We like Maria Killam's advice, especially for DIY'ers and novices: “A good rule of thumb if you are considering adding (or trying to decide whether to keep) shutters: if your windows are wider than they are tall, they won't look good with shutters.” If you're asking why this matters, the answer makes perfect sense: if ...
Quick Answer: Shutters are a perfect solution for large windows. Not only do they offer improved control over light and privacy, but they also free up floor space inside your home. There's a style and mounting option to suit any window – and they are proven to reduce heat loss, keeping energy costs down.
Shutters should be avoided on double-mulled windows, picture windows, bay windows, and most dormer windows. Can't afford to replace the shutters? Simply adding shutter hardware is a little detail that goes a long way. A home with properly sized shutters.
Shutters do in fact help towards this and can help you to achieve a more spacious looking living area. Shutters are fitted within the recess of a window so sit flush unlike more traditional fittings such as curtains. This in turn creates blank space around and either side of the window.
Shutter size should be between 25-50% of the window width in order to remain aesthetically pleasing. Never install house shutters that are wider than the window.
Do all houses need shutters? Absolutely not, and many, many houses would look much better without shutters, rather than with “today's” shutters. What do we mean by that? For starters, many shutters today serve no purpose, other than to add an accent color, and to fill in space around windows.
Curtains with shutters work best when the curtain pole is raised higher than your window frame and when they fall floor length. Don't be afraid of pairing shutters with curtains. While it might seem like an unusual style choice, with a little consideration it can be a fabulous and elegant feature of any room.
Plantation shutters add value to your house in several ways. Potential buyers will appreciate that shutters are energy efficient and can lower utility costs, making your house appear more appealing than homes without shutters. Buyers save money on energy bills throughout the year, making your property more desirable.
You Don't Have to Put Shutters on Every Window
In addition to making your residence look better, they might even improve your resale value and make it more appealing to future buyers. You don't necessarily need to put shutters on all the windows in your house.
Note that in many cases, the windows are wider than the shutters, and it would be impossible to install conventional swinging shutters to cover that window. Shutters are merely a decorative feature used to make the windows look bigger.
Window shutters work brilliantly for both modern and traditional homes these days. It's because the window shutters we can install for your home are designed to have the classic look of old shutters, with all of the benefits of modern, durable window blinds.
Shutters should be sized to cover the window if closed and convey the believable appearance of actually being usable even if theyare non-operable. Also, the shutters should mirror image the window. Rails should line up with the lock rail, transom, muntin or other architectural elements of the window.
3 ½” slats let in plenty of light and fit with any style of home décor. A large window with a great view to the outdoors will look stunning with 4 ½” slats in proportion to the size, and to maximize light entry and visibility through the slats. For the most modern look and cleanest lines, opt for 4 ½” slats.
If you choose lighter colors, it will help a smaller house look larger. Shutters that match the color of your window trim can make smaller windows look larger. Darker colors, on the other hand, will bring attention to certain features.
A lot of people put exterior shutters on their windows to dress up their houses. They want to add curb appeal, especially if they are trying to sell their homes.
Plantation Shutters Protect Your House From Burglars
Trying to break through a shutter is not quick or easy and chances are they will be heard trying to break through the wood. Plantation shutters therefore not only provide an extra barrier to your house, they're also a huge deterrent.
Shutters dramatically improve the look of a home from any angle. If you want to amplify your home's style, then adding shutters to the back is a no-brainer. It's an especially easy choice when you think about all the other benefits that functional exterior shutters can provide.
Expect to spend $20 to $45 per square foot for a custom job. Wood shutters will run you $200 to $350 per window, while composite shutters cost $80 to $200.
Plantation shutters will allow light seep between louvres and also between the panel and the frame. However, this is often less light than other conventional window dressings and most clients will be pleasantly surprised at the increase in darkness which can be quite dramatic.
The plastic look of vinyl and the smooth exterior is challenging to match to décor styles and is different from other real wood or faux wood products. Though they might be among the most affordable, vinyl shutters offer the least durability among non-wood treatments. Heat also affects vinyl easily.
Shutters should be sized and shaped to cover the window opening completely when they're closed. Properly sized shutters fold tightly between the exterior window casings, leaving a narrow gap at the perimeter.
Your home's shutters should coordinate with your front door. While it's a “safe” approach to match your shutter color with your front door, you can also simply go one shade lighter or one shade darker (without the risk of clashing!) to add some uniqueness and style to your home's appearance.