Are honeycomb blinds good for hot South African summers?

Yes. Honeycomb blinds help reduce heat gain at the window by trapping air inside the cellular structure, slowing down heat transfer and keeping rooms cooler in hot South African summers.

Do honeycomb blinds help during loadshedding?

Honeycomb blinds cannot replace temperature control systems, but they help homes retain heat or cool air longer, making rooms more comfortable during loadshedding.

Can you still see outside with honeycomb blinds?

Light-filtering honeycomb blinds diffuse daylight while maintaining a soft external view. Blockout versions remove external visibility entirely for privacy and sleep quality.

Are honeycomb blinds suitable for coastal homes?

Yes. Honeycomb blinds are suitable for coastal South African homes when installed with corrosion-ready hardware. They help reduce condensation and UV exposure common along the Garden Route.

Published: 15 November 2023 • Updated: 21 November 2025

Can Blinds Really Look Like Shutters?

Choosing between blinds and shutters often comes down to budget, climate, and the look you want. The good news is that certain blinds can achieve a shutter-like aesthetic without the higher investment. The key is choosing the right product and measuring and fitting it correctly.

This guide explains what works, what does not, and how to get a shutter look without the shutter price in South African homes.

The Shutters Versus Blinds Question

Even though blinds and shutters are built differently, they share a few core benefits:

Room-by-room privacy on demand
Flexible light control during the day
Options that cope with coastal humidity and wet rooms
Clean architectural lines when fitted neatly inside the reveal
Good lifespan when the right materials are specified

Visually, shutters offer a solid, framed presence that many homeowners love. That is why people often ask if blinds can “fake” the look. The answer is yes, if you choose the right type and treat the installation like joinery rather than a quick fit.

The Best Blind Type For A Shutter-Like Look

If your goal is a clean, structured window that resembles shutters, 50 mm Venetian blinds are usually the best option.

Why they work so well:

The wide, horizontal slats echo the proportions of shutter louvres
They sit neatly inside the window frame when measured correctly
They offer excellent privacy when tilted up, especially at night
They create the same calm, linear pattern shutters are known for
They are lighter on the budget than full PVC indoor shutters

A correctly aligned white or soft neutral Venetian, fitted in the reveal, can look very close to an indoor shutter panel at first glance.

Explore our indoor blinds range:
https://customblinds.co.za/custom-blinds-indoor-products/

How To Make Blinds Look More Like Shutters

The product matters, but installation matters just as much. These are the practical steps that help a blind read more like a shutter.

1. Choose An Inside-Reveal Fit Where Possible

Whenever the window depth allows it, we fit the blind inside the reveal. This frames the blind like a shutter panel and makes the window feel built in rather than “stuck on”.

2. Use Wider Slats

Narrow slats look like classic office blinds. Wider 50 mm slats echo the proportions of shutter louvres and feel more architectural and calm, especially in lounges and bedrooms.

3. Keep Colours Soft And Neutral

White, off white, warm stone and light timber tones are the easiest way to mimic the look of shutters. Strong colours work well when you are not trying to copy the shutter style, but for this purpose neutrals are your friend.

4. Keep Controls Clean

Wand tilt, chainless options for some products, or motorisation all help keep the window looking uncluttered. The less visible cord clutter, the closer you get to a shutter-like finish.

5. Pay Attention To The Edges

The closer the blind sits to the sides of the window, the more “built in” it feels. Accurate measuring, correct bracket choice and proper squaring-up of the blind make a bigger difference than most people realise.

When Blinds Are Not A Substitute For Shutters

Even though Venetians can look surprisingly like shutters, shutters still outperform blinds in certain areas:

Insulation – Shutters create a rigid barrier that helps keep heat out in summer and inside in winter, especially on large glass areas.
Humidity resistance – Quality PVC shutters remain stable in bathrooms, kitchens, coastal humidity and wet rooms.
Longevity – A well specified shutter can outlast several generations of standard blinds in the same opening.
Loadshedding resilience – Extra insulation makes a room more comfortable even when heating or cooling is off.

Explore our shutter ranges:
https://customblinds.co.za/shutters/

Cost: The Big Difference Between Blinds And Shutters

Blinds are usually more affordable, especially when you have many windows to cover in one project. Shutters sit at a higher price point, but they deliver long-term value and can increase perceived property value when you come to sell.

A simple way to think about it:

Choose Venetians when you want the look and light control on a more flexible budget.
Choose shutters when you want architecture, insulation and maximum durability, especially in coastal homes.

Quick Decision Checklist

Choose Venetian Blinds If You Want:

A shutter-like look without the full shutter investment
Clean horizontal lines and good everyday privacy
Simple cleaning with a cloth or duster
A softer look for bedrooms, lounges or studies

Choose Shutters If You Want:

The strongest visual impact and “built in” feel
Better thermal control for hot or cold rooms
Maximum durability in coastal and high humidity areas
A long-term investment that can add value to your home

Not Sure Which Will Work Best In Your Home?

If you are not sure whether shutters or blinds will work best for your space, climate and budget, our team can help you compare options room by room.

WhatsApp Custom Blinds Shutters & Awnings™
https://wa.me/27795235407