Heritance® vs. NewStyle®: Which Hunter Douglas Shutter is Right for Your Home?
When it comes to adding architectural beauty and long-term value to your home, nothing beats the timeless look of plantation shutters. But as you browse the Hunter Douglas catalog, you’ll likely find yourself torn between two heavy hitters: the Heritance® Hardwood Shutter and the NewStyle® Hybrid Shutter.
At Ogden Blinds, we’ve installed hundreds of these across Oswego and Naperville. While they look strikingly similar from a distance, they are designed for very different lifestyles and budgets. Here is the expert breakdown to help you decide.
Heritance® Hardwood Shutters: The Gold Standard
Heritance® is the “luxury vehicle” of window treatments. Crafted from 100% genuine hardwood—typically basswood or poplar—these represent the pinnacle of window fashion craftsmanship. They are the ideal choice for formal living rooms, dining rooms, and home offices where you want to make a bold design statement.
Because they are real wood, Heritance® offers the ultimate in customization with over 35 stunning stains and paints. If you have custom wood trim or unique flooring in your home, Heritance® is the only way to achieve a perfect stain match. These shutters are built to last using Truemill® dovetail joinery, the same high-end technique found in heirloom furniture. There is a specific warmth and “thud” of quality that only real wood provides, making it a permanent upgrade that adds genuine resale value to your Illinois home.
NewStyle® Hybrid Shutters: The Practical Powerhouse
For busy households with kids, pets, or high-traffic areas, the NewStyle® Hybrid Shutter is often the smarter choice. These are “hybrid” because they masterfully blend the aesthetic beauty of real wood with the rugged durability of modern composite materials. They are the “workhorse” of the Hunter Douglas line, perfect for kitchens, playrooms, and high-energy kids’ bedrooms.
Using the specialized Finetech® low-luster finish, these shutters mimic the look of painted wood so closely that most guests will never know they aren’t solid timber. The biggest advantage here is resilience; they are incredibly effective at resisting bowing, warping, and the everyday “bumps” of life. Furthermore, NewStyle® offers a more budget-friendly price point while still providing the famous Hunter Douglas lifetime warranty and dovetail construction.
How They Compare: Material, Build, and Versatility
When comparing these two side-by-side, the primary difference lies in the materials and finish. Heritance® gives you the organic beauty of natural grain and endless stain options, whereas NewStyle® focuses on a curated selection of solid paints and realistic wood tones. However, both products share the same elite DNA: they both utilize Truemill® dovetail construction for maximum structural integrity, ensuring your shutter panels stay square and true for decades.
In terms of versatility, both options can be custom-fitted to nearly any window shape. Whether you have sunburst arches, circles, or tricky angles in your Naperville sunroom, both Heritance® and NewStyle® can be handcrafted to fit perfectly. The decision usually comes down to the environment—Heritance® is the choice for the “forever home” looking for ultimate luxury, while NewStyle® is the perfect whole-house solution for families who need style that can stand up to a little extra wear and tear.
The Expert Verdict: Don’t Forget the Installation!
Whether you choose the luxury of Heritance® or the durability of NewStyle®, the most important factor is the measure and fit.
As a Hunter Douglas Master Installer, Kurt personally ensures that your shutters are fitted with precision. Unlike big-box stores or online retailers, we don’t just “drop off boxes.” We bring 30 years of experience to your Oswego or Naperville home to ensure your louvers tilt perfectly and your frames sit flush.
Ready to see the samples in your own light?
Don’t guess based on a computer screen. Contact Ogden Blinds today for a free in-home consultation. We’ll bring the shutter samples to you so you can feel the difference for yourself.
