While shutters do not have a cosy aesthetic, we find that many of our customers love the contemporary aesthetic of shutters. It is also worth noting that shutters generally have a more substantial price tag than curtains. Ultimately, shutters are better insulators against hot and cold weather than curtains.
Energy bills and drafts
People often assume that curtains offer the best insulation for your windows, but various studies have shown that timber shutters and even blinds, when fitted properly to windows can offer significantly greater heat loss prevention than curtains, improving the U-value of your home.
Shutters are crafted from thick materials, making them ideal heat insulators. Since thick materials are poor heat conductors, less heat will sneak into your house through windows.
Plantation shutters act as an insulating barrier
When shutters are closed, they create an insulative barrier between the window and the inside air, providing an extra layer of protection from the cold and essentially an extra layer of thickness to your glass.
Do shutters keep your house warmer? Yes, by ensuring your keeping your home insulated your home becomes much warmer and you rely less on heating and rising energy bills to keep your home warm. A warm room will remain warmer for longer with less energy if draughts and areas of heat loss are reduced in the home.
While shutters do not have a cosy aesthetic, we find that many of our customers love the contemporary aesthetic of shutters. It is also worth noting that shutters generally have a more substantial price tag than curtains. Ultimately, shutters are better insulators against hot and cold weather than curtains.
7) Materials Matter in Plantation Shutter Construction
Since it is susceptible to moisture and humidity, we don't recommend wood shutters (or faux wood) in the bathroom, attic, and garage.
Window shutters are an excellent way to prevent heat loss. When the shutter panels and louvres are closed, they can reduce heat loss through a window by more than 50%. Combined with secondary glazing, this can exceed 62%. You could also combine shutters with curtains and see even greater insulating properties.
Thermalite shutters have stronger insulating properties than shutters made from other materials, including wooden or vinyl shutters. Wood and vinyl are often go-to choices for plantation shutters, but Thermalite shutters offer 2-3 times the insulation—making them ideal for both internal and external use.
By far the most popular colors for plantation shutters are neutral tones. These include Bright White which is a true white, Silk White which is a softer white, and Shell and Biscuit which are both more taupe shades but still very neutral shutter colors.
When it comes to bedrooms, plantation shutters are an especially ideal window covering. Let's look at the features and benefits, along with some style options to consider when ordering for your bedroom shutters. Shutters add the perfect balance of style and function to any bedroom!
“Studies have shown that wooden window shutters are much more effective at reducing heat loss through a window than curtains or blinds.
White or light coloured curtains and blinds are better at reflecting heat and light away from your home. If you have thick, dark curtains, closing them will only trap heat in the room.
Plantation shutters are one of the best window treatments for controlling sun and heat. We recommend them for rooms that are challenging to keep cool in the summer, like south-facing rooms and sunrooms.
In fact, according to research conducted by Glasgow Caledonian University, shutters can help to reduce heat loss by up to 51%, compared to 22% for roller blinds and 14% for curtains. Just remember to keep the shutters closed during the hottest or coolest part of the day to enjoy maximum benefits.
Plantation Shutters
Just as with cellular shades, the R-value of a plantation shutter will depend on the material used — generally, wood or vinyl. Both have great R-values (2.77 and 3.17 respectively), but if you're going mostly for the highest R-value, then vinyl is your ticket!
They are room darkening, but if you need the complete dark look - "I sleep in a cave dark look !" then they are not the only product you need. If you are a Shift Worker and need to sleep in complete darkness during the day, then you will need something else as well as the Plantation Shutters.
These louvers can be tilted from fully open to fully closed and angle in between, allowing you to control light, privacy, and airflow through the room. While Plantation shutters alone are great for privacy and light control, layering them with curtains can enhance these benefits.
You could even opt for bold prints and patterns if you wanted or add a vintage touch with some regal tiebacks for a more tailored look. So, there you have it – the answer in short is that you don't need to have curtains installed alongside window shutters but lots of people still choose to have both.
Don't install functional louvered exterior shutters upside down. Do install exterior shutters with the louvers, or slats, aligned correctly. Movable exterior shutters in a closed position over the window opening will direct rain water away from the home.
Insulated cellular shades are typically considered to have the highest R-values of all window coverings. The air pockets in the honeycomb cross-sections act as insulators, increasing the R-value and reducing the conduction of heat through the window.
It is safe to say that plantation shutters will not go out of fashion anytime soon! They have been around for centuries, and their design and style evolution mean that they are an adaptable and timeless addition to whatever style of home you have.
White wooden blinds are another great choice for people who want the look of pure white shutters at a more affordable price point. They look just like shutters and can be made from real wood or faux wood depending on your space.