Are shutters or blinds better for Las Vegas heat?

Shutters are better for Las Vegas heat. Poly vinyl plantation shutters block up to 73% of heat transfer compared to 45-50% for standard blinds. Shutters create a tighter seal against the window frame and their solid louvers provide more insulation. For maximum heat blocking, consider adding solar screens outside with interior shutters.

Do shutters or blinds last longer in the desert?

Shutters last significantly longer in the desert. Poly vinyl shutters have a 25-year warranty and don't warp, crack, or fade in extreme heat. Quality blinds typically last 5-10 years before the cords break, slats warp, or tilt mechanisms fail. Over a 25-year period, you'd replace blinds 2-5 times.

Are shutters worth the extra cost over blinds?

Yes, shutters are worth the extra cost for most Las Vegas homeowners. While shutters cost $20-35/sq ft vs $8-15/sq ft for blinds, shutters last 3-5x longer, increase home value by 3-5%, and provide better insulation that reduces cooling costs. Over 25 years, shutters often cost less than replacing blinds multiple times.

Which is easier to clean - shutters or blinds?

Shutters are much easier to clean. Simply wipe the large louvers with a damp cloth - takes about 30 seconds per window. Blinds have many small slats that collect dust and are tedious to clean. In dusty Las Vegas, this difference adds up significantly over time.

Blog / Comparison Guide

Shutters vs Blinds: Which is Better for Las Vegas Homes?

A detailed comparison to help you choose the right window treatment for the desert climate.

Updated December 2025 | By Shutters Cheap

Quick Answer:

Shutters are better for most Las Vegas homes. They last 3-5x longer, block more heat, increase home value, and are easier to clean. Blinds cost less upfront but need replacement more often.

Head-to-Head Comparison

Feature	Plantation Shutters	Faux Wood Blinds	Winner
Cost per sq ft	$20-35	$8-15	Blinds
Lifespan	25+ years	5-10 years	Shutters
Heat blocking	Up to 73%	45-50%	Shutters
Home value impact	+3-5%	None	Shutters
Warranty	25 years	Lifetime*	Tie
Cleaning ease	Very easy	Tedious	Shutters
HOA approved	Always	Usually	Shutters
Desert durability	Excellent	Good	Shutters

*Lifetime warranty on blinds typically covers manufacturing defects only, not wear and tear

Cost Comparison for a Typical Las Vegas Home

Let's compare the true cost of shutters vs blinds over 25 years for a typical Las Vegas home with 10 standard windows (approximately 200 sq ft of window coverage):

Shutters (25-year cost)

Initial cost: $4,000-$7,000
Replacements needed: 0
Repair costs: ~$0
Total: $4,000-$7,000

Blinds (25-year cost)

Initial cost: $1,600-$3,000
Replacements (2-4x): $3,200-$12,000
Repair costs: ~$200-$500
Total: $5,000-$15,500

When to Choose Shutters

Shutters are the better choice when:

You plan to stay 5+ years - ROI improves the longer you own them
West-facing windows - Need maximum heat blocking
Selling soon - Shutters increase home value; blinds don't
HOA communities - Always approved, premium appearance
Hate cleaning - Much easier to maintain
Large windows - Shutters handle large spans better

When to Choose Blinds

Blinds might be better when:

Tight budget - Need to cover many windows affordably
Rental property - Lower upfront investment
Short-term home - Moving within 2-3 years
Small windows - Shutters may look oversized on very small windows
Secondary rooms - Garages, utility rooms, workshops

Desert-Specific Considerations

Las Vegas Climate Factors:

Extreme heat (115°F+) - Poly vinyl shutters don't warp; some blinds do
Intense UV - Shutters offer better UV protection
Dust - Shutters are much easier to clean in dusty conditions
Dry air - Wood blinds can crack; faux wood or poly vinyl recommended

Our Recommendation

For most Las Vegas homeowners, plantation shutters are the better long-term investment. While blinds cost less upfront, the combination of durability, energy savings, home value increase, and easier maintenance makes shutters the smarter choice for primary living spaces.

That said, we install both shutters and blinds. If budget is a concern, consider a hybrid approach: shutters for main living areas and bedrooms, blinds for secondary spaces.

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