As shutters become more and more popular and as people get more stuck in to home renovation, many of us will find ourselves with an old set of shutters that are no longer required or need replacing due to wear and tear. But if you are lucky enough to get your hands on a set of attractive antique wooden shutters for example, it would be a waste to throw them away or use them for firewood. Instead you may want to think about how they could be repurposed and used to add something different to your interior décor?
Building Distinctive Furniture
By taking your shutter panels and adding legs to each corner you can easily give life to your old shutter, turning it into a rustic coffee table which would make a unique centre piece in your living room. Obviously a solid shutter would work well here but even if louvred you can use a plate of glass on top to create a solid surface whilst still getting the aesthetic of the louvres underneath. And if you want to add some chairs to go with the table then why not use a shutter panel as a chair back.
Alternatively, shutters can be repurposed as distinctive storage boxes, such as box ottamans, either by fixing together separate shutter panels or by using a panel as a feature side or top to the box. Again solid shutters would give you a solid frame but for an interesting twist louvred shutters could be used to allow the contents to be 'posted' into the box without taking the lid off. Your finished boxes could also then double up as coffee tables to maximise your storage space whilst still being a feature.
Furthermore, the slats on louvred shutters can also be used elsewhere in the house to combine function with style by using them as attractive stands for storing many items such as post, magazines or newspapers.
Room Dividers
Exterior and interior shutters of all shapes and sizes can be reused in a myriad of contexts to form room dividers or separators. With a bit of a spruce up, old tired shutters can be regenerated into characterful features which define the room. Large shutters, such as full height shutters from doorways and conservatories, can be used to build interesting but substantial room dividers and screens to reorganise the layout of a room, whilst smaller panels can be used for screens to hide away unsightly elements such as electrical equipment.
Unique Décor Touches
Shutters can also be reused in many places within the home to create a unique aesthetic, purely as decoration. For example, they can be used to form special displays, either combining a variety of shutter styles if you're lucky enough to have them, or by using them as a centre piece, adding flowers and pictures to compliment them. Rather than holding practical storage like CDs and magazines, these repurposed louvred shutters could just provide a frame from which to mount or hang pictures or photos in such a display. The displays could then be created by hanging the shutter on a wall or simply by propping it up in the corner of a room. What's more if you have a piece of wall space which is slightly marked or stained these displays could double as cover for these blemishes.
In addition, shutters can be provide a deceptively cosy look when used as a headboard. Depending on the size of the shutter they may not even need to be fastened to the bed or wall and instead just propped up behind the bed. A set of weathered painted shutters can really complete a coastal or rustic theme in the bedroom.
Weathered Interior Shutters
Sometimes the weathering of external shutters in particular, when simply brought onto the inside of your windowspace, can give you unique rustic interior shutters that you'd be hard pushed to match with a new shop bought version. They may need a bit of care and attention to patch them up but the distressed look will add something really different to the room
You may already know about all of the practical and aesthetics attractions of shutters as window dressings or doors to cupboards and outside spaces but there really is no limit to the number of ways your old unwanted shutters can be brought back to life within the home. With a little imagination, you can put them to use in truly unique features of which your neighbours will be truly jealous.
Thursday 29 December 2011
Wednesday 28 December 2011
A Comparison of Blinds, Curtains & Shutters
If the time has come to redecorate you may be wondering what your best options are when dressing your window spaces. Perhaps the options that come to mind most immediately are particular styles of curtains and blinds, but how to shutters stack up as an alternative?
A Brief Background
Within each category of window dressing there are many different styles and varieties. Curtains can differ in the type of fabrics used and most noticeably in their appearance, with an almost limitless variety of colours and patterns on the market. There are also many varying styles of blinds but they can be broadly defined in terms of roman, roller, venetian and vertical panel blinds. Roman and roller blinds will tend to be produced in fabric however the slats or panels on vertical and venetian blinds can be made in a range of materials including wood, plastic, metal and fabric.
Shutters can come with either solid or louvred panels, usually made from wood but with plastic and metal options available. Louvred shutters can also be referred to as Plantation shutters and shutter styles can vary from full height (covering the whole window space) to cafe style (across the base of a window space) and tier-on-tier (separate bottom and top panels).
The Look
The first thought when buying a window dressing is most likely going to concern what will suit or look good in a room. Curtains, and some roman blinds, will provide a softer option and can increase the ‘cosy’ factor. They, alongside most blinds, can also be coloured and patterned to suit any decor however they may not provide a distinctive look if that‘s what trying to achieve. Blinds and interior shutters will give a cleaner edged and more minimalist look to a greater or lesser extent depending on the materials and design you choose and therefore can suit a modern interior.
In addition, older style shutters can give a room an authentic aged appearance and in many cases be used to reinstate the original features of an older home which would have been contemporaneous with its construction - particularly those build in the Victorian era or before.
Living Conditions
Your window dressing can have a big effect on living conditions within a room. It is quite easy to simply consider the aesthetics when buying a window dressing but there are many more considerations that should be taken into account...
Light - All window dressings are obviously designed to allow light in when it is needed and provide privacy when it’s not but blinds and shutters will allow greater amounts of light because they can usually be folded out of the way more effectively than curtains. In instances where you may need to limit the direct sunlight entering a room, blinds and shutters will give you the control with adjustable slats and louvres whereas solid shutters will provide the best blackout when required.
Ventilation & Air Flow - Heavier curtains may be effective at blocking air flow whilst light curtains can allow a good ventilation but neither provide much control. Blinds do not tend to be sturdy enough to be used to regulate air flow but shutters are - louvred shutters give flexibility in this respect and solid shutters can provide an easily controllable barrier to air flow when needed.
Temperature - Due to their ability to block direct sunlight and regulate the air flow in a room shutters are particularly useful at controlling room temperature. They can retain heat in a room when it is cold outside and keep a room cool in hot weather.
Privacy - All window dressings can provide a good barrier to prying eyes with the main distinction again being the flexibility and control that both slatted blinds and louvred shutters will offer.
Noise - The more solid construction of shutters, particularly solid shutters, are ideal for blocking out external sounds and a set of heavy curtains can be effective at soaking up noise from all sources.
Cleanliness - If you need to consider how easy it is to keep your window dressings clean then both non-fabric blinds and shutters are likely to be most suitable as their harder services can be wiped clean in situ with little effort. Curtains, meanwhile, require full washes and are more likely to trap dirt and odours in their fabric in the first place.
Allergens - Due to the ease in which they can be cleaned blinds and shutters are again going to be a preferable option for those who suffer from dust and pet allergies or asthma. What’s more, particularly with shutters and slatted blinds, such as venetian, the particles and allergens will be less able to accumulate in the first place than on the fabrics of curtains or to some extent roller and roman blinds.
Durability - Curtains are particularly susceptible to wear and tear at the paws of pets or due to environmental damage like fading in sunlight. Blinds can offer a more durable solution and in some cases, such as with broken slats, can be patched up and repaired but shutters, especially hardwood shutters, should outlast both due to the sturdiness of their construction.
Location/Space - Blinds and curtains are restricted to use as internal dressings, however, shutters are durable enough to be deployed either on the interior or exterior of the window. Blinds and shutters (open or closed) will also tend to take up less space in the room than a set of hanging curtains.
Cost - Blinds and curtains will offer the most affordable options although the cost of shutters is falling due to modern production techniques, the rise in their demand and the range of new materials that they are now available in.
Every home is different and every room is unique but there are a myriad of options to suit any window space and ultimately the best option will be determined by personal taste. However, when weighing up the effect the contenders have on the aesthetic and the quality of conditions in a room it is certainly worth considering interior shutters as a solution.
A Brief Background
Within each category of window dressing there are many different styles and varieties. Curtains can differ in the type of fabrics used and most noticeably in their appearance, with an almost limitless variety of colours and patterns on the market. There are also many varying styles of blinds but they can be broadly defined in terms of roman, roller, venetian and vertical panel blinds. Roman and roller blinds will tend to be produced in fabric however the slats or panels on vertical and venetian blinds can be made in a range of materials including wood, plastic, metal and fabric.
Shutters can come with either solid or louvred panels, usually made from wood but with plastic and metal options available. Louvred shutters can also be referred to as Plantation shutters and shutter styles can vary from full height (covering the whole window space) to cafe style (across the base of a window space) and tier-on-tier (separate bottom and top panels).
The Look
The first thought when buying a window dressing is most likely going to concern what will suit or look good in a room. Curtains, and some roman blinds, will provide a softer option and can increase the ‘cosy’ factor. They, alongside most blinds, can also be coloured and patterned to suit any decor however they may not provide a distinctive look if that‘s what trying to achieve. Blinds and interior shutters will give a cleaner edged and more minimalist look to a greater or lesser extent depending on the materials and design you choose and therefore can suit a modern interior.
In addition, older style shutters can give a room an authentic aged appearance and in many cases be used to reinstate the original features of an older home which would have been contemporaneous with its construction - particularly those build in the Victorian era or before.
Living Conditions
Your window dressing can have a big effect on living conditions within a room. It is quite easy to simply consider the aesthetics when buying a window dressing but there are many more considerations that should be taken into account...
Light - All window dressings are obviously designed to allow light in when it is needed and provide privacy when it’s not but blinds and shutters will allow greater amounts of light because they can usually be folded out of the way more effectively than curtains. In instances where you may need to limit the direct sunlight entering a room, blinds and shutters will give you the control with adjustable slats and louvres whereas solid shutters will provide the best blackout when required.
Ventilation & Air Flow - Heavier curtains may be effective at blocking air flow whilst light curtains can allow a good ventilation but neither provide much control. Blinds do not tend to be sturdy enough to be used to regulate air flow but shutters are - louvred shutters give flexibility in this respect and solid shutters can provide an easily controllable barrier to air flow when needed.
Temperature - Due to their ability to block direct sunlight and regulate the air flow in a room shutters are particularly useful at controlling room temperature. They can retain heat in a room when it is cold outside and keep a room cool in hot weather.
Privacy - All window dressings can provide a good barrier to prying eyes with the main distinction again being the flexibility and control that both slatted blinds and louvred shutters will offer.
Noise - The more solid construction of shutters, particularly solid shutters, are ideal for blocking out external sounds and a set of heavy curtains can be effective at soaking up noise from all sources.
Cleanliness - If you need to consider how easy it is to keep your window dressings clean then both non-fabric blinds and shutters are likely to be most suitable as their harder services can be wiped clean in situ with little effort. Curtains, meanwhile, require full washes and are more likely to trap dirt and odours in their fabric in the first place.
Allergens - Due to the ease in which they can be cleaned blinds and shutters are again going to be a preferable option for those who suffer from dust and pet allergies or asthma. What’s more, particularly with shutters and slatted blinds, such as venetian, the particles and allergens will be less able to accumulate in the first place than on the fabrics of curtains or to some extent roller and roman blinds.
Durability - Curtains are particularly susceptible to wear and tear at the paws of pets or due to environmental damage like fading in sunlight. Blinds can offer a more durable solution and in some cases, such as with broken slats, can be patched up and repaired but shutters, especially hardwood shutters, should outlast both due to the sturdiness of their construction.
Location/Space - Blinds and curtains are restricted to use as internal dressings, however, shutters are durable enough to be deployed either on the interior or exterior of the window. Blinds and shutters (open or closed) will also tend to take up less space in the room than a set of hanging curtains.
Cost - Blinds and curtains will offer the most affordable options although the cost of shutters is falling due to modern production techniques, the rise in their demand and the range of new materials that they are now available in.
Every home is different and every room is unique but there are a myriad of options to suit any window space and ultimately the best option will be determined by personal taste. However, when weighing up the effect the contenders have on the aesthetic and the quality of conditions in a room it is certainly worth considering interior shutters as a solution.
Friday 23 December 2011
A Potted History of Shutters
In the UK we tend to think of shutters as being closely associated with life on the continent, and the hotter Mediterranean countries in particular, or perhaps the colonial style dwellings in the US. We do, however, also have a longer and richer history of shutters in the British Isles than you might imagine.
From Ancient Greece and the Mediterranean
Their prevalence in the Mediterranean stems from the fact that they were first employed in Ancient Greece and, due the climate of the region, they have never ceased to be a popular and convenient solution. Shutters have always been used as a way of simply covering a window space and the original Greek designs would have consisted of basic stone constructions, latterly of marble, to do the job.
The Ancient Greek shutters not only filled the window space (and therefore provided privacy and insulation against the outside elements) but gave the dweller better control over the temperature in the building by blocking direct sunlight, whilst still allowing air to circulate for ventilation. This key feature led to their spread across the Mediterranean and, with this spread, their construction switched to the more practicable and flexible material of wood.
Shutters in Britain
Shutters were commonplace in the British Isles from the Medieval period to Victorian times. The reason behind their initial and longstanding popularity was also the cause of their fall from prominence in the 20th century - the availability and affordability of glass.
We now take it for granted thanks to modern production techniques but in Medieval England glass was rare, expensive and seen as a luxury. As a result only the wealthier homeowners could afford to fill their window spaces with glass panels and even then they often only installed it in the top half of the space (above the sash). To fill the bottom half they would instead use solid shutters to keep the elements out.
As the centuries rolled by and glass became more affordable, shutters became more of a decorative internal feature, however during the Victorian era a change in the approach to house building with thinner walls replacing the thick constructions of previous centuries meant that exterior shutters, which could be reached through the shallower window recesses, made a resurgence.
The Birth of Plantation Shutters
The shutters that we commonly refer to as Plantation Shutters these days came into being through the European colonisations of the Americas, in the south of modern day USA as well as the Caribbean. In particular, the Spanish popularised the louvred shutter across the region, which went on to become common in the homes of the wealthy owners of the burgeoning cotton and sugar plantations. Their popularity no doubt stemming from their aptness, in such a tropical climate, to regulate temperature
Settlers from England and France also took the shutter to the eastern board of the US and the slightly narrower louvred shutter (in comparison to the wider Spanish counterpart) is still poplar in colonial style buildings in New England to this day.
The Louvred Shutter
What we now consider as louvres or louvred panels are thought to have originated as vents built into the roofs or turrets of buildings to allow ventilation for the smoke and steam produced by kitchens, whilst also keeping out the weather. However, some of these early designs may not be that recognisable as louvres to us today as they could vary from timber to ceramic constructions and could sometimes take the form of caricatures with gaps in the features rather than simple slats.
There is also a quaint story of origin which assigns the creation of louvres to the court of the French King Louis XIV who wanted to prevent his guards from being distracted by bathing beauties in the pools of the Palace of Versailles, shortly after the court’s transfer from the palace at the Louvre. By installing shutters with controllable slats he was able to achieve this whilst still being able to observe the women for himself.
Modern Shutters
The humble shutter is now making another resurgence in the UK as not only an interior dressing for window spaces but also an exterior window dressing, a replacement for interior and exterior doors and component of furniture. Their popularity still owes a lot to the fact they allow the user to manage the temperature and light levels in a room although they now also provide more advantages in our modern crowded dwellings as a flexible solution to manage privacy and noise levels.
In addition there is a growing desire to achieve a more historical look in our homes and in particular to reinstate features which may have been faithful to the age of the property, and as such shutters are now making a re-appearance in homes dating from the Victorian era and before.
Modern production techniques mean that shutters, whether louvred or solid, can be made to sate any interior design requirement, fitting any space or aesthetic and providing bespoke flexibility. So if you want to discover what people across the world have benefited from for thousands of years, there has never been a better time to investigate that perfect wooden shutter.
From Ancient Greece and the Mediterranean
Their prevalence in the Mediterranean stems from the fact that they were first employed in Ancient Greece and, due the climate of the region, they have never ceased to be a popular and convenient solution. Shutters have always been used as a way of simply covering a window space and the original Greek designs would have consisted of basic stone constructions, latterly of marble, to do the job.
The Ancient Greek shutters not only filled the window space (and therefore provided privacy and insulation against the outside elements) but gave the dweller better control over the temperature in the building by blocking direct sunlight, whilst still allowing air to circulate for ventilation. This key feature led to their spread across the Mediterranean and, with this spread, their construction switched to the more practicable and flexible material of wood.
Shutters in Britain
Shutters were commonplace in the British Isles from the Medieval period to Victorian times. The reason behind their initial and longstanding popularity was also the cause of their fall from prominence in the 20th century - the availability and affordability of glass.
We now take it for granted thanks to modern production techniques but in Medieval England glass was rare, expensive and seen as a luxury. As a result only the wealthier homeowners could afford to fill their window spaces with glass panels and even then they often only installed it in the top half of the space (above the sash). To fill the bottom half they would instead use solid shutters to keep the elements out.
As the centuries rolled by and glass became more affordable, shutters became more of a decorative internal feature, however during the Victorian era a change in the approach to house building with thinner walls replacing the thick constructions of previous centuries meant that exterior shutters, which could be reached through the shallower window recesses, made a resurgence.
The Birth of Plantation Shutters
The shutters that we commonly refer to as Plantation Shutters these days came into being through the European colonisations of the Americas, in the south of modern day USA as well as the Caribbean. In particular, the Spanish popularised the louvred shutter across the region, which went on to become common in the homes of the wealthy owners of the burgeoning cotton and sugar plantations. Their popularity no doubt stemming from their aptness, in such a tropical climate, to regulate temperature
Settlers from England and France also took the shutter to the eastern board of the US and the slightly narrower louvred shutter (in comparison to the wider Spanish counterpart) is still poplar in colonial style buildings in New England to this day.
The Louvred Shutter
What we now consider as louvres or louvred panels are thought to have originated as vents built into the roofs or turrets of buildings to allow ventilation for the smoke and steam produced by kitchens, whilst also keeping out the weather. However, some of these early designs may not be that recognisable as louvres to us today as they could vary from timber to ceramic constructions and could sometimes take the form of caricatures with gaps in the features rather than simple slats.
There is also a quaint story of origin which assigns the creation of louvres to the court of the French King Louis XIV who wanted to prevent his guards from being distracted by bathing beauties in the pools of the Palace of Versailles, shortly after the court’s transfer from the palace at the Louvre. By installing shutters with controllable slats he was able to achieve this whilst still being able to observe the women for himself.
Modern Shutters
The humble shutter is now making another resurgence in the UK as not only an interior dressing for window spaces but also an exterior window dressing, a replacement for interior and exterior doors and component of furniture. Their popularity still owes a lot to the fact they allow the user to manage the temperature and light levels in a room although they now also provide more advantages in our modern crowded dwellings as a flexible solution to manage privacy and noise levels.
In addition there is a growing desire to achieve a more historical look in our homes and in particular to reinstate features which may have been faithful to the age of the property, and as such shutters are now making a re-appearance in homes dating from the Victorian era and before.
Modern production techniques mean that shutters, whether louvred or solid, can be made to sate any interior design requirement, fitting any space or aesthetic and providing bespoke flexibility. So if you want to discover what people across the world have benefited from for thousands of years, there has never been a better time to investigate that perfect wooden shutter.
Thursday 22 December 2011
Why Use Shutters?
Shutters are increasingly being seen as a staple of modern interior design on the UK as we realise what many continental Europeans have known for centuries - that there is an alternative to traditional curtains, blinds and doors which carries with it is own unique set of benefits.
When most people think of a shutter they are likely to imagine a typical square window shutter but one their most appealing features is the variety of shapes, styles and materials they can come in and therefore the number of different functions they can serve. Shutters can be installed not only to adorn a window space but can also be used to replace interior doors - especially cupboard and wardrobe doors - room dividers and conservatory blinds. The versatility of shutters means that they a are also available in both traditional styles, such as plantation shutters, as well as modern contemporary designs
The most common style of shutter is the full height shutter which covers the entire window or door space but there are many other styles with their own individual benefits such as Tier-on-Tier shutters and their individual panels covering the top and bottom of the window space. But even for the trickiest spaces, most shutter providers will make bespoke shutters to fit your requirements.
Again typical shutters may be straightforward wooden shutters but they can be purchased in many different material/colour combinations to not only suit the aesthetic and decor of any room but to affect the longevity of the shutters and the level of maintenance they may require. Shutters can be produced in many varieties of wood, each with their own individual qualities, from premium quality cedarwood and its distinctive finish to more affordable coloured MDF, but can also be made from metals and plastics.
The most distinctive advantages that shutters provide over and above blinds, doors and particularly curtains are that they offer the ability to control the levels of light, noise, heat and privacy in a room.
Solid shutters can provide a blackout to any unwanted light, noise and prying eyes entering a room while louvred shutters, particularly where the panels can be independently controlled (such as Tier-on-Tier or Full Height shutters) offer the most flexibility and control. People looking to maximise the levels of light entering a room whilst maintaining privacy, on for example a street facing town house window, can opt for Cafe style shutters which only cover the lower half of a space, but again bespoke shutter solutions can cater for any scenario and balance of needs.
Shutters in general are ideal for regulating the temperature of a room as they tend to keep a room cool in hot temperatures and warm in cold temperatures and, as above, the use of independently controlled louvred panels gives the homeowner greater control over these elements.
What’s more where window spaces are in hard to reach places, shutters can be installed which are remote controlled so that panels and louvred slats can be open or closed without a struggle.
In addition shutters are generally easier to maintain and keep clean which is ideal for people with busy lives and particularly those who suffer from dust or pet allergies.
Essentially whatever the requirements of a window space or the persons taste in interior design there should always be a shutter solution to satisfy it whether it be a bespoke round louvred wooden shutters or a tier-on-tier metal shutter.
When most people think of a shutter they are likely to imagine a typical square window shutter but one their most appealing features is the variety of shapes, styles and materials they can come in and therefore the number of different functions they can serve. Shutters can be installed not only to adorn a window space but can also be used to replace interior doors - especially cupboard and wardrobe doors - room dividers and conservatory blinds. The versatility of shutters means that they a are also available in both traditional styles, such as plantation shutters, as well as modern contemporary designs
The most common style of shutter is the full height shutter which covers the entire window or door space but there are many other styles with their own individual benefits such as Tier-on-Tier shutters and their individual panels covering the top and bottom of the window space. But even for the trickiest spaces, most shutter providers will make bespoke shutters to fit your requirements.
Again typical shutters may be straightforward wooden shutters but they can be purchased in many different material/colour combinations to not only suit the aesthetic and decor of any room but to affect the longevity of the shutters and the level of maintenance they may require. Shutters can be produced in many varieties of wood, each with their own individual qualities, from premium quality cedarwood and its distinctive finish to more affordable coloured MDF, but can also be made from metals and plastics.
The most distinctive advantages that shutters provide over and above blinds, doors and particularly curtains are that they offer the ability to control the levels of light, noise, heat and privacy in a room.
Solid shutters can provide a blackout to any unwanted light, noise and prying eyes entering a room while louvred shutters, particularly where the panels can be independently controlled (such as Tier-on-Tier or Full Height shutters) offer the most flexibility and control. People looking to maximise the levels of light entering a room whilst maintaining privacy, on for example a street facing town house window, can opt for Cafe style shutters which only cover the lower half of a space, but again bespoke shutter solutions can cater for any scenario and balance of needs.
Shutters in general are ideal for regulating the temperature of a room as they tend to keep a room cool in hot temperatures and warm in cold temperatures and, as above, the use of independently controlled louvred panels gives the homeowner greater control over these elements.
What’s more where window spaces are in hard to reach places, shutters can be installed which are remote controlled so that panels and louvred slats can be open or closed without a struggle.
In addition shutters are generally easier to maintain and keep clean which is ideal for people with busy lives and particularly those who suffer from dust or pet allergies.
Essentially whatever the requirements of a window space or the persons taste in interior design there should always be a shutter solution to satisfy it whether it be a bespoke round louvred wooden shutters or a tier-on-tier metal shutter.
Wednesday 21 December 2011
The Benefits of Wooden Shutters
When it comes to dressing your window spaces the first thought for many will be to simply plump for a new set of curtains of possibly blinds, however there is a third option available to you which has many or its own benefits and can enhance the interior and exterior of you home in a way that blind and curtains cannot. This third option is wooden plantation shutters.
Wooden shutters are available in a myriad of materials, styles and shapes to fit any window space and to complement any decor. First of all they can be constructed using a diverse range of materials including Basswood, Premium Hardwood, Larchwood, Craftwood (MDF) and Cedarwood. Each coming with its own benefits and a distinct appearance.
Premium hardwood for example will provide a higher quality finish and come in a greater range of colours but will cost more than Basswood which has a more limited range but will still provide a quality finish. Craftwood is again more affordable but may not have the longevity or quality finish of a material such as Cedarwood. The choice of material will largely be dependent on budget and taste.
Secondly you can choose from shutters with either louvred or solid panels. The louvres are essentially slatted panels which can be opened or closed independently of the main shutter frame to add further flexibility when controlling light, noise and privacy levels.
Thirdly, the overall design of the shutter can vary considerably. Full height shutters are perhaps the stereotypical shutter. They cover the whole window space and are therefore the most popular design with the flexibility of individually controlled panels of louvres. They can be installed in any space whether it be raised windows or floor-to-ceiling patio doors.
Tier on Tier shutters provide even more flexibility in that they cover the whole window space but use separate panels for the top and bottom of the window. These panels can have different controls and operate independently. Cafe Style shutters however are designed to cover only the base of a window, leaving the top half free, and are as a result, a more subtle addition to a room.
Moreover, louvred interior shutters, in particular, can be produced to fit any window space that you require. Whether it be a small porthole window or a large arched window in the gable end of a church or hall, a shutter can often offer a more practical and aesthetically fitting solution than a curtain or blind.
Perhaps the most tangible benefit of choosing a wooden shutter is the control that it gives you over the levels of light that you want to let into the room. If you are looking to maximise the light coming in then cafe style shutters are the ideal solution. However, if you want to have greater control over the amount of light coming in, then tiered shutters, are perfect with the ability to independently control the separate panels (and specify whether each panel should be louvred or solid). Specifically, using louvred panels will allow you to have control over the light coming through each panel.
Shutters are also ideal for those looking to increase their privacy levels as they can provide a better screen than curtains or blinds, especially if you live in a town location where you are overlooked by neighbours or passers by. As well as prying eyes, the same can be said about wanting to block noise coming in (or out) of your home when living in built up area. Going for a full height solution with solid panels would create the most effective screen for both privacy and noise but again ultimate flexibility comes from the tier on tier shutter. Choosing a louvred shutter on the other hand would allow you create privacy whilst still allowing a certain level of light through.
Wooden shutters are perhaps more common on the continent due to another one of their principle benefits, their ability to regulate heat as well as light levels. Shutters can be used to keep the light out during the day and in during the night. The most effective, as with noise and privacy would be a full height solid shutter, however to provide the most control in our changeable British climate a full height louvred or tiered solution may be best.
Whatever your needs and whatever style you may choose, wooden shutters really can provide ultimate flexibility and style, fit any window space and can become a feature of any room.
Wooden shutters are available in a myriad of materials, styles and shapes to fit any window space and to complement any decor. First of all they can be constructed using a diverse range of materials including Basswood, Premium Hardwood, Larchwood, Craftwood (MDF) and Cedarwood. Each coming with its own benefits and a distinct appearance.
Premium hardwood for example will provide a higher quality finish and come in a greater range of colours but will cost more than Basswood which has a more limited range but will still provide a quality finish. Craftwood is again more affordable but may not have the longevity or quality finish of a material such as Cedarwood. The choice of material will largely be dependent on budget and taste.
Secondly you can choose from shutters with either louvred or solid panels. The louvres are essentially slatted panels which can be opened or closed independently of the main shutter frame to add further flexibility when controlling light, noise and privacy levels.
Thirdly, the overall design of the shutter can vary considerably. Full height shutters are perhaps the stereotypical shutter. They cover the whole window space and are therefore the most popular design with the flexibility of individually controlled panels of louvres. They can be installed in any space whether it be raised windows or floor-to-ceiling patio doors.
Tier on Tier shutters provide even more flexibility in that they cover the whole window space but use separate panels for the top and bottom of the window. These panels can have different controls and operate independently. Cafe Style shutters however are designed to cover only the base of a window, leaving the top half free, and are as a result, a more subtle addition to a room.
Moreover, louvred interior shutters, in particular, can be produced to fit any window space that you require. Whether it be a small porthole window or a large arched window in the gable end of a church or hall, a shutter can often offer a more practical and aesthetically fitting solution than a curtain or blind.
Perhaps the most tangible benefit of choosing a wooden shutter is the control that it gives you over the levels of light that you want to let into the room. If you are looking to maximise the light coming in then cafe style shutters are the ideal solution. However, if you want to have greater control over the amount of light coming in, then tiered shutters, are perfect with the ability to independently control the separate panels (and specify whether each panel should be louvred or solid). Specifically, using louvred panels will allow you to have control over the light coming through each panel.
Shutters are also ideal for those looking to increase their privacy levels as they can provide a better screen than curtains or blinds, especially if you live in a town location where you are overlooked by neighbours or passers by. As well as prying eyes, the same can be said about wanting to block noise coming in (or out) of your home when living in built up area. Going for a full height solution with solid panels would create the most effective screen for both privacy and noise but again ultimate flexibility comes from the tier on tier shutter. Choosing a louvred shutter on the other hand would allow you create privacy whilst still allowing a certain level of light through.
Wooden shutters are perhaps more common on the continent due to another one of their principle benefits, their ability to regulate heat as well as light levels. Shutters can be used to keep the light out during the day and in during the night. The most effective, as with noise and privacy would be a full height solid shutter, however to provide the most control in our changeable British climate a full height louvred or tiered solution may be best.
Whatever your needs and whatever style you may choose, wooden shutters really can provide ultimate flexibility and style, fit any window space and can become a feature of any room.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)