For exceptional light control throughout the year, it is difficult to find a better, more solid or more versatile solution than adjustable wooden shutters or Venetian blinds.

Taking advantage of adjustable louvres, both shutters and Venetian blinds have been the go-to solutions for elegant, professional window coverings for over a century, with the choice relying on whether the greater adjustment of the latter is more important than the solid aesthetics of the former.

The latter was particularly popular at the end of the 19th century up onwards, as they helped to manage and regulate air quality and light for the rapidly growing industry of increasingly tall buildings.

The skyscraper was a marvel of engineering that defined and formed an iconic part of the landscape of the United States, particularly in the city of New York.

Bigger buildings lead to new issues, however. Whilst offices with sufficiently large windows always have problems with glare and harsh natural light, this is particularly problematic with skyscrapers due to the more acute angles the sun’s rays come from.

This is where blinds came in as a vital solution, and due to the differing requirements of light during different points of the day, the versatility of Venetian blinds was required.

Many skyscrapers, including 30 Rock (aka the RCA/Comcast Building), took advantage of their versatility but the largest order for Venetian blinds ever made was for the Empire State Building, which was the tallest building in the world on completion.

This tremendously significant order went to a company in Burlington, Vermont. At the time, the company in question was one of the biggest in the area and one of the longest-surviving companies to specialise in Venetian blinds.

This huge publicity helped to increase sales even during the Great Depression. However, by the time the Second World War had ended, the company involved with the biggest order of Venetian blinds in history was beginning to wind down, finally closing by 1954.

As we enter the bitter chill of winter, homeowners are more mindful than ever of any ways they can find to lower their energy bills and keep warm for less.

One of the best ways to do this is to ensure your home is well insulated and is not losing too much heat through window frames, and one of the easiest ways to help with this is through the use of some of the most beautiful window coverings money can buy.

Whilst most people opt for wooden shutters for their aesthetic benefits, their solid construction, inherently insulating material and the way in which they fit the entire window means that they can also help to reduce energy bills.

According to a study by English Heritage, well-fitting shutters cut the amount of heat loss from a window frame by 58 per cent, not only potentially cutting energy bills in half but also beating blinds and blackout curtains as the most effective way to beat the winter chill.

Making the most of this is a simple matter of keeping the louvres open during the day. This allows light and heat from the sun to get in and warm up the room naturally, and then when the sun starts to set, simply close the louvres and keep the room’s accumulated heat.

This barrier means that the central heating system needs to work less hard to warm up the rest of the house, using less energy and less fuel, which translates to a smaller bill to pay to your power company, as well as more reliable boilers that do not need to work as hard.

Unlike other window covers, the opposite is also true in summer. Closing the louvres or leaving them closed will keep heat out during especially oppressive hot days.

This means that a beautiful, aesthetically pleasing choice for your windows can also be a practical energy-saving tool as well.

After a balmy start to October, temperatures have certainly taken a dip lately and winter certainly feels like it’s on its way. However, homeowners with wooden window shutters can rest assured their house will stay warm. 

This is because shutters are great at trapping hot air in the house, creating a barrier between the glass window and the rest of the room. As a result, a layer of air becomes locked in, which means hot air from the room will not escape. 

Therefore, if the central heating is on, you can relax knowing you won’t be spending more money on your energy bills than necessary, and can avoid heating up air only for it to escape through the windows. 

At a time when energy bills are still extremely high, with prices capped at £1,834 per year for a typical household, this will be extremely important to most homeowners this winter.

Window shutters also make it harder for the cold air from outside to get into the house, helping to keep the interior warm and comfortable, so you can rest assured you can have a restful night’s sleep or a cosy evening on the sofa without feeling the chill. 

Another great thing about wooden shutters is the slats can be partially opened while the rest of the frame remains closed. This means sunlight can come into the house at the same time as heat loss is reduced. 

What’s more, this means bright winter sunshine can stream through the house, helping to warm it up while also benefiting from the shutters to trap air in. 

At nighttime, when the sun has set, you can close the slats fully again and boost the insulation in the room, reducing the amount of warm air being lost to the outside.

When it comes to elevating your home’s interior, window treatments play a pivotal role. The decision often boils down to two popular choices: wooden shutters and blinds. Both options have their own unique attributes and advantages, making the choice a matter of personal preference.

In this post, we’ll delve into the benefits of wooden shutters and blinds to help you make an informed decision that suits your style and needs.

 

Wooden Shutters: Timeless Elegance

Durability: Wooden shutters are renowned for their long-lasting durability. Crafted from premium materials, they stand the test of time and continue to look stunning for years.

Insulation: They offer excellent insulation, helping to regulate the temperature in your home. They can keep your space cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter.

Privacy and Light Control: The adjustable louvres of shutters allow for precise control over privacy and light. You can easily adjust them to let in just the right amount of sunshine.

Versatility: They are versatile and can complement various interior design styles, from traditional to contemporary. They are a timeless choice that adds an elegant touch to any space.

 

Blinds: Sleek And Practical

Affordability: Blinds are often a more budget-friendly option, making them an excellent choice for those seeking an economical solution without compromising on quality.

Lightweight: Blinds are typically lighter in weight, making them easy to install and operate. They come in a variety of materials, including aluminium, fabric and vinyl.

Versatility: Blinds offer a wide range of styles, colours and designs, allowing you to select the one that best matches your decor and personal taste.

Adjustability: Blinds provide flexible light control and privacy. You can easily tilt the slats or raise the entire blind to achieve the desired level of illumination.

Ultimately, the choice between wooden shutters and blinds depends on your individual preferences, needs and budget. Wooden shutters exude timeless elegance and durability, while blinds offer versatility and practicality. 

Whichever option you choose, you can be confident that your window treatments will enhance the beauty and functionality of your space.

When it comes to enhancing the ambience and aesthetics of your home, wooden shutters offer a timeless and sophisticated solution. Whether you’re a homeowner with a discerning taste for interior design or a professional seeking to add a touch of elegance to your workspace, custom shutters can be the perfect choice to elevate your space.

 

Material Matters

One of the key aspects of customising your shutters is selecting the most suitable material. Premium wood options like oak and maple provide a solid foundation for your design journey. Each wood type has its own unique grain pattern, giving you the freedom to choose the material that fits with your personal style and vision for the space.

 

Finish It Your Way

Your shutters should not only fit your windows but also your personal taste. Whether you lean toward a classic, natural look or prefer a more contemporary finish, the possibilities are endless. With various stain and paint options available, you can easily find the perfect colour to harmonise with your interior decor.

 

Size And Design

Shutters serve a dual purpose; they are both functional and decorative. The size can be customised to meet your specific needs. Larger plantation shutters create an open, airy atmosphere, while smaller ones provide enhanced privacy and a traditional look. Additionally, you can work with experts to select a design that complements your style.

 

Adding a Personal Touch

To make your shutters truly unique, consider adding personal touches such as custom-shaped shutters for unconventional windows or speciality cut-outs that reflect your personality. Customisation allows you to bring your vision to life, ensuring that your shutters become a reflection of your individuality and style.

In the world of premium wooden shutters, the possibilities are boundless. Whether you’re in the market for shutters to display nature’s beauty or looking to create an isolated city escape, the journey of customising shutters that resonate with your unique style awaits.

The cost of living crisis has provided all manner of burdens for people. In the most extreme cases, it has made it hard for some to pay their bills and put food on the table. For others, it has meant that while day-to-day living is manageable, economies have been made and luxuries curbed.

In January last year, research by estate agent Nested indicated that Britons spent a collective £22 billion a year (£330 per person) on interior décor, more than any other European nation bar Germany.

Since then, however, it is likely this passion for spending on interiors has been dulled by rising costs elsewhere. Households faced with a squeeze will have to put home improvements or redecoration on hold.

However, it need not be this way. You might find there are actually some exciting options for your home that are actually well within your budget. We would suggest affordable window shutters are just that.

As a local company aware that, contrary to some stereotypes, not everyone in Sussex is loaded, we know full well that affordability is an issue for many people, just as is an appreciation of finer elements such as skilful assessments of need and a professional approach.

Some might perceive that the cost-of-living crisis is fading away, as inflation, having topped out at over ten per cent, was 6.8 per cent at the last count and expected to fall further soon.

The Bank of England has just published its latest inflation attitudes survey, which showed there is an average expectation that the rate will drop to 3.6 per cent over the next year, although that is actually 0.1 per cent more than the predicted figure in May. Nonetheless, the general expectation is for the rise in the cost of living to ease somewhat.

However, this is against the backdrop of higher interest rates that can add much to mortgage costs. While the recent spate of increases may be near its peak, this has proved a shock for many.

All that means household budgets could be tight for a while yet, but that does not mean there are not high-quality and affordable shutter options available.

The best thing a good shutter company can offer its customers is lots of quality and choice, meaning you can not only get very good shutters and blinds, but also find just the thing that suits you.

However, finding the right shutters for your home may not be a question of a one-size-fits-all approach, as much may depend on each window’s size, location in the house (upstairs or downstairs) and its position in relation to the sun at various times of the day.

It is worth remembering at the outset that the ways shutters have been used down the ages have varied. In medieval times when most windows did not have glass, they were a barrier to keep flying creatures from insects to birds from entering the home, while they had more insulating properties later when glazing was the norm, as well as privacy considerations.

The latter is still an important factor now, so for the ground floor, solid wood shutters that prevent anyone from peeping in at street level are a good idea. Equally, it can also be important to have these for your bedroom, especially if it faces another upstairs room.

You may also have ideas of the right sort of shutters for Regency windows, should you live in such a building and have tall windows. These windows allow lots of natural light in, but how much you let in and keep out may depend on what direction it faces.

For example, a south-facing window should be free to let as much light in as possible in winter but the capacity to restrict it in summer, while those facing west may require shutters that can keep the light out when it is dazzlingly low around sunsets in early spring and autumn, around the equinoxes (you will be able to check this out later in September).

Finally, if you have a north-facing window, you must note that very little sunlight will ever encroach directly except very early or late in the day in summer, with the topography of the nearby South Downs limiting this further. That means you need shutters that open wider to get the best of the light here.

Just like any interior design decision, choosing what type of shutters to get can be very tricky, as you will need to think about what suits the window and the room, and which style will let in the right amount of light. 

Tier-on-tier plantation shutters are one of the most popular choices, so read on to find out why. 

 

Versatile

Homeowners love this type of shutter because you can control how much sunlight to let into the room at any time. 

As the panels are independently operated, you can keep one completely closed while opening the other. 

This is great if you want to let in lots of light but also wish to retain privacy, as you can keep the bottom tier closed and while opening the top. 

 

Best of both worlds

They are also great for those who cannot choose between full-height or cafe-style shutters, as they can enjoy having both. 

When you want to keep the light out, you can have the privacy and seclusion of full-height shutters. 

Alternatively, cafe-style shutters can provide a much lighter, brighter space, as only half of the window is covered up. Tier-on-tier shutters can offer this by being used like cafe-style ones.

 

Great for bay windows

This is why homeowners choose tier-on-tier shutters for their bay windows. 

Those who have a couch or chairs in their bay window can still enjoy their own privacy without having to sit in darkness, as they can keep the bottom section shut while opening the top half. 

This is ideal for those with homes on busy streets, as they won’t want everyone catching sight of them watching TV, eating dinner or snuggling up with their partner as they walk past.

British homes are built for a temperate climate, especially older buildings such as the Regency properties that make up much of Brighton and Hove’s cityscape. But are they well suited to all the challenges we face today?

On the one hand, climate change is bringing hotter summers, even if this was only apparent here in June before the stubborn Jet Stream gave us a cold and wet July and locked in the severe heat to the south across much of Europe.

On the other hand, winter can still be cold and high energy bills make people more reluctant to turn it on in the autumn, while a lot of British homes are nowhere near as well insulated as they should be.

This is where shutters and blinds could come into their own, however, as they can be extremely useful for dealing with the extremes of heat and cold.

Responding to a recent Oxford University study that suggested Britain will need to do more than most countries to adjust to a changing climate, structural engineer Oliver Neve of Ramboll told PA news: “There’s an awful lot of work that has to be done within the existing (UK building) stock to prepare us for these climate changes.”

He said that blinds and shutters could be a great way of keeping heat out, noting these are commonplace not just in sunnier southern Europe, but even places like Lille in northern France with an “identical climate” to the UK.

At the same time, shutters can be very good at keeping heat in. This is particularly true for wood. Provided it is dry, it has very low thermal conductivity, which means it is a very good insulator.

That is important for helping keep the heat in during the evenings as the temperature drops in autumn. Indeed, if you are thinking about purchasing blinds or solid wood shutters now, you may be thinking more of the cold seasons ahead than what remains of summer.

However, over the lifetime of your shutters, there will be lots of hot days and cold days. That is why it makes sense to have something in place that helps keep the temperatures at a happy medium.

Whilst British summers have historically had a reputation for being somewhat literal damp squibs, the last few years have seen temperature records be beaten time and again, to the point that hot temperatures are becoming the norm.

The problem with this is that a lot of British homes are not designed to handle the heat, with research from the University of Oxford claiming that if temperatures continue to rise, there will be 30 per cent more days where cooling systems are needed to avoid falling ill, matching Switzerland for the biggest change in cooling demand.

However, the report suggests a range of potential cooling systems that could help keep the temperature down without relying too heavily on air conditioning systems, fans and other powered systems.

Whilst some of the systems such as radiant panels, improved ventilation, green roofs and ultra-white reflective paint are relatively new and currently quite expensive technologies, one surprising intervention that can help is the use of solid wood shutters.

In many respects, this is not entirely surprising; shutters and thick curtains have been used for a very long time to insulate houses, and insulation not only serves to keep heat inside a home during winter but can help to block the heat out during the summer months and avoid causing a greenhouse effect in your home.

A lot of homes in the UK lack either passive or active cooling systems, unlike other European countries which have similar or even cooler climates, but this report suggests that if these measures were to be adopted, Britain would be in a better place to tackle rising temperatures.

Wooden shutters are an attractive solution, alongside removing excessive paving and patios around your home to reduce the urban heat island effect and adding more plants and vegetation to add natural shade around your home.