Shutters are the longest lasting window fixture and once installed, are considered to be permanent. In fact, shutters are probably the only window fixture that will add value to your home. As people become more environmentally friendly they are now investing in fixtures that are designed to last and window fixtures are no exception. They are still a very popular addition to the home as they are both stylish and long lasting.
Window shutters can last anywhere between 10 to 20 years and even beyond that, depending on what material they are made of and of course how often they are used. Shutters made of materials such as solid wood are the most durable and even some imitation and artificial wood shutters even though a cheaper option are nonetheless still a good and durable alternative.
It was not until the 16th century that people began to use window shutters for decorative purposes as well as practical ones. Around this time, it started to become increasingly common to see ornate woodwork being used for decorative purposes in homes across the world. Come the Victorian era shutters were used both internally and externally. The plantation shutter gets it’s name as an example from the shutters that were first used in the manor houses on American plantations.
Once we reach the Victorian period, the walls in houses were no longer as thick as they used to be thanks to the introduction of wood and brick in construction. With the thinner walls came thinner window recesses, enabling shutters to be used externally as well as internally which had been the traditional method. Shutters will always be in style because they can be customised to fit any décor and any style from the ultra-modern to the more traditional.
Also known as the double-hung shutter these are the most versatile shutters on the market. It works by simply having two sets hung one above the other and they work independently of each other. This basically means that you can have the top open and the bottom shut, or vice versa if you prefer, and both sets can be open or shut too.
These are the best type of shutter if you have taller windows. There usually come with a dividing rail that is positioned either halfway up, or at the natural break of the window. This makes the taller shutter stronger and enables the louvres (a set of angled slats fixed or hung at regular intervals) in the top and bottom half to move independently of each other, so you could open the top set and let the light come in and keep the bottom shut for your privacy.
As the name suggests, full height shutters cover the entire window or door. Full height shutters are a classical and in-demand window covering style.
When closed, these shutters offer complete privacy, or as with all louvre shutters, you can open and close the slates depending on the temperature, light, and privacy required. Full height shutters help reduce noise, and furthermore, you can fold them against a wall to give you wide-open views.
Like cafe shutters, full height shutters can be made to measure and are suitable for all types of windows, including bay windows.
This type of shutter s gives a nice and clean look and comes with variety of centre panels such as raised, moulded and Shaker styles. Solid-based shutters are a combination of louvre panel at the top and solid panel at the bottom.
Shutters can indeed help to insulate windows and can help save on your energy costs. Depending on shutters enclose a window and reduce any heat transfer. Imitation wood shutters are believe it or not the most insulating because they are typically hollow which helps create an insulating air pocket. Real wood shutters are slightly less insulating but are more durable than their imitation. If properly installed, a wood shutter can reduce heat loss in your home 75-90%
Shutters can also help to dampen noise. While they can’t completely block off sound from things like traffic, they can actually help keep some quiet to a room when fully closed. But anjd there is always abut if your room echoes it can enhance the echo.
Kevin Addington is the founder of Diamond Shutters. He has more than 20 years of experience in the purpose-made joinery sector. Kevin launched his company in 2008, and along with his team, has become one of the leading shutter installers in London and the South East, supplying and fitting window shutters for domestic and commercial customers.
