Shutters: Shutters are a gorgeous way to add umph to a small window. Real shutters, or those that appear real, are a wonderful way to add style, beauty, and enlarge smaller windows.
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.
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.
Will my room seem smaller with shutters? When decorating a room the main objective is normally to make a room seem as big and as spacious as possible. Adding shutters to your room will not detract from this and can even enhance the space.
Shutters Can Make Small Windows Look Bigger
Plantation shutters can add size to a small window, even up to multiple inches with the right frame and mount. Of course, shutters won't actually affect the size of the window, but it makes the window look bigger than it is.
Drapery and curtains can be lovely and modern on small windows. Sheer drapes let lots of light in and rods come widths as small as 28”. Drapery panels come in a wide range of custom lengths starting at 15” long. I suggest a soft, unlined drape in a light color, like our Bright White or Natural sheer drapery.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Technically only single windows should have shutters. When you consider the function of the shutter you can see why this would look odd on double even triple windows. Shutters were designed with a useful purpose. Over time they have become decorative.
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.
Letting in natural light is great when creating the illusion of a bigger room. Using big, beautiful picture windows, bow windows, bay windows or architectural windows are perfect for creating that spacious feeling.
Shutters ARE still in style in 2023.
If you're thinking of updating your home and want to add some character, shutters might be the way to go.
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.
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.
Whilst shutters provide a brilliant level of darkness to a room, slight tolerance gaps are required for the smooth function of the shutters which can cause slight amounts of light bleed.
Plantation shutter's robust nature also makes them more than just light barriers. Depending on the shutters you purchase, you will actually lower the use of air conditioning in the summer and heat in the winter. This is one way you will make a little money back from the initial investment.
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.
Black or dark colors, like cobalt, can really make the shutters pop and dress up your home's exterior. Light-colored shutters that are only a few shades darker than the rest of your home create a seamless, classic look for a more traditional home.
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.
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.