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When you are designing the interior of your home, you are going to want to make sure that it’s a perfect reflection of your personality and your own personal sense of style. Not only this, but you are also going to want to make sure that you are making the most of all available space you have.

Will shutters impact on the sense of space that my room has?

Whilst the idea of having a warm and cosy room is great for your home, the last thing that you are going to want is for it to feel cramped and enclosed. This means that when designing the space, you will want to make it seem lovely and spacious, inviting and welcoming.

A concern for some people is that adding shutters to their home may impact on the airy, open and expansive style they want to achieve, that shutters could mean they are going to lose some of the space and overall design desired. However, this is not true for shutters. In fact, they can even add a sense of increased space to a room; highlighting elongated windows; adding another texture or colour, crisp white shutters can help reflect and bounce light around the room. Shutters can also provide a focus point as well as design statement to coordinate a sophisticated style, tailored to your own colour scheme and interior textures they offer a great choice of variety to that of other window dressing options.

This includes curtains. Because curtains fit around a window, they will impose on the rest of the space that you have in your room. Particularly if they are made from a thick or heavy fabric. In comparison, shutters will sit within the window recess, and flush against the window itself, which means that you don’t lose too much of that precious space.

Will shutters affect the light that can come into my room?

Another consideration when it comes to installing shutters into your home, is whether they will have an impact on the amount of light that comes into the room. One of the main benefits of installing shutters into your home is the fact that you have complete control over the amount of light that comes in.

This means that you can make sure that you let in light just when you want to illuminate the space and make it appear larger and full of light, or shut them off slightly when you feel that the light is becoming too much. Not only this, but if you opt for lighter coloured wood, or even white shutters then you will find that any light that you do let in will bounce off and reflect the light that is entering in the room and will give it a beautifully open and airy look that you will be proud to call your own. As you can see, rather than limiting the amount of light that comes into the space, you will find that your room will look beautiful and welcoming with just a little help from shutters. Now you just have to decide which style of shutter is right for you.

The bathroom is one of the most important rooms in the home. It’s the room second only to the kitchen in which homeowners are prepared to spend the most when redecorating and renovating their current home. Statistically speaking, it is the most used room in any home and with so much time spent there, it is essential to find the right bathroom shutters for the space. This guide will help you choose the right shutters and make your bathroom just as beautiful as the rest of your home.

Window size

The size of bathroom windows varies greatly of course depending on where you live and the style or age of the home. Windows within a property found in a city location are generally more for utility use and therefore tend to be smaller. The design of smaller windows within a city environment simply makes more sense for privacy purposes. The height of the window will be quite important when choosing what shutters to purchase.

Window size is also an important thing to know when you head to the showroom to view and purchase shutters for the space. Measure the window at least twice before heading out. Shutters are not sold in a way that you will be able to guess or estimate the size. The specific size will allow the showroom sales person to advise you on the best style and number of panels. A tall but narrow window could have one large shutter which will make the room feel larger. Short, but wide windows, will be best suited to having multiple thinner panels in order to enhance the window opening. Square windows benefit from having 3 narrow shutter panels which gives the illusion of greater window height.

Shutter material

The material the shutter is made from is generally the top priority on your shopping list, but in the case of a bathroom, special consideration of the material should be carefully thought out. Bathrooms hold a significant amount of moisture which can lead to mould and mildew. Absorbent materials such as wood and some natural composites can soak up moisture and compromise the integrity of the shutters.

Today, shutters are made from many differing materials, so the homeowner has more choice. The standard and most popular option for bathroom shutters is simple vinyl materials, but these can look cheap and uninviting. Granted they are mould resistant but are not always an attractive option. It is extremely important to ensure that you highlight to the person selling you shutters that they are going to be used in a bathroom environment. They will know the right materials and finishes and may even be able to point you in the direction of stylish wooden shutters, such as cedar wood, which have been properly stained, or painted and sealed to resist any moisture.

Style of the bathroom

Bathroom shutters are much more than just a way to provide ample privacy to the room. They not only reflect the age or period of the home but also project the style and individual personality of the home owner. Bathrooms have become more and more stylish throughout the years and having an ‘on trend’ bathroom with standard shutters is no way to showcase your newly designed and made over bathroom to any guests.

Spend time and choose wisely on what really suits your home or the style you wish to portray in your bathroom. For a classic timeless style consider calming colours such as off white, greys, or natural woods, are all easy to work with when you may decide in the future on a fresh coat of paint or accessory colour change.

For more of a contemporary or trending style, consider faux leather covered shutters, these will not only create a statement but be the envy of all who see them. If perhaps something not too bold is more favourable to you then the true white shutter is perfect to complement any space. The shutters should of course look good on the inside and seamlessly fit with the interior decor but also must have a good appearance from the outside so as not to clash with the exterior style as well when fully closed.

Price

Like most home furnishings, shutters vary in price depending on brand, style, and the materials used to make them. Before heading out to the showrooms to purchase your new bathroom shutters, understand your maximum budget for the project. Although you do not want to completely spend your entire redecorating budget with the cost of the shutters, you will want to devote a significant amount to ensure that you can select the highest quality shutters that will be a good invest for the future.

Durability

With the bathroom being used more than any other, the shutters chosen will need to be durable enough to stand up to rigorous use. Shutters which are found in the lower end of the cost spectrum will clearly save budget and be less outlay initially in the short term. However, often these shutters show much more wear and tear earlier on in their lifespan and therefore must be replaced sooner. Taking the time to buy durable shutters made from the best materials with quality fixings will provide you with a greater longevity of the product and maintain the expected style without having to constantly change them out. Properly maintained solid wood shutters in any room can last for many years, so the more durable the shutters, the happier the homeowner will be.

Buying shutters for a bathroom on a whim is not a very practical idea. When shopping, take pictures of your windows and overall bathroom to ensure that you get the right shutters for the expected look. The salesperson will be a great help to assist in giving advice when looking for a specific style and will be able to advise the best solution for all factors of the bathroom. It might also be a good idea to take pictures of the exterior of your home to ensure that nothing clashes there as well. The right shutters in the bathroom can add significant value to any home.

Wooden Shutters are said to be timeless, enduring changes in modern design and that if you place shutters on your residence today, they will retain their appeal fifty years from now. Have you ever wondered how and why the design has endured the test of time?

The Origins of Shutters

While the exact start of the wooden shutter is unknown, there is speculation as to the country in which it started. Some say that the beginnings were in Italy and others state that the shutter started in Greece. What is known is that they were more than likely designed in the Mediterranean region as a means to keep off the coastal winds and protect the houses from other hazards. As with many architectural developments of that region, the origins of the material were not wood but marble. The marble, of course, proved to be too costly and too heavy for functional purposes, and so the cheaper solution of wood was implemented and has stayed as the main material since.

Early Functionality

Unlike the shutters that we have today which come with the ability to adjust the louvers, the early shutters had fixed louvers. The design was intended to divert rainwater away from the home. They also hindered insects and rodents from entering the abodes. And while these features solved some problems, these fixed louvers were slightly problematic. As they were fixed downward, the admittance of light was greatly reduced. This was beneficial during some seasons and during sometimes, but for the greater part, the design limited the use.

The Globalization of the Shutter

Shutters began to gain global popularity in the 15th century when exploration and development of the globe were at its peak. The Spanish, as well as the English, used shutters as a means of demonstrating wealth in new societies. The Spanish used a new style of thinner slats while the English maintained the wider louvers on their shutter designs. In America, as the colonies developed, shutters were used on plantation homes and painted, or rather whitewashed, to match the exterior of the homes.

Adding Adjustable Features

Where the adjustable or movable louvers originated is left to legend. It has been suggested that Louis XIV implemented the movable louvers in the 17th century. As the legend goes, Louis XIV used shutters to see what’s occurring in his courts. Yet, the fixed louvers allowed for guards to look upon the courts as well as the king, distracting them from their posts. It is said that the king ordered, movable louvers so that when he desired he could look upon the courts, but when not in use close them to keep his guard’s focus on defenses. Whether this is true or not, it sure does make a good story.

Regardless, the first movable slats were on a peg system and had to be adjusted individually. Today’s design however, are of course far easier to use.

A Transition from Functionality to Fashion

In today’s society, there have been so many developments in the architectural and construction methods to prevent water erosion, improve insulation, and deter outside pestilences from entering that the original purpose of the shutter is somewhat redundant. The functionality has shifted from being a major part of the exterior to being an aesthetic part of the interior of the home. Yes, there are still exterior shutters which are used, yet most shutters are designed for the interior space of the home and are designed to bring the space together. In terms of the functionality of the luxury wooden shutter, most of the options which are on the market today cater to the protection of the glass, the insulation of the room (being that it keeps out the cool air in the winter and can block excessive sunlight in the summer), as well as to offer privacy.

Different but the same

Where some of the materials and placement of louvers and hinges have changed since the shutter was introduced, the overall design and the concept has remained the same. It is for this reason that houses which utilise the wooden shutter tend to have a higher market value than those which only use blinds and curtains. It is expected that the shutters will be a permanent fixture in the home and that they will be desired by those seeking to have luxury window treatments.

When it comes to window fixtures, shutters provide a more permanent solution to the interior space. Luxury wooden shutters can add tremendous depth and character to space, giving even the quaintest of spaces a feeling of modern design and décor. If you are wondering whether to purchase wooden shutters, here are some key benefits to consider.

Number One: Light Control

Louvers can be adjusted on various shutters to regulate the angle and the amount of light which enters a room. As the sun’s position changes throughout the day, this feature is a huge benefit. While some other options provide a slight means of light control and adjustments, the denser material and thicker design of a high standard shutter offers a little more precision.

Number Two: Allergen Reducer

Typically, window fixtures are soft or thin. Cloth, especially, is a culprit for housing dust and other allergens on the surface. As the material is not easily cleaned, and in most cases is not daily maintained to free the surface from dust and allergens, those who have cloth or soft surfaces are more prone to see allergen related issues.

Wooden shutters are easily cleaned because of their solid surface and durability. Non-abrasive cloths or a feather duster can easily maintain a room’s shutters, thus reducing the level of allergens in any given space. It is best to dust regularly to keep the grains and the vibrancy of the wood at it best. Check with the manufacturer if you have any questions about the best means of maintenance and servicing of your wooden shutters.

Number Three: Timeless

Blinds and some other means of window treatments shift in purpose and design. Yet, for hundreds of years, shutters have been used without being considered dated and out of fashion. The simple but effective design of the shutter is timeless, meaning that if you invest in luxury wooden shutters today, your less likely to want to update them in a few years. Granted, there are selections which are catered to current trends which may see a bit of fluctuation in the demand. However, even these stand the test of time.

Number Four: Longevity

Compared to plastics and synthetics, wooden shutters offer a higher longevity. Wood, when properly maintained and treated, will last for the duration of the home. This is different from blinds and cloth which would, over the course of a few months to a few years, require that the owner replace them. Additionally, due to the manner in which the wooden shutter is constructed, the day to day wear and tear on the shutter is less likely to decrease the longevity of them as they are built to endure such use.

Number Five: Design Continuity

One of the larger flaws with curtains and with blinds is that it is rather difficult to maintain a continuity between rooms. Due to the dimensional constraints of certain spaces, many times a homeowner, business, or renter will find that they must compromise to get a look and feel which is similar to another room. Luxury wooden shutters differ from the blinds and the curtains because they can be manufactured to meet the dimensions of any window. As such, all rooms within a given space can have the exact same design and aesthetics as adjoining rooms.

In addition to the size of the shutters available is the ability to match the design with existing elements of the space. The style and the stains which are available for wooden shutters are endless. Furthermore, many artisans allow for customisation of the shutter to meet certain demands. Even if you wish not to have the wooden look, but wish to paint the shutters, such can be accomplished, usually, for less then you would spend on interior designer curtains.

Number Six: Shutters add value to your home

Since wooden shutters are built to be a permanent fixture in the home, they could increase the value of the property. Firstly, the shutters provide protection to the glass of the window, something that insurers value highly. Secondly, the shutter is made from green materials in most cases, adding to the environmental consciousness of the home. Thirdly, shutters act as a thermal insulator to rooms, thereby adding to the comfort value of the home. Fourthly, the means of adjusting the slats of the shutter give the owner privacy while still controlling the light flow to the room. Finally, the consistency in the design gives value to the home as being a well thought out and executed interior design element to space.

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

Interior design is never easy to embark upon - there are so many aspects to consider. When it comes to shutters, there are a variety of different products to choose from and each one has its own benefits to consider.

To help you along the way, we have put together our guide on how to select shutters for every room in your home. After reading this, it won’t get any easier when it comes to making the right decision for your home.

Think about the style of your room

One of the simplest ways to select shutters for your home is to think about the style (contemporary or traditional) that you want to achieve, or that you have already put in place. You also need to think about colour. The great thing about shutters is that you can choose from any colour or stain, which means that you can always find one that will compliment your overall theme.

Consider which material is going to work best

Another important aspect to think about is the different materials that shutters can be made from. The two main choices are polyvinyl and wood. The standard and most popular option for bathroom shutters is simple vinyl materials, but these can look cheap and uninviting. Granted they are mould resistant but are not always an attractive option. Our team will know the right materials and finishes and may even be able to point you in the direction of stylish wooden shutters such as cedar wood, which have been properly stained or painted and sealed to resist any moisture.

Do you want to be able to open your shutters fully?

Depending on which room your shutters are going to live, you may need to consider how you will open your shutters. If the shutters can be free from furniture and you want to create a well-lit space, then you may want to think about opting for bi-fold shutters that enable the panels to fold back on themselves.

Alternatively, for those rooms where you really don’t need to be able to open them fully, you can always pick a shutter that offers tilted louvres. Tier on Tier is a versatile shutter style which provides privacy whilst maximising light filtration into your room, by allowing the top tier panels to be opened and folded back, whilst keeping the bottom closed. This is ideal if you want to protect your privacy too, such as in a bedroom, or if the window faces onto a public space or busy road.

Thinking about how to select shutters for your home? Why not check out the full range, categorised by room here? Chances are, with so many to pick from, you will soon find the ideal choice for you, and with our help you will have the perfect home, from the windows in.

When it comes to our living room, we want to make sure this part of our home has everything it needs to look as good as it can be. Not only should this room be comfortable and welcoming, but it could really do with being stylish too.

There are a variety of ways that you can choose to style your living room and one way that you may not realise is living room shutters. So, how can you style your living room with shutters?

Make your bay windows look even more beautiful

Bay windows are popular in living rooms because not only do they look great, but they also allow for plenty of light to be let in. It always seems a shame if you cover over such a beautiful focal point in your room with thick curtains, which is why living room shutters have become a popular choice. They allow for you to control the light that comes into the room, without hiding away the beauty of the ever popular bay window.

Give a neutral room some warmth

Neutral colour schemes have become all the more popular of late - particularly in modern homes. The only trouble with neutral colour schemes is that they can sometimes feel a little on the cold side, if they are not done right of course. You need to remember that you have to find ways to warm up the space. Wood always works well for this, some may choose furniture, some may choose wooden flooring. Another great choice are wooden shutters. The great thing about these are that not only do they add style to your room, they also help with insulation and light control too.

They don’t just have to be about the windows

When you think about living room shutters, then chances are that you are going to picture shutters on windows. However, this isn’t the only way that you can use them. Shutters are also ideal for open plan living spaces. They can be placed on tracks and then pulled across an open space to separate multi-purpose areas. These can then be folded away when you don’t need them. This is ideal for those people who love having an open plan living space, but that want to be able to close it off from time to time.

As you can see, there are a whole variety of reasons why you should choose living room shutters for your home. Whether it is to add a touch of style to the space, or perhaps make sure that your home is quieter, warmer and more welcoming. Shutters are the answer that you are looking for. There are so many different choices out there for you, so many styles, so many different finishes. You are sure to never be stuck for choice when it comes to wooden shutters for your home.

Conservatories create an astounding opportunity to restore space and extend your home. They allow you to bask in the enchantments of the outdoors whilst remaining inside. At The New England Shutter Company in 2018, we have seen huge popularity in conservatory shutters as they give a true balance of privacy, light and heat control creating an exquisite solution for your conservatory’s roof and windows. With their unparalleled style and a vast number of benefits to both your home and comfort.

The benefits shutters present to your home

Whilst improved aesthetics are a clear benefit to having shutters, conservatory shutters present real opportunity to increase your property value. The home improvement choice adds real longevity and timeless style. Shutters also present a practical solution with temperature control to keep bills manageable in the winter with the option of complete privacy for sheer bliss. Controlling light isn’t just for the benefit of your own comfort, it can also create an irresistible inviting cosiness and ambience to introduce some romance to your surroundings.

Finding the right style for you

Choosing the right style and design is essential to finding the right shutters to make your conservatory just as charismatic as the rest of your home. Always consider the style of your home, from traditional plantation to ultra-sleek; we have a unique range of shutter louvre designs to suit your interior decor. We also offer a wide range of solid timbers which are finished using water-resistant colour matched acrylic paint.

For a contemporary or trending interior design style, our faux leather covered shutters truly create a statement in any conservatory. From any one of our blade designs, styles or finishes, window shutters for conservatory roofs, glass buildings and lantern lights bring architectural definition as well as infinitely adjustable solar shading and privacy.

To learn more about the different styles see our gallery of visually stunning conservatory shutters in the link provided.

Important aspects to consider

The size of your window is a fundamental aspect of your shutter design and style. Be sure to measure the height and width, for a step-by-step guide on how to measure your window please see here. Consider the position of the shutters and angles – conservatory shutter designs are extremely flexible and can fit any style of conservatory. We can provide customised shutters for any roof angle or shape of the window, be it arched, triangular, circular or just unusual.

Uniquely, TNESC is the only company that can vary every element within the design of a shutter; from the blade size, the distance between the blades, rail and side stile sizes, to the depths and height of a mid-rail. This flexibility allows us to design a shutter that is made to fit, not made to measure, our experienced team will guide you every step of the way.

We’d love you to come and visit:

Please get in touch here to arrange a visit to our London Showroom - enquiries@tnesc.co.uk

If you have never had wooden shutters on your home, then you may not know the benefits of ownership. And while there are aesthetic reasons for having wooden shutters on your house, there are also some functional and economic reasons for choosing wooden shutters, such as an increase in the equity of your home. With today’s designs and variety, any homeowner can implement them into their interior design. Wooden shutters make a healthy home, and here is why.

Security

When it comes to the health of your home, security is one of the top factors. Wooden shutters offer a means of maximising the privacy of your home while not diminishing the interior design. The shutters are designed so that you can look out of the window, open the shutters for a full view of the area outside, while not allowing prying eyes to investigate the space when the wooden shutters are closed. A home which does not have the contents displayed to would be prowlers is less apt to be robbed. Per an outdoor living article by Alex Kuchel, shutters are a preventive measure and not a reactive measure. Unlike an alarm that trips only when there is a break in, shutters make it difficult to gauge the contents of the home, hence deterring any break-ins.

Weather Deterrent

While we cannot control the weather or the natural elements, we can protect the health of our home with wooden shutters. Wooden shutters deter harmful weather in several ways. Firstly, the shutters act as a barrier from harsh winds. This is extremely helpful in areas where there may be storms or torrential winds. The shutters take much of the blow from these damaging events, preventing glass breakage and, consequently, damage to the interior of the home.

When the weather is mild with light rains, the shutters re-route water away from the window and foundation, helping to minimise erosion and water damage to the structure of the house. On sunny days, the shutters can work alongside the UV resistant glass of the windows to lower the probability of fading to photographs, damage to TVs and computer screens from sunlight, and control the temperature of the interior space.

Controlling the light

Not just exterior light plays to the health of the home. Ambient lighting contributes to the overall mood of the house. And while you may not see this as part of the health of the home, it is. A room whose lighting is less than ideal is apt to become a room which is neglected. No one wants to sit in a chair that consistently has a glare from light.

Wooden Shutters add longevity to the home

Well-constructed wooden objects tend to last a long time. With modern technology and construction methods, the wooden shutters of today are apt to outlast the homeowner. And, as wooden shutters could be custom made to fit any window, there is no reason that the home cannot have the continuity between the shutters in one room and the shutters in another. Comparatively, plastic and metal window shutters do not have the same longevity or customization as the wooden shutter. Often, plastic shutters will bend and break in mere months, especially if the shutters are installed in a zone which has higher temperatures (as plastics, regardless of the construction are susceptible to becoming pliable with sunlight).

Wooden shutters have the longevity, the customization, and the functionality that make them ideal for any house. Therefore, homes which have wooden shutters will appraise for more than houses which do not. Wooden shutters are considered a permanent upgrade/renovation to the interior space while plastic blinds are only a temporary aesthetical change.

Easier Maintenance and Cleaning

Apart from the structure and the functionality of the wooden shutter, the health of your home can be increased due to their easy to clean and maintain design. When you have cloth blinds, you should wash the cloth periodically to remove dust and other unwanted debris from them. Yet, often this does not occur. Plastic blinds are often neglected, not because we do not wish to clean them, but rather because they are so flimsy that we are afraid that we will break them. At most, they get dusted, but still, that is not enough to minimize air toxins and debris which can nest on them.

Wooden shutters are very easy to maintain and clean. Some wooden shutters even allow you the ability to remove panels for easier cleaning and maintenance.

Plantation shutters have been around for many years, but recently, they have begun to become more common. Window treatments come in a range of styles, but there is something so unique about plantation shutters that add depth and variety to any room. Some people, however can have difficulty matching their décor to shutters, so here are some ways you can accent your white plantation shutters through exceptional interior design.

Play with Colour

White is a remarkably forgiving and work well with a variety of colours. Too many homeowners look to a monochromatic colour pallet. Where this sort of design can work for specific spaces, it can also be viewed as unimaginative and dull. Colour is always a friend and when used correctly provides variety, intrigue, and imagination to the space. Pops of bright colours throughout the space will bring a feeling of fun and enjoyment to liven up the space. Shades of reds, blues, greens, and yellows work great for colour pops. Consider adding in a brightly coloured accent rug, colourful seating, or even paint an old piece of furniture for an interesting way to bring out the beauty in your white plantation shutters.

Even if bright colours are not what you want for the space, pastels, earth tones, and other muted tones work well with white plantation shutters. Light yellows, blues, and greens have a more calming effect on a room and accent natural light best. When using earth tones, keep it light and use these pieces for accents rather than for the entire colour pallet. This will enable the room to remain rustic and homey, but without being overpowered with dark tones.

Think of Patterns

Playing with colour in a room is a lot of fun, but keep in mind that solid colours throughout a room can be beautiful, but do not always have the ideal fun effect. Today, we have more choices for the furnishings placed in a room and interior designers are always pairing fun prints with solid colours to add necessary variety. White plantation shutters are very forgiving and work well with patterns of all styles. For this reason, even novice designers can make a room look professional with just a few pattern rich accents such as table cloths, throw pillows, and corresponding patterns on accent chairs.

Pair with Window Dressings

White plantation shutters are beautiful all on their own, but they are also great to pair with other forms of window coverings. It is not recommended that you cover the shutters, but draped solid colour, sheer, or decorative shades make the space look a bit more elegant and refined.

Another idea is to use a valence for the top frame of a window. Floor to ceiling window are often a desire, but rarely are an option unless an owner intends on completely remodelling a space. A valence is a good idea to mimic the floor to ceiling window effect on a budget and this is another instance where the white colour works will with practically any type of valence.

Warm Woods Throughout

Wood flooring is an ideal way to add additional warmth to a room and accent white wood shutters. It is also not essential to match colours specifically as white goes well with both dark and light wood tones.

When laying the floor, think of how the shutter slats are laid as well. For a more linear look and pleasing appearance to the eye, the slats should run the same way. Textures working against each other and moving in opposite direction might seem fun, but it actually confuses the eye on a subconscious level leading to a negative feel to the space.

Light Effects

Shutters are functional pieces of window coverings that allow the proper light to come into the space and provides the owner with a specific amount of control. When considering what furnishings to add to the space, think about how much light you intend on bringing into the room and which way the room faces in accordance with the sun. A room with direct sunlight needs to have furniture with fabrics resistant to fading. Rooms that still maintain plenty of light, but are not directly in line with the sun’s rays can utilize less UV resistant furnishings. Those new to interior design tend not to think of furniture in long terms, but those that maintain UV resistant furniture will keep the bright, beautiful furnishings that bring the room together without having to invest in more in a few years.

There is no need to become a professional interior designer to get the right look for your white wood shutters. The materials as well as the colour are forgiving and work will with many different styles. The most important thing is to have fun while decorating and let your personality come out in the furnishings, colours, patterns, and textures chosen.

Victorian homes typically have an ambience all their own. Aesthetically, the houses give off a definitive vibe of the late 19th to early 20th century architecture. These narrow and tall buildings often feature turrets and towers, large windows and porches. Since the buildings were made to trump those around them, it is quite common to find unique custom interior features. Yet, for all the flare and glamour of the Victorian home, modern design requires a bit of stylising to merge both the antiquated core structure and the modern living necessities together. Here are some tips for making the most of your Victorian Home.

How does the interior trim look?

Interiors of the Victorian period homes tend to have numerous trim and molding. During that era, the trim was created rather large as, again, the point was for every elegance to be seen and noted. However, in modern design, simple and minimal sometimes yields the greatest impact. In rooms where the trim competes with the interior decorum of the space, it is advised that you minimize this by either painting the trim to a hue that blends with the adjoining wall or that you replace the trim with an option which is subtler.

Consider the rug

An easy way in which you can style your Victorian Home is to use a throw rug. This serves two purposes. Firstly, the rug acts as an accent to the wooden floors which are predominate in this style home. So long as your floor does not have an abundance of scuffs and scratches, a throw rug should highlight the natural beauty of the home. Secondly, as the floors are hardwood, which is an asset, you will not want to completely cover the space. However, by adding the rug, you give the lower sector of the room some artistic/aesthetic draw. Finally, by adding a throw rug, the space can be updated as trends and fashions change without compromising the integrity of the flooring.

Paint and Plaster

While the interior of your Victorian style may have smooth walls, they might not be the best interior walls for the home. Building construction during the Victorian era used primarily plaster, if and when they decided to have smooth walls. Due to this, you may find that there are unsightly cracks and holes in the interior space. One way to remedy this is to replace non-load bearing walls with a studded sheet rock wall. This can be costly.

Another option is to re-plaster and paint the existing walls. Ensure that you have the walls inspected by a professional prior to painting or plastering. Covering up a crack or a hole does not fix structural problems. Once the integrity of the space has been confirmed, paint the walls to match the interior design. As there is a plethora of colors available, and as Victorian homes are known for their eccentric design, there is really no limit to what you could do with the space.

Update the bay windows

One of the main features of the Victorian house is an abundance of bay and large windows. And while you may have the occasional stained glass or mosaic window (which should not be replaced but only refurbished and restored if needed), many of the windows will be standard glass. Yes, the framing may be a bit eclectic, with the raised eyebrow design, or the framing, but one will see that when looking at the actual window, that many are just wooden double hung or picture with double hung flankers.

Consider updating the window with double paned glass. Additionally, you may wish to have the window cases updated to metal. Awning windows can be exchanged for easy to clean fold out windows. Even if you choose to keep the aesthetic look and feel, the glass should be exchanged for UV resistant glass.

Update the shutters and siding

An interior is only part of the styling that you can do to your Victorian style home. While the windows will play a huge role in the overall aesthetics, the siding and the shutters will really bring the house together or cause issues. It is important that when updating and styling your Victorian home, that you have clean paint and siding on the house. As many of the Victorian homes where painted white, you may wish to go with an exterior color that does not accent dirt and grime as much (such as a light blue or a tan).

Wooden shutters can help to frame the windows of the exterior while not taking away from the periodic ambiance that the homes capture. Furthermore, the wooden shutters help to mask any metal framing which you might have used for the windows. This is especially helpful with homes which have wooden frame designs, intricate details etched in some of the windows, and plain sliding windows. The shutters bring a continuity to the space.

Don’t try to modernize it too much

One mistake that homeowners tend to have is that they try to change the overall style of the home. While you do wish to have a house which is comfortable to live in and that people are happy to see, you do not want to change the home so much that the Victorian attributes disappear.