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Guide For Selecting the Perfect Wooden Window Shutters for Your Home

Wooden window shutters are a classic and timeless addition to any home. They not only enhance the aesthetic appeal of your living spaces but also offer practical benefits like light control, privacy, and insulation. However, choosing the right wooden window shutters can be a daunting task with the wide variety of options available. In this blog, we will guide you through the process of selecting the perfect wooden shutters for your home.

1. Consider Your Interior Style

The first step in choosing wooden window shutters is to consider your interior style. Are you aiming for a traditional, rustic, modern, or eclectic look? Your shutters should complement the overall decor and style of your home. For a traditional setting, opt for classic wooden shutters with decorative louvers. If you have a more contemporary style, sleek and minimalistic shutters may be the way to go.

2. Choose the Right Wood

perfect wood

The type of wood used for your shutters can significantly impact their appearance and durability. Common wood choices include cedar, basswood, oak, and pine. Each wood type has its unique characteristics, so it’s essential to consider your priorities. Cedar, for example, is naturally resistant to insects and decay, making it an excellent choice for outdoor shutters. Basswood is known for its fine grain and lightweight properties, making it suitable for staining or painting.

3. Select the Louver Size

Louver size plays a crucial role in both aesthetics and functionality. Larger louvers provide an unobstructed view when open and allow more light into the room. Smaller louvers offer a more traditional look and can provide better insulation and privacy when closed. Consider the balance between aesthetics and functionality when choosing the louver size that suits your needs best.

4. Decide on the Finish

Wooden shutters can be finished in various ways, including staining and painting. The finish you choose should align with your interior design vision. Stains enhance the natural beauty of the wood and can give your shutters a rustic or elegant look. Paint, on the other hand, allows you to customize the color to match your decor precisely.

5. Measure Your Windows Accurately

Window measurement

Accurate measurements are crucial to ensure that your wooden shutters fit your windows perfectly. Measure the height and width of each window, taking into account any obstructions like window sills or handles. If you’re unsure about measuring, consider hiring a professional to ensure a precise fit. Checkout our online calculator: https://craftsmenshutters.co.uk/get-a-shutters-quote/

6. Consider Functionalities

Wooden window shutters can be designed with various functionalities to suit your needs. Full-height shutters cover the entire window, providing maximum light control and privacy. Tier-on-tier shutters consist of two separate panels, allowing you to open the top and bottom sections independently. Cafe-style shutters cover only the lower half of the window, providing privacy while maintaining natural light. Choose the functionality that best aligns with your requirements and preferences. Rechargeable Battery Motorised Cellular Blinds are also becoming popular.

7. Budget Wisely

Wooden window shutters come in a range of price points. While high-quality shutters may come with a higher initial cost, they are often more durable and offer better long-term value. Consider your budget carefully and weigh it against the quality and benefits you desire. It’s usually worth investing a bit more in superior shutters that will last for years and enhance your home’s value.

8. Research Installation Options

Wooden shutter installation

Proper installation is crucial for the performance and longevity of your wooden shutters. Depending on your DIY skills, you can choose between self-installation or professional installation. Hiring a professional ensures precise fitting and expert installation, minimizing the risk of future problems.

9. Maintenance Requirements

Wooden shutters are relatively low maintenance, but they do require some care to keep them looking their best. Regular dusting and occasional cleaning with a mild solution are usually sufficient. Consider the maintenance requirements and factor them into your decision-making process.

10. Read Reviews and Seek Recommendations

Before making a final decision, read customer reviews and seek recommendations from friends or family who have installed wooden shutters. Their experiences and insights can help you make an informed choice and avoid potential pitfalls.

In conclusion, choosing the right wooden window shutters involves a careful consideration of your interior style, wood type, louver size, finish, measurements, functionalities, budget, installation options, and maintenance requirements. By taking these factors into account, you can select wooden shutters that not only enhance the beauty of your home but also provide the functionality and durability you desire. Invest in quality wooden window shutters, and you’ll enjoy their benefits for years to come.

For more information about our wide selection of wooden shutters or to schedule a free in-home estimate, call Craftsmen Shutters at 07929 007 111 or contact us here.

 

10 Benefits of Wooden Shutters: Enhance Your Home with Style and Functionality

Wooden shutters are a timeless and versatile window treatment option that has been used for centuries. They not only add aesthetic appeal to your home but also offer numerous practical benefits. In this blog, we will explore the top 10 advantages of using wooden shutters in your home. From enhancing your interior design to improving energy efficiency, wooden shutters are a fantastic addition to any living space.

Enhanced Aesthetics:

Wooden shutters instantly elevate the look of any room with their classic and elegant appearance. They add a touch of sophistication and charm to your home’s interior and exterior.

Versatility:

Wooden shutters come in various styles, finishes, and sizes, making them suitable for both traditional and modern home designs. They can be customized to match your unique décor.

Light Control:

Light control

One of the primary benefits of wooden shutters is their excellent light control. You can easily adjust the louvers to regulate the amount of natural light entering your room, creating a comfortable atmosphere.

Privacy:

Wooden shutters provide exceptional privacy. When closed, they completely block the view from outside, ensuring that your indoor activities remain private.

Energy Efficiency:

Wooden shutters act as an insulating barrier, helping to keep your home cooler in summer and warmer in winter. This can lead to energy savings and reduced utility bills.

Shutters help to reduce heat loss in the home by up to 36%, keeping rooms warmer and cosier throughout the times that it’s needed the most. The edge-to-edge structure helps to lock the heat in and keep the cold out, providing the perfect solution for your customers’ windows.

Shutters also help to minimise any draughts coming from windows, making them a great product to show your customers this winter.

Durability:

Durability

High-quality wooden shutters are built to last. They are resistant to wear and tear and can withstand the test of time, making them a cost-effective investment.

Easy Maintenance:

Maintaining wooden shutters is straightforward. Regular dusting and occasional cleaning are usually sufficient to keep them looking pristine.

Sound Insulation:

Wooden shutters can help reduce noise from the outside environment, creating a quieter and more peaceful indoor atmosphere.

Increased Property Value:

Installing wooden shutters can increase the resale value of your home. Potential buyers often appreciate the aesthetic and functional benefits they offer.

Customization Options:

Wooden shutters can be tailored to your preferences. You can choose the type of wood, stain or paint color, and even the louver size to match your interior design vision.

Conclusion

Wooden shutters are more than just window coverings; they are a valuable addition to your home that offers both aesthetic appeal and practical benefits. Enjoy the beauty and functionality of wooden shutters in your home today!

Our wooden shutters are meticulously crafted to harness their inherent strength, ensuring they remain resilient against weather-related damage or rot. Rest assured, our wooden shutters are designed to maintain your home’s comfort and style for many years, making them a superb and enduring investment.

For more information about our wide selection of wooden shutters or to schedule a free in-home estimate, call Craftsmen Shutters at 07929 007 111 or contact us here.

Maintain the Elegance of Wooden Shutters to Last Longer

Wooden Window shutters are a real piece of window jewellery. They add value to your property in addition to making your house look elegant and attractive but over time, these shutters can lose their look and appeal if not taken care of regularly because when compared with their counterparts, wooden shutters are more fragile. This will happen only if you don’t maintain your shutters properly and clean them on a regular basis. Regular maintenance and dusting are the two must-do things that keep your plantation shutters last for years to come.

Firstly, let us look into cleaning. Interested to know? Read on…

How to Clean Wooden Shutters?

Among all the interiors, shutters are the ones that are easy to clean. If you dedicate some time, you can quickly clean them. Regular cleaning will help you to keep shutters look like day one! Wow, that seems interesting, isn’t it? Excessive moisture is a real threat to wooden shutters. Being a natural fiber, wood reacts with moisture resulting in swelling, shrinking, causing the distortion of the wood. Due to this characteristic feature of the wood, you need to be extra careful when cleaning the wooden shutters. It is advised to use a dry micro-fabric material, dusters or soft toothbrush to clean the shutters.

How to clean shutters when the stain is heavy?

The above-mentioned tips are applicable when stains are not hard and it is only dust particles. So how to clean the shutters when the stain is heavy? Shutters in certain areas like kitchen, playroom, bathroom, etc are prone to heavy stain. So, when you are cleaning these areas, you have to be extra cautious, but that doesn’t mean you have to be worried. Take a cloth and wipe it till the dust and dirt are rinsed off. If in case you have to use a wet cloth or wipe off the dirt with water then you must dry the moist immediately using a dry cloth. You must ensure that moisture or water particle wouldn’t enter the wood.

When to paint over the shutters?

There will be stains that won’t go off easily even if you take time to clean sit. In that situation, you can paint over the shutters and these interior window shutters will change the outlook of your home! Shutter paints are available in the stores and you paint over the stains using a soft paintbrush. Paint the shutters on an interval and enjoy the fresh new look!

Now, Let us take a sneak peek into the Do’s and Dont’s of cleaning.

Do’s

  • Do use a clean cloth without fibers.

Clean the shutters weekly. You should clean each window and shutter panel. You can clean it from the middle part of the shutter towards and from the topmost to the lowermost level.

  • Do clean quickly.

If you are running out of time, there is a simple thing that will help you save time. You can close the slats and dust one-side softly and then other sides.

  • Do remember water spoils wood

Wooden window shutters get spoiled if water or liquid is used. Make sure that you avoid anything that wood absorbs as it affects the life of the shutter.

  • Do use the vacuum cleaner

Because the power setting and the soft upholstery attached helps you to clean the shutters fast and effective.

Don’ts

  • Don’t ignore the corners

Dust accumulates at the corners. You can use a soft brush to remove the dust from the nook and edges of the shutters.

  • Don’t brush hard.

If you clean hardly or harshly, it can create scratches on the surface. Be careful with the cloth you use for cleaning and the way you rub the surface.

  • Don’t use all-purpose cleaners

If you use all-purpose cleaners for Interior shutters, it can result in the discoloration of the material, so it is better not to use them.

The second thing that matters is “Maintenance”!

Wooden shutters need periodical treatment. Often, you may see the shutters losing the grip and hold of the position. This happens when the shutters are opened regularly and at times careless! When this happens, you need not worry. All you have to do is to tighten the screw which dislocates its current position. This can be done quickly with a screwdriver. Keeping a track of the shutter position and the strength of the holder is inevitable to maintain the look of the shutters. As part of maintenance, you should apply polyurethane once a while as this saves shutters from environmental factors causing the damage.

Though maintenance of wooden shutters is easy and simple, it is better if you can make use of professional service once a year. Considering the value shutters add to a home, seeking professional help is never going to be a waste. Professionals will see what goes unnoticed in your eyes and thus you can assure the life of wooden shutters without any worry.

Wooden Shutters add beauty and safety to your home. It is a long-lasting asset of your house which needs proper care and maintenance. At the same time, shutters are one thing in any house that can get spoil easily. So it is your duty to ensure the durability and look of the shutters by dusting it regularly. You should never compromise on cleaning and maintaining the same whenever required. It is not a herculean task too hence you can easily get it done. All you have to do is to make sure that the cloth you use is soft and has no hard edges. Moreover, be soft while wiping off the dirt. However, at any point of time, if you feel that you are not good with cleaning, and the maintenance is beyond your control or you don’t have enough time, then you shouldn’t hesitate to seek professional help.

 

6 Tips To Ease the Purchase of Plantation Shutters

What are your major concerns when building or modifying your house? Interiors? What are the features you doesn’t want to compromise? Isn’t it beauty, privacy, quality and safety?

Beautifying a house starts with Interiors and that comprise of anything and everything inside the house. Windows and doors have an unavoidable role in beautifying the interiors of the house. Blinds or Window coverings or shutters are some of the inevitable items for a house.

Isn’t it interesting to know that window coverings come in plenty and many prefer indoor shutters for their home. Why so? It is because indoor shutters are known for their elegance and other practical benefits, including privacy, safety, beauty and above all durability! It also brings more value to your property if you decide to sell it.

Shutters are mainly divided into two- traditional and plantation shutters. Depending upon your choice and style, you can decide which one you need and if you ask me, “Which one will you pick??” without a second thought, I will say “plantation shutters.” Plantation shutters are more contemporary and provide a better view, beauty and also fills the house with plenty of light!

If you are planning to pick plantation shutters for your home, then we have some tips for you!

Take a look,

1. Know the Material

When you choose plantation shutters, you must also know the type of material you need. This knowledge helps you to know the pros and cons of using a particular material. There are three types of plantation material; vinyl, composite and wood.

MDF is affordable Plantation Shutters for people with low budget and PVC waterproof shutters are suitable for bathrooms and kitchen as it is water resistant.

Composite Plantation Shutters otherwise called as fake or faux wood as it is engineered is more affordable when comparing to wood shutters. Also, it is sturdy and humid resistive.

Among the three, it is advised to go for wooden shutters considering its quality and lasting capacity when compared to the other two. Though the cost is higher, the strength weight ratio is in balance resulting in the shutter to be light and strong.

2. Know your Budget

Cost should be one of the many factors to consider before choosing a shutter. Knowing your budget and planning accordingly will help you overcome the trouble.

One of the most heard questions when speaking about interiors is, “Should I go for blinds or shutters?”, “I am planning to go for blinds because they are cheaper when comparing with shutters.”

It is true that blinds are cheaper when comparing with shutters and more-or less share same functionality. But a factor that cannot be ignored is the durability of both! Even if properly maintained a blind will not last more than 5 years and on the contrary shutters when maintained properly will last for more than 50 years!

Wooden shutters has an average cost ranging between, £250 – £380 per square meter. Deciding the size of the shutter will help you to plan an estimated amount. Also dealing with a trusted contractor who is transparent with pricing will help you to install shutters within a feasible budget. The cost of a shutter depends on various factors which include the type of wood, wood shutter measurements, type of wood finishing and the design. Hence to avoid unnecessary expenses you should have a clear plan on these factors.

3. Know the Style 

Style demands money but knowing to balance beauty and cost will help you to beautify your house at an affordable rate. So, let us see how to carry off styling to manage plantation shutter costs!

Louvers define the elegance of the shutter. The size of the shutter can be different for different rooms which mean you can decide the size of the Louver’s for each room accordingly. Planning different size shutters for different rooms will save money and also serve the purpose of the shutter in a better way. How to go ahead with this? You can request for customization and your dealer will help you with the same. But for that, you should know the basics of shutter styling suchlike the Framing and Divider Rails, Mounting Options, Louver Sizes, and Tilting Options. Knowing these aspects will help you customize your shutter effectively and effortless.

4. Know about Maintenance

Plantation shutters need regular cleaning and it is not difficult too. With your vacuum cleaner or with an old cloth you can easily clean your shutters. All you need to do is to open one louver at a time and clean it gently. Don’t rub hard as it can damage the shutters. One of the main advantages of shutters is its effortless maintenance and cleaning.

5. Know the Future value

Plantation shutters are true treasures. They add beauty and safety and hold a prominent role in the real estate market as well. In most of the house descriptions, we find a detailed featuring on plantation shutters which explains the long term benefit of the same. Since it is a one-time investment and has future value they should be built to last. In short, if you are going for a plantation shutter you should never compromise on quality.

6. Know the Future value

Knowing your seller is crucial in any business and plantation shutters are not different. Before you decide to go ahead with a particular seller, you should ascertain their services, policies, and authenticity. Be it online or offline shopping, ensuring the trustworthiness is very important. You should crosscheck the product quality and pricing with competitors before finalizing the purchase. If your seller guarantees replacement for any defects, you can be sure that the company is serious about their business.

Checklist to ensure seller’s authenticity,

  • Before installation services (Survey)
  • After installation services (Quality of work)
  • Charges for quote (If any)
  • Certified professionals (Qualified fitters)
  • Warranty and guarantee (minimum 3 years)

Your home defines you, your interests, passions, and persona. When you are planning to modify or build your house, take it slow and give attention to details. You may listen to a hundred opinions and ideas, but in the end, go ahead with a reason. Moreover, you should know why you choose a color or a material and how it will be beneficial in the long run, the same is applicable in choosing plantation shutters. You should research well, on what you need and why you need it. A better idea about the cost, budget, style and the material will help you to brief to your seller or designer in a better way and thus no one will take advantage of you.

If you feel stuck at any stage in planning or buying shutters, feel free to contact us. We assist to install affordable plantation shutters. We offer free quote and free fitting with 3 years warranty on all our Wooden Shutters at Craftsmen Shutters.

How To Choose Between Different Type of Shutters?

Seattle – A Cost effective MDF range which is available in 5 colours. They are polymer coated to produce a though and durable shutter option. They are maintenance free and very strong with a wipe clean surface.

Georgia – A combination of MDF panels and plastic louvres which is available in a range of 28 colours. It is lighter weight is very good for wider windows but a maximum of 2 panels bi-folding. They are extremely tough and durable. They look good as wood, but with more durability.

Boston – It is crafted from beautiful solid basswood. A combination of a sturdy MDF frame with hardwood panels, it is available in 5 colours and has a plain style. Available in a choice of five white finishes.

Boston Premium – A durable all-wood shutter range, Boston premium is the perfect choice for unusual or awkward shaped shutters and provides a premium finish. As the hardwood has a lovely grained texture it can come in a range of 29 colours.

Phoenix – It is made in a very light, eco-friendly timber with an attractive rich and woody grain. This makes the ideal choice for tier on tier installations. Available in 50 colours, they are very light and they are good for very large partitions and openings where tracking is not ideal.

Hollywood – Is our waterproof range – it is a high quality plastic shutter, ideal for bathrooms/ kitchens as they are 100% waterproof and ideal where the shutter is likely to be subject to water or high moisture levels. Available in a choice of five white finishes, they will sit beautifully with all interior styles.

Carolina – is made from very robust and high quality, forestry Stewardship Certified hardwood, with an engineered core to prevent any possibility of warping. We think this is the architect’s choice for truly custom made shutters.

Blinds or Shutters: Which is Best For Your Home?

Choosing between blinds or shutters may be a matter of taste for many home owners; However there are some functional differences between them that could affect a buyer’s choice. Of course, some buyers add a combination of these window treatments to their home depending on what they like best as well as other considerations like affordability. If you are looking to install one of these window treatments, the following guide will help you explore different type of window coverings.

Difference between blind and shutters

Fundamentally, blinds are window coverings that have slats or vanes that enable the raising and lowering of the blind to cover the window but also to adjust the aperture of the vanes when the blind is down to let in more or less light. Shutters are ideal for people who want privacy, a good security option if you are on a busy street, help reduce noise and save on your fuel bills as they provide further insulation. Shutters are the definitive way to control light, allowing you to effectively close off the window and then filter the light in as you choose.

Blinds or Shutters

There are several different styles of window blinds on the market. With so many different choices out there it can be hard to determine the best choice for your home.

Blinds come in a variety of shapes and styles, with horizontal and vertical slats being the distinctive feature. There are many materials associated with blinds, so their pricing tends to have a wide range. Of course, blinds are even made with sustainable materials like bamboo, which achieves the look of wood (as do faux wood blinds). Blinds are available in many styles to complement the home’s overall décor. After choosing some styles, consider how well they block light; not all blinds provide complete blockage, and that may be a privacy or security concern for some buyers.

While shutters are often the most expensive option, their custom designs tailored to your windows can actually add value to your home! With their good looks and versatility shutters are effortlessly chic. They have many plus points including privacy, light control, sound and draught proofing whilst making a laid back style statement. Shutters are an inspired choice of chic and contemporary styles, shapes and finishes that will add an exciting dimension to any scheme. Each shutter is bespoke and made-to-measure to reflect the individual architecture of the window, from the size of the louvre right down to the colour of the hinge and fitted to the most exacting standards.

There is no wrong choice—all of these options work well—the choice between them is ultimately the homeowner’s taste and the style and size of room.