This site uses cookies. By continuing to browse our site you are agreeing to our use of cookies. However, if you would like to, you can change your cookie settings at any time. Find out more.

25% off The White Collection
25% off The White Collection
office-shutters-london

News

FILTER BY

Tips for Wooden Shutters

Standing in a room without proper window treatments can be a bit unnerving at times. Open windows allow anyone to see into your home posing a possible security risk to those you love. Standard blinds are easily broken causing the homeowner to replace them more often leading to too much money spent just to cover windows. They can also sometime have gaps, so privacy is difficult to find. Curtains pose some of the same issues, so what should you do if you want to maximize the potential of your window treatment options. Install wooden shutters, of course. Wooden shutters maintain their beauty and bring added value to the home and to give you the opportunity to get the most from your wooden shutters, here are some tips!

Living Room Wooden Shutters

Choose Correctly

If you have yet to enjoy the warmth and beauty of wood shutters, there can be a lot to think about, but the first obstacle you will need to overcome is which wooden shutters to choose. Rooms with high windows and the need for optimal privacy should utilize plantation or conservator shutters as these have proven to be the most versatile at fitting into specific window sizes. For rooms that require a little less privacy, café shutters offer a shutter at the base of the window with the top space open to allow natural light to flood the room. If you have questions about which wooden shutter style is right for you, do not hesitate to contact a professional today for an in home estimate.

Keep Wooden Shutters Looking Their Best

Upon the installation of new shutters or moving into a home that already has wooden shutters, you will need to understand the maintenance requirements for keeping them looking their best. There are a few different thought processes for maintaining shutters properly, but it all comes down to the finish of the shutter themselves. Painted shutters require a simple wipe down with a damp cloth regularly.

Standard wooden shutters without paint require the same cleaning techniques as painted ones, but you may have to refinish the shutters after many, many years of use. Painted shutters may also require a small paint touch up from time to time, so keep some paint colour matched to your shutters on hand for this reason.

All types of shutters, no matter if they are painted or standard wood finished, will benefit from a simple dusting with a feather duster. In between wipe downs, simply run your feather duster between slats in the shutters to remove any dust from the surface. A standard feather duster will move dust around the room, so if you are sensitive to dust, it is recommended that you use a static style duster in which dust sticks to the duster rather than flying around the room.

Price is Not the Biggest Importance

Wooden shutters are an investment for your home. Unlike other forms of window treatments, wooden shutters last for many years with minimal maintenance and upkeep needs and often potential wooden shutter owners get hung up on the price. These shutters are a bit more expensive than other window treatments, but with good reason. First, they maintain their beauty and add an eye catching feature to any room. Secondly, and most importantly, they add ingrained value to the entire home. Should you ever wish to sell your home, potential buyers will be highly impressed with the fact that they need not worry about what window treatments they will need. It is a significant step to providing potential buyers with a more move in ready home. It is for these two primary reasons that the price of shutters should be more at the bottom of your “reasons why” list.

Measure Correctly

One of the leading causes of distress during a wooden shutter install is the realization that the shutters do not fit. This is most often caused by a simple miscalculation of window size. Measuring your windows are relatively easy and a key tip when measuring is to measure at least twice. Both vertical and horizontal measurements should be taken and if you are in doubt about your ability to measure properly, there is no shame in calling a wooden shutter professional in to do the job the right way.

Wooden shutters are among the most beautiful and versatile window treatments on the market today. They are also one of the oldest available and that rich tradition and heritage built into every wooden shutter can be yours today. Follow these tips to get the right wooden shutters for your home and keep them looking their best. Make your home sparkle and stand out with wooden shutters perfectly installed into any and every room in the house today.

Why are our solid wooden shutters such a popular choice?

When choosing window treatments there are so many options to choose from. Budget blinds, curtains and drapes make up the majority of the window treatment market but more homeowners are finding ingrained value in wooden shutters. This is not just a passing fad as with some window treatment options but an ongoing tradition in homes all over the world. There are many reasons for choosing wooden shutters over other options abound and here are some key reasons why more homeowners are investing in the beautifully crafted and timeless wooden shutters.

Range of Styles

When you think of wooden shutters a novice might simply think of vast amounts of wooden slats covering windows but wooden shutters have come a long way in the style department. Amongst the more popular styles are plantation shutters which have a more traditional approach but other shutter types are available as well. Conservatory shutters can be fully customized to any space and placed on standard windows or even skylights and café shutters provide a clear sight above with a cute shutter style on the bottom window just as you would see at a café. Attic and loft shutters are also another option and as the years press on there are more styles are coming to the market. The possibilities are endless.

Versatility

Styles change with almost every decade and when that happens interior components must change with the times. That usually means a new living room suite, flooring or other forms of furnishings within the home. If you have standard blinds or curtains that also means these must change to work appropriately with your home’s new décor. However, this is not the case when investing in wooden shutters.

Wooden shutters are versatile and work with practically every type of home décor. They are also timeless treasures that maintain their value and appearance. When properly cared for, shutters can last through multiple families and style preferences without the need for refurbishing apart from a small paint touchup here and there.

Variety of Colours

The first thing that a person will see when entering a home is the amount of colour in the space. Adding colour to a home is sometimes easier said than done with novice interior decorators. The right colours and textures on furniture can bring a room together beautifully and your wooden shutters can help with that.

If you are new to the wooden shutter world, you may only believe that shutters come in wood finishes. Where these finishes are available and quite popular amongst homeowners they are not the only ones. Wooden shutters are available in practically every colour of the rainbow as well as various textures. Simple painted wooden shutters look exceptional in any room, but for a more updated and modern appearance, many homeowners are now investing in newer styles of wood shutters maintaining faux leather finishes giving them that added feeling of luxury.

Adds Value

Certain aspects of any home will add or detract from its overall value. Any homeowner would do well to invest in features that add to the value of their home even if they do not intend on selling the house. The main benefit of wooden shutters is that they are one of the main aspects that add value. When a potential homeowner enters a home they will look at different areas to determine its overall value. Homes that have wooden shutters already installed hold more value to potential buyers as the new owner will not have to invest in window treatments themselves making the transition into the new home a lot easier.

If you are a homeowner and are thinking of how wooden shutters will add value to your home consider this, your home is where you should feel most comfortable and wooden shutters will help you achieve that more so than standard blinds and drapes so please contact us today and let us assess your needs and get the wooden shutters that are right for you and your home.

Wooden Shutters Homeowner

Why You Should Consider Plantation Shutters This Christmas

2018 is moving along at an intense pace and before we know it, we will be hearing the sounds of Christmas. Even though it might be a bit early, now is the time to start thinking about what you want for this wonderful holiday. Sure, there are always gifts you wish for that will satisfy for a little while, but why not dream a little larger and purchase a gift that will truly make you happy and your home happy. Plantation shutters should be at the very top of your Christmas list and here are just a few reasons why.

Christmas Shutters

The Gift That Keeps on Giving

The trouble with Christmas gifts is that they are quickly forgotten. Just like a child with a new toy, presents will satisfy for a time, but after a few weeks or months, we move onto something else. The best gifts are those that make a true impact in our lives in which love for the item continues for a much longer period of time. Plantation shutters are the ideal gift for any homeowner as they do continue to give throughout the year. Give your special someone the ongoing beauty and luxury of plantation shutters for Christmas.

Temperature Control

Plantation shutters maintain many benefits for any home. Among the top benefits is added temperature control. During the deep cold of winter, shutters provide an added layer of insulation to the room when closed and darker shutters actually absorb heat from the sun emanating it into the space. For the sunnier winter days, the shutters open to allow sun to flood the room with natural light. During the hot summer months, the opposite happens. Insulation from the shutters allow cool air to remain in the home, but light is still able to beautifully light the space when necessary.

Easy to Maintain

You never want to give someone a gift that requires a lot of maintenance. High maintenance presents tend to be cast aside as the average person does not have the time for a lot of maintenance. Plantation shutters maintain their beauty throughout their lives without the high maintenance aspect.

Be the Envy of the Street

After the holidays are over, we often have to endure stories of what amazing gifts our friends and family received and sometimes, our personal experience with gifts does not measure up. It is time to take back this boastful time of year and become the envy of everyone in your neighborhood. Plantation shutters look spectacular within any room, but they can also be seen from the outside of the home. Adding plantation shutters to a home gives more of a luxury appearance than standard blinds and other window treatment options. Install your plantation shutters today and watch as the whole block becomes green with envy. Then you will have that all important impressive gift to talk about with others.

You Cannot Mess This One Up

Purchasing home décor accessories can be a bit of a challenge for those that are not experienced in the area. Novice decorators may feel as though their interior design options are overwhelming, but not when it comes to plantation shutters. Utilising plantation shutters in any room has a way of pulling everything together remarkably well no matter the colour scheme. For those that find too many colour choices a bit too much to take, stick with simple white plantation shutters as they go with any décor and offer the best natural lighting options for any room.

Plantation shutters are beautiful, easy to install, and have a timeless nature that will last throughout the life of the home. They also act as perfect way to create a warm and cozy home perfect for winter. With minimal maintenance required and an endless array of possible colour choices, this gift will keep on giving for many years to come. Give your home and yourself the gift of a lifetime with plantation shutters.

The Ultimate Guide to Buying Wood Shutters

Homeowners often struggle with how to decorate a home and give it that real showroom quality. The perfect furnishings and décor are a given, but what about the windows? Window treatments come in a seemingly endless variety of options today from fragile blinds to standard drapes, but if you want to truly impress guests and anyone that sees your home, wooden shutters are most certainly one of the best options.

If you are among the many that have envied wooden shutter owners, yet neglected to purchase any for your home due to simply not understanding how and which to purchase, you are not alone. Homeowners often struggle to find the ideal wooden shutter style, so we have compiled your ultimate guide to buying wooden shutters.

Wooden Shutters London Home Kitchen

Types of Shutters

The first thing to understand when thinking about purchasing wood shutters for your home is the fact that there is not just one type of shutter to consider. Our designers have painstakingly listened to the desires of homeowners and come up with various styles to fit with practically any home and décor imaginable. It is simply a matter of choosing what is right for your home and luckily, there are truly no wrong answers as wood shutters are beautiful in any form. To help you out, here is a list of different shutter styles and what you can expect with each.

Plantation Shutters – Often a nod to past homes, plantation shutters provide a traditional look to a home, but they are not simply for homes that were built years ago. They have the ability to work seamlessly in modern homes as well. Plantation shutters fold in on themselves and can be cut to fit into any window area, so they are ideal for those that have odd window sizes or areas in which traditional window treatments do not seem to fit. The folding action of these shutters enables the homeowner to maximize or minimize light and privacy into the home. Larger windows that provide little privacy can benefit from plantation shutters to maintain light and privacy at different times throughout the day. They also pair well with standard drapes to change the look of the room with the changing seasons.

Attic Shutters – Make no mistake in the name, attic or loft shutters are not simply for attics and lofts, but for longer windows. These shutters come in full length styles and provide optimal privacy with the option of opening up the space when necessary with light. Loft of attic shutters are an option for patio doors too.

Café Shutters – Privacy is necessary for people to feel secure in their home, but often it is natural light that homeowners crave. Café shutters provide both. These shutters are situated on the lower level of a window to give a bit of privacy, much like the name states in an old style café setting. The upper panel of the window is left open to allow the room to be flooded with natural light. This form of shutter can work with seemingly any room in the home, but most often are utilized in dining room areas to give the space a classic, old world feel. Again, this is an option to pair with half drapes for an added touch to the café look.

Tier on Tier Shutters – Café shutters are an option for those wanting privacy on the lower level of a window, but tier on tier shutters take that concept and provide ultimate privacy. They work independent of one another and give the homeowner the ability to open one panel for just a bit of light or open the entire area for maximum light options. The two section design can be the perfect solution for homeowners that are a bit indecisive as to which shutter style they prefer.

Conservatory Shutters – A conservatory or sunroom is an area of a home that is, generally, completely open, but some homeowners still desire the option of privacy in this space as well. Conservatory shutters are often a specialty order item, but are available in a range of sizes to fit all windows and skylights in a space. Some modern models are even remote controlled, so the homeowner can open or close the shutters with the tap of a button without having to individually open and close each panel. They are beautiful and bring a unique look to any conservatory or sunroom space.

Colour Considerations

Quite possibly the first thing a homeowner wants to talk about when purchasing wood shutters is colour. This is a vital aspect to consider, because even if you simply like a colour does not mean that it will be right for your space. Many considerations need to be well thought out before a final colour is commissioned.

Firstly, are you a homeowner that enjoys changing their décor with the seasons or do you buy furniture frequently? This should be considered because some colours clash with others. As you can get any wood shutter style in practically any colour, your home’s décor will play heavily on that decision. For those that maintain the same colour palette with little change, the decision should complement your current décor. For those that change things up a lot, consider a colour that works across many different options. Pastel colours and even white are a great option as they maximize your design potential without taking away from your home décor.

The second thing to consider is if you want the same colour shutters throughout all rooms. This is something to keep in mind as vast differences in the colour of shutters can be a negative for the home when viewing from the outside. Ideally, all windows facing the same direction in a home should maintain the same colour for a seamless and classic look.

A third thing to think about is the intention of how long you are to live in the home. Unlike drapes, wood shutters are made to fit the home and therefore, are not something you will take with you should you change residences. If you intend on staying in your home without ever selling, simply buy what you like, but if selling is in the future at any foreseeable time, consider going for a subdued colour such as white. Depending on the style of home, wood grain or natural looking shutters can work to the benefit of future owners as well.

Texture Options

When thinking of wood shutters, people envision a wood grain texture coated with beautiful paint of their choice, but this is not the only option for shutters. Today homeowners have options for texture as well. Textures include a smooth seamless finish, matte, sandblasted, or even faux leather. Texture should be considered primarily for home décor. The unique textures to the shutters bring about a more luxurious feel and can work in main rooms of the home or even small cozy office spaces. The options are truly endless.

Moisture Content of the Space

In general a home is a low moisture environment. Provided you do not live in a tropical area with high humidity, it is likely you do not have to consider mold and mildew seeping into your shutters and ruining them, but there are some areas of the home that are more prone to trapped moisture. Specifically showers and bathroom windows can carry great risk for mold and mildew, but that still does not have to keep you from enjoying the beauty of wood shutters. Should you desire wood shutters in a moisture prone room, simply have them treated with waterproof finishes. You still maintain the beauty of wood shutters, but also have that extra layer of protection.

Budget

When thinking of buying any form of wood shutters for your home, the price will be a factor. Shutters are a bit more expensive than some other styles of window treatments. The difference in quality, however, more than makes up for the added expense. Even though you may be budget minded, it is important to keep in mind that the shutters are an investment in the home rather than a simple window covering. They add considerable resale value as well as personal value through their sheer beauty. It is hard to put a price tag on the spectacular look of wood shutters, so do not make price your ultimate goal. Quality should play an important factor too.

Wood shutters are among the best window treatments on the market today. If you are among the many looking for the ideal window treatments for your home, take the time and explore the world of wood shutters. It is easier than you might think to have the dream indoor living space you have always wanted by utilizing beautifully designed wood shutters as your backdrop.

How to Buy House Shutters

Homeownership is a privilege and what is more satisfying than merely owning a home, is owning one that you truly enjoy living in. Homes come in all shapes and sizes, but no matter which style of home you live in, the need for some form of window coverings is essential. If you want to truly enjoy living in your home, standard window treatment options simply will not do. What you need is something that will add value and a remarkable quality to the home. If you are new to the industry and interior design in general, here is your guide to getting the house shutters you have always dreamed of.

 House Shutters - Bathroom

Pick Colours Carefully

Your home’s décor will change from time to time. New furnishings, rugs, and accessories have the ability to change the whole colour scheme of the room, but changing shutters is not something that should be considered lightly. Shutters are not your average window coverings and therefore are generally more expensive than classic curtains or standard blinds. It is important that you pick colours that translate well over a range of interior décor. Shutters are available in any colour imaginable, so it can be easy to get carried away with the possibilities.

Keeping things simple also gives homeowners an advantage should they ever decide to sell the home. A neutral colour palette translates well to potential buyers as they can easily see how their personal colour preferences may fit into the space without the thought of having to buy whole new furniture to accommodate a new home.

Shutter Style

Apart from colour, shutter style is also a necessity. Shutters come in a range of different styles such as café, plantation, conservatory, and attic shutters. Each one has its own unique attribute, so it is best to do a bit of research into what style you prefer before making your final purchase. To help you out, here is a quick guide to these four most popular styles.

Café Shutters – This style is exactly what it sounds like. Café shutters utilise a shutter on the bottom while keeping the upper portion of the window completely open. They pair well with shorter drapes and maintain a certain level of privacy without the occupant feeling closed in.

Plantation Shutters – Among the most popular and trendy shutters available are plantation shutters. This style fits with both traditional as well as modern homes and features folding shutters that fold upon themselves to open the window completely or maximise privacy by closing them completely. These shutters are ideal for most spaces within the home.

Conservatory Shutters – A conservatory can be a beautiful addition to a home, but it can also be unbearably hot during the summer months. Conservatory shutters allow the homeowner to utilise the space for more than just a sunroom with an emphasis on privacy. Conservatory shutters can be customised to fit any size windows and are even used for skylights as well.

Attic Shutters – Attics and lofts are not always areas that see a lot of socialisation, but these spaces in a home require a level of privacy as well. Apart from attic shutters providing privacy, they also work to reduce utility costs as they regulate the temperature in the room.

Look from the Outside

It is often hard to visualise what your home will look like once the shutters are installed, but one thing that deserves mentioning is the need to look at the whole feel of the home. Where most homeowners merely consider the interior of a home and how that will look, a potential house shutter purchaser should take time to look at the exterior as well. Shutters in one room and not others can sometimes look odd. This is especially true if the windows face the same direction. If you intend on fitting a room with shutters it is a good idea to invest in the common side rooms as well and if you are investing that much, it does not hurt to consider shutters for every window for a cohesive look throughout the exterior of the home. Your neighbours and any potential buyers will appreciate the thought.

Measure, Measure, Measure

There is an old saying among contractors, “Measure twice, cut once.” This same notion should be used when purchasing house shutters. Measure multiple times for every window to be covered and keep track of measurements by writing everything down. It may even be helpful to allow multiple people to measure to ensure the measurements match up. You do not want to purchase shutters only to realise they were produced for the wrong length.

Your home is where your family should feel comfortable, safe and happy. House shutters provide that for you and your family with privacy, a beautiful appearance, as well as temperature control attributes. You cannot go wrong with exceptionally designed house shutters, so get yours today.

Why Victorian Shutters are Making a Comeback

Home design has gone through many different trends over the year, but one era that is greatly making a comeback recently is the Victorian era. Beautiful patterns and designs were used wildly throughout homes during this period and as a nod to this trend, Victorian Shutters are becoming all the rage. Here are just a few reasons why Victorian Shutters are making a comeback in 2019.

Stunning Design
Design is no longer about simply putting in functional furniture and hoping it all works together. Today’s homeowner is focused on having magazine quality design in every portion of their home. This is especially true with window treatments. Victorian Shutters are replacing tired worn out drapes and blinds for a highly functional and stunning appearance. The beauty of Victorian Shutters is that their design quality is evident on the inside of the home as well as from the outside, so it is a win win.

A Range of Colours
Today’s consumer loves choices. This notion has been taken to new heights within the Victorian Shutter industry with the availability to get practically any shutter colour. Colours range light, bright pastels, all the way to vivid hues spanning the rainbow. Options for wood grain are available as well for a more rustic look to the space, as in an office setting. Victorian shutters can also be found in various textures such as faux leather, but an updated, luxurious appearance to any room. No matter which is chosen, the result is a stunning backdrop for an array of design options.

Adding Value
Finding ways to add value to your home is important for the homeowner as well as any potential buyers for the house. For those looking to sell their home, Victorian Shutters can add substantial value and push potential buyers over the edge in their decision to purchase. Buyers look for different aspects of a home to determine a sale. It is said that beautiful bathrooms and kitchens will sell a home, but the same level of value can be added with Victorian Shutters. These remarkably designed window treatments are visually appealing and also prove to the buyer that they will not have to invest in window treatments reducing their overall move in costs should they purchase the property.

Temperature Control
Windows are necessary in homes to provide natural light to the interior, but with that light often comes additional heat or cold from the outside. Cooling and heating a home without adequate window treatments is expensive. Victorian shutters are not simply pretty. They also offer a reduction in your overall heating and cooling costs. On average, a homeowner will notice a 17% reduction in utility costs annually from installing Victorian Shutters. That can be substantial savings over the lifetime of your home.

Save the Furnishings
The sun’s rays feel wonderful when they are pouring in through your open windows, but too much sun can have a negative affect on your home’s furniture. The sun’s rays bleach out fabrics and make furnishings look older than what they actually are. The solution for this issue is Victorian Shutters. With perfectly installed Victorian Shutters, you can let in the light you need without an overexposure. It is ideal for anyone who spends time away from the home. The shutters can be closed off for optimal furniture protection while no one is in the home.

Privacy
Privacy is important and unless you live way out away from any neighbors, you need your privacy. With Victorian Shutters, privacy is there when you want it. Victorian Shutters span the entire height and width of the window, so there are no gaps for those outside to look in when the shutters are closed. Privacy and security in one epic package.

The decision to upgrade your current window treatments to Victorian Window Shutters is a wise one. From adding value to style to optimal privacy, you get it all. Take the time to examine your home and invest in Quality Victorian Shutters today. It is an investment in your home’s future and your overall happiness. The popularity of Victorian Shutters is on the rise, and you can enjoy all their benefits for yourself.

Why You Should Consider Wooden Shutters in 2019

Your home is an extension of your personality and the right window treatments can be a significant improvement to any space. This year, you will make many decisions as to how your home will look, but if you do not make one of these decisions wooden shutters, you are missing out on a myriad of benefits. Here are just a few reasons why you should consider wooden shutters for 2019.

Adding Value
Whenever you can add value to your home, it is a good decision. Wooden shutters are permanent window treatments and are a draw for many potential home buyers. The average potential buyer looks for homes that have features they will not have to change upon moving in. Wooden shutters maintain their beauty throughout the life of the home and therefore, if or when you decide to sell the home, the potential will be more drawn to the home.

Reduction in Utility Costs
Quality wood shutters are not only beautiful, they can provide a reduction in heating and cooling costs. Wooden shutters can reduce utility bills by up to 20%. Wood shutters are ideal for closed off rooms as well as main living spaces.

Privacy When You Want It
Your privacy is important and traditional window treatments, such as drapes and standard blinds, do little to provide adequate privacy. Wooden shutters can be opened to allow light to flood the space or shut completely for additional privacy. Consider wood shutters for small rooms where privacy is essential such as bedrooms or offices.

Beauty Inside and Out
Interior design is important for you to feel comfortable in your home, but the exterior of your home should also be stylish. Paint can take you a long way, but the beauty of wooden shutters extends to both the interior and exterior of the home. When installing wood shutters in your home for 2019, consider installing the same style and colour throughout the home. This ensures that the appearance of the home maintains a cohesive nature on the outside.

Variety of Colours and Styles
Quite possibly the largest benefit to wood shutters is that homeowners are not boxed into simply one idea. With a range of different styles and colours, you can choose what is best for you. Plantation shutters are ideal for rooms that need full privacy while café shutters make a great choice for dining areas in which privacy is only necessary part of the time. Wood shutters are also available in loft style for attics and rooms with long windows.

No Fading
Drapes, shades, and other window coverings can fade quite quickly especially when inside a room exposed to significant sunlight. Faded shades can make a room look dated and unkempt. Wooden shutters maintain their natural colour or are painted with UV resistant paints. This means that no matter where your room faces in orientation to the sun, there will be no fading. Wooden shutters maintain their value and vibrant colours for beauty for years to come.

A Refreshed Look
If you find that your current home looks dated or you are simply tired of the décor. Wooden shutters are the answer. Apart from being practical, they add an updated look to any space for a refreshed appearance.

Installed Anywhere
Some window treatments cannot be installed in certain areas of the home. The orientation to the sun or moisture content of the space can inhibit their use in bathrooms and kitchens, but wooden shutters can be installed in any space. Their versatility is largely due to their customization options. Wooden shutters can be customized to fit any space and are resistant to mold and mildew.

Easy Maintenance
The act of cleaning standard window treatments is a time consuming process. In addition, drapes and blinds can hold allergens leading to problems for sensitive individuals. Wooden shutters are quite easy to install and maintenance is simple. Most wood shutters merely require a quick wipe with a damp cloth to keep dust away. A deeper clean can be accomplished with a simple vinegar solution once per year. Wooden shutters maintain their beauty with very little maintenance.

A home is the largest investment most people will ever make and adding value through wooden shutter installation simply makes sense. Wooden shutters add a sophisticated style that is unmatched by other forms of window treatments. Take the time to examine your home for 2019 and get rid of the old blinds, drapes, and shades for an updated style that adds value and class to any space. No matter the room size or décor, wooden shutters are the way to go.

Blinds Vs Shutters

Moving into a home or improving interior design can be a struggle, but amateur interior designers tend to start at the incorrect location of the home. It is too easy to get distracted by the need for new furniture and what we like when we should first be looking at our windows to work as a backdrop for all décor. Both blinds and shutters are an option, but deciding is somewhat of a challenge. We are here to help, so read on as we compare and contrast blinds vs. shutters to help you make an informed decision.

Maintenance
Where ongoing care may not be at the top of your list of needs, it should. With blinds, care can be somewhat difficult. Most of the time, the blinds can be simply wiped off, but if dirt is allowed to stay for too long, it will not wipe away and therefore the entire system must be taken down and deep cleaned. It is an arduous task, but shutters work a bit differently.
Shutters are permanently placed to the window and therefore are not designed to be taken off at will. Thereby, shutters are designed to be cleaned while remaining on the window. Due to their durable construction and various finishes available, shutters wipe clean with little effort.

Lasting Beauty
The sun can do permanent damage to window treatments. Blinds are simple structures that utilize minimal UV protection. After a few years, fading from the sun will cause blinds to look dated and their once vibrant appearance cannot be replenished.
Shutters, on the other hand, are designed to maintain their beauty throughout their lifetime. Shutters come in an array of colours and textures designed to ward off the harmful affects of the sun. Even better than the shutters not fading themselves, they also do an excellent job of protecting your interior furnishings and floors from sun damage as well.

Durability
Life is not always an easy clean ride. A lot happens in a home and if you have children or pets, you know that things can get damaged very quickly. Blinds are often the first thing damaged and even one damaged slat can make the entire room look unkempt. Shutters are designed to take on more stress than blinds, so a bouncy ball being thrown around the house are unlikely to damage them in any way. If you have kids or pets, the obvious choice is investing in top quality made shutters for lasting beauty and unmatched durability.

Expense
How much do you intend on spending on your window treatments? This is a question you will ultimately have to answer. The short answer is simple, blinds are more inexpensive to purchase than shutters. There is, however, a catch when it comes to blinds. Due to their flimsy design and lack of durability, after a year or two, the will need to be replaced.
Shutters will cost more initially, but the benefits far outweigh that initial investment. Shutters are designed to last for the lifetime of the home, so there is no need to replace them year after year or at the very least, every two years. They maintain their beauty and require very little maintenance, so the expense of shutters is actually far less than that of blinds.

Increased Home Value
It is not likely you will ever see a potential home buyer walk into a home and comment on how lovely the blinds are. Blinds are more of a functionality feature rather than a design attribute. Shutters offer a bit more draw to potential buyers. A person or family looking at a home with shutters already installed will be able to visualize the interior better than with the distraction of simple blinds. Shutters offer an updated look to the space and give the perspective of a move in ready space which is much more appealing than the thought of having to find window treatments on top of everything else moving entails.

The solution for any home is simple. Blinds are a quick fix to privacy, but little more than that. Added value from beautifully installed shutters is simply unmatched. In addition to all these incredible benefits, today's shutters come in a range of different colours and styles to choose from, so you can perfectly match your shutters to your home décor needs with ease. Take the time to look at your windows and you will see how much value shutters will add to your home. Whether you want café, plantation, Victorian, loft, conservatory, or any other form of shutters, it is an investment in the future of your home and you will not regret it.

 Click the link provided to explore our luxurious range of plantation shutters

How to Create the Perfect Traditional Home Style

Interior design has been known to baffle more than a few homeowners and there are so many styles to choose from, the average novice designer can seem to get lost in the sheer magnitude of choices. The best thing to do is to choose a basic style and build upon it. Most homes respond well to traditional style as a general rule, so here are some tips on creating the perfect traditional style home to get the most from your design experience without the endless confusion.

Start with a Century
Traditional style tends to come from 18th Century England, but is also highly dedicated to the French countryside motif and into some exotic areas of the east. Although pieces do not have to be completely authentic, do a bit of research into the century as a starting point and pick pieces that closely match the style. This gives you a good base work from without becoming overly complicated by other forms of traditional design.

Fabrics
There are many traditional style fabrics available, but to be truly traditional, an emphasis on floral prints is a must. Flowers bring us closer to nature and therefore bring us back to a more traditional mindset. If you are uncomfortable with a total floral covered sofa or chair, simply implement the floral pattern in other ways such as throw pillows or even smaller accent chairs as opposed to the main furnishings. Subtle floral patterns in blues and greys work well as well instead of having a very imposing floral pattern on the main furniture, so never be taken away by the strict loud floral patterns some traditionalists insist on.

Colour Choices
Traditional colours are of course white, but also include hues of green and peach for the main colour pallet. Accent colours can include golds, tans, and bronze. These shades tend to bring a warm, homey feel to the room indicative of the traditional style. Consider warm wood tones for more of a natural, traditional look to space.

Window Treatments
So many options are available for window treatments within the traditional style spectrum of design from drapes and valances, but if you want a true traditional style, Victorian shutters are the answer. These shutters work perfectly with practically any form of design so even if you choose to change things up later down the line, you need not to worry about changing out the shutters. Victorian shutters come in a range of different colours to choose from, but white tends to be the optimal choice for its temperature control qualities as well as the fact that white works well with any other colour.

Thinking of Art
Art is a part of history that should never be forgotten. Think of walking through an 18th Century manor with beautiful tapestries and paintings depicting the life of the family and their artistic interests. Although today’s homes may not have the volume of art on the walls, it is still quite important to the traditional style. New tapestries and wall art are available in a mass-produced form to avoid the hefty expense of original pieces, but many local artists are available and willing to paint in the traditional style, so whichever way you go, you cannot go wrong.

Accessories
Every home requires accessories and the traditional style home is no different. While shopping for accessories, take along pictures of traditionally styled homes as a reference. Many second-hand shops and most home stores will have traditional accessories to complete the furnishing process of your traditional home. The traditional style is all about comfort, but the accessories used within the design feature a bit of glitter as well. Silver candlesticks, vases, and even crystal chandeliers, if you have space, are key points in the traditional accessory design.

Your home is supposed to be a comfortable place to relax and occasionally, entertain friends. When designing in the traditional manner, never forget the need for comfort. The most beautiful, traditional sofa and chairs, must also be inviting and comfortable for guests. From floral patterns to ornate accessories and onto Victorian shutters, the traditionally styled home is within your grasp and even if you are not a professional designer, you can have the traditional interior design you have always wanted by following these simple guidelines. Happy designing!

To discover more on traditional styles, see our traditional Victorian shutter range here. 

Why You Should Get Conservatory Shutters This Spring

Spring is coming quickly and amidst all the spring cleaning and general maintenance on the home, take some time and examine your window treatments. Updating your windows is easier and more practical than ever before with conservatory shutters. If you have been on the fence about your purchase of conservatory shutters, here are just a few benefits of why spring is the ideal time for this drastic change to your home’s look.

Better for Allergies
Spring is a time when allergies are at their height. Pollen brings new growth, but it also brings about a lot of sneezing. Fabric-based window treatments harbour allergens and dust that can exacerbate allergy symptoms. Conservatory shutters do not attract dust and allergens. Plus, they are easier to clean. A simple wipe with a damp towel rids the shutters of any surface dirt.

Cleaner Appearance
One of the little known advantages of conservatory shutters is that they make any room look a bit tidier. Rooms become cluttered from time to time and spring is the time to rid your spaces of excess clutter. Standard drapes and blinds move with the wind and can make a room look unkempt even if it is clean. Conservatory shutters always maintain a clean line look for a more tidy appearance. They are tucked into the window space rather than allowed to flow around and therefore are more visually appealing than standard drapes.

Temperature Control
During the spring season, no one is worried about the temperature outside. The mild temperatures help reduce energy costs and simply rejuvenate the body, but summer is just around the corner and you know what that means. Soon we will all be wiping the sweat off our brow and looking for ways to keep cool. Conservatory shutters are the answer as they reduce the interior temperatures by up to 20 degrees. That can make for a sincere drop in cooling costs when the temperatures rise and installing them during spring, will give you an edge out on others who wait until the throws of summer are upon them.

Add Value
Spring tends to be the time of year where homes come up for sale. Potential homeowners have a wide array of options to look at during this time of year and if your home has conservatory shutters, you are sure to impress potential buyers. Even if you are not intent on selling your home currently, it never hurts to add value to space in the event the need to sell arises. Conservatory shutters add considerable value to your home as new potential buyers will not have to contend with the addition of window treatments. It makes the home look more move in ready with a permanent window treatment solution already in place.

Brighten up the Space
Light is your friend during any time of the year, but it seems especially true during the spring cleaning season. Adding conservatory shutters to your home this spring will not only add value but brighten up your space. Conservatory shutters allow for easy light control to maximize sun during the day and privacy at night. With one flick of the wrist your home goes from completely exposed to completely private, so you can enjoy the outdoors from indoors or block out the light for optimal privacy.

Fit Any Window
This spring season you will ultimately have to contend with how to cover certain windows that may not be exactly standard. Conservatory shutters are the answer. They are specifically designed for individual windows instead of mass produced for standard sizes as with blinds. In addition, conservatory shutters are designed to fit skylights, so if you have a true conservatory on your home, they are the ideal beautiful solution you have been looking for.

Long-Standing Beauty
Windows, drapes, and blinds tend to fade, warp, and break over time leaving your home looking dated. Conservatory shutters are completely different in that the homeowner never has to contend with the dull look fading can bring about. Additionally, conservatory shutters can protect furniture within the space from experiencing fading, so they are truly a win-win for the sun-soaked days of the spring season.

If you are looking to improve your home, conservatory shutters are the answer. These impeccably designed window treatments offer the best in temperature control and maintain their beauty throughout their long life. When installing conservatory shutters this spring, you will see a vast improvement in the appearance both inside and outside the home. Get yours today. Do not wait any longer. Conservatory shutters are the perfect solution for the spring season.

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15
contact