Both shutters and energy saving blinds can make a noticeable difference to comfort. Current research is inconclusive on which is more effective. So rather than looking for a single “winner”, it makes more sense to choose the one that suits your home, your windows and how you like to live.
Table of Contents
- Are shutters more energy efficient than blinds?
- Are shutters warmer than blinds in winter?
- Are faux wood shutters good insulators?
- Do window shutters cause condensation in the winter?
- Do blinds keep a house warmer in winter?
- What is the best window covering for winter?
- How do I stop cold air coming through windows in winter?
- Are shutters better than curtains for insulation?
- So, should I choose shutters or energy saving blinds for my Sussex home?
Are shutters more energy efficient than blinds?
Research into traditional windows found that well-fitting shutters reduced heat loss through the glazing by 64%. Energy saving blinds reduced heat loss by 60% (Historic England).
More recently, the British Blind and Shutter Association (BBSA) worked with the University of Salford to test modern blinds and shutters under controlled conditions. The best-performing blind caused a 33% reduction in heat loss, compared to 28% with a shutter.
So some tests put shutters at the top, others put certain energy saving blinds ahead. What they agree on is that both shutters and blinds are effective insulators when they are well designed and properly fitted.
Are shutters warmer than blinds in winter?
Sometimes, but not always. Shutters create a solid barrier and a sealed air pocket between your room and the cold glass. That is why they perform so well in heritage buildings, where some windows are still single glazed.
However, modern honeycomb-structured energy saving blinds can be just as impressive. Their double or triple layered “cell” structure traps air in front of the glass and reduce heat loss through the window.
Simple window coverings like curtains, roller blinds and Roman blinds still help a little, but not as much as those with dedicated energy saving characteristics.
Are faux wood shutters good insulators?
High-quality options such as Enviro Faux Wood Shutters are very good insulators. Made from moisture-resistant HS polyvinyl, they cope brilliantly with steamy bathrooms and busy family kitchens while still reducing heat loss and draughts.
Do window shutters cause condensation in the winter?
Shutters do not cause condensation, but they can hide it.
Condensation happens when warm, moist air hits a cold surface. If the glass behind your shutters is cold and there are high levels of moisture in your room, you can get water droplets on the pane whether you have shutters, blinds or nothing at all.
Because shutters and good blinds both slow the heat moving from the room to the glass, the glazing can sometimes stay colder. It’s important to open your shutters or at least tilt the louvres in the morning, use extractor fans and trickle vents, and choose shutters made from suitable materials for rooms with high humidity.
Do blinds keep a house warmer in winter?
Research from the BBSA shows that blinds do reduce heat loss through your windows. If warmth is your priority, look for energy saving blinds with a cellular or honeycomb structure. You can choose blackout or dim-out fabrics for bedrooms and nurseries – because many of these are thick fabrics, that will also help with heat retention. Ensure that your blinds have a snug, made-to-measure fit within the window recess so that heat can’t escape around the edges of the blind.
What is the best window covering for winter?
Based on the research, it is more accurate to say there is a top group of window coverings for winter:
- Interior shutters that fit well to the frame
- Honeycomb or Duette blinds with a proper insulating structure
- Thick, well-fitted blinds and curtains, especially when layered together
From there, the “best” option depends on:
- Your window type (sash, bay, skylights, uPVC)
- Whether your room is very damp, very sunny or very draughty
- Your taste and how you use the space day to day
How do I stop cold air coming through windows in winter?
Whatever window covering you choose, a few simple steps help:
- Deal with obvious draughts first (any gaps around the edge of window frame or areas where the seal has failed)
- Add insulating window coverings like shutters or energy saving blinds
- Close them as the sun sets to create an insulating layer and keep heat in
- Layer up if needed: for example, shutters plus curtains in a bedroom
Shutters are excellent at blocking tiny draughts around older frames. Energy saving blinds are brilliant for very large panes of glass and roof windows, where you want insulation but still want to allow light in.
Are shutters better than curtains for insulation?
Often, yes; but again, it depends on the setup.
On traditional windows, shutters and insulating blinds can outperform curtains for cutting heat loss at the window. However, thick, well-fitted curtains work well when layered on top of blinds or shutters.
So, should I choose shutters or energy saving blinds for my Sussex home?
Think of shutters as different tools in the same energy saving toolkit rather than rivals.
Choose shutters if you want:
- A classic look that suits both modern and period homes
- Solid feeling and excellent privacy
- Long-lasting value
- Options like Enviro Faux Wood, Perfect Fit Shutters, and Platinum Wood Shutters for different rooms and budgets
Choose energy saving blinds if you want:
- A softer or more minimal finish
- Flexible operation for tricky windows, such as bays, roof windows and large patio doors
- Very high thermal performance in a slim profile
For lots of Sussex homes, the perfect answer is a mix. Shutters in street-facing rooms and bedrooms, energy saving blinds in home offices, lofts and glazed garden spaces.
Visit our showroom and compare shutters and blinds side by side
Because the studies show that both options are great insulators, the real question is what feels right for your home.
Book a free consultation or pop into our showroom. We serve all of West Sussex, including Horsham, Chichester and Worthing. Our friendly team will walk you through the options and help you decide which mix of shutters and energy saving blinds makes the most sense for your Sussex home.
