Everything You Need to Know About Window Shutters

When you’re dressing your windows, it’s easy to get caught up in choosing between blinds and curtains. But before you make any decisions, make sure you take a look at window shutters.

Although not particularly common in the UK, window shutters can be a brilliant way to control your home light and ventilation levels. Plus, if you get the right design and material, they can be a stylish and unique addition to your home.

If you want to know more about window shutters but aren’t sure where to start, you’re in the right place. Read on for a brief guide on everything you need to know about window shutters.

Shutter types

Window shutters fall into two main types: solid and louvred. Solid ones consist of one piece of material, whereas louvred shutters have multiple horizontal slats.

It’s a good idea to pick your window shutters based on what you want to achieve. If you want to control your light and ventilation levels, go for louvred blinds. Most designs let you adjust the slats to alter how much daylight and ventilation enters your home. But if you’re thinking about getting window shutters because you want to improve your home insulation, then go for solid shutters.

Shutter styles

Once you’ve got an idea of what shutter type you want, you need to consider styles. Pick full height shutters if you want to cover the whole of your window, or café style ones if you just want to cover the lower part.

If neither of these styles appeal, then tier-on-tier window shutters might be for you. These are two shutters mounted on top of each other, which allow you to choose between covering the lower half of your window, the top half or both. An advantage to tier-on-tier shutters is that, if you’re stuck between solid and louvred shutters, you can make one shutter solid and the other slatted.

Shutter materials

Another thing you need to consider is the material that you want your window shutters to be made of. Wood tends to be the most common shutter material, as it’s durable and can look great in a range of properties. Hardwoods that resist rot and decay, like cedar and mahogany, are particularly popular.

If you don’t fancy wooden window shutters, there are other options. Plastic and aluminium shutters are available and are great for rooms with high moisture levels, like bathrooms and kitchens.

Shutter finishes

Choosing a finish that coordinates with your furniture and furnishings is a great way to make your window shutters look eye-catching and unique. If you have wooden shutters you can choose to stain or paint them, depending on whether you still want the wood grain to show through or not.

Plastic and aluminium shutters also come in a range of colours, so no matter what material you use you can make your window shutters look great.

As most windows are a range of shapes and sizes, window shutters usually need to be custom-made. If you’re looking for a professional shutter supplier and fitter, click ‘Start my project’ and complete our online form. We’ll connect you with up to 4 professionals in your local area.