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How do window shutters work, and why are they a great choice of window treatment? In this blog post we’ll aim to answer these questions, and take a look at everything you need to consider before investing in window shutters for your Essex home.
As a homeowner, you know that windows are an important element of your home’s overall aesthetic. From light, to privacy and energy efficiency, windows play a critical role in making your home feel inviting to visitors, and comfortable for you to live in. But did you know that plantation shutters can be used to enhance these features even further?
What Are Window Shutters?
Decorative shutters are simple-to-install, versatile window treatments which can dramatically improve both the attractiveness and functionality of any room in your home. They’re are a stylish and practical way to update your Essex home with the ideal window dressing, and they come in a variety of popular options which we’ll delve into below.
Not only do they look great, but interior shutters for windows also provide additional benefits such as superior insulation, light control, sound dampening, and security. With a range of styles and materials available, you’re sure to find the perfect window treatment to fit seamlessly into any room in your home. Whether you have old-fashioned wooden shutters or more modern ones made from composite materials, window shutters are the perfect choice to freshen up your interior decor while increasing property value.
How Do Window Shutters Work?
In this blog post, we’ll take a comprehensive look at how shutters work, the different styles available for use in homes, lifespan information, and other helpful tips on making the best choice for your house!
Read on to learn more about window shutters and why they may be the perfect option for your home’s windows.
Different Materials Used In Manufacturing Window Shutters
Window shutters are a stylish and practical choice for any home. They offer an extra layer of insulation, great light control, increased privacy and versatile good looks. At ShutterTec, we specialise in providing shutters made of a variety of materials that have each been specifically chosen based on their individual qualities. Our shutters are crafted from the finest woods and fauxwoods offering natural beauty while providing lasting value, and are suitable for use both as interior and exterior shutters.
Additionally, our ABS (thermoplastic polymer) shutters are perfect for indoor use where there may be some moisture or exposure to the elements. Alternatively, for those looking for exterior window shutters, there is the option of aluminium shutters providing reliable weather protection in addition to excellent sound insulation. Each material has its own advantages and package, making it easy to pick the right shutters designed especially for your windows.
Pros & Cons Of Each Shutter Material
When selecting shutters for your windows, there are a range of materials on offer to suit different needs. Fauxwood is known for offering great insulation and strength, while metal offers a high level of durability. Wood is timeless, providing a classic look – but it requires regular maintenance, while plastic shutters (ABS) provide superior value and low-maintenance requirements. Each material has its own unique pros and cons and you should consider them carefully before making a decision.
It’s worth consulting with an experienced installer as they can provide valuable insight into which shutter material will work best for your situation.
Opening and Closing Different Types of Shutters
Window shutters are wooden panels that attach to your window surround, offering light and privacy control, flexibility and a touch of sophistication.
Other than shutters with solid panels, all window shutters have operable louvres, the wooden slats the majority of shutters are made up from, and which can easily be tilted to control how much light is let in. Tilting the louvres can also assist with privacy, which is particularly useful if you live on a busy street or if your home is overlooked by neighbours. The louvres can also be shut to block out all light and ensure complete privacy.
Various louvre sizes are available, depending on your window size and personal preference. Thanks to the louvres, most people tend to keep the plantation shutter panels closed. However, there are occasions when you may want to fully open the wooden shutter panels, such as when you want to admire the view, clean your windows or flood the room with natural light.
Tier on Tier Shutters have two panels at the top and two at the bottom, which can be opened independently from each other, providing the versatility to cover the whole window or just half, as required. Many people with tier on tier shutters like to keep the bottom panels closed to ensure privacy, whilst opening the top wooden panels to let the light in.
Cafe style Shutters on the other hand, only cover the lower half of the window. So, most people keep the wooden panels closed for the full effect but adjust the louvres as and when required.
For Shaped Shutters that are perfectly fitted to the window, opening the panel itself isn’t always an option. For example, Shaped Shutters are often used for dorma windows. However, the louvres still allow you to control light and privacy.
How Are Window Shutters Installed?
Shutters can be installed inside the recess (close to or directly on the window casing), on the edge of the recess (so there is a gap between the window frame and shutter) or outside of the recess (on the walls surrounding the window).
Fitting shutters requires accuracy and precision for the best finish, and therefore it’s always best to have them professionally installed. The majority of shutter companies only offer shutters with installation anyway.
True, with the knowledge and correct tools, it is possible to install shutters yourself. However, if you want the best results, you should have the shutter suppliers carry out installation.
For larger windows, it may even take two people to install the shutters. And if you’re having Shaped Shutters or Tracked Shutters, which are a little trickier to install, it’s always best to leave it to the professionals.
Why Professional Shutter Installation Matters
Window shutters are made to measure. Most shutter companies will offer to measure your window and advise you on the best shutters for your home before you make a decision. To ensure smooth and secure opening and closing, shutters will need to fit your window exactly, regardless of size and shape.
Therefore, measuring for your shutters should be done by a professional, especially if you have Bay windows or shaped windows. The cost, should you get it wrong, will be a very steep one. Allow us to take that burden from you and give you the gift of perfectly fitting shutters that you’ll enjoy for many years to come.
Motorised vs Manual Window Shutters
When it comes to window shutters, an important decision to make is whether to opt for motorised or manual. Motorised shutters offer the ultimate convenience – you can open and close your windows with a simple click of a button! However, they come with additional costs associated with installation and energy bills. On the other hand, manual window shutters are easier on your wallet and don’t require any extra power; however, you must physically raise or lower them yourself.
So, when making your decision, take into account the amount of usage the window shutters will get and consider how much value convenience will add to your life. Either way, you’re sure to find something that suits your needs perfectly from ShutterTec’s huge range!
Which Shutter Blinds Are Right For My Home?
There is a variety of window shutter styles to choose from. And once you have chosen your preferred style, you then have the choice of several finishes and colours.
Choosing your perfect shutters depends on many factors, including the size and shape of your windows, the style of your home, the level of light and privacy control required and your personal tastes.
Full Height Shutters, for example, are ideal for the majority of window sizes. They are the most popular style of window shutters thanks to their versatility and timeless style. They complement any home and are practical enough for any room in the house.
Tier on Tier Shutters, although very similar to Full Height Shutters, work best on tall windows. And are great if you want even more flexibility. Whereas Tracked Shutters are more suitable for patio doors, French doors and conservatory doors. They can also be used as room dividers!
Waterproof Shutters are best for (you guessed it!) bathrooms and kitchens. Or any room that is high in humidity or moisture. And Café Style shutters are popular in kitchens, dining rooms and living rooms. These chic shutters look amazing but don’t give as much privacy.
To explore the full range of window shutters, check out our Quick Guide To Shutters.
Choosing the Right Style of Window Shutters for Your Essex Home
When it comes to choosing the right window shutters for your home, there are several factors to consider.
Firstly, what theme and style is the room? This should match the shutters you choose to ensure a consistent aesthetic theme throughout. Secondly, consider if you have easy access to the windows and whether that matters when selecting a shutter type. Thirdly, think about how much privacy you require, as some shutters offer more privacy than others. Finally, think about how you want to control the heat in the room and whether that can be done with a particular type of shutter.
All these things should be taken into account before making a decision on which window shutters would be best for your home.
Which Shutter Type Is Best?
When deciding which shutter type is best, there are many factors to contemplate before making a purchase such as the size of the space, the theme and so much more. To help you determine which is best, we have provided a brief outline of the different options below:
Full Height Shutters
Full Height Shutters, are the most popular option of window dressing, combining full coverage and maximum privacy as well as heat retention perfect for those looking to cut down on their energy bills.
Tier on Tier Shutters
This style of shutter offers a great alternative for those homeowners who want two shutters that open independently of one another at either side of the window space. The open position is excellent for letting natural light in during the day, whilst still maintaining privacy at night.
Café Style Shutters
Café-style shutters provide both full coverage and optimising ventilation for those looking to optimise the amount of light coming into the room whilst maintaining their privacy. This style of blind is perfect for a kitchen or dining room or a room located at the front of the house as they allow light in without letting the neighbours see in.
Tracked Shutters
These designs are typically tailored to those looking for sliding doors leading to a garden area. Due to their large size and slats, these doors can let in light when closed but can also be pulled back to create a nice open living space.
Solid Panel Shutters
Regardless of whether you are living in a period home or you are just a fan of this rustic feel for your home, solid shutters are the perfect modern twist on this traditional design element. Thanks to the nature of the shutter, they provide either full light or full block out based on your requirements.
Waterproof Shutters
Whether you are looking to fit shutters in your kitchen or bathroom, waterproof shutters have protection from humidity that is sure to give you peace of mind. Each of our waterproof shutters is manufactured from high-grade ABS to ensure that they are 100% waterproof, perfect for wetrooms, swimming pools, bathrooms and more.
Blackout Shutters
When it comes to keeping a room completely blacked out many tend to opt for a blackout curtain or blind. However, for those wanting the look of shutters with the blackout element, we have the option for you. With a blackout blind placed within the shutters, you are getting the best of both all within a discreet shutter frame.
Shaped Shutters
If you find yourself with a shaped window and no idea what to do with it then look no further. Each of our shaped shutters caters to every type of window, allowing you to fit shutters to all windows in your home. These are the shapes that out shaped window shutters will cater to:
– Porthole shutters / round shutters
– Triangular shutters
– Octagon shutters
– Arched shutters
– Half-round shutters
– Parallelogram shutters
Bay Window Shutters
Lucky enough to have a bay window in your home? Our team of experienced Essex shutters and blinds fitters have got you covered. With years of experience and shutters that are made to measure, we can cover any sized window with the ultimate shutters for you.
Coloured & Stained Window Shutters
Lastly, there is also the option for coloured or stained finishes. Whether it is a specific colour you are after or just something to brighten the room, we can match the shutters to exactly what you need.
Get In Touch
In conclusion, window shutters are one of the best window coverings available, and a popular choice for homes today. While the material used in their construction will vary, keep in mind that each one has its own unique pros and cons.
Ultimately, choosing the right shutter type for your home involves understanding how each of the various types of shutters available will perform for your personal needs and desires. You’ll need to consider cost, maintenance requirements, style, and installation type – manual or motorised. That’s a lot of responsibility and can be confusing, so why not contact one of our team members at ShutterTec in Essex?
We’d love to help you choose the perfect shutters to achieve the look you’re after, whilst ensuring that they meet all of your needs.
