Our homes and buildings are designed to protect us from the elements, where we need a roof over our heads to relieve us from the year round onslaught of rain, wind, sun and snow. But as much as our buildings need to keep adverse weather out, it is also important to welcome natural light into these structures during the day. This helps us to function without relying on artificial light substitutes, where the natural equivalent can improve our wellbeing and make for a more comfortable space.
We want natural light to flood our homes and businesses, but we also want to be able to control its intensity. This is where blinds, shutters and curtains come into play, where these soft furnishings allow for us to block out light if we need to sleep, dim sunlight during the height of the day and shut off our windows for additional privacy.Â
Shutters in particular can make for a popular choice because of their aesthetic appeal and practical design, where they can come in a range of colours and styles to complement any interior. If you’re adding shutters to your windows it is important to consider which design is best suited to your space, as well as whether you need professional advice and guidance to ensure a smooth installation process.Â
Read on for a look at some of the top considerations you should make for a successful shutter blind installation.Â
Types Of Shutter Blinds
A shutter is usually formed of horizontal slats fitted into a frame, where this piece is then attached to the surrounding frame by a set of hinges. These shutters can then swing open to provide access to the window, whilst some shutter slats can also be tilted open and closed to control the quantity of light that enters the room.Â
Interior shutters may also be used to manage ventilation, where a window can be left open with shutters in place. The slats can then be tilted to control air flow into the room. Exterior shutters are designed in a similar way to protect the outside of a building. These can be fitted for additional privacy or to defend windows from high winds and flooding.
Some distinctive types of interior shutters include:
Plantation Shutters - A popular type of interior shutter fitted inside a window frame, typically featuring wide adjustable slats.
Cafe Shutters - Shutters fitted on the bottom half of a window to allow for additional privacy, traditionally used in cafes and restaurants to screen diners from view.
Solid Panel Shutters - Shutters that don’t feature slats, where these solid panels can be used for additional insulation or as a form of storm defence.
Decorative Options - Some shutters are purely decorative and won’t open or close, where these can be added to an interior or exterior for aesthetic purposes.
Additional Design Considerations
The type of shutter that you choose for your interior will have a big impact on your installation, but in addition to this there are various other design options that you also need to consider. These factors are discussed below:
Commercial & Domestic Shutters
Your shutters will differ depending on whether they are being designed for a commercial or domestic building. Commercial spaces often require utilitarian shutters that are easy to use and keep clean. You may also need to choose a certain shutter style for the level of privacy your building requires. In contrast, you will have a wider range of colour and design options for domestic window shutters.
Shutter Material
Shutters also come in a variety of different materials, where these vary in price and durability. Traditional window shutters are made from wood, which can be substituted for composite and uPVC alternatives if you’re on a budget. Alternatively, shutters can be made from plastics or metals for a more modern look.
Colour Options
If you’re installing authentic wood shutters, then you will have a wide variety of colour options to choose from. Leave your shutters a natural wood tone, or paint them with a brighter shade to create a focal point for your interior. Plastic and metal shutters can also come in a range of colours and finishes, so you can find the best style to suit your space.
Window Placement
Your choice of shutter will further depend on the placement of your windows and how much sunlight they allow into your room. If your room is sun facing, then you may want to choose a fully adjustable shutter that allows you to control the quantity of natural light that enters your space. Equally, if your room is fairly dark, then you will want to find a slim shutter type that doesn’t block light from entering the room.
Maintenance
When installing a set of shutters, you may want to consider how easy they are to maintain. If your shutters feature lots of slats then these can quickly accumulate dust and debris, which may be difficult to clear. Equally, chrome or wood shutters may lose their shine and require regular polishing to retain an attractive appearance. All of these factors should be considered before making your final choice.
Shutters Vs Alternative Options
Shutters present an attractive option for light and air control compared to other options. Unlike heavy curtains, shutters can be fitted flat to your windows so that they don’t take up an excess of floor space. This can be beneficial for small rooms that don’t receive much natural light. In addition to this, shutters can be installed as a traditional architectural feature that may complement older buildings, where these could match your interior better than modern blinds and other tracked options.Â
In general shutters can also be a top choice for interiors that require additional insulation or protection from the elements. Traditional wooden shutters are sturdy and resilient, where these can be fully shut to help retain heat inside a building. They also come in a wide range of styles and designs, so you can find the perfect look to match your space.
Installing Your Shutters
When it comes to installing your shutters, it can be tempting to consider a DIY installation. There are numerous perceived advantages of this, where you may be looking for a quick fix or to cut costs. Installing your own shutters may be straightforward if you don’t have to remove old blinds or curtains, or if you’re replacing an existing shutter set, as this would mean you have the right infrastructure in place already.
Alternatively, there are many benefits of having a professional team take care of your shutters. Engaging the professionals can save you time and money in the long run, because you will be able to avoid errors that can crop up with DIY projects. A professional installer may be able to offer made to measure shutter services, which are ideal if you’re trying to find shutters for a uniquely shaped window. The experts will also be able to advise you on which shutters are best for the requirements of your interior.
The Blind Guy: Premium Shutter Blinds For Your Windows
At The Blind Guy, we can provide you with the perfect shutter blinds for your interior, whether you’re looking to replace an existing set or you require brand new shutters made to measure. Our indoor window shutter range includes a variety of different designs, such as the Boston, Montana and Hollywood styles. All of these can be made according to your bespoke measurements to help you to find the perfect fit.Â
Our team can also install shutters for businesses, whether you require modern or traditional designs for your space. We offer a range of different wood types to suit both domestic and commercial interiors, all of which can help boost energy efficiency whilst controlling indoor light levels. As such, a brand new shutter installation can provide both aesthetic and financial benefits for you to enjoy.
So if you’re interested in a shutter installation for your space, simply get in touch with our expert team today and we will be able to offer you a free quote and consultation.