To think use external shutter blind for DCs' bedrooms?

[Notgoingbacktofuture]

I vaguely remember someone on MN said they look cheap and ugly. But DH is really keen to push it ahead for reasons below:

1 Blocking light: We've tried all sorts reasonably priced options to block light out in summer time for DS1's bedroom which is in the loft. It's very wide with three panel windows. All attempts failed. Currently, I'm using baby portable blackout curtain to cover up the part near his bed every evening.

2 Improve insulation: DS1's bedroom is the coldest one in winter, as it's in the loft. The thermostat for our centre heating is in his room to keep it above 16C in winter days. But since the insulation is not brilliant, often downstairs bedrooms could be overheating in the coldest days.

3 Reduce indoor awkward fixtures/fittings: Same morning light problem for DS2's bedroom which is on the 1st floor. Currently it uses a blackout roller blind plus a very wide ugly IKEA blackout curtain to catch the light leaked from the sides/top.

We used to live in France and those external shutter blinds are rather common and effective to keep heat/cold/light out.

If people really don't like the look of them, would it affect the property resale value, given that we only install them at the rear for two upstairs bedrooms?

Picture attached.

If your windows open outwards, you are going to have problems there.

If your windows open outwards, you are going to have problems there.

Not according to most places we stayed in Europe. There's a manual cord installed on the inside wall along the window, with which you pull to close the shutter even when the windows are closed.

In Europe the windows open inward or slide like patio doors.

We have external window shutters but we're in Aus and they're really common.

We use ours every day! In summer they can be down most days to keep the heat out and the light when DC are trying to sleep.

In winter I put them down in the evening to keep the heat in.

The long summer days in the UK with young DC nearly drove me around the bend.

The one you linked to looks good. I'd definitely do it.

@CourtneeLuv , it doesn't matter, as there's a manual cord installed on the inside wall alongside the window, with which you pull to close the shutter even when the windows are closed.

@VioletToes I can't tell you how much stress the long summer days with their eternal light gave me when it comes to DCs' bedtime all these years...

I used to live in Spain and these shutters (persianas) are extremely common. I love them - they block all light even at midday in summer.
I'd love to get them installed in my house now.

Yes but if your windows open outwards you won't be able to have the windows open and the shutters down.

In summer that's what you'll want.

@Apollonia1 , just holidayed in France and felt almost joyful to be able to use those blinds again. The only thing that I'm not sure is if the humid climate here would cause problem with external fittings like this.

DS1's room has a velux window on the other side. I often left that open before dawn. So not too much a problem for us, at least for that room.

But good point (for DS2's room). Thank you!

I have internal shutters - they are brilliant; cool in summer, warm in winter. Would you consider those?