The function and appearance of window shutters is determined by a number of different factors, with most features of the shutter serving a purpose while adding to the aesthetic of your room. The louvers (sometimes known as slats) make for a major part of the window shutter panel, running horizontally between the stiles on each side of the frame. These have several functions, allowing you to adjust the intake of light and air, regulate the temperature in any room, guarantee privacy from the outside world, all while giving your shutters a neat and smooth look.

Given their importance, those looking to bring shutters into their own space need to decide what they want the louvers to look like and how they want them to work before making a purchase. This process involves considering factors such as the colour, size, and purpose of the louvers, and choosing the louvers that are going to work best for your needs. As you read this article, think about what those needs are and hopefully you can bring your ideas to a professional – then it’s time to sit back and watch your dream shutters come to life!

Choose your size

The size of your louvers will influence not only on their appearance, but there functionality too. Whether they are thick or thin determines the level of light, privacy, ventilation, and insulation that your space enjoys. Likewise, larger louvers ensure a less restricted view when opened, whereas smaller ones may obstruct your eye-line when looking outside (for better or for worse). Please note that when we refer to the ‘size’ of your louvers, we are talking about their width; their length will vary depending on the measurements of the frame and shutter panel.

Let’s now take a look at the different size of louvers on offer and the unique qualities of each. Just remember, there are no hard and fast rules as to which you should choose as it always comes down to a combination of personal taste and practical needs.

47mm

This is often the smallest available width for your louvers. Since these louvers are so narrow, your shutter will require more of them in order to fill the frame. As such, with louvers of this size, expect maximum levels of privacy and restricted levels of light – great for street-facing windows, bathroom windows, and windows that receive too much sunlight light at certain times of the day.

63mm

These louvers are popular due to their flexibility. They still give you some privacy when opened, but they let in far more light than the smallest available louvers. Not too big, not too small, 63mm louvers tend to be compatible with shutters of any size and shape in terms of aesthetics – that’s what makes them a go-to choice for many of our customers!

76mm

If you’re looking for a middle-ground between standard louvers and more adventurous louvers, 76mm louvers may be your safest bet. Simply put, they have all the benefits of 63mm louvers, only with a subtle aesthetic difference. Perhaps your window just calls for slightly wider louvers, or perhaps you’d prefer wider gaps so that you can appreciate a well-kept garden.

89mm

Louvers of this size are decidedly bigger than average. They allow more light into your space, while still offering privacy (when slightly tilted). There is also a major difference in appearance, one that you cannot achieve with smaller louvers. They give your window more room to breathe: drawing the eye beyond the shutters, accentuating certain design features such as lead-lights, and perhaps opening up a picturesque view.

114mm

For most manufacturers and suppliers in the industry, 114mm is as wide as louvers come. Although these offer the least privacy when opened, they also bring in the most amount of light; indeed, tilting louvers of this size often has a similar effect to opening the shutter panel itself. Given these effects, 114mm louvers are often best suited to dark rooms, big and tall windows, and interiors with a sense of drama to the design.

Choose your look

Think about the size and shape of the shutters you want when choosing the right louvers. Smaller designs look best with fewer louvers as this prevents them from looking too cluttered, and the size of the louvers should be kept in proportion with the overall size of the shutter (simply ask your shutter specialists which size of louver would look best for your chosen frame). Indeed, anyone who favours a minimalist look should keep the number of louvers to a minimum, because fewer louvers means fewer lines, and too many lines are the death of the minimalist. Keep it clean and smooth by using larger louvers that make your shutters look far less busy.

With larger window styles – such as bay windows, floor to ceiling windows, and french doors – the end result often looks more appealing when the window shutters have wide louvers. Why? Because small louvers on large shutters can make the panel look cluttered and unmeasured, with simply too much going on. Moreover, they don’t seem practical for windows of this size, which are usually built to fill a space with light: small louvers would limit this great light source, reducing huge pools of light down to narrow strips.

If you’re sold on the idea of introducing some gorgeous new shutters into your home, feel free to get in touch with the friendly team at Diamond Shutters.

Every house comes with its small annoyances. From bath tubs that are just a little bit too small, to cold draughts running through each room, to bedrooms with a distinct lack of storage space. But one problem that many homeowners encounter – especially those who live in busy cities – is loud noise coming from outside their home. Those with houses on or near a main road will know all too well the irritating sound of passing cars that runs all through the night. Likewise, people who live in commercial centres and shopping districts may have to deal with the commotion of passing shoppers in the day and noisy revellers through the night.

How should you go about eliminating this source of annoyance? If you haven’t already, upgrading your window panes to double or triple glazing has the benefit of reducing noisiness as well as insulating your home better. But loud noise isn’t just a symptom of thinner windows – there are many solutions offered up by the world of window coverings too. Unfortunately, curtains and blinds are not the best for blocking out noises from outside as they are often too light-weight and loose-fitting to form an adequate barrier. As a result of these problems, customers often come to Diamond Shutters seeking a better solution to their noise issues, asking us the fundamental question: do window shutters reduce noise?

In this post, we’ll be answering this question with a resounding “yes” by outlining exactly how window shutters reduce noise in the home and exploring some other benefits too.

Say no to noise

By installing window shutters in your home you can expect to experience less noise coming in, especially if you fit them to your street-level windows. No more noisy neighbours, passing traffic, or loud music will be invading your space and compromising your peace and quiet. Indeed, shutters are known to have great soundproofing qualities. With thick and durable louvers, materials that reflect and absorb noise, and frames that form a tight seal against your window, shutters will significantly reduce the overall noise levels in your home.

Compare this to other window coverings such as curtains and blinds. Blinds are lightweight, often made up of thin and flimsy materials that are incapable of blocking out as much noise. Curtains may be slightly thicker, but they leave large gaps on all sides of your window frame, thus allowing unwanted noises to pass through. A quality pair of window shutters, however, leaves much less room for noise to seep into your home. And they’re incredibly versatile too: adjustable louvers allow you to let in a small amount of light or air without introducing unwanted noises into your home and ruining your sense of serenity. It truly is the best of both!

Which shutters are best for reducing noise?

So which window shutters should you buy if your main priority is to eliminate unwanted noises? Ultimately, since all shutters are made from thick materials and can be fully sealed by louvers, each type will help reduce noise to some extent. Nevertheless, there are some styles which are perhaps better suited to houses surrounded by irritating noises. Consider using solid shutters, which are comprised of solid wooden panels and leave no room for noise to enter your home. Historically, these shutters were used in Victorian homes specifically to block out outside noise, as well as to deter burglars and insulate the home in times when window panes were thinner. Those looking for window shutters that block out noise while offering more flexibility might prefer full height shutters, which allows more control over light and privacy with the addition of louvers.

The only window shutters that we would not recommend for homes with noise problems are café style shutters. These shutters leave the top of your windows exposed so that you can enjoy good lighting and privacy at the same time, although this may have the unfortunate side effect of letting in more noise than desired. But there is an alternative for those who want a similar style: tier on tier shutters incorporate two separate shutters on top of one another in a single frame, allowing you to open up one half while keeping the other closed. Just like café style shutters, they give you the flexibility to control light and privacy, only with the added option to close the upper half of your shutters when it gets too noisy outside.

For more information and guidance regarding window shutters, please feel free to get in touch with the Diamond Shutters team and we’d be delighted to help.

At Diamond Shutters, we consider interior shutters to be one of the best and most versatile window coverings available. They’re modern, attractive and created to fit the needs of customers, no matter the style of their homes. Despite this, one of the questions most frequently asked by prospective buyers is: do window shutters block out light?. It’s understandable as to why people might think that shutters will let light in. There are small gaps between the louvers of shutters that many people assume will allow a lot of light to pass through.

When asked if our window shutters will block out the light, and how much light can be blocked, the answer often varies. However, as a general rule of thumb, shutters will block a substantial amount of outside light from coming into a room.

Will they block out light?

First things first, it’s important to remember that it’s almost impossible to completely block out all light unless your room has no windows or doors. With that said, despite the slight gaps between the louvers of our shutters, they actually provide better blackout capability than the majority of Venetian blinds and lightweight curtains.

When fully closed, window shutters block out a surprisingly large amount of light. This is especially true for shutters with larger louvers. A shutter with larger slats can be used to flood a room with light when opened in the day, while also preventing most light from getting in when closed. As there are fewer slats in a shutter with large louvers, there are fewer gaps through which light can travel. However, if choosing shutters with thinner louvers, there is more space for light to travel in, reducing the blackout capability of the shutters.

Unlike blinds or curtains, shutters are built into a frame that is designed to fit and be sealed into your window frame. As such, there are no edges around the outside of the shutter itself that light could penetrate. With shutters, the only gaps to allow light into the room are those between the individual louvers. Therefore, they are an ideal option for those looking to limit the amount of light able to access a room, without investing in a more unattractive blackout blind.

For total darkness

You may require absolute darkness in a room during the day, but do window shutters block out light enough to meet your requirements? For shift workers and those with babies, interior shutters are still able to fit to your needs. For absolute darkness with shutters, we recommend incorporating a blackout blind into your window set up. Having a blind between the window and your shutters can help to make sure that the room gets as little light as possible. A combination of blinds and shutters will give you about as much blackout as you can get.

If you’re planning on combining a blind with your shutters, consider opting for white shutters. When made for the purpose of blocking out light, darker shutters can cause the room to feel smaller and gloomier than it actually is. This is especially true if you already have darker walls, flooring and furniture present.

Conclusion

Ultimately, despite a fairly common belief to the contrary, interior shutters do have the ability to block out light. When compared with many curtains or Venetian blinds, our shutters are actually the better option for decreasing the amount of light coming into a room. However, for a more substantial blackout effect, you could consider adding a blind or heavy curtain to your window for that excess light prevention.

For more information and guidance regarding interior window shutters, feel free to get in touch with the Diamond Shutters team and we’d be delighted to help!

There are several factors to consider when incorporating new window shutters into your home. As well as deciding which type of shutter suits your home best, as well as the colour of your shutters and the size of the louvers, you must also decide whether or not you would like the tilt rod to be visible. But what is the difference between visible tilt rod vs hidden tilt rod? Is one of them more functional than the other? And which looks better from an aesthetic point of view?

Our customers often have questions along these lines, and we’d like to set the record straight. Of course, there are no right or wrong answers here as it comes down to personal preference, but we hope the following considerations will get you thinking about what you want from your new shutters before you make any purchases. In this post, we shall weigh up the pros and cons of both types of tilt rod, hopefully helping you settle the visible tilt rod vs hidden tilt rod debate.

Visible tilt rod

Pros:

• Since classic shutters throughout history usually had the tilt rod on show, a visible tilt rod may suit the needs of those looking to introduce a more traditional feel to their home.
• Not just restricted to the centre of your shutters, visible tilt rods can also be positioned to the left or right (next to the stiles). This opens your shutters up to a variety of different looks and feels should you dislike the centred tilt rod.
• As they are right there in the middle of your shutters, visible tilt rods are easy to access and intuitive to use. Hidden tilt rods may confuse those guests or family members who aren’t used to the disguised mechanism.

Cons:

• Visible tilt rods can make some shutters look too ‘busy’, especially when dressing a window that already has lots of ornamentation (e.g. leaded windows, grilled windows).
• Since the visible tilt rod is such a conspicuous feature of window shutters, they can be tempting for young children to mess around with – this could lead to damage over time.

Hidden tilt rod

Pros:

• Hidden tilt rods have fully functioning mechanisms disguised within the stiles of your shutters which allows them to open and close without any trouble (usually by rolling the tilt rod with the palm of your hand or physically moving the individual louvers).
• Many think that shutters look alot more streamlined without a tilt rod cutting through the middle of the louvers, which makes the hidden tilt rod perfect for those minimalists looking to achieve a lack of excess and ornamentation throughout their interior.
• The hidden tilt rod can prevent excessive lines from dividing the form of your shutters, especially when coupled with full height shutters and wide louvers.

Cons:

• Since hidden tilt rods were not around when shutters came into fashion across Europe, the absence of a visible tilt rod may not be ideal for those who prefer more traditional designs and already have traditional decor in their home.
• For many suppliers, the hidden tilt rod will come at an extra cost compared to the standard visible tilt rods that come with most shutters.

For more information and guidance regarding interior window shutters and their many benefits, please feel free to get in touch with the Diamond Shutters team and we’d be delighted to help!

Kitchen windows are typically quite difficult to dress. Most people opt for blinds or forego a window dressing altogether, and curtains are never a good choice in a room filled with various fluids and smells from cooking. Where should you go from here? Perhaps we’re biased, but we think that interior window shutters are the best solution for kitchen windows. They are well suited to the needs and requirements of any kitchen, as well as versatile in their appearance. So in this post, we will take you through the many benefits of using interior shutters for kitchen windows.

Light control

Ambience is an important factor in the kitchen, and shutters can introduce a natural glow into the room without the need for artificial lighting or concentrated task lighting. You can achieve a variety of different light configurations in your kitchen by adjusting your shutters depending on the time of day. Grace the room with delicate shimmers of light in the early morning, flood your room with light during the day, and block out light entirely at night.

No other window dressing allows such thorough levels of control: curtains and blinds must either be opened or closed, and even venetian blinds allow a significant amount of light through when closed. But interior shutters can always guarantee strict control over natural light while still ensuring privacy.

Timeless appearance

A beautiful kitchen is more pleasant to use on a daily basis, more impressive to guests when they come for dinner parties, and more attractive to potential homebuyers should you wish to sell your home in the future. Interior shutters offer a huge variety of patterns and colours to suit all designs, from traditional country kitchens to contemporary urban kitchens. Indeed, special shaped shutters are able to accommodate windows of any shape and size, from triangular windows to circular windows.

Shutters act as a statement piece in the kitchen, especially considering how most kitchen windows are either unaddressed or inadequately served by blinds. Furthermore, you can channel the atmosphere of traditional European restaurants and cafés by installing some café style shutters, giving your kitchen a timeless continental feel.

Ventilation

When there is a lot of cooking taking place, the kitchen can get excessively hot very quickly. This often makes it necessary to open up a window and let in some cool air. Furthermore, air filtration is important when the room is filled with various smells from cooking and cleaning.

Curtains and blinds make it difficult to ventilate your kitchen without compromising your privacy, as they must be opened entirely for air to filter through the window. However, shutters allow you to filter out these odours with ease while maintaining your privacy: you simply need to open the window and tilt the louvers until your kitchen smells fresh and pleasant.

Water resistance

A lot of moisture is present in the kitchen due to steam from the kettle, the hob, and the oven. This restricts the materials that should be used for window dressings. Fabric curtains will develop mould and mildew as they retain moisture, while certain types of blinds can sustain damage and warping when exposed to damp environments.

Eliminate the risk of warping and shrinking entirely by installing MDF shutters to your kitchen windows. This material has a plastic coating that is fully waterproof – you can even place them directly above the sink without any problems. Similarly, high-quality PVC shutters do not retain moisture and can withstand humid environments very well. Even wooden shutters are thick and durable, meaning that they resist moisture and repel dampness better than other wooden window dressings. Ask your suppliers or designers about their waterproof shutter options for the best deal.

Easy cleaning

The kitchen is known for being a somewhat messy space. Cooking can produce moisture, smoke, grease, as well as various clingy scents. As such, your kitchen should be decked out with furnishings and fittings that are easy to clean, as well as resistant to dirt and grime.

Curtains are typically not used in the kitchen as they can develop mould and stains when exposed to these various nasties, which means regularly taking them down for cleaning. Blinds are notoriously awkward to clean as they are quite flimsy, and they also need to be removed from the frame for a thorough clean. On the other hand, window shutters simply require a quick once over with a dusting cloth and perhaps a spritz of water. You don’t even have to take them down to get the job done properly, leaving you more time to enjoy your kitchen in all its glory!

For more help with your shutters get in touch with the Diamond Shutters team and we’d be delighted to help!

In the world of interior window shutters, the two most commonly used materials are wood (namely, basswood) and MDF (medium-density fibreboard). But what is the difference between the two, what are the advantages and disadvantages of each, and which should you opt for in your own home? Our customers often ask us these questions, and their final decision between wood or MDF shutters usually comes down to a few simple considerations.

Note: although MDF and wood are the main materials used to manufacture window shutters, there are many more materials to consider (not to mention different kinds of wood). As such, you can read our blog post on the best materials for window shutters for a more inclusive list. But for now, we will weigh up the pros and cons of wood vs MDF shutters to help you decide which of the two is best suited to your requirements.

Wood Shutters

Wood is a versatile and diverse material, with its exact qualities depending on the kind of tree from which it is sourced. Our shutters come in a range of hardwoods and finishes, with fine-grained basswood (sourced specifically for use in shutters) being the most common.

Pros:

• Stronger than MDF – due to their strength, they are a logical choice for larger openings where a more sturdy fixture is required (i.e. doorways and bay windows).
• Natural and organic – the different grains and finishes of wood can add a certain charm and authenticity to your shutters, especially when incorporated into traditional interiors.
• Lighter than MDF – a more lightweight shutter is easier to use (especially in the case of tracked shutters, which are opened and closed horizontally) and install.
• Different types of wood– with options including pine, oak, teak, cedar and many more, wooden shutters come with a variety of individual qualities and benefits.
• Various finishes – wood is available in an extensive range of colours and finishes, with enough variation to suit any style of home interior.

Cons:

• Pricier than MDF – wood falls under a higher price range due to the high quality of the material, which may pose a problem for those operating on a smaller budget.
• Susceptible to humidity– they are generally not suitable for rooms that are more humid, although resistance to water largely depends on how tight the wood grain is.

MDF Shutters

Medium-density fibreboard (MDF) is an engineered wood composite made with compacted residue from a mixture of hardwoods and softwoods. Our MDF shutters are finished with a plastic coating, giving them an ever so slightly glossy look.

Pros:

• Increased durability – since MDF is made of various different woods and topped off with a plastic coating, these shutters benefit from increased resilience to scratches and dents.
• Natural appearance – many of our customers are unable to distinguish them from more expensive real wood options at a glance, making them a logical alternative.
• Easier to clean – since they are manufactured with a plastic coating instead of a painted finish, MDF shutters usually only require a quick once-over.
• Cheaper than wood – although this price difference isn’t immediately obvious in their appearance, it certainly makes them a great choice for people operating on a budget.

Cons:

• Fewer colours compared to wood – our MDF shutters come in five shades of white, which may deter those looking for a wider palette or darker tones.
• Heavier than wood – heavier shutters are harder to install and could pose a threat to the integrity and functionality of the covering (it’s worth asking your technician about this).
• Limited placement options – being somewhat less flexible when it comes to intricate shapes and designs, these aren’t suitable for circular or triangular windows.

Still a bit spoilt for choice? Don’t worry, our team of window shutter specialists are here to help! For help discerning which material is best suited to your specific interior design needs, feel free to get in touch with Diamond Shutters and a member of our friendly team will be happy to help.

Despite being seen as a purely functional space, the bathroom should never be neglected when it comes to interior design. After all, it isn’t just there to be used, it’s also there to be enjoyed. In all cases, considerations about the look and feel of your space should factor into the practical decisions you make. If you make the right design choices, you’ll soon be looking forward to getting up in the morning (yes, it is possible) and enjoying a refreshing shower in your spa-like bathroom!

Perhaps we’re biased, but we think that interior window shutters are an amazing addition to any bathroom, both functionally and aesthetically. For a fairly quick and easy change, they make a huge difference to how your bathroom works, how it feels, and the impression it makes. In this post we’re going to focus on the many reasons why shutters are perfectly suited to the bathroom.

Privacy

Of course, privacy is a top priority for many people when designing a new bathroom, and it’s best if there’s no room left for doubt on this front. One of the huge benefits of tracked window shutters is that, unlike curtains and blinds, they can promise full coverage and complete privacy. As they’re fitted to the frame of your window and not just a single headrail, there’s simply no chance of anybody being able to see inside your bathroom. Naturally, this contributes to a more relaxed and comfortable vibe during your most intimate moments – but the advantages don’t end there!

Light control

With other window coverings, privacy is attained only to the detriment of sufficient natural light. For example, curtains have to be completely closed to ensure privacy, which isn’t ideal during the day when you shouldn’t have to rely on artificial light. But cafe window shutters can guarantee both privacy and natural light at the same time. With easily adjustable louvers of varying different sizes, you can control the amount of light in your bathroom to a tee.

No longer do you have to worry about exposing too much to ensure the perfect amount of light: opening your shutters just a little bit will give the room a nice glow, perfect for bathing at dusk. Shutters also allow for some beautiful light patterns: there’s nothing more lovely than a bathroom striped with slatted sunlight and flooded with rippling reflections of bathwater. It all makes for an overall feeling of elegance and bliss.

Withstand damp environments

Considering how hot and steamy your bathroom gets during those long evening baths, it’s best to deck out your bathroom with materials that can properly withstand moisture. This not only ensures the durability of your bathroom, but also makes it easier to clean and maintain on a day-to-day basis. When it comes to covering the windows in a bathroom, however, curtains will inevitably develop mould and mildew, while blinds are capable of warping in the humidity.

As such, most forego external coverings altogether and instead opt for glass blocks or frosty windows. Though these are practical options, they certainly aren’t the most aesthetically pleasing way to withstand damp environments. With shutters, on the other hand, you can always find a middle ground between functionality and aesthetics.

For instance, solid shutters offer a tough and attractive solution to humidity as they resist moisture and repel dampness, while all shutters made from high-quality PVC are guaranteed not to crack, warp or develop mildew over time.

Versatility

triangular, made to measure shutters provide a stylish covering with a perfect fit. They are also available in a number of different colours and finishes, from dark wooden tones to bright and fresh pastels.

Whatever the overall theme or style of your bathroom, shutters can act as a complementary addition. For example, nautical themed bathroom often feature port hole windows, but curtains and blinds cannot adapt to their shape – a circular shutter with a beach blue finish would work perfectly in this case.

For more help with your shutters get in touch with the Diamond Shutters team and we’d be delighted to help!

Most people nowadays want their home to be a bit greener, and a big part of this process involves learning about the environmental effects of a certain product before diving straight into a purchase. These little decisions make a big impact over time, and asking yourself whether or not something is eco-friendly should ideally extend to every aspect of your home. So how do window shutters fare on the environmental scale? What are the eco-friendly benefits of window shutters, if any? Arguably, shutters have a whole host of environmental benefits compared to other available window treatments, i.e. curtains and blinds. Of course, shutters come in many different shapes and sizes, so there will always be an element of personal taste in the exact decisions you make, but here are some factors to keep in mind if environmental impact is a big factor in your home designs.

1. Keep insulated without gas

Thin panes of glass are classic culprits for heat loss. If you’re after a great way to reduce your household energy-usage (not to mention cut down on your bills), look no further than solid window shutters. When internal shutters are closed they have an insulating effect similar to that of double glazing, sealing the opening completely without gaps and ensuring that no heat escapes through the windows or doors. This effect is particularly evident when using naturally insulated materials such as wood. Plus, environmental benefits aside, having insulation that’s so easy to access will make controlling the temperature in your house a breeze (or lack thereof)!

2. Use sustainable materials

Luckily, the most common materials for shutters – real wood and PVC – are known for being eco-friendly and sustainable. Just be sure to look out for FSC certified wood that has been responsibly sourced from sustainable forests and woods.

Curtains and blinds seem to be in constant need of repair, and we often replace them altogether because they begin to look aged and out-of-date. Wooden shutters are made of far more durable materials, as well as being more timeless as a piece of decor, and you can expect to maintain them for at least 20 years without a problem. Not as much replacing and repairing means not as much material wasted in the long run – a reliable way to reduce your carbon footprint!

3. Live the low-maintenance lifestyle

Fabric curtains are notoriously high-maintenance, and they often get super dirty across the top and in the folds. So as well as being a bit of a hassle, washing them on a regular basis does no good to the environment – especially with all of that wasted water and electricity. On the other hand, shutters are known for being the most low-maintenance option, requiring nothing more than a quick weekly dust-off. Without requiring regular washes and the use of damaging cleaning materials, shutters are a lot more sustainable and eco-friendly than its dusty counterparts.

4. Introduce more natural light

One of the main appeals of shutters over different kinds of window treatments is their ability to control light. For instance, when the sun starts shining too much on a bright summer’s day, shutters are a great way to limit the amount of natural light without removing it completely. As such, the need for artificial lighting is significantly reduced.

For more help with your shutters get in touch with the Diamond Shutters team and we’d be delighted to help!

From style through to functionality, there are plenty of factors to consider when deciding how to dress your windows. A popular conundrum is the choice between blinds and shutters, with both offering different advantages and disadvantages. The option that is most suitable for your home will ultimately depend on a combination of aesthetics, practicality and budget. Of course we are biased towards interior window shutters but it is worth considering the pros and cons of both options in order to establish which will work best for your own personal requirements. In this post, we will explore the different options for window treatments and answer that all-important question: why choose shutters over blinds?

Aesthetics

Style is inevitably the first factor to be considered, as the window treatment will need to integrate seamlessly into your home and enhance the overall interior design. Wooden window shutters will bring a timeless look that is perfect for classic interiors but also increasingly popular in the likes of contemporary apartments. In fact, shutters can be good for achieving a minimalist style, for example with simple white panels, which is a lasting trend.

With a fantastic array of stylish design available, featuring different materials and a plethora of colours, you’ll be sure to find an option that suits the style of your home. Of course blinds offer more in the way of patterns but people also tend to get bored of patterns quicker. Although blinds offer a softer touch, shutters are ideal for making a statement – one that is either bold or subtle depending on the style you opt for.

Light control

Shutters provide a myriad of options for light control. Keep the room bright and airy in the day, or close the cafe style shutters completely for a blackout effect at night. Hand in hand with light are the privacy levels, with shutters offering much greater privacy than blinds.

This incredibly versatile functionality of shutters allows you to adjust the levels of light and privacy with greater precision than you would be able to achieve with blinds or curtains. It is even possible to attain both light and privacy at the same time, an appealing combination.

Heat control

As well as light control, solid window shutters also provide the ability for heat control. Shutters are adept at keeping in the heat effectively, ideal for bringing the cost of heating bills down in the winter. This is primarily because they are custom made to fit the window, meaning there are less gaps for cold air to enter or hot air to be lost.

Alternatively, throw them open in the summer to keep the room fresh and cool. Or if you want a bit more privacy and to keep those pesky flies and wasps at bay, adjust the shutters to let in the air whilst keeping the undesirables out. The heat regulation aspect of shutters is a popular selling point for customers looking to have more control and improve the overall energy efficiency of their home.

Maintenance

One of the biggest selling points of shutters is there low maintenance. Window shutters are hardwearing, durable and easy to clean – three very appealing factors for busy households. Plus, unlike with blinds, there are no mechanisms that could potentially break requiring costly repairs. The durability of shutters makes them ideal for rooms like kitchens and bathrooms where excess moisture or damp can be an issue. With the right treatment, shutters will cope just fine with these conditions.

Blind fabrics are prone to colour fading over time, which is a particular issue given that they sit in the window where they are constantly exposed to potentially damaging UV rays. Shutters are not only resistant to this extensive fading, they also reduce the fading of internal furniture and carpets by providing a barrier for the sunlight.

Installation

Shutters need to be installed by a professional to ensure the best possible end result. One great benefit of shutters is that they are extremely flexible, as they can be fitted to any shape or size window. Although both blinds and shutters can be bespoke because they are usually made to measure, shutters are generally the preferred option for obscure window shapes. Shutters are tailored to fit the window and can therefore enhance its natural architectural appeal.

Pricing

It is difficult to directly compare blinds and shutters, as the prices for both vary hugely depending on quality and window size. On the whole, shutters tend to be more expensive; however, having high quality shutters that are tailored to your windows can actually add value to your home.

Plus, their exceptional durability makes them a long-term option that therefore makes them significantly more cost efficient. Also, as a timeless addition to your home, shutters are unlikely to go out of fashion so there’ll be no need to replace them unnecessarily early.

For more help with your shutters get in touch with the Diamond Shutters team and we’d be delighted to help!