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.
With shutters, the only gaps to allow light into the room are those between the individual louvers. Therefore, they are an excellent option if you want to limit the amount of light accessing a room without investing in a less attractive blackout blind.
When closed, full height shutters make excellent light blockers, making them a popular bedroom choice. Slats can run the full height of the panel or you can choose to have a mid-rail added. The mid-rail allows you to open the upper and lower slats separately to provide light control.
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.
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.
Proper shutters should at least appear large enough to cover the entirety of the window when shut (as that's, you know, the whole point of shutters). Shutters should be avoided on double-mulled windows, picture windows, bay windows, and most dormer windows.
Again, the answer to this question depends entirely on which types of blinds you go for. As a general rule of thumb however, shutters have the potential to block external light significantly more effectively and efficiently than standard curtains and blinds.
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.
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.
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.
If you're looking for even more light, perhaps you'd enjoy cafe plantation shutters. Tilt rods, as well, affect how much control you have over the light filtering into your space. While some plantation shutters use a single tilt rod, there is also the option to have a split tilt rod.
They provide insulation
The main reason why window shutters will add value to your house is because they are fantastic insulators. They are far more effective than curtains or blinds when it comes to keeping your house warm because they're thicker and they add an extra layer of insulation to your windows.
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.
While horizontal blinds provide some relief from the heat, window shutters offer the best energy efficiency. This is true whether you choose a real wood or faux wood style. They help keep you more comfortable by blocking energy loss at the window, where your home loses the most air.
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. This is especially true if you're thinking of installing them on large windows.
They are really worth it for any home, as they bring a myriad of leading benefits that aren't available with blinds and curtains. First of all, window shutters provide longevity and durability for your home - lasting longer than other window stylings such as blinds.
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.
Choosing a larger slat size is also a great way to ensure that less light escapes through the shutters as bigger slats mean less are required for panel coverage. Less slats = less gaps for the light to seep through!
By contrast, blackout shades block out all sunlight, making them the perfect choice for bedrooms, nurseries, media rooms, or any rooms that need to be kept dark.
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.
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.
While exterior shutters have been popular for many years, it's natural to wonder if they will eventually become outdated. There are a few factors that suggest that exterior shutters will continue to be installed on houses, apartment complexes, condominiums and office buildings for many years to come.
Well, no, not necessarily. They can still be an incredibly practical way to increase privacy and regulate light and even temperature – and although some styles of shutters are definitely on their way out, many of them actually look good, too.