinds were delivered. A fantastic job and wonderful experience. We will be sure to tell everyone we know!

Bobby and Susan, Columbus, GA

Great price, excellent service, state-of-the-art products, thank goodness we found you!

Ted & Nancy, Eugene, Oregon

You have made my mother’s Christmas. The plantation shutters that us kids ordered for her trailer was everything that she has always dreamed of. It is amazing how the frames you provided caused the shutters to fit like they we meant to be. You would think that you had just walked in to a multi-million dollar home! Mom’s doctors tell us that she may not make it until next Christmas so we are very glad that we ordered when we did.

Tony, Fit-Rite Muffler

We are certainly glad that we mentioned needing something for our motor home when we ordered the Basswood blinds for our new house. The $165,000 motor home was not new but the blinds in it rattled when we went down the road and it was simply driving us insane. The new shades with the day/night feature the you provided were exactly what we needed. Not only are they quiet, but, they make it easier to keep it cool inside. We are hoping that you have a solution for the odd shaped windows in our ocean cruiser too.

George & Kendra, Quik Trip Stores

I am not sure if the Fed X guys ran the blind over with a forklift or something else happened but the speed in which it was replaced was simply an1azing! Thanks!!

Anna, Nashville, TN

Being a commercial pilot, I sleep most days and fly most nights. Having a dark room during the day is a must for me. We had ordered shades to accomplish this from another source. When we installed the shades, we discovered that they didn’t fit snug and leaked a lot of light. On bright sunny days, I just could not get to sleep. We took the loss and called your company. You provided room darkening shades with thicker cells that fit snug with almost no light leak. They actually make our bedroom quieter and insulates better and it cost less than what we previously paid. Thanks a million!

Capt. Curt, UPS Air Freight

We saved when we purchased in Georgia and saved even more when we purchased in Florida. Finally retired!!

Betty M., Ocala, FL

Getting rid of those verticals and replacing them with plantation shutters is the best thing we have done. The psycho wing with the East/West window exposures has stood the test of time and patients. In less than one year, we have saved enough in utilities and lack of maintenance expense to completely pay for the shutters. We have budgeted to do the remaining hospital windows over a 2 year span in 7 different phases. Our $28,942.00 deposit check for the next phase is included.

Tim McDonald, Tanner Hospital

Being a first time homeowner, I could not trust myself to get all the details correct in the variety of products my wife and I wanted. Lucky for us, we had purchased a home in one of your local service areas. Michael Busbin, our representative, was at our home right on time within two hours of our call. Michael gave me a free lesson in measuring, showed us the product samples and explained their insulation and privacy values then was out the door in just over an hour with our order in hand. Then came the surprise, our custom dimensioned blinds were installed in 4 days, shades were in 6 days and the shutters were 18 days later. Our neighbors are still waiting on their shutters from another company and they say it will be about a month more. Your guys and girls are worth their weight in Gold. Next time around, we will be able to order and install ourselves.

Robbie Martin, Senoia, GA

Forms of Payment Accepted

We accept Cash, Check, Debit Cards and Credit Cards.