Typically, when people are looking for beautiful wooden shutters, the aim is to renovate the appearance of their home and make it a more pleasant place to spend a lot of time.

After all, for many people, their home is their sanctuary and where they spend the overwhelming majority of their free time, so making it look beautiful and feel comfortable is essential largely for its own sake.

However, for people hoping to move home and navigate the property market, could plantation shutters potentially help boost the value of their home more than the cost of fitting them?

The answer, rather surprisingly, is yes, albeit in somewhat subtle ways besides the obvious appeal shutters have for a range of different interior design styles. Shutters fit a lot of different housing modes and at the front of the house boost kerb appeal. 

One part of this is a boost to potential light levels; because they are far better suited to adjusting the level of natural light to provide both additional privacy and better lighting, both of which are not only highly prioritised and prized by potential buyers but are also relatively subjective.

A common selling trick is to use neutral, light-coloured walls and mirrors parallel to the windows in order to reflect as much natural light around the room to increase its perceived space, something shutters are very useful at helping with.

As well as this, shutters improve the security of the windows by providing an additional solid layer of security as well as the added perception of security that comes from a more open and solid deterrent to window entry. With a potential buyer, perception is everything.

Finally, although this might not always be an immediately accessible benefit, shutters improve insulation, which can improve energy efficiency statistics that can make a home more viable to some buyers.

Whilst other types of blinds can sometimes show their age quite quickly, wooden plantation shutters are exceptionally elegant and hardwearing, lasting potentially for many years if looked after properly, a process that often does not take a lot of work.

This low maintenance, high functionality and beautiful appearance have made plantation shutters the favoured choice of many homeowners, but there may come a point due to misuse, age or bad luck where an issue could develop on one of the louvres.

This most commonly takes the form of a single one of the multiple louvre slats coming loose and sliding down even when the latch lever is lifted.

This is, thankfully, very easily fixed with the help of a Phillips cross-head screwdriver. Find the tension screws at each side and tighten them a bit whilst the shutters are closed. This will keep them in line with the rest of the shutter and should keep their position for a while.

They can sometimes also become misaligned, typically the result of a loose alignment pin that connects the louvre with the latch lever. Simply open the louvres so they are parallel to the frame, push the pin back into place and the issue should be very easily and clearly fixed.

The other, more serious issue that can occur after a long time, impact damage or a lot of temperature changes and warping that can come during particularly bitter temperatures or unusual amounts of pressure is broken parts of the frame or louvres themselves.

In some smaller cases of louvre damage, if you can live with a slight blemish to the shutters themselves, wood glue could potentially be used to fix it and put it back into place.

Larger damage might need an expert to replace the louvre itself, and broken frames will often require the entire shutter to be swapped out for a new one. 

The most important part of a set of shutters is the louvres, as they are the part of the wooden shutter’s design that allows for the light in the room to be carefully, delicately and easily adjusted.

Because of this, it is easy to assume that their initial use was found in Venetian blinds of plantation shutters. However the concept of louvres had an earlier, far less conventional use in the Middle Ages.

The initial use for a louvre in a home was very different and looked exceptionally different to the flat, adjustable wooden slats seen today, and instead were more adjustable lantern-like fixtures found primarily in larger kitchens in mediaeval homes.

The traditional louvre, first used in English in the early 14th century, was a domed structure, similar to what is often found at the top of a steeple. 

It was used before the creation of more advanced chimney structures that funnelled smoke and hot air out of the kitchen, by instead providing a safe outlet for the smoke and allowing light into the kitchen without letting in lots of rain and snow into the house.

Initially starting off as a barrel, they would take increasingly elaborate forms made of pottery, before entering their final form that started to resemble modern louvre systems.

They had a series of wooden slats that could be opened and closed simply by pulling on a string. By this point the concept of the louvred window covering was already starting to be used, allegedly named after the French palace of the same name.

The word’s origin is something of a mystery. The term louvre allegedly originated from the Old French word “lovier”, which is believed to have either come from the Latin term for lobby “lodarium” or the French word “ouvrir” (to open).

Ultimately, its much more common use in shutters has won out since, but it is a fascinating example of how the concept evolves.

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.