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Do You Lose Light with Shutters? Here’s What You Need to Know
If you’re considering installing shutters in your home, one question that may come up is whether or not you’ll lose light with shutters. Plantation shutters can be a stylish and practical addition to any space, offering privacy, insulation, and an appealing look that many homeowners love. However, it’s natural to wonder how much light they might block or let through. In this article, we’ll explore how shutters can impact the natural light in your rooms, factors to consider when choosing shutters, and how to make the most of your light with these window coverings.
Understanding How Shutters Affect Light
Shutters are known for their versatile design, which typically includes adjustable slats (also called louvres) that you can tilt to control light and privacy. While they do offer great control over light, it’s true that some light loss occurs when shutters are closed or partially closed. However, whether you lose light with shutters largely depends on the style, material, and color of the shutters you choose, as well as how you position them during the day.
There are various types of shutters available, including full-height shutters, café-style shutters, and tier-on-tier shutters, each providing different levels of light filtration and privacy. Full-height shutters cover the entire window, which offers full control over privacy but can block more light compared to café-style shutters that only cover the lower part of the window. Tier-on-tier shutters allow you to open the top section while keeping the bottom closed, which helps to bring in natural light while maintaining privacy.
See Resource: A Spotlight on Tier on Tier Shutters
Choosing the Right Louvre Size for More Light
The size of the shutter slats (louvres) plays a significant role in how much light you lose with shutters. Larger louvres, typically 89mm or more, allow more light to flow into the room when open compared to smaller louvres, like those around 64mm. Larger louvres create bigger gaps between each slat, letting in more daylight, and can make a space feel brighter and airier. Conversely, smaller louvres tend to block more light, which might be a desirable feature for rooms where you want to control light intensity, like a bedroom or home theatre.
If preserving natural light is a top priority, choosing shutters with larger louvres can be an effective solution. This option gives you the aesthetic appeal of shutters while minimizing how much light they block.
Colours and Materials Matter for Essex Shutters
Another factor that affects whether you lose light with shutters is the colour and material of the shutters. Lighter-coloured shutters, like white or off-white, tend to reflect more light than darker shades, helping to keep the room feeling brighter. In contrast, darker-coloured shutters can absorb more light, which may lead to a slightly darker feel, especially in rooms with limited natural light.
The material you choose also impacts light. For example, polyvinyl shutters often block more light than wood shutters, though both options can offer excellent durability and aesthetic appeal. Wood shutters, especially when painted in a light colour, tend to soften the light they filter into the room, giving a warm, natural glow that many people find appealing.
Tips for Maximizing Light with Window Shutters
Here are a few tips to ensure you don’t lose too much light with shutters in your home:
- Adjust the Louvres: Keep the louvres tilted upward at a slight angle to maximize light while still maintaining privacy.
- Go for Café-Style Shutters: In rooms where privacy is not a major concern, such as kitchens or living rooms, consider café-style shutters, which allow light to enter through the upper portion of the window.
- Opt for Lighter Colors: As mentioned, lighter-coloured shutters reflect more light. If you’re worried about losing light, choosing white or cream shutters can help.
- Select Larger Louvres: For rooms where brightness is essential, larger louvres will bring in more natural light when open.
Making the Most of Natural Light
To make the most of the natural light that enters your home, consider pairing your shutters with light-coloured walls and furniture. Window shutters can enhance the light in a room when paired with reflective surfaces or strategically placed mirrors that help bounce daylight around. Additionally, keep windows clean and unobstructed by removing any bulky curtains or blinds that may block light around the edges of your shutters.
Remember, shutters offer excellent flexibility when it comes to adjusting light and privacy levels, so you don’t have to worry too much about losing light. With the right choices, shutters can give you the best of both worlds—natural light and privacy.
Pros and Cons of Shutters for Light Control
Plantation shutters can provide exceptional control over how much light you want to let into a room, which is a significant advantage. Unlike curtains or blinds, shutters allow you to control both light and privacy without sacrificing one for the other. However, there may still be a slight reduction in light compared to an uncovered window. Whether or not you lose a lot of light with shutters will depend on your unique setup, but with careful selection, this loss can be minimized.
For more in-depth insights into the benefits and drawbacks of shutters, see our blog below, it offers an excellent overview of how shutters function in different rooms and lighting conditions.
See Resource: The Cons Of Plantation Shutters
Conclusion
While it’s true that you may lose some light with shutters, there are ways to ensure your home remains bright and welcoming. By selecting the right louvre size, colour, and style, you can enjoy the aesthetic and functional benefits of shutters without sacrificing too much light. With a bit of planning, shutters can add to the comfort and style of your space, bringing a classic, elegant look while allowing you to control privacy and lighting easily. So if you’re still wondering if you do lose light with shutters? Well, no, not really. Of course there are exceptions, but we’ll do as much as we can to helkp you immigate that lose, regardless of the colour and spec you may choose.
See Resource: George Clark on controlling light with your shutters
Let’s Connect!
Ready to make your decision or need more advice? The Shuttertec team are happy to help. You can reach us by calling 01268 956905 or emailing hello@shuttertec.co.uk
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