Your Complete Guide to Choosing the Right Internal Shutters for Your Home
Wednesday, 8 May 2019
When it comes to making updates to your home, you may not often think of interior shutters. But this simple addition to your interior space can make a great impact on your overall design and comfort. Even if you have given some thought to what interior shutters for your house could do for your lifestyle, you may be wondering how to choose.
To that end, there's good news and bad news. The good news is that there are plenty of options to choose from. The bad news is that there are plenty of options to choose from.
With so many varieties, it can be difficult to narrow your choice down to just one. Don't worry, that's why we're here. Keep reading to learn more about how to choose the best interior shutters for your home.
How to Choose Interior Shutters
Before you can start shopping for the best window shutters for your interior spaces, you should know the differences in materials and styles. This will help you determine a spending budget based on your preferences and overall needs.
Materials
You can choose from real wood, composite shutters, vinyl, plastic, or aluminium. Most interior shutters are made from real wood or composite materials like fiberboard covered with polypropylene. Composite shutters are more desirable for their durability while many people like wood shutters for their classic look.
Style
There are two different styles of shutters. Plantation shutters and cottage or traditional shutters. Traditional shutters are installed on hinges that attach to the window frame with small louvers. Plantation shutters feature larger panels and louvers.
The Different Types of Shutters
Interior window shutters do an excellent job of filtering the sunlight in your home. Not to mention blocking it out altogether if that's your goal. But, you also have to consider how they will look inside your home.
Let's take a look at the different styles to choose from so you can find something you love.
Cafe Style Shutters
Cafe style shutters only cover the bottom of a window leaving the top of the window uncovered. They provide a sense of privacy from onlookers at the street level and even up close. Cafe style shutters are especially quaint in kitchen nooks.
Louvered Shutters
Louvered shutters are considered the most classic and flexible option. The louvers are thinner which blocks out more light. Louvered shutters open and close on hinges allowing you to open the window fully.
Full Height Shutters
Full height shutters cover your entire window which comes in handy in areas of your home that receive a lot of daylight where you would prefer to block it out. Full height shutters are also great for insulation purposes and offer maximum privacy. These type of shutters are suitable for most windows.
Tier-on-Tier Shutters
These type of shutters are made up of not one, but two panels. They are hung so that one sits above the other one allowing you to open the bottom part of the window independently. You may also be able to open them together.
Tier on tier shutters provides a look of luxury in otherwise drab rooms.
Solid Panel Shutters
If insulation and ultimate privacy are what you seek, solid panel shutters should do the trick. These type of shutters are made from solid wood panels and do not have any slats or louvers. They do an excellent job of blocking out the light.
Shaped Shutters
Perhaps the best plantation shutters you can find are shaped to fit your special window. You can find everything from round and semi-circular to triangles and other shapes. These type of shutters must be custom ordered and fabricated.
Waterproof Shutters
Waterproof shutters are generally made from ABS plastic and specifically designed for kitchens and bathrooms. They are designed to withstand humid and wet environments while still providing privacy and some insulation.
Tracked Shutters
Tracked shutters are especially perfect for large windows and bi-fold style doors. They are fitted to a track at the bottom and top so that they can be folded back when fully opened. You'll usually find tracked shutters with louvers or slats that can also be opened and closed.
Bay Window Shutters
Bay windows can be difficult to find window coverings for because of their shape and depth. But, shutters for bay windows can be custom made to fit each individual window pane. They are generally designed with slats or louvers that can easily open and close.
Conservatory Shutters
If you have a conservatory, you know how hot it can get in there during the brightest parts of the day. Conservatory shutters provide shade and insulation all year round. These type of shutters will fit regular windows as well as ceiling panes.
Benefits of Interior Window Shutters
Interior shutters allow flexible control of privacy and light in your home while also providing insulation against the elements. They take up very little space and add a classic look to your interior design. And, most importantly, they are easy to clean and maintain.
Final Thoughts
Choosing interior shutters doesn't have to be an overwhelming process. It can even be fun as long as you know what your budget is and have an idea of your style. Now that you know the different styles of shutters available, you can make an informed decision when it comes time to start shopping.
If you have questions or would like to schedule a consultation, feel free to contact us. Our teams have over 120 years of combined experience to help you find exactly what you're looking for.