Shutters: Things You Should Know
Shutters have been a favourite for homeowners looking for a timeless, practical window dressing for as long as we can remember. Here at Gilory Interiors, we often get asked ‘what makes shutters different from curtains and blinds?’ and ‘why are they worth considering for my home?’ Let us tell you why.
What Makes Shutters a Good Choice?
Shutters offer a level of versatility that many other window treatments can’t match. They give excellent light control, allowing you to be in charge and adjust the angle of the louvres to let in as much or as little natural light as you’d like, without compromising on privacy. Unlike curtains, they don’t gather dust or fade as quickly, making them a practical long-term investment for busy households.
They also add real character to a room. Whether you live in a period cottage or a contemporary new-build, shutters can be tailored to complement the style of your home.
Popular Styles to Choose From
There are several styles you can pick from, each one’s suited to different window types and buyer preferences:
- Full height - these cover the entire window, making them ideal for bedrooms and living rooms
- Café style - they only cover the lower half of a window, offering you privacy while keeping the top half open to the natural light
- Tier-on-tier - two panels are stacked on top of one another, giving you flexible control over light and privacy
- Solid panel - these have no louvres and are often used for a sleek, minimalistic look or for blackout
Materials are Important
Shutters are usually made from wood, faux wood or MDF-based materials. Real wood shutters bring warmth and a natural finish and are often chosen for character properties. Faux wood or composite shutters are more resistant to moisture and temperature changes, which makes them a sensible choice for kitchens and bathrooms.
It’s worth discussing your room’s conditions with a specialist before deciding, as the wrong material in a humid space can affect durability over time.
Measuring and Fitting
Getting an accurate fit is essential, as shutters are a made-to-measure product. Windows are rarely perfectly square, especially in older homes, so professional measuring makes a big difference to the finished look. A proper survey will also identify the most suitable frame type for your window, whether that’s a full frame, an L-frame or a face fix.
Caring for Your Shutters
One of the great benefits of shutters is how low-maintenance they are. A few simple habits helps to keep them looking their best:
- Dust often with a soft cloth or a vacuum brush attachment
- Wipe with a slightly damp cloth for a deeper clean
- Check the hinges and tilt the rods every so often to ensure a smooth operation
- Avoid using harsh chemical cleaners, these can damage the finish
Choosing shutters is as much about understanding your space as it is about style. Factors such as: room usage, light exposure and window shape all play a part in finding the right shutters. Here at Gilroy Interiors, we take the time to understand your home and navigate you through the options, so you end up with the right shutters for you. If you’re considering shutters for your home, get in touch, we’d be happy to talk through what would work best for you.