Zebra blinds or shutters in Miami?

Shopping for zebra blinds in Miami? How they compare with made-to-measure wood shutters on light, privacy, cords, lifespan and cost.
Level 1 (flat) moulding, paint stage 1, 3½-inch louvers, tilting open and closed.

Miami's homes and windows

Zebra blinds are a roller blind with two layers of striped fabric, sheer and solid, that slide past each other to let light in or block it. In Miami, where 68% of homes are apartments or condos and 22% are detached houses, they compete with shutters for the same windows.

The year runs from 0 freezing nights to 30 days at 90°F or more, so whatever covers the window works in both seasons.

Sources: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-year estimates, 2020–2024; NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020. Daylight and sun height: calculated from the city’s latitude.

In a condo

With 68% of homes in multi-unit buildings, many windows here are wide and the budget goes on more of them. Zebra blinds cost less per window; shutters cost more, have nothing to wear out but the paint, and can be repainted when you redecorate.

Shutters in condos

Afternoon sun

On the 30 days a year that reach 90°F, a zebra blind is either up or down; tilting shutter louvers block high sun and keep the view below.

Cords and chains

Zebra blinds usually raise with a chain or cord, or a motor. Shutters have no cords at all. Canada has regulated corded window coverings since May 1, 2021.

Shutters vs blinds

Zebra blinds and shutters compared for Miami
FeaturePoplar shutters (ours)Zebra blinds
Light and privacyTilt the louversLine up or offset the stripes
Clear viewSwing the panels openRoll the blind up
CordsNoneUsually a chain or cord
Refresh laterRepaint the woodReplace the fabric or blind
Cost per windowMoreLess

Where our shutters fit

Every Shutter Boys shutter is made from solid American poplar to the measurements you take, then shipped to Miami for you to fit. We don’t sell zebra blinds; if shutters suit your windows, price them window by window.

The designer shows the price of each window as you add it, in US dollars.

Price your windows

Pick your look once, add every window, and see each one drawn and priced. Send it to us and we reply with your quote.

Design your shutters