Of all types of window treatments, wood plantation shutters are an excellent choice, for their contemporary look and a multitude of other reasons. In this post we’re going to address the question, do you need curtains with shutters, and look at the pros and cons of each option.
Do You Need Curtains With Shutters?
In a word, no. You do not need curtains with shutters. Quality plantation shutters are an all-around excellent window dressing which provide flexibility, privacy and light control on their own. Plus, they have a contemporary, elegant look, creating a beautiful focal point for any room.
Most people choose to have shutters alone, without any additional window coverings. However, some do prefer the layered look of curtains with shutters, especially in any living space which requires a little more warmth and personality, such as lounges or children’s bedrooms.
Shutters As A Window Dressing
Shutters are a versatile and elegant window treatment. They provide excellent control over light and privacy whilst offering a range of benefits.
For example, the high-quality wooden or faux wood material provides excellent thermal insulation and energy efficiency. Not only will they keep your home warm, they also block out noise pollution, and when closed, interior shutters are great at blocking out a significant amount of natural light.
Better yet, depending on personal requirements and preferences, there’s a wide range of style options available so you can achieve a timeless look in every room, without compromising on functionality or style. Perhaps you’d like to go traditional with full height shutters. Or if you’d like more flexibility, maybe you’d prefer tier on tier shutters. Perhaps you like the chic elegance of café style shutters, which only cover the lower half of the window and look excellent in kitchens. Or maybe you have a period home and would prefer Solid Panel Shutters.
If you’d like shutters in your bedroom, blackout shutters are a great way to go. And waterproof faux wood shutters offer a beautiful option for your bathroom.
While the most popular colour choice is white plantation shutters, our whole range is available in an array of colours, and can even be matched to a paint colour of your choice for a more tailored look. They are custom made to perfectly fit your window and there is a range of finishes available.
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Pairing Curtains With Shutters
There are several reasons why people pair curtains with shutters.
For example, you may like the look of café style shutters for your living room. But this style of shutters covers the bottom half of the window only, rather than the entire window, meaning curtains may be needed to block out light pollution in the evenings.
Perhaps you have a large, open room that requires plenty of soft furnishings to make it feel more homely, in which case sheer curtains can help you achieve a sleek look. Or perhaps you’d like to hang curtains in a bold pattern or colour to bring together the colour scheme of your home décor for a cohesive look. Some people feel that the right curtains finish a room off.
It’s really about personal preference!
Pros And Cons Of Pairing Curtains With Shutters
Pairing curtains with shutters has its advantages and disadvantages. We’ll start with the pros:
- People usually choose white shutters or another neutral colour, as they are timeless and will last for years to come. You can then choose to use curtains can as an effective way to inject colour into the room.
- Layering shutters with beautiful curtains can add texture and warmth to the room. Plus, it will add another layer of insulation to keep your home toasty during the cooler months which can help reduce energy bills.
- Shutters block out a lot of light, but they don’t offer complete darkness (unless you go for Blackout Shutters, that is!). If any amount of light is problematic for certain rooms, adding curtains, especially blackout curtains, will help block out any that streams in through the shutter louvres.
- Changing up the curtains is an affordable way to alter the look of the room when it comes to re-decorating.
And the benefits of plantation shutters instead of curtains:
- If the curtain rail is hung incorrectly, you could end up covering the beautiful window shutters. Always ensure the curtain rod is mounted above the window frame, and your curtains are framing the shutters rather than covering them.
- Curtain fabric holds onto dust, odours and dirt stains. Plus, they are not easy to clean, unlike shutters that can simply be wiped down.
- In small rooms, window curtains can take up much-needed space and may make the room appear cluttered, compared to the minimalist look of shutters.
- Curtains may take away from the minimalist clean lines of simple yet stylish shutters.
Get In Touch
At Shuttertec, we provide bespoke shutters to the Essex, Kent and London areas. We have over 20 years of combined experience with shutters and blinds and we offer a truly unrivalled service.
If you have any questions about Shutters, check out our comprehensive guide, or you can contact us on 01268 956905 or email hello@shuttertec.co.uk to discuss your requirements. The Shuttertec team can visit your home and measure your space if required, before advising you on the best shutters for your home.
If you would prefer to book an appointment, click here to pick a time and date that is best for you. We look forward to hearing from you!