Shutters are masterpieces

Shutters truly are masterpieces of design. There are a lot of people who would say otherwise, but the development over the last few decades have seen change not only with technology, but also with the way things as simple as shutters are made.

It is amazing when you get shutters now days how fast they can be built. Maybe the quality is not as great as what it used to be when someone would take hours working on them, but they surely can be produced so very quickly to fill your window openings at the right time.

History of the Shutter

Most people think that shutters originated in ancient Greece, specifically interior shutters would be used to keep peoples homes cool or warm depending on the needs, as well as to secure the home when no glass was available at the time.

Interestingly, Shutters were also common in the area of medieval Europe in which houses having solid shutters would be at times closed with a big iron bar for protection.

By the time that Tudor and Elizabethan times glass had been introduced, shutters were still very cheap way of keeping peoples, so shutters continued in use; sometimes windows were half glazed with solid shutters below the sash. Once glass became more readily available shutters became less popular though they often replaced curtains in many countries where the humid climate didn’t suit curtains this can still been seen in Greece.

Later on after the 15th century solid shutters were increasingly replaced by hinged glass windows and shutters tended to be used simply for decoration. Decorative woodwork such as interior window shutters continued to be prevalent until the 18th century, but it wasn’t until Victorian times that exterior shutters started to become fashionable, until this time window recesses were so deep that outside shutters couldn’t be reached from the inside to shut at night..

The people known as the Georgians have made shutters much more popular, their new homes had shutters as standard and they became seen as traditional British architecture. These amazing looking houses in Charleston, South Carolina with both interior and exterior shutters are superb and beautiful examples of this era.

In modern times, shutters are more commonly seen on the exterior of buildings and are used for both decoration and security. Internal shutters are generally made of wood and designed in the colonial style which is both decorative and allows you to efficiently control the amount of light entering a room. Because they are kept well-clear of the elements, internal shutters require very little maintenance.

At Architectural Ironmongery Ltd we have had so many enquiries from people looking for metal shutter bars for interior sash windows to suit their period homes that we decided to get them custom made.

Exterior shutters give value

A lot of the times the exterior part of a home can be neglected. How can you combat this and improve your home?

Adding some type of wooden shutters or vinyl shutters to a house provides many benefits. Read through the five points below to familiarize yourself with the impact of updating your house with this classic feature, which is now enjoying resurgence in popularity.

1. Improved viewing

- For the most part, the outside of your house gives visitors or potential buyers their first impression of your property. Attractive exterior shutters make a feature of your windows and add character to your house

- The installation of beautiful shutters gives your house a cared for, luxury feel.

- The best part is that shutters are a traditional and homely’ characteristic which makes people feel attracted to.

- Wooden shutters are great if you can afford them and have a quality’ feel about them and are more durable and flexible than their vinyl or MDF counterparts.

2. Weather Protection:

- In addition to the visual appeal, wooden shutters provide the best protection from the elements.

- Wooden shutters are operable and can be closed to provide protection from storms, preventing windows from smashing. They can also block out the sun to give relief from heat and brightness during the hottest part of the day.

3. Security

- Windows are a major source of breaking in for thieves so by locking your shutters during trips away will give you added security protection.

4. Energy Savings

- Windows are a major source of drafts. During the winter months, closed shutters will provide added insulation to your property.

- Increased insulation will make energy savings and reduce your heating costs.

5. Maximizing House Value

- Wooden shutters improve the character and general appearance of your house as well as providing the practical benefits highlighted above.

- Exterior shutters create a good first impression of your house and will cause potential buyers to continue on to take the tour of the interior.

- They increase the chances of selling your house but also add to its value.

Purchasing and owning a home is probably going to be the biggest undertaking most people will ever have.Why no  protect your assets by ensuring it is well maintained and prepared both inside and out. Adding exterior wooden shutters or vinyl ones is a simple, relatively low cost way to improve both the visible appearance of your home from the inside and out.

Shutters make a home complete

When you step foot in your home it needs to have a completeness to it that will make you feel happy to be there. There are a lot of people that love window treatments and you will see why.

Privacy, protection from the sun and energy efficiency rank high on the list of consumer needs for their windows. Blinds and shutters will provide this practical layer of window treatments. Purchase the best that your budget will allow because constant opening and closing will wear on the mechanisms that work these coverings.

Let the (Partial) Sun Shine In

Is it not true that, we want to enjoy the sun streaming into our home or the view of the trees outside our window but we still want the privacy of a covered window. The solution is installing shades with the top down/bottom up feature.

As simple as it gets, they can be lifted from the bottom to give a view of the outside world but still allowing the lower half of the window to be covered. When privacy is not a concern, they can be used as traditional horizontal blinds.

Top Down / Bottom Up Shades

These are some of the most fun. I recommend these for your office or media room because they will minimize the glare on your computer or television while maintaining a well lit room.

Do not underestimate the damage sun can do to your home and furnishings. Window film can also be used to control the harmful UV rays that will fade your flooring, furniture and artwork.

This coating placed directly on the window panes will block out the heat and deflect glare while allowing sunlight to safely come through the window. You can purchase do it yourself kits or have it professional done.

Clothes For Your Windows

Now it is time to think about the fun layer of window dressing. A room looks complete when you add great treatments. What is the style of your room? What will it look like from the outside? Do you want them stationary or functional?

Panels

Panels are as popular now as when your mother was decorating her home. The difference is the variety in headers.

* Grommets create a modern vibe. The panel has metal rings along the top that threads on to your rod. They look best when used in areas they can remain stationary.

* Pinch pleats are strong in the custom treatment business. The most popular look is to hang them from metal or wooden rings. This look works well if you want to open and close your curtains often.

* Tab tops are fun for casual rooms. The tabs can be of different colors, have added buttons or be adorned with tassels. They should be used on windows that you do not need to close the curtains.

Valances

Valances are strong in window treatment decor. They add a finished look over your blinds by hiding the mechanical header. Hang them high enough so that they cover the top casing but they do not block the sun streaming into your window. There are so many styles of valances from box pleats to swags. Let your fabric design and the style of your room guide you on choosing the perfect valance.

Enter The Romans

My young clients seem to be drawn to roman shades. They can be easily lower when privacy is needed. When raised, they create a tailored look that works well in so many homes. They look great in a crisp cotton as well as a raw silk.

Window Treatment Crazy? Seek Professional Help

When you give thought to the fact that filling your house with decorating using blinds means choosing from a mass selection it can be confusing. If you have a retailer come out to your home, usually a designer specializing in windows will take you step by step through the process. They will give you access to everything you need including, resources to the fabrics and styles that you would not be able to buy at your local big box store. They will also help protect you from making big mistakes you will regret later.

What kind of window treatments do I have in my upstairs office? Well, looking at my windows I see delicate wispy strands of silk like material. Even though the design is intricate and somewhat pretty, I think it is time to knock those spider webs down! Until next time, enjoy more decorating ideas and video at my site below.

Interior and Exterior Shutter options

Custom Wood Blinds make a beautiful and bold statement just as shutters do. It can be hard choosing the type of shutter to go with. Plantation Shutters enhance any decor with style, whereas on the other hand,  vinyl exterior shutters add a whole new look to your windows that you will enjoy for years to come on the outside. Bottom line is you will have to choose either wooden shutters or other traditional indoor shutters for any window in your house to look modern.

One company named ShuttersKestrel are made from clear kiln dried Basswood and other hardwoods like Cherry, Mahogany and Maple which can just change an entire interior. If you are looking for something outside then exterior window shutters from Sunbelt Shutters are built to your specifications and can be installed as well.  Customers have the option of selecting component priming and painted shutter finishes to match any color.

Plantation shutters

Plantation shutters, also known as wood shutters or interior window shutters, are the ultimate in custom window coverings, offering long-term value and increased appreciation of your home.  These type of shutters can be available in a huge variety of colors, including custom color matches and ready-to-stain. Thew great thing about plantation shutters is that they will be the one thing in your home that will never change with the times.

And now a few facts about these type of shutters.

Plantation shutters use 2-1/2, 3, 3-1/2, or 4-1/2 inch movable louvers. Plantation louvers are also tensioned to stay in the selected position. Plantation shutters and Traditional shutters are manufactured direct in hundreds of sizes and sold at a discount when compared to natural custom made wood interior shutters which are much more expensive. Plantation shutters may also be configured as cafe type units or double tier units depending on what you the owner wants.