Shutter BoysZebra blinds or shutters in Germantown?
Germantown'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 Germantown, where 33% of homes are apartments or condos and 26% are detached houses, they compete with shutters for the same windows.
The year runs from 98 freezing nights to 13 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 33% 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.
Winter glare
With the December sun only 27° high at midday, low light shines straight in. Zebra stripes cut it only by also cutting the view; shutter louvers can be angled to send it up to the ceiling instead.
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.
Zebra blinds or shutters for a Germantown home
6% of people in Germantown are under five, more than in 60% of the 881 US cities we have figures for. Zebra blinds raise on a chain or cord unless they are motorized; shutters have neither. In Gaithersburg, 4 miles away, 7.2% of people are under five, more than here.
22% of workers here worked from home, more than in 81% of the 881 US cities we have figures for. Zebra stripes cut glare only by cutting the view; louvers send light to the ceiling and keep it.
Sources: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year estimates, 2020–2024; U.S. EIA, Residential Energy Consumption Survey 2020 (windows). Prices from our price list.
3 bedroom windows in poplar$970 – $1,190
36 × 48 in each, flat moulding, paint stage 1, 3½ in louvers, before tax and shipping. We don't sell zebra blinds.
Price your own windows| Feature | Poplar shutters (ours) | Zebra blinds |
|---|---|---|
| Light and privacy | Tilt the louvers | Line up or offset the stripes |
| Clear view | Swing the panels open | Roll the blind up |
| Cords | None | Usually a chain or cord |
| Refresh later | Repaint the wood | Replace the fabric or blind |
| Cost per window | More | Less |
Where our shutters fit
Every Shutter Boys shutter is made from solid American poplar to the measurements you take, then shipped to Germantown 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.
More about shutters in Germantown
Zebra blinds vs shutters near Germantown
- Gaithersburg 4 mi
- Rockville 9 mi
- Aspen Hill 11 mi
- Wheaton 14 mi
- Bethesda 15 mi
- Reston 16 mi
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.