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Monday 3 April 2023

Things to think about when buying shutters for your home

Are you looking to upgrade your home's interior design? We have been slowly renovating our new house over the last year, and one area that's often overlooked but can make a big impact is window treatments. We have recently replaced all of the windows at the front/back and right hand side of our house (left hand side is s future extension project!) and we are in the process of installing interior window shutters. In this blog post, we'll cover everything you need to know about buying shutters for your home.
 
a home office with full length interior shutters in the background
Disclosure: Collaborative Post

Shutters are a popular window treatment option that can add a touch of elegance and sophistication to any room in your home. In addition to their aesthetic appeal, shutters also provide a variety of benefits, such as privacy and light control, energy efficiency, and added security. However, with so many different types of shutters available, it can be overwhelming to choose the right one for your home. In this blog post, we'll provide a detailed overview of the different types of shutters available and the benefits they offer.


What type of shutters should I choose for my house?


Shutters are an investment and it took us a long time to take the plunge to make the decision to have them installed. We desperately wanted them in our old house, but as we knew we weren’t staying there long term we decided to go for blinds that looked like shutters instead. You can see some photos in my previous post about getting ready to sell your house and furnishing a pink and grey lounge. We have been really unlucky during current renovations with certain contractors not turning up, or not doing a very good job and so it always feels like a gamble when paying out large amounts of money for something with the risk of it not being right at the end. This is why doing your research on window shutters and providers is so important before you go ahead…


First, let's talk about the benefits of window shutters.


One major advantage is privacy. With shutters, you can control the amount of light and visibility that enters your home, giving you complete control over your privacy. Additionally, shutters can provide excellent insulation, keeping your home cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter. This can lead to lower energy bills and a more comfortable home.


After last year’s heatwave, I was desperate to block the sun safely from our home, but, I was also concerned about whether heat could be trapped ( as some had reported with gro-blinds) and cause damage to the window. On the flip side, with increasing energy costs I also wanted to be able to make sure the heat from our radiators and log burner wasn’t escaping through the windows and to retain it as effectively as possible. So, let’s tackle these two concerns:


Would internal shutters get too hot during a heatwave?



Internal shutters can help regulate the temperature in your home by blocking out the sun's heat during the summer. However, in particularly hot climates or during a heatwave, the temperature inside your home can still rise, and your internal shutters may become warm to the touch.

To help keep your home cool during a heatwave, you can angle the shutters to direct the sun's rays away from the windows or close them entirely during the hottest parts of the day. Additionally, choosing shutters made with materials that are good at reflecting heat, such as wood, can help reduce the amount of heat that is absorbed into your home.

It's also important to ensure that your home is well-insulated, as this can help reduce the amount of heat that enters your home in the first place. By taking these steps, you can help ensure that your internal shutters remain effective at blocking out heat and keeping your home cool during a heatwave.


Are Shutters Energy-Efficient?


Yes, shutters are an energy-efficient option for window treatments. Because they are custom-fitted to the window, they provide a tight seal, which can help reduce energy loss and lower your heating and cooling bills. Additionally, shutters can help regulate the temperature in your home by blocking out the sun's heat during the summer and retaining warmth during the winter. By investing in shutters, you can not only enjoy the aesthetic benefits but also save on your energy bills.


Now, let's discuss the different types of interior shutters available:


Interior shutters are the most popular type of shutters and are installed on the inside of your windows. They provide a great deal of privacy and light control while adding a touch of elegance to your home's interior. There are different styles of interior shutters, including traditional, plantation, and café-style. Traditional shutters have smaller louvers, while plantation shutters have larger louvers that provide more light control. Café-style shutters cover only the bottom half of the window, providing privacy while still allowing plenty of natural light to enter the room. Depending on the size of your windows you may wish to have the top and bottom half of your shutters open and close separately, known as tier on tier shutters, or just the louvres open and close separately.



What materials can shutters be made from?



When it comes to materials, shutters can be made from a variety of materials including wood, faux wood shutters, vinyl, and composite. Each material has its own benefits and drawbacks, so it's important to do your research and choose the right material for your home and budget.


Wood: Wooden shutters are a classic choice and are highly customizable in terms of colour, finish, and style. They offer excellent insulation and soundproofing properties, making them a popular choice for bedrooms and living areas.


Vinyl: Vinyl shutters are a popular choice for those on a budget. They are lightweight, durable, and resistant to moisture, making them ideal for high-humidity areas such as bathrooms and kitchens.


Composite: Composite shutters are made from a blend of materials, typically MDF (medium-density fiberboard) and PVC (polyvinyl chloride). They are strong, durable, and resistant to moisture and are a cost-effective alternative to wooden shutters.


Another important factor to consider is the style of your shutters.



Shutters come in a variety of styles, including traditional, plantation, and California. The style you choose will depend on your personal taste and the overall look and feel of your home.

While plantation and California shutters are both types of interior shutters, they have some distinct differences in terms of style and functionality.

Plantation shutters feature wider louvers (typically around 2 1/2 to 4 1/2 inches) that allow for more light control and visibility. They are a popular choice for homeowners looking for a classic and elegant look that also provides privacy and light control. Plantation shutters are a great option for large windows, as their wider louvers can make a bold statement and add a touch of sophistication to any room.

On the other hand, California shutters (also known as "Venetian" shutters) feature narrower louvers (typically around 1 1/4 to 1 3/4 inches) that provide less light control and visibility than plantation shutters. However, California shutters are a great option for homeowners looking for a more modern and minimalist look that still provides some privacy and light control. They are also a popular choice for smaller windows, as their narrower louvers can help make the window appear larger.


Are Shutters Worth the Investment?


Shutters are a long-term investment in your home. While they may be more expensive than other window treatment options, their durability and longevity make them a cost-effective choice in the long run. Shutters are made with high-quality materials and can last for decades, whereas other window treatments may need to be replaced every few years. Additionally, shutters can increase the value of your home and are a desirable feature for potential buyers. By investing in shutters, you can enhance the beauty and functionality of your home and enjoy the benefits for years to come.


Finally, it's important to choose the right company to install your shutters. Look for a company with experience in the industry and a proven track record of quality workmanship. Additionally, be sure to ask about warranties and guarantees to ensure that you're making a wise investment.


We are currently in the process of having plantation shutters, made from monterey pine, fitted on our new windows – I can’t wait to show you how they look when they’re finished! You can read about our renovation journey so far, in my blog post all about buying a house with a rat infestation.

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