Well-crafted, durable wood shutters - whether interior or exterior - represent an investment in your home you will never regret. Apart from contributing to the elegance, grace and atmosphere of your dwelling, wood shutters will prove their worth in many practical ways over time - not the least in protecting your home from the harsh extremes of sun and storm!
Exterior wood shutters are available in a number of basic designs. These range from the raised panel that is particularly popular in coastal areas, to the familiar fixed louver. Alternatively opt for "country style" board and batten, or an exotic, but practical bermuda wood shutter installation.
What should you take into consideration when deciding which wood shutter set to order?
To start with you will need to decide what look you are trying to achieve, and this will depend largely on the style of your home. Wood shutters can be designed to complement just about any residence, but cost will of course play a much bigger role in highly customized, and fully functional wooden shutters.
Before making this major home improvement decision, look at your general interior design, patio design, and patio furniture. Your window shutters should blend into, and enhance these aspects.
You will also want to ensure that the right wood is used for a durable, and warp-resisting wood shutter. Although many woods are used in the construction of wood shutters, the woods of choice are Western Red Cedar, or Mahogany. Vertical-grained wood is also more resistant to warping.
If wood-work isn't your cup of tea, take a carpenter-friend along to check the quality of construction, especially the joints. Mortise-and-tenon joints are much more durable than screwed, or butt-glued joints. While you're at it, also ensure that you get wood shutters with copper or aluminum capping for more protection from the elements.
Interior wood shutters can be considered part of the furniture, and if the right design is chosen, they contribute greatly to the atmosphere, elegance and warmth of a room.
Even though interior wood shutters are not directly exposed to the same range and intensity of the elements as exterior shutters, they will still need to properly deal with temperature changes and design stresses. To avoid warping and other alignment problems, wooden shutters constructed of 100% hardwood, such as American Yellow Poplar and Elm, are well suited to the role.
Of course, interior wood shutters are also more than mere decorations! They are excellent insulators to keep temperatures at a comfortable level.
Don't go for the first fit-all-sizes window shutters you come across. By doing some research, and getting lasting, stylish and functional wood shutters, you will greatly increase the value of your home!
Articles. Below are a number of articles relating to shutters, blinds, window treatments and interior design. Can help your up..
Exterior Shutters - Nine Reasons To Remodel With Louvered And Rolling Shutters
Exterior shutters are top-rated window treatment transformers. When remodeling your home, interior design ideas should be balanced with attention to exterior home improvements. With the installation of custom exterior shutters, a benefit bonanza awaits both your family, and your furnishings.
1. Curb Appeal Skyrockets With Exterior Shutters
Whether you use exterior shutters to create a fresh focal point, or to subtly enhance the architecture of your home, the benefit is likely to be seen in an increase in the value of your property. Lightweight, fixed vinyl shutters are inexpensive, yet particularly effective if your aim is simply to add aesthetic appeal. Functional window shutters are more versatile, and feature a number of additional perks.
2. Complement Architecture With Custom Exterior Shutters
Shutter manufacturers thrive on the challenge of designing the perfect window covering for your home. The architecture of your home may come to life with the addition of airy, Caribbean style Bahama shutters. Alternatively, your property may benefit from an introduction to functional fibreglass exterior shutters. These colorful shutters have a wood-like appearance, but are low-maintenance, and often robust enough to warrant storm certification. Perhaps you live in an older home, and are looking for historically accurate window shutter replicas. Home improvement contractors or shutter manufacturers will be able to assist you in making the perfect choice for your property.
3. Set Up A Storm-Shield With Exterior Shutters
Any homeowner in an area known for lashing tropical storms or strong winds, has experienced the devastation that accompanies these onslaughts. The presence of storm shutters or hurricane shutters are reassuring. Wood shutters are commonly seen, as are fibreglass exterior shutters with storm certification. These are reinforced with aluminum, for superb strength. Well-crafted ranges also include a storm bar, which can be engaged from inside your home. This feature serves to protect your window panes. High-caliber aluminum rolling shutters often double as storm shutters.
4. Step Up Security With Exterior Shutters
One of the measures to take if you want to deter would-be intruders, is to install exterior shutters. Wooden shutters can be used for this purpose, or you may consider aluminum rolling shutters. These automated window coverings lock into position when closed. Accordion rolling shutters with their interlocking slats are another popular security choice.
5. Improve Insulation With Exterior Shutters
To have a comfortable home interior, it is important to maximize heat gain during the colder months, while keeping it to a minimum in summer. Exterior shutters are highly efficient in this regard. Wood shutters, or other ranges with operable louvers, offer versatility. Shading is controlled and adjusted according to your preferences and needs. Bahama shutters will refresh you with a cool ocean breeze...
6. Update UV Protection With Exterior Shutters
Functional shutters allow you to limit sun damage to your furniture and furnishings. This constitutes a major saving over time. You will also be spared many a wrinkle, as you will no longer be squinting as a result of glare!
7. Learn About Light Filtering With Exterior Shutters
With exterior shutters in place, you are able to turn your bedroom into a dark, shady, sleep inducing haven in the middle of a bright summer day. Or how about creating the perfect atmosphere for a popcorn-and-movie session on the living room couch? Whether these are benefits, may become debatable!
8. Protect Your Privacy With Exterior Shutters
If inquisitive neighbors or prowlers are a headache, exterior shutters again come to the rescue. They offer complete privacy when and where you need it.
9. No Noise Niggles With Exterior Shutters
One of the many benefits of an exterior shutter is its noise damping effect. Almost all the shutter styles have this quality. Aluminum rolling shutters are especially effective in this regard, due to the double-walled construction, with its unique foam filling. Shutters with a honeycomb structure are also known for this attribute.
Home improvement projects often focus on bathroom and kitchen remodeling, but exterior shutters seem to deserve a spot on the revamp roster!
1. Curb Appeal Skyrockets With Exterior Shutters
Whether you use exterior shutters to create a fresh focal point, or to subtly enhance the architecture of your home, the benefit is likely to be seen in an increase in the value of your property. Lightweight, fixed vinyl shutters are inexpensive, yet particularly effective if your aim is simply to add aesthetic appeal. Functional window shutters are more versatile, and feature a number of additional perks.
2. Complement Architecture With Custom Exterior Shutters
Shutter manufacturers thrive on the challenge of designing the perfect window covering for your home. The architecture of your home may come to life with the addition of airy, Caribbean style Bahama shutters. Alternatively, your property may benefit from an introduction to functional fibreglass exterior shutters. These colorful shutters have a wood-like appearance, but are low-maintenance, and often robust enough to warrant storm certification. Perhaps you live in an older home, and are looking for historically accurate window shutter replicas. Home improvement contractors or shutter manufacturers will be able to assist you in making the perfect choice for your property.
3. Set Up A Storm-Shield With Exterior Shutters
Any homeowner in an area known for lashing tropical storms or strong winds, has experienced the devastation that accompanies these onslaughts. The presence of storm shutters or hurricane shutters are reassuring. Wood shutters are commonly seen, as are fibreglass exterior shutters with storm certification. These are reinforced with aluminum, for superb strength. Well-crafted ranges also include a storm bar, which can be engaged from inside your home. This feature serves to protect your window panes. High-caliber aluminum rolling shutters often double as storm shutters.
4. Step Up Security With Exterior Shutters
One of the measures to take if you want to deter would-be intruders, is to install exterior shutters. Wooden shutters can be used for this purpose, or you may consider aluminum rolling shutters. These automated window coverings lock into position when closed. Accordion rolling shutters with their interlocking slats are another popular security choice.
5. Improve Insulation With Exterior Shutters
To have a comfortable home interior, it is important to maximize heat gain during the colder months, while keeping it to a minimum in summer. Exterior shutters are highly efficient in this regard. Wood shutters, or other ranges with operable louvers, offer versatility. Shading is controlled and adjusted according to your preferences and needs. Bahama shutters will refresh you with a cool ocean breeze...
6. Update UV Protection With Exterior Shutters
Functional shutters allow you to limit sun damage to your furniture and furnishings. This constitutes a major saving over time. You will also be spared many a wrinkle, as you will no longer be squinting as a result of glare!
7. Learn About Light Filtering With Exterior Shutters
With exterior shutters in place, you are able to turn your bedroom into a dark, shady, sleep inducing haven in the middle of a bright summer day. Or how about creating the perfect atmosphere for a popcorn-and-movie session on the living room couch? Whether these are benefits, may become debatable!
8. Protect Your Privacy With Exterior Shutters
If inquisitive neighbors or prowlers are a headache, exterior shutters again come to the rescue. They offer complete privacy when and where you need it.
9. No Noise Niggles With Exterior Shutters
One of the many benefits of an exterior shutter is its noise damping effect. Almost all the shutter styles have this quality. Aluminum rolling shutters are especially effective in this regard, due to the double-walled construction, with its unique foam filling. Shutters with a honeycomb structure are also known for this attribute.
Home improvement projects often focus on bathroom and kitchen remodeling, but exterior shutters seem to deserve a spot on the revamp roster!
Four Good Reasons to Consider Vinyl Exterior Shutters
Exterior Shutters Create Curb Appeal
Have you ever driven by a house and immediately thought it was absolutely gorgeous? A home's curb appeal, or lack there of, will either cause those passing by to admire your home or miss it totally. Curb appeal involves several elements; architectural interest, appealing use of color, and a well executed landscaping plan. In focusing on adding architectural interest to a home, vinyl exterior accent products such as vinyl shutters can transform a home's exterior from ordinary to extraordinary. Shutters can add the missing architectural element needed to create an eye-catching, attractive exterior. Experts advise homeowners wishing to sell their home to create curb appeal and an attractive kitchen. Concentrating on the home's exterior, curb appeal will dramatically increase the chance of a potential buyer stopping by, rather than passing by. A well trimmed home could also bring more money, more quickly.
Personalize Your Home's Exterior
At the same time you are trying to create curb appeal and set yourself apart from your neighbors, you can also be interjecting your personal tastes on your home's exterior. Vinyl shutters by Builders Edge are available in 20 colors, plus paintable units. What's your favorite color?
And with so many shutter styles available you are sure to find one that fits your personal tastes and style. Typically exterior shutters are available with your choice of the traditional louvered style, the colonial raised panel style or the cottage feel of board-n-batten. Do you like a straight top louver, arched top louver or how about a center mullion or no center mullion? Or do you like a paneled shutter? If so, do you tend to prefer a one, two or three paneled style? There are so many ways shutters can add your personal tastes to the exterior of your home.
Shutters are Easy to Install and Maintain
In comparison to their wood or composite counterparts, vinyl exterior shutters are very easy to install and maintain. Installation is fast and easy with the use of matching vinyl screws. Simply drill through the shutter and wall surface, insert the vinyl screw and your done. And unlike wood, vinyl shutters are easy to maintain and care for. Since the color is molded throughout the shutter you save time by skipping any finishing steps, and will never have to sand, repaint or stain. For routine care simply wash with soapy water to keep the shutters looking like new.
Vinyl Shutters are an Affordable Option
Once again, in comparison to their wood or composite counterparts vinyl shutters are very affordably priced, typically two to three times less. Depending on what style and sizes are desired, your home can be given a facelift on a small budget if necessary. And that small investment can in turn pay big divides if you place your home on the market. If your home has a lot of windows another affordable option is to install exterior shutter incrementally. Install shutters on the front of your home first, later install them on the sides and /or back. In conclusion, vinyl shutters are an affordable way to personalize and accent your home, adding curb appeal and value.
Have you ever driven by a house and immediately thought it was absolutely gorgeous? A home's curb appeal, or lack there of, will either cause those passing by to admire your home or miss it totally. Curb appeal involves several elements; architectural interest, appealing use of color, and a well executed landscaping plan. In focusing on adding architectural interest to a home, vinyl exterior accent products such as vinyl shutters can transform a home's exterior from ordinary to extraordinary. Shutters can add the missing architectural element needed to create an eye-catching, attractive exterior. Experts advise homeowners wishing to sell their home to create curb appeal and an attractive kitchen. Concentrating on the home's exterior, curb appeal will dramatically increase the chance of a potential buyer stopping by, rather than passing by. A well trimmed home could also bring more money, more quickly.
Personalize Your Home's Exterior
At the same time you are trying to create curb appeal and set yourself apart from your neighbors, you can also be interjecting your personal tastes on your home's exterior. Vinyl shutters by Builders Edge are available in 20 colors, plus paintable units. What's your favorite color?
And with so many shutter styles available you are sure to find one that fits your personal tastes and style. Typically exterior shutters are available with your choice of the traditional louvered style, the colonial raised panel style or the cottage feel of board-n-batten. Do you like a straight top louver, arched top louver or how about a center mullion or no center mullion? Or do you like a paneled shutter? If so, do you tend to prefer a one, two or three paneled style? There are so many ways shutters can add your personal tastes to the exterior of your home.
Shutters are Easy to Install and Maintain
In comparison to their wood or composite counterparts, vinyl exterior shutters are very easy to install and maintain. Installation is fast and easy with the use of matching vinyl screws. Simply drill through the shutter and wall surface, insert the vinyl screw and your done. And unlike wood, vinyl shutters are easy to maintain and care for. Since the color is molded throughout the shutter you save time by skipping any finishing steps, and will never have to sand, repaint or stain. For routine care simply wash with soapy water to keep the shutters looking like new.
Vinyl Shutters are an Affordable Option
Once again, in comparison to their wood or composite counterparts vinyl shutters are very affordably priced, typically two to three times less. Depending on what style and sizes are desired, your home can be given a facelift on a small budget if necessary. And that small investment can in turn pay big divides if you place your home on the market. If your home has a lot of windows another affordable option is to install exterior shutter incrementally. Install shutters on the front of your home first, later install them on the sides and /or back. In conclusion, vinyl shutters are an affordable way to personalize and accent your home, adding curb appeal and value.
Exterior Vinyl Shutters Offer A Stylish, Low-Budget Window Treatment Solution
Exterior vinyl shutters are durable kerb-appeal enhancers with a fast-paced installation process. This is one of the easiest and most affordable face-lift projects for a family home, and a sensible way to spend the funds generated by a home improvement loan. If you want to add color and class to your home, innovative engineering has transformed exterior vinyl shutters into a durable design option with a range of benefits.
These budget-beating exterior vinyl shutter ranges complement virtually any architectural style. The diversity of design makes it easy to find your home's perfect match. Tempting arrays of color can be used to bring out the best in your home. The decorative fastening systems are color coordinated. These shutters can be non-functional, meaning they remain open and are permanently affixed to the walls of the property, or you can opt for a functional, usable range.
1. Superb Color Retention
One of the main benefits of an exterior vinyl shutter is that the copolymer or urethane construction is treated with a molded through color that is UV resistant. This means your shutters will retain their bright, colorful appeal for years to come. In fact, some manufacturers include a warranty of up to 40 years!
2. Low-Maintenance Durability
Molded exterior vinyl shutters are a maintenance-free product in many respects. A quick rinse-down is all you will need to do, in contrast to the time-consuming effort of having to paint wood shutters once a year. Due to the molded through color, you won't battle with paint chips, flaking or fading - the usual bane of wood exterior shutter products. You even get a wood grain texture without any of the warping woes that usually accompany real wood shutters.
3. Warp-Free Wear
Apart from the color-retaining characteristic, the benefits of this window treatment include remaining free of cracks and resisting rot due to water. Many of the exterior vinyl shutter ranges, also known as polylite shutters or composite shutters, are custom made to the measurements of the client's home.
4. Design Diversity
Board and batten shutters are a popular exterior vinyl shutter design choice. Adding a rustic look to the property, board and batten shutters can be solid, or feature spaces between the vertical boards that will allow sun and air through. Two to five vertical boards are used, with a horizontal board at the top and the bottom of the shutter. Many shutter manufacturers also supply curved ranges for arched windows.
If you prefer a different look, opt for the classic fixed louver styles, or a raised panel design. With some manufacturers you have the option of paintable shutters.
5. Do It Yourself Installation
The installation process is a fairly simple do it yourself home improvement project. It is vital that you don't skimp on the shutter fasteners and accessories. Using a quality finish will add to the durability of your home remodeling efforts. A variety of decorative hinges are available, adding a touch of tradition and authenticity.
If you take the reasonable price, low maintenance, durability, warranty and ease of installation into account, it is clear that exterior vinyl shutters are window treatments that trump real wood shutters time after time.
These budget-beating exterior vinyl shutter ranges complement virtually any architectural style. The diversity of design makes it easy to find your home's perfect match. Tempting arrays of color can be used to bring out the best in your home. The decorative fastening systems are color coordinated. These shutters can be non-functional, meaning they remain open and are permanently affixed to the walls of the property, or you can opt for a functional, usable range.
1. Superb Color Retention
One of the main benefits of an exterior vinyl shutter is that the copolymer or urethane construction is treated with a molded through color that is UV resistant. This means your shutters will retain their bright, colorful appeal for years to come. In fact, some manufacturers include a warranty of up to 40 years!
2. Low-Maintenance Durability
Molded exterior vinyl shutters are a maintenance-free product in many respects. A quick rinse-down is all you will need to do, in contrast to the time-consuming effort of having to paint wood shutters once a year. Due to the molded through color, you won't battle with paint chips, flaking or fading - the usual bane of wood exterior shutter products. You even get a wood grain texture without any of the warping woes that usually accompany real wood shutters.
3. Warp-Free Wear
Apart from the color-retaining characteristic, the benefits of this window treatment include remaining free of cracks and resisting rot due to water. Many of the exterior vinyl shutter ranges, also known as polylite shutters or composite shutters, are custom made to the measurements of the client's home.
4. Design Diversity
Board and batten shutters are a popular exterior vinyl shutter design choice. Adding a rustic look to the property, board and batten shutters can be solid, or feature spaces between the vertical boards that will allow sun and air through. Two to five vertical boards are used, with a horizontal board at the top and the bottom of the shutter. Many shutter manufacturers also supply curved ranges for arched windows.
If you prefer a different look, opt for the classic fixed louver styles, or a raised panel design. With some manufacturers you have the option of paintable shutters.
5. Do It Yourself Installation
The installation process is a fairly simple do it yourself home improvement project. It is vital that you don't skimp on the shutter fasteners and accessories. Using a quality finish will add to the durability of your home remodeling efforts. A variety of decorative hinges are available, adding a touch of tradition and authenticity.
If you take the reasonable price, low maintenance, durability, warranty and ease of installation into account, it is clear that exterior vinyl shutters are window treatments that trump real wood shutters time after time.
Wooden Shutters - Interior Shutters for Home, Office, Restaurant, Cafe
Why have Timber Shutters instead of Curtains?
Curtains have been increasingly under siege now for many years – and it’s not hard to see why. For hundreds of years they were a great idea – indeed the best, if not only idea – for dressing windows, retaining warmth and maintaining privacy. But times have changed and 21st century alternatives leave curtains in the shade.
There have been a number of pretenders to the throne but, of all the alternatives available, wooden plantation shutters have emerged as the clear winner. It’s not hard to see why, since they are practical, aesthetically pleasing and long lasting.
What’s more, unlike curtains, they provide good insulation against noise – a real benefit, especially for anyone living near a busy road. And shutters come in a variety of styles and finishes to suit every style of home – or office – from a centuries-old country cottage to a space-age loft apartment.
It’s not surprising that they are practical – they get their name from the popular design of shutters found on American plantations where protection from intense heat and light is of primary importance.
They are made by hinging a number of panels together, which enables them to fold back. And whereas the original plantation shutters used in America’s deep south had fixed slats, today’s shutters have slats – or louvres – that can be easily adjusted to admit as much air or light as required.
Traditionally, of course, these window coverings were fitted externally. These days, however, for practical reasons they are normally fixed inside. And the good news is that they can be made to fit virtually any size or shape of window or French door.
So, there is no doubt they meet all the criteria for a practical window covering. What about looks? Well, they certainly can’t be faulted in that department! Wooden shutters are a design classic. And the choice is extensive – from the wide range of woods to the colour or stain with which they are finished. Whatever your style of furnishing or colour scheme you can co-ordinate plantation shutters with ease. And when you change your colour scheme you won’t have to change your window covering – unlike curtains, shutters don’t ‘date’ and they certainly don’t clash!
But the superiority of shutters over curtains doesn’t stop there. Curtains require washing or dry-cleaning – and you have to take them down first! Shutters stay in situ and just need a quick flick with a duster. And, of course, while dust gets into the very fabric of curtains, contributing to or aggravating allergies, there is no danger of this with shutters.
Anything else? Well, curtains fade and the material eventually rots, whereas shutters are virtually indestructible.
It’s all or nothing with curtains – open or closed. Shutters can be adjusted to your exact requirements and an advantage of this is that strong sunlight, the number one cause of fading furnishings, furniture and pictures, can be excluded without cutting out all light.
Curtains have had a good innings. They have served us well but there’s no doubt that it’s time to move on. It’s a case of RIP curtains, long live shutters!
Curtains have been increasingly under siege now for many years – and it’s not hard to see why. For hundreds of years they were a great idea – indeed the best, if not only idea – for dressing windows, retaining warmth and maintaining privacy. But times have changed and 21st century alternatives leave curtains in the shade.
There have been a number of pretenders to the throne but, of all the alternatives available, wooden plantation shutters have emerged as the clear winner. It’s not hard to see why, since they are practical, aesthetically pleasing and long lasting.
What’s more, unlike curtains, they provide good insulation against noise – a real benefit, especially for anyone living near a busy road. And shutters come in a variety of styles and finishes to suit every style of home – or office – from a centuries-old country cottage to a space-age loft apartment.
It’s not surprising that they are practical – they get their name from the popular design of shutters found on American plantations where protection from intense heat and light is of primary importance.
They are made by hinging a number of panels together, which enables them to fold back. And whereas the original plantation shutters used in America’s deep south had fixed slats, today’s shutters have slats – or louvres – that can be easily adjusted to admit as much air or light as required.
Traditionally, of course, these window coverings were fitted externally. These days, however, for practical reasons they are normally fixed inside. And the good news is that they can be made to fit virtually any size or shape of window or French door.
So, there is no doubt they meet all the criteria for a practical window covering. What about looks? Well, they certainly can’t be faulted in that department! Wooden shutters are a design classic. And the choice is extensive – from the wide range of woods to the colour or stain with which they are finished. Whatever your style of furnishing or colour scheme you can co-ordinate plantation shutters with ease. And when you change your colour scheme you won’t have to change your window covering – unlike curtains, shutters don’t ‘date’ and they certainly don’t clash!
But the superiority of shutters over curtains doesn’t stop there. Curtains require washing or dry-cleaning – and you have to take them down first! Shutters stay in situ and just need a quick flick with a duster. And, of course, while dust gets into the very fabric of curtains, contributing to or aggravating allergies, there is no danger of this with shutters.
Anything else? Well, curtains fade and the material eventually rots, whereas shutters are virtually indestructible.
It’s all or nothing with curtains – open or closed. Shutters can be adjusted to your exact requirements and an advantage of this is that strong sunlight, the number one cause of fading furnishings, furniture and pictures, can be excluded without cutting out all light.
Curtains have had a good innings. They have served us well but there’s no doubt that it’s time to move on. It’s a case of RIP curtains, long live shutters!
Plantation Shutters are a Good Long Term Investment For Your Home Sublime
Plantation shutters, also called window shutters or interior shutters, are the classic wood shutters you’ve seen in those majestic Southern homes; just to give you a reference. That’s not to say that they are not popular all over. Plantation shutters are the classic window treatment, offering good looks, long life, good insulating properties and more.
Plantation shutters should not be confused with Bahama shutters which are actually a type of external shutter, hinged at the top of the window, and can be lowered to protect windows from flying debris from tropical storms and hurricanes.
Shutters are not cheap; let’s get that out of the way right away. There are, admittedly, many cheaper window treatments options available. Shutters are a long term consideration. But, they are worth the extra money. They look good with just about any décor and even add to a home’s curb appeal. A house for sale with plantation shutters will usually list them as a feature so they add value to a home.
You can find less expensive plantation shutters made from vinyl, or faux wood (composite). The cost savings between real wood shutters and vinyl shutters is approximately 25% and about 20% for composite wood. Plantation shutters also come stained or painted, the latter option being the least expensive. An additional benefit of vinyl or faux wood plantation shutters is that they won’t warp, crack or split in hot or humid areas, like kitchens and bathrooms. When planning your order, you may want to keep that in mind.
Shutters are highly versatile. They can block light very effectively or let in plenty of sunshine just by raising or lowering the louvers, which range in size from 2 ½” to 4 ½”. If you are covering a large picture window, I recommend the larger louver size as they allow greater see-through. You can custom order them to fit windows of just about any size or shape. Shutters offer effective insulation, a real plus in almost any climate.
One limitation of plantation shutters is that the color choices are somewhat limited. Generally, the painted shutters come in white, off-white, alabaster, and similar shades. These are colors that won’t clash with any décor. The stained shutters come in colors from natural to dark walnut. One reason for the limited painted colors is that shutters are a very prominent addition to a room or home and bright or dark colors would tend to dominate the color scheme.
Real wood shutters usually come in premium hardwoods and are hand-sanded for a smooth finish so they are like fine furniture. And just like fine furniture, wood shutters make a statement about the home and the homeowners – that they care about their home and want only the best. If you are going to purchase real wood shutters, you may want to consider the stained variety as opposed to the painted ones. Why waste all that beautiful wood if you are going to paint over it? Then you may as well save money by purchasing the vinyl or faux wood shutters.
Plantation shutters should not be confused with Bahama shutters which are actually a type of external shutter, hinged at the top of the window, and can be lowered to protect windows from flying debris from tropical storms and hurricanes.
Shutters are not cheap; let’s get that out of the way right away. There are, admittedly, many cheaper window treatments options available. Shutters are a long term consideration. But, they are worth the extra money. They look good with just about any décor and even add to a home’s curb appeal. A house for sale with plantation shutters will usually list them as a feature so they add value to a home.
You can find less expensive plantation shutters made from vinyl, or faux wood (composite). The cost savings between real wood shutters and vinyl shutters is approximately 25% and about 20% for composite wood. Plantation shutters also come stained or painted, the latter option being the least expensive. An additional benefit of vinyl or faux wood plantation shutters is that they won’t warp, crack or split in hot or humid areas, like kitchens and bathrooms. When planning your order, you may want to keep that in mind.
Shutters are highly versatile. They can block light very effectively or let in plenty of sunshine just by raising or lowering the louvers, which range in size from 2 ½” to 4 ½”. If you are covering a large picture window, I recommend the larger louver size as they allow greater see-through. You can custom order them to fit windows of just about any size or shape. Shutters offer effective insulation, a real plus in almost any climate.
One limitation of plantation shutters is that the color choices are somewhat limited. Generally, the painted shutters come in white, off-white, alabaster, and similar shades. These are colors that won’t clash with any décor. The stained shutters come in colors from natural to dark walnut. One reason for the limited painted colors is that shutters are a very prominent addition to a room or home and bright or dark colors would tend to dominate the color scheme.
Real wood shutters usually come in premium hardwoods and are hand-sanded for a smooth finish so they are like fine furniture. And just like fine furniture, wood shutters make a statement about the home and the homeowners – that they care about their home and want only the best. If you are going to purchase real wood shutters, you may want to consider the stained variety as opposed to the painted ones. Why waste all that beautiful wood if you are going to paint over it? Then you may as well save money by purchasing the vinyl or faux wood shutters.
Wood Blinds vs Faux Wood Blinds which is Better
Wood blinds have been one of the most popular window covering sold in today’s market. For some consumers wood window blinds add an appeal that no other window blinds can offer. They are a perfect compliment to other wood furnishings in a room and exude elegance and wealth. But for those consumers that find wood blinds out of their price range, faux wood window blinds are a perfect alternative and a great way to get the elegant look of wood blinds without breaking your budget.
There is no right or wrong answer as to what is better but depends on your personal preference and situation, we’ll take a look at the pros and cons of each. A big plus for faux wood blinds is that they are often less costly than real wood and the lower price opens the market to a wider audience. Wood blinds are more expensive but a majority of realtors agree that real wood blinds can increase the resell value of a home.
Faux wood blinds are recommended for high humidity environments and rooms that are subject to moisture such as bathrooms, kitchens and laundry rooms. This is due to the fact you do not have to worry about warping, cracking or splitting is these high humidity environments. They are easy to maintain and extremely durable.
Wood blinds have a wide selection of sizes, colors and stains whereas faux wood has a limited color selection. Both types of blinds effectively control outside light and are an effective means for maintaining your privacy.
Faux wood blinds are available either in solid vinyl or in a combination of vinyl and wood. A greater number of supporting ladders are required for faux wood to keep the shape of the blind than with wood. This can dramatically reduce your view and if you want cloth tapes your blinds can end up looking far too cluttered.
It’s very hard to tell faux wood blinds from real wood blinds as they’ve come a long way in the past decade. No longer do they scream that I’m fake! So the choice is a personal one and is unique to your situation. For some consumers plastic will not do for them and they desire real wood. Others desire the carefree maintenance and lower price of faux wood. The choice is yours!
Carol Coutts is a successful author who provides information regarding home décor via http://www.windowshadesblind.com For more information on wood blinds and faux wood blinds check out http://windowshadesblind.com/wood-blinds.html
There is no right or wrong answer as to what is better but depends on your personal preference and situation, we’ll take a look at the pros and cons of each. A big plus for faux wood blinds is that they are often less costly than real wood and the lower price opens the market to a wider audience. Wood blinds are more expensive but a majority of realtors agree that real wood blinds can increase the resell value of a home.
Faux wood blinds are recommended for high humidity environments and rooms that are subject to moisture such as bathrooms, kitchens and laundry rooms. This is due to the fact you do not have to worry about warping, cracking or splitting is these high humidity environments. They are easy to maintain and extremely durable.
Wood blinds have a wide selection of sizes, colors and stains whereas faux wood has a limited color selection. Both types of blinds effectively control outside light and are an effective means for maintaining your privacy.
Faux wood blinds are available either in solid vinyl or in a combination of vinyl and wood. A greater number of supporting ladders are required for faux wood to keep the shape of the blind than with wood. This can dramatically reduce your view and if you want cloth tapes your blinds can end up looking far too cluttered.
It’s very hard to tell faux wood blinds from real wood blinds as they’ve come a long way in the past decade. No longer do they scream that I’m fake! So the choice is a personal one and is unique to your situation. For some consumers plastic will not do for them and they desire real wood. Others desire the carefree maintenance and lower price of faux wood. The choice is yours!
Carol Coutts is a successful author who provides information regarding home décor via http://www.windowshadesblind.com For more information on wood blinds and faux wood blinds check out http://windowshadesblind.com/wood-blinds.html
Real Wood Shutters - Provide the Look While Avoiding the High Cost
There is very little in the way of class, style and elegance to compare to wood plantation shutters – they simply ooze style and sophistication, whilst at the same time, promoting an evocative atmosphere after the style of old colonial. Wood plantation shutters provide the most beautifully diffused light, combining privacy with a quick and easy opening and shutting mechanism.
Faux wood plantation shutters have substantial advantages over real wood shutters. Since they are susceptible to hot and cold variations in temperature, and usually succumb to moisture dampness, real wood shutters can warp, stretching and contracting over time according to the heat being received. This warping can lead to the fit of the shutters becoming less exact over time, and in severe circumstances can prevent the shutters from closing fully or opening in the way they should. This, of course, can make the appearance look less than desirable, and if the shutters don't close properly, then possibly your privacy is at stake.
Another problem with some wooden shutters is that they can fade over time. Wood, like any other natural material, is affected by the sunlight. Over time, the wood can be dried, faded and the overall affect lost.
Faux wood plantation shutters, on the other hand, are composed of PVC and are both colored and textured to give the appearance of a wide range of natural looking woods. Yet whilst the appearance is not lost, the long term durability is far more sustainable. Faux wood plantation shutters do not fade or warp, so the long term appearance of the product is guaranteed far longer.
The natural wood look of faux wood plantation shutters means that they will be able to compliment any style of décor which a room takes. From the crisp, clean white of a bathroom or a colonial style bedroom, to the warmer tones of beech to a classic oak, there is no doubt that faux wood plantation shutters can provide the matching look for a cost which will be very surprising.
Another advantage of faux wood plantation shutters compared to real wood shutters is retail purchase cost. There is no doubt that real wood can be hugely expensive, yet the PVC construction of faux wood plantation shutters makes them very affordable indeed. If you're saving money by purchasing faux wood plantation shutters – why not invest in some complimentary decorations to set them off?
Many people are keen to use the style of plantation shutters in areas such as kitchens, bathrooms and even spas. In these areas, moisture can be such a problem that wood shutters would simply warp, crack and peel, losing their appeal and style very quickly. Considering the cost of wooden shutters, this represents both a poor choice, the investment simply not justifying itself after only a very short period of time. By fitting faux wood plantation shutters, all of these moisture problems are solved in one fell stroke. Faux wood plantation shutters will simply not peel or crack or warp, the lower cost of initial investment returning its long term advantages to you time and time again.
Today, many people recognize the advantage of 'curb appeal' in selling their houses, and the appeal is continued inside the property when visitors and prospective buyers step inside and see the exquisite style and practicality of wood plantation shutters. Indeed, the value of a property can be significantly enhanced through the addition and installation of suitably chosen, décor-complimenting wood plantation shutters. The advantage of fitting faux wood plantation shutters is not just because of the style they add, but the investment they represent. Almost certainly the value they represent in terms of style adds to your property, whether for your own pleasure or as part of a move to sell your property at a good price, will be far in excess of the cost to purchase and install them yourself. Faux wood plantation shutters are a feature which will help to sell your property even before the buyer has stepped in the door.
So, if style is your aim, and cost your gain, then there is no doubt at all that, from the point of view of style, longevity and cost, faux wood plantation shutters represent a remarkably low cost yet evocative and stylish addition to the house which likes to call itself a home. Consider faux wood plantation shutters when making that fateful decision.
Faux wood plantation shutters have substantial advantages over real wood shutters. Since they are susceptible to hot and cold variations in temperature, and usually succumb to moisture dampness, real wood shutters can warp, stretching and contracting over time according to the heat being received. This warping can lead to the fit of the shutters becoming less exact over time, and in severe circumstances can prevent the shutters from closing fully or opening in the way they should. This, of course, can make the appearance look less than desirable, and if the shutters don't close properly, then possibly your privacy is at stake.
Another problem with some wooden shutters is that they can fade over time. Wood, like any other natural material, is affected by the sunlight. Over time, the wood can be dried, faded and the overall affect lost.
Faux wood plantation shutters, on the other hand, are composed of PVC and are both colored and textured to give the appearance of a wide range of natural looking woods. Yet whilst the appearance is not lost, the long term durability is far more sustainable. Faux wood plantation shutters do not fade or warp, so the long term appearance of the product is guaranteed far longer.
The natural wood look of faux wood plantation shutters means that they will be able to compliment any style of décor which a room takes. From the crisp, clean white of a bathroom or a colonial style bedroom, to the warmer tones of beech to a classic oak, there is no doubt that faux wood plantation shutters can provide the matching look for a cost which will be very surprising.
Another advantage of faux wood plantation shutters compared to real wood shutters is retail purchase cost. There is no doubt that real wood can be hugely expensive, yet the PVC construction of faux wood plantation shutters makes them very affordable indeed. If you're saving money by purchasing faux wood plantation shutters – why not invest in some complimentary decorations to set them off?
Many people are keen to use the style of plantation shutters in areas such as kitchens, bathrooms and even spas. In these areas, moisture can be such a problem that wood shutters would simply warp, crack and peel, losing their appeal and style very quickly. Considering the cost of wooden shutters, this represents both a poor choice, the investment simply not justifying itself after only a very short period of time. By fitting faux wood plantation shutters, all of these moisture problems are solved in one fell stroke. Faux wood plantation shutters will simply not peel or crack or warp, the lower cost of initial investment returning its long term advantages to you time and time again.
Today, many people recognize the advantage of 'curb appeal' in selling their houses, and the appeal is continued inside the property when visitors and prospective buyers step inside and see the exquisite style and practicality of wood plantation shutters. Indeed, the value of a property can be significantly enhanced through the addition and installation of suitably chosen, décor-complimenting wood plantation shutters. The advantage of fitting faux wood plantation shutters is not just because of the style they add, but the investment they represent. Almost certainly the value they represent in terms of style adds to your property, whether for your own pleasure or as part of a move to sell your property at a good price, will be far in excess of the cost to purchase and install them yourself. Faux wood plantation shutters are a feature which will help to sell your property even before the buyer has stepped in the door.
So, if style is your aim, and cost your gain, then there is no doubt at all that, from the point of view of style, longevity and cost, faux wood plantation shutters represent a remarkably low cost yet evocative and stylish addition to the house which likes to call itself a home. Consider faux wood plantation shutters when making that fateful decision.
Choose from a Range of Vinyl Shutters for Additional Home Protection
Shutters are a stylish and classic addition to any home improvement work. A popular choice for modern home repair projects is vinyl shutters, which are robust and add character to your homes. They can even add value to your home if installed professionally and thoughtfully. Vinyl shutters are quick and easy to fit, but if you do not feel up to the job yourself, it should be relatively inexpensive to employ someone to do it for you.
Shutter panels can be bought in a wide choice of shapes, sizes and designs. They are sold in all good home improvement stores including Home Depot or Lowe’s. If you buy your shutters from such reputable outlets, they can arrange for someone to fit them for you, or can provide you with all the advice and equipment you need to tackle the task yourself.
There are many advantages to using vinyl shutters over traditional wood. As well as being a cheaper alternative, vinyl is more durable and longer lasting than wood. Splits or cracks can appear in wood over time, and if your shutters are painted, the paint will fade or begin to peel off. To maintain your wood shutters to a high standard requires repainting or treating them at least every couple of years. Maintaining your vinyl shutters requires much less effort and expense; you only need to wash them down with warm water from time to time. Many people now choose vinyl windows and frames for the same reasons.
Location and climate can be additional factors that make vinyl shutters a preferable choice to wooden ones. If you are installing shutters in a room that can become damp or steamy, such as a pool room, kitchen or bathroom, you may want to avoid wood as this will swell and warp. In these areas, and also in hot, humid climates, you will want to consider vinyl as a more practical option.
There are various styles of vinyl shutters available. Some can be closed to protect your home from bad weather, but most are fixed and are used purely for decoration. There are a huge range of colors and styles available to ensure that you will find the perfect shutter to complement your window dressing or the exterior of your home. Vinyl shutters can be bought with a wood effect, imitating the natural grained look of timber. Whatever style of shutter you choose, ensure it is made from outdoor grade vinyl if you are installing exterior shutters. This will ensure your new shutters will stand up to all weather conditions and will last for years.
If you are tackling the shutter fitting yourself, you should allow at least half an hour per regular sized window. Take care to read the instructions in detail and ensure you have the right equipment and hinges for the job. As well as the shutter panels and hinges, you may need a screwdriver, drill, tape measure, pencil for marking, spirit level and safety goggles.
The simple method for installing shutters is to make holes in the wall using a drill, and then secure the panels with hinges inserted into these holes. For hinges that do not show on the face of your panels, you may need to fix the hinges to the wall first and then slide the panels into place afterwards.
Shutter panels can be bought in a wide choice of shapes, sizes and designs. They are sold in all good home improvement stores including Home Depot or Lowe’s. If you buy your shutters from such reputable outlets, they can arrange for someone to fit them for you, or can provide you with all the advice and equipment you need to tackle the task yourself.
There are many advantages to using vinyl shutters over traditional wood. As well as being a cheaper alternative, vinyl is more durable and longer lasting than wood. Splits or cracks can appear in wood over time, and if your shutters are painted, the paint will fade or begin to peel off. To maintain your wood shutters to a high standard requires repainting or treating them at least every couple of years. Maintaining your vinyl shutters requires much less effort and expense; you only need to wash them down with warm water from time to time. Many people now choose vinyl windows and frames for the same reasons.
Location and climate can be additional factors that make vinyl shutters a preferable choice to wooden ones. If you are installing shutters in a room that can become damp or steamy, such as a pool room, kitchen or bathroom, you may want to avoid wood as this will swell and warp. In these areas, and also in hot, humid climates, you will want to consider vinyl as a more practical option.
There are various styles of vinyl shutters available. Some can be closed to protect your home from bad weather, but most are fixed and are used purely for decoration. There are a huge range of colors and styles available to ensure that you will find the perfect shutter to complement your window dressing or the exterior of your home. Vinyl shutters can be bought with a wood effect, imitating the natural grained look of timber. Whatever style of shutter you choose, ensure it is made from outdoor grade vinyl if you are installing exterior shutters. This will ensure your new shutters will stand up to all weather conditions and will last for years.
If you are tackling the shutter fitting yourself, you should allow at least half an hour per regular sized window. Take care to read the instructions in detail and ensure you have the right equipment and hinges for the job. As well as the shutter panels and hinges, you may need a screwdriver, drill, tape measure, pencil for marking, spirit level and safety goggles.
The simple method for installing shutters is to make holes in the wall using a drill, and then secure the panels with hinges inserted into these holes. For hinges that do not show on the face of your panels, you may need to fix the hinges to the wall first and then slide the panels into place afterwards.
How Can Window Shutters Create A New Modern Window Appeal That Will Match Any Window Treatment Decor
Window treatments can transform a room into a cozy warm and inviting place where friends and family can get together to relax and have fun. One of the most popular forms of window treatments are window shutters. Window shutter treatments come in many different styles and materials. There are also many different ways that they can be installed. The most chosen method of installation is inside of the window frame itself, or you can use a window strip and place it on the outside of the window frame.
Window shutters can be purchased as a single shutter that opens much like a window blind or you can purchase a two-panel shutter that opens from side to side. There are several other choices of window shutters that you can choose from to make your room into warm and cozy room, however it is important that you take into consideration the size of your room and the size of your windows to insure that the look is right for your room, with window shutter treatments, you can control the amount of light that comes into the room. Another option for window shutter treatments is shutters that have four panels. This insures total privacy especially late at night. They also can block out some of the noise that occurs on a daily basis. The best feature about window shutter treatments is that they come in so many different styles that you will have a difficult time choosing which is best for you. If you have odd shaped windows, or more than one window in a row, it is possible to order window shutter treatments to adjust for each window. By simply adding a divider rail, you can add as many shutters as you choose to complete the look of your room.
Choosing the right window shutter
Among the many types of window shutters that are available today, louvers are a very popular choice. A louver is a window shutter that has horizontal slats instead of vertical. They start at one and one-quarter inch slats and can go as big as four and a half inches. It is important to remember that the size of the slats in your shutters controls the amount of light that enters the room. Louvers are typically made of polymer or wood. Both of these types of louvers add beauty and elegance to any room.
· Wooden shutters can also add beauty and elegance to a room. They are usually made of pine, however, they can be purchased in cherry or oak wood. You can purchase wooden shutters as unfinished, to stain and match the room that you are decorating. Wooden shutters can also be purchased in pre-painted basic colors that you can hang or even stencil patterns on. They are very durable, and can improve the overall quality of your home.
· Vinyl window shutters are made of polymers that allow them to last longer and makes them more durable. They resist mold and mildew that is caused by moisture. They are perfect for areas such as bathrooms because of their high resistance to moisture properties and are easier to clean then all other types of window shutters. Vinyl window shutters do not warp and clean up with a damp cloth.
Although window shutters come in all a lot of different colors and styles, they only come in three different styles however each has their own characteristics. These styles are plantation shutters, vertical louver shutters, and café shutters.
Three basic types of louvered shutters
1. Plantation shutters are designed to give your windows proportion and usually start at two and a half inches wide and go up to four and a half inches wide. They can add a decorative unique look to your room.
2. Vertical louver shutters can be found in homes and businesses everywhere. They add an air of sophistication and elegance to any room. Vertical louver shutters start at about one and a quarter inches wide and range up to twelve inches wide. They compliment any room.
3. Although a café window shutter is considered a type of shutter, it is really only a type of installation. A café shutter is designed to cover only a portion of the window, and is an excellent addition to any window. They will enhance any room that they are installed in.
Window shutters tips and ideas
Window shutters are coverings for window that enhance the beauty and elegance in a room. They are movable parts that can be made of wood or covered in fabric. Although window shutters are very popular, there are certain guidelines that you must follow. Making sure that the tension on the shutter is correct witch will decrease the chances of any type of malfunctions. They should open and close without resistance and stay in the position that are placed. The materials that are used to create your shutters should be of the highest quality to insure long life. Making sure that the window shutters are hung in the correct manner will assure long life. When the window shutters are hung in the correct manner, and adjusted, they will stop even the slightest bit of light from coming through.
Window shutters can be purchased as a single shutter that opens much like a window blind or you can purchase a two-panel shutter that opens from side to side. There are several other choices of window shutters that you can choose from to make your room into warm and cozy room, however it is important that you take into consideration the size of your room and the size of your windows to insure that the look is right for your room, with window shutter treatments, you can control the amount of light that comes into the room. Another option for window shutter treatments is shutters that have four panels. This insures total privacy especially late at night. They also can block out some of the noise that occurs on a daily basis. The best feature about window shutter treatments is that they come in so many different styles that you will have a difficult time choosing which is best for you. If you have odd shaped windows, or more than one window in a row, it is possible to order window shutter treatments to adjust for each window. By simply adding a divider rail, you can add as many shutters as you choose to complete the look of your room.
Choosing the right window shutter
Among the many types of window shutters that are available today, louvers are a very popular choice. A louver is a window shutter that has horizontal slats instead of vertical. They start at one and one-quarter inch slats and can go as big as four and a half inches. It is important to remember that the size of the slats in your shutters controls the amount of light that enters the room. Louvers are typically made of polymer or wood. Both of these types of louvers add beauty and elegance to any room.
· Wooden shutters can also add beauty and elegance to a room. They are usually made of pine, however, they can be purchased in cherry or oak wood. You can purchase wooden shutters as unfinished, to stain and match the room that you are decorating. Wooden shutters can also be purchased in pre-painted basic colors that you can hang or even stencil patterns on. They are very durable, and can improve the overall quality of your home.
· Vinyl window shutters are made of polymers that allow them to last longer and makes them more durable. They resist mold and mildew that is caused by moisture. They are perfect for areas such as bathrooms because of their high resistance to moisture properties and are easier to clean then all other types of window shutters. Vinyl window shutters do not warp and clean up with a damp cloth.
Although window shutters come in all a lot of different colors and styles, they only come in three different styles however each has their own characteristics. These styles are plantation shutters, vertical louver shutters, and café shutters.
Three basic types of louvered shutters
1. Plantation shutters are designed to give your windows proportion and usually start at two and a half inches wide and go up to four and a half inches wide. They can add a decorative unique look to your room.
2. Vertical louver shutters can be found in homes and businesses everywhere. They add an air of sophistication and elegance to any room. Vertical louver shutters start at about one and a quarter inches wide and range up to twelve inches wide. They compliment any room.
3. Although a café window shutter is considered a type of shutter, it is really only a type of installation. A café shutter is designed to cover only a portion of the window, and is an excellent addition to any window. They will enhance any room that they are installed in.
Window shutters tips and ideas
Window shutters are coverings for window that enhance the beauty and elegance in a room. They are movable parts that can be made of wood or covered in fabric. Although window shutters are very popular, there are certain guidelines that you must follow. Making sure that the tension on the shutter is correct witch will decrease the chances of any type of malfunctions. They should open and close without resistance and stay in the position that are placed. The materials that are used to create your shutters should be of the highest quality to insure long life. Making sure that the window shutters are hung in the correct manner will assure long life. When the window shutters are hung in the correct manner, and adjusted, they will stop even the slightest bit of light from coming through.
Storm Panels - Pop-On Protection for Your Property
Storm panels provide effective protection, while remaining simple and costing less.
Storm panel shutters have a much easier installation then other types of storm shutters, yet are stronger sometimes because they are in a fixed and secured position.
Usually storm panels come in aluminum, galvanized steel or a clear polycarbonate type of metal.
Installation is of course easier with such a simple storm shutter, but whenever you want to protect your home or business, you have to manually put up each panel.
Some main characteristics of storm panels are how they interlock in perfect increments and they only affect a building's architecture a little bit.
They usually meet all code requirements, come in unlimited widths and cost a whole lost less then other types of hurricane and storm shutters on the market.
The headers and sills that hold the panels on, can be removed and stored until you need them.
Storm panel shutters can also be installed horizontally or vertically, whichever way you prefer and work's out best for the area you are putting them on at.
Also, if you desired, storm panels can come made with a see through material so light and view can come through.
The Downside to Storm Panels
Since storm panels are the most economical, they come with some down sides of course. First off, you have to store the panels, headers and sills in a location when they are not in use. Then when you do need to use them, you have to physically set up each one.
It can be long and intensive labor depending on the size of the building.
Secondly, storm panels are not the most appealing to the eye, and can make your home or business look bad.
If the building you are installing storm panels on has more then one floor, you would have to use a ladder to install them. They can also only be installed on the outside of the building, not from the inside.
Basically, only get storm panels if the risk of hurricanes and severe storms are less likely to happen. For example, if you only have a really bad storm once every few years or maybe once every year.
Storm panel shutters have a much easier installation then other types of storm shutters, yet are stronger sometimes because they are in a fixed and secured position.
Usually storm panels come in aluminum, galvanized steel or a clear polycarbonate type of metal.
Installation is of course easier with such a simple storm shutter, but whenever you want to protect your home or business, you have to manually put up each panel.
Some main characteristics of storm panels are how they interlock in perfect increments and they only affect a building's architecture a little bit.
They usually meet all code requirements, come in unlimited widths and cost a whole lost less then other types of hurricane and storm shutters on the market.
The headers and sills that hold the panels on, can be removed and stored until you need them.
Storm panel shutters can also be installed horizontally or vertically, whichever way you prefer and work's out best for the area you are putting them on at.
Also, if you desired, storm panels can come made with a see through material so light and view can come through.
The Downside to Storm Panels
Since storm panels are the most economical, they come with some down sides of course. First off, you have to store the panels, headers and sills in a location when they are not in use. Then when you do need to use them, you have to physically set up each one.
It can be long and intensive labor depending on the size of the building.
Secondly, storm panels are not the most appealing to the eye, and can make your home or business look bad.
If the building you are installing storm panels on has more then one floor, you would have to use a ladder to install them. They can also only be installed on the outside of the building, not from the inside.
Basically, only get storm panels if the risk of hurricanes and severe storms are less likely to happen. For example, if you only have a really bad storm once every few years or maybe once every year.
Effectively Preparing for Hurricane Season
Early preparation, according to the National Hurricane Survival Initiative, is the key to facing hurricane season. By starting early, residents avoid the rush at home supply stores, grocery stores and other venues that typically get crowded and sometimes chaotic when hurricane watches and warnings are issued. The Initiative is comprised of organizations and businesses including the National Hurricane Center, Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), The Salvation Army, and AT&T, to name a few.
To date, the National Hurricane Survival Initiative has generated more than 370 million media impressions overall, with media coverage in newspapers, radio and television nationwide, including CNN, FOX News, MSNBC, New York Times, Orlando Sentinel, and the Palm Beach Post, among otheres.
Three conditions need to be in existence for the formation of a hurricane: pre-existing disturbance of thunderstorms, warm ocean temperatures up to 80 degrees to a depth of approximately 150 feet, and light upper level winds that speed throughout the depth of the atmosphere. Even with today's sophisticated computer-forecasting models, a hurricane's path, strength and potential for damage can not be precisely predicted. That is why preparing for the worst possible situation is a smart move.
In preparing for a hurricane or disaster, families should identify ahead of time where they will go if they need to evacuate. Choose a home of a friend of family member show home is well away from coastal areas. Other options include a motel or approved hurricane shelter. Following a disaster, it's often easier to call long distance. Consider asking an out-of-state friend to be the "family contact" - someone everyone in the family knows to call to tell him or her where they are. Locate important papers and documents and have them ready to take with you should you need to evacuate. These include driver's license, Social Security cards, proof of residence, insurance policies, wills, birth and marriage certificates, and tax records. Exterior and interior photos of your home should also be included.
A hurricane plan must also include the things you have to protect and secure your home against during the storm. Do everything you can to minimize the danger to your family and damage to your house.
Outside of house:
Keep trees and shrubs trimmed
Remove loose branches
Clean out gutters and downspouts
Clear the lawn of furniture, potted plants, and any other items that can become windborne.
Secure windows and glass doors by using shutters or installing plywood
Brace garage doors
Leave swimming pools filled and add extra chlorine
Secure trailed boats
Fill vehicle fuel tanks
Inside house:
Locate water valves, gas valves, and main electric breaker. Have instructions on how to turn of electricity, gas and water if authorities advise to do so.
Unplug all but essential appliances and electric equipment.
Turn refrigerator and freezer to coldest setting
Secure and waterproof your home office. Back up computer files on disks.
Stay indoors, away from windows.
Locate a safe room in the center of your home, without windows, such as a bathroom or closet.
There are six basics you should stock for your home: water, food, first aid supplies, clothing and bedding, tools and emergency supplies, and special items. It's important to have certain items on hand to make you and your family as safe and comfortable as possible in your home or when you evacuate:
Important papers, in waterproof container
Water - figure on at least one gallon daily per person for five days
Ice
Water purification tablets (halazone)
Food - non-perishable foods that do not need cooking such as canned meat and fish, canned fruits and vegetables, canned soups and puddings, dried fruits, cereal, bread, and instant tea or coffee, to name a few
Special food for pets, babies or the elderly
First Aid Kit
Radio and extra batteries
Toiletries
Useful tools such as hammer and nails, screwdrivers and screws, all-purpose cleaner, shovel, duct tape, ladder, and portable generator, to name a few.
Other hurricane and earthquake preparation sites recommend safety knives as part of self-rescue kits because of their small size, long shelf life, and multiuse capabilities. Many rescue personnel after Hurricane Katrina carried safety knives for quick-access cutting ability without having an exposed blade at all times. This cost-effective item can be replaced cheaply, lessening incidences of contamination. Forward-thinking companies are planning ahead for disaster operations and ordering supplies of utility knives to issue on demand along with flashlights and other items.
Here are a few things NOT to do in preparation for, or during a storm:
Don't put masking tape on windows - it won't keep the windows from shattering
Don't crack a window - this will not equalize pressure atmospheric pressure inside/outside the house
Don't buy a chainsaw - Sleep deprived and distraught, after the storm is not the best time to use a dangerous power tool.
Don't buy candles With roads out and the fire department grounded, do you really need a house on fire? Invest in battery-powered sources of lights and a battery-powered radio.
To date, the National Hurricane Survival Initiative has generated more than 370 million media impressions overall, with media coverage in newspapers, radio and television nationwide, including CNN, FOX News, MSNBC, New York Times, Orlando Sentinel, and the Palm Beach Post, among otheres.
Three conditions need to be in existence for the formation of a hurricane: pre-existing disturbance of thunderstorms, warm ocean temperatures up to 80 degrees to a depth of approximately 150 feet, and light upper level winds that speed throughout the depth of the atmosphere. Even with today's sophisticated computer-forecasting models, a hurricane's path, strength and potential for damage can not be precisely predicted. That is why preparing for the worst possible situation is a smart move.
In preparing for a hurricane or disaster, families should identify ahead of time where they will go if they need to evacuate. Choose a home of a friend of family member show home is well away from coastal areas. Other options include a motel or approved hurricane shelter. Following a disaster, it's often easier to call long distance. Consider asking an out-of-state friend to be the "family contact" - someone everyone in the family knows to call to tell him or her where they are. Locate important papers and documents and have them ready to take with you should you need to evacuate. These include driver's license, Social Security cards, proof of residence, insurance policies, wills, birth and marriage certificates, and tax records. Exterior and interior photos of your home should also be included.
A hurricane plan must also include the things you have to protect and secure your home against during the storm. Do everything you can to minimize the danger to your family and damage to your house.
Outside of house:
Keep trees and shrubs trimmed
Remove loose branches
Clean out gutters and downspouts
Clear the lawn of furniture, potted plants, and any other items that can become windborne.
Secure windows and glass doors by using shutters or installing plywood
Brace garage doors
Leave swimming pools filled and add extra chlorine
Secure trailed boats
Fill vehicle fuel tanks
Inside house:
Locate water valves, gas valves, and main electric breaker. Have instructions on how to turn of electricity, gas and water if authorities advise to do so.
Unplug all but essential appliances and electric equipment.
Turn refrigerator and freezer to coldest setting
Secure and waterproof your home office. Back up computer files on disks.
Stay indoors, away from windows.
Locate a safe room in the center of your home, without windows, such as a bathroom or closet.
There are six basics you should stock for your home: water, food, first aid supplies, clothing and bedding, tools and emergency supplies, and special items. It's important to have certain items on hand to make you and your family as safe and comfortable as possible in your home or when you evacuate:
Important papers, in waterproof container
Water - figure on at least one gallon daily per person for five days
Ice
Water purification tablets (halazone)
Food - non-perishable foods that do not need cooking such as canned meat and fish, canned fruits and vegetables, canned soups and puddings, dried fruits, cereal, bread, and instant tea or coffee, to name a few
Special food for pets, babies or the elderly
First Aid Kit
Radio and extra batteries
Toiletries
Useful tools such as hammer and nails, screwdrivers and screws, all-purpose cleaner, shovel, duct tape, ladder, and portable generator, to name a few.
Other hurricane and earthquake preparation sites recommend safety knives as part of self-rescue kits because of their small size, long shelf life, and multiuse capabilities. Many rescue personnel after Hurricane Katrina carried safety knives for quick-access cutting ability without having an exposed blade at all times. This cost-effective item can be replaced cheaply, lessening incidences of contamination. Forward-thinking companies are planning ahead for disaster operations and ordering supplies of utility knives to issue on demand along with flashlights and other items.
Here are a few things NOT to do in preparation for, or during a storm:
Don't put masking tape on windows - it won't keep the windows from shattering
Don't crack a window - this will not equalize pressure atmospheric pressure inside/outside the house
Don't buy a chainsaw - Sleep deprived and distraught, after the storm is not the best time to use a dangerous power tool.
Don't buy candles With roads out and the fire department grounded, do you really need a house on fire? Invest in battery-powered sources of lights and a battery-powered radio.
Decorative Window Shutters
Window shutters add a nice touch to a home’s exterior. In other parts of the world, especially Europe and the Caribbean, shutters serve a functional purpose. They cover windows by night or in bad weather to keep out bad weather or cold air. By day they are pushed open from the inside and secured in place to let daylight and the sun’s warmth into a home. This is especially important in communities where the majority of residents lack central heating or air conditioning.
But in many industrialized nations, housing includes shutters more as accent pieces or adornments than as functional window covers. Shutters may cover the home’s largest windows, the windows on the front side of the house, the windows on the sides as well as the front, or every window in the home.
Shutters typically coordinate with a home’s design to bring out a certain style in its appearance. For example, you can get shutters that are rectangular-shaped, or those that come in other forms. Here are some things to consider when selecting shutters for your home.
1. Does the home’s exterior paint or paneling come with matching shutters? If so, consider using these to match the existing design, even if you had the siding done first and now want to add shutters. If not, check with the home supply provider for suggestions about the type of shutters that will go well with your current outdoor siding. You may be able to look at a print or online catalog, or view samples at the store. Some stores provide references of previous customers who have purchased these shutters, and you may be able to talk with them about their level of satisfaction or drive by their homes to have a look.
2. Choose a coordinating design and color. If your home’s siding or finish does not come with matching shutters, check out several possible options before selecting one for your home. Popular styles are made of aluminum and vinyl, along with other materials that are weather-resistant, so find out what’s available, along with the merits of each.
3. Compare styles to find one that suits your home’s design and structure. Some shutters come with two matching panels, while others have four. You can get louvers, but keep in mind these can collect dust and may be difficult to clean. Even when operational shutters are not needed, some people choose to install them for special effect on their homes.
4. Find out all you can about the product’s quality. Ask the sales associate about each product’s durability and lifetime expectancy. Also ask about how to clean various shutter types, and what type of special cleaning substances will be needed, if any. You might also want to know about any particular conditions that afflict certain products. Wood shutters, for instance, may tend to get dry rot, termites, or other wood-associated conditions. Any type of shutter might attract insect nests, and aluminum shutters may be prone to rusting.
Take your time in asking questions like these to find out what you need to know before buying shutters for your home.
But in many industrialized nations, housing includes shutters more as accent pieces or adornments than as functional window covers. Shutters may cover the home’s largest windows, the windows on the front side of the house, the windows on the sides as well as the front, or every window in the home.
Shutters typically coordinate with a home’s design to bring out a certain style in its appearance. For example, you can get shutters that are rectangular-shaped, or those that come in other forms. Here are some things to consider when selecting shutters for your home.
1. Does the home’s exterior paint or paneling come with matching shutters? If so, consider using these to match the existing design, even if you had the siding done first and now want to add shutters. If not, check with the home supply provider for suggestions about the type of shutters that will go well with your current outdoor siding. You may be able to look at a print or online catalog, or view samples at the store. Some stores provide references of previous customers who have purchased these shutters, and you may be able to talk with them about their level of satisfaction or drive by their homes to have a look.
2. Choose a coordinating design and color. If your home’s siding or finish does not come with matching shutters, check out several possible options before selecting one for your home. Popular styles are made of aluminum and vinyl, along with other materials that are weather-resistant, so find out what’s available, along with the merits of each.
3. Compare styles to find one that suits your home’s design and structure. Some shutters come with two matching panels, while others have four. You can get louvers, but keep in mind these can collect dust and may be difficult to clean. Even when operational shutters are not needed, some people choose to install them for special effect on their homes.
4. Find out all you can about the product’s quality. Ask the sales associate about each product’s durability and lifetime expectancy. Also ask about how to clean various shutter types, and what type of special cleaning substances will be needed, if any. You might also want to know about any particular conditions that afflict certain products. Wood shutters, for instance, may tend to get dry rot, termites, or other wood-associated conditions. Any type of shutter might attract insect nests, and aluminum shutters may be prone to rusting.
Take your time in asking questions like these to find out what you need to know before buying shutters for your home.
Vinyl Shutters - Home Improvement Spruce-Up With A Shutter Installation
Incorporating vinyl shutters into your home interior design transforms you into a master manipulator of light and shadow, while outdoor vinyl shutters add color and brightness to the exterior of your family's living quarters. A dramatic improvement in curb appeal is one of the main benefits of a quality vinyl window shutter installation.
Revamping Windows With Interior Vinyl Shutters
Interior vinyl shutters are a favorite among do-it-yourself remodeling enthusiasts, due to the straightforward installation process. Kits include fully assembled window shutters, except in the case of more sizeable custom shutters. You also receive all the shutter hardware and components needed for a successful DIY project. However, if heavy-duty hinges, screws, hanging strips, and filler strips sound like a foreign language to you, it may be advisable to call in the experts.
Well-crafted vinyl shutters should be manufactured from exterior grade vinyl, with the characteristic smooth finish, that ensures permanent, fresh color without fading, peeling, or scratching. In contrast to wood shutters, these window coverings are not prone to warping, and nasty surface cracks won't appear overnight. Aluminum reinforcements add strength, especially in larger shutters.
Bathroom and kitchen remodeling call for a window treatment suitable for high humidity areas. The moisture resistant properties of vinyl shutters make them ideal companions for the windows in these rooms. Vinyl shutters also sport superb insulation qualities, enhancing energy efficiency. The insulation also contributes to a reduction in outside noise interference.
Interior vinyl shutters are designed for windows of all shapes and sizes. Patio doors and French doors can also be softened with shutters. Look for shutters that brandish blades of a reasonable thickness, especially if the shutter is fairly wide. The tilt bar, which should include an adjustable tension screw, must have a smooth action. The durability of the shutter, and its ease of use, depend largely on this small, yet vital component.
Choose shades and styles that complement your interior paint colors, soft furnishings, and other aspects of your home interior design. If your idea is to install a product with a wood-like appearance, make sure that the louvers are opaque. This will also maximize the light filtering ability of the vinyl shutter.
A Flair Fix With Outdoor Vinyl Shutters
Curb appeal has to do with a variety of factors, such as gardening and landscaping, paint finishes, patio ideas, and awnings. Fixed vinyl shutters have the potential to upgrade the aesthetic appeal of your property drastically, with a minimum of fuss.
If you don't require functional shutters, outdoor vinyl shutters are an inexpensive alternative to wooden shutters. Available in every imaginable hue, these elegant, fixed shutters feature styles such as louvered, raised panel, and board and batten. Modern technology ensures color that remains bright, with no chipping or fading.
Functional, hinged designs for sun protection are also available, but these are only usable during stable, calm weather. Extensive warranties accompany well-crafted, low-maintenance vinyl shutters, attesting to their durability.
Transform a run-down veteran into a vivacious dame, with the magical touch of vinyl shutters.
Awnings-and-Blinds.com - Read the free Sunair Awnings article at Awnings-and-Blinds.com - also by Rika Susan of Article-Alert.com, where she shows you how to develop your turnkey business idea into an Adsense empire.
Revamping Windows With Interior Vinyl Shutters
Interior vinyl shutters are a favorite among do-it-yourself remodeling enthusiasts, due to the straightforward installation process. Kits include fully assembled window shutters, except in the case of more sizeable custom shutters. You also receive all the shutter hardware and components needed for a successful DIY project. However, if heavy-duty hinges, screws, hanging strips, and filler strips sound like a foreign language to you, it may be advisable to call in the experts.
Well-crafted vinyl shutters should be manufactured from exterior grade vinyl, with the characteristic smooth finish, that ensures permanent, fresh color without fading, peeling, or scratching. In contrast to wood shutters, these window coverings are not prone to warping, and nasty surface cracks won't appear overnight. Aluminum reinforcements add strength, especially in larger shutters.
Bathroom and kitchen remodeling call for a window treatment suitable for high humidity areas. The moisture resistant properties of vinyl shutters make them ideal companions for the windows in these rooms. Vinyl shutters also sport superb insulation qualities, enhancing energy efficiency. The insulation also contributes to a reduction in outside noise interference.
Interior vinyl shutters are designed for windows of all shapes and sizes. Patio doors and French doors can also be softened with shutters. Look for shutters that brandish blades of a reasonable thickness, especially if the shutter is fairly wide. The tilt bar, which should include an adjustable tension screw, must have a smooth action. The durability of the shutter, and its ease of use, depend largely on this small, yet vital component.
Choose shades and styles that complement your interior paint colors, soft furnishings, and other aspects of your home interior design. If your idea is to install a product with a wood-like appearance, make sure that the louvers are opaque. This will also maximize the light filtering ability of the vinyl shutter.
A Flair Fix With Outdoor Vinyl Shutters
Curb appeal has to do with a variety of factors, such as gardening and landscaping, paint finishes, patio ideas, and awnings. Fixed vinyl shutters have the potential to upgrade the aesthetic appeal of your property drastically, with a minimum of fuss.
If you don't require functional shutters, outdoor vinyl shutters are an inexpensive alternative to wooden shutters. Available in every imaginable hue, these elegant, fixed shutters feature styles such as louvered, raised panel, and board and batten. Modern technology ensures color that remains bright, with no chipping or fading.
Functional, hinged designs for sun protection are also available, but these are only usable during stable, calm weather. Extensive warranties accompany well-crafted, low-maintenance vinyl shutters, attesting to their durability.
Transform a run-down veteran into a vivacious dame, with the magical touch of vinyl shutters.
Awnings-and-Blinds.com - Read the free Sunair Awnings article at Awnings-and-Blinds.com - also by Rika Susan of Article-Alert.com, where she shows you how to develop your turnkey business idea into an Adsense empire.
Four Good Reasons to Consider Vinyl Exterior Shutters
Exterior Shutters Create Curb Appeal
Have you ever driven by a house and immediately thought it was absolutely gorgeous? A home's curb appeal, or lack there of, will either cause those passing by to admire your home or miss it totally. Curb appeal involves several elements; architectural interest, appealing use of color, and a well executed landscaping plan. In focusing on adding architectural interest to a home, vinyl exterior accent products such as vinyl shutters can transform a home's exterior from ordinary to extraordinary. Shutters can add the missing architectural element needed to create an eye-catching, attractive exterior. Experts advise homeowners wishing to sell their home to create curb appeal and an attractive kitchen. Concentrating on the home's exterior, curb appeal will dramatically increase the chance of a potential buyer stopping by, rather than passing by. A well trimmed home could also bring more money, more quickly.
Personalize Your Home's Exterior
At the same time you are trying to create curb appeal and set yourself apart from your neighbors, you can also be interjecting your personal tastes on your home's exterior. Vinyl shutters by Builders Edge are available in 20 colors, plus paintable units. What's your favorite color?
And with so many shutter styles available you are sure to find one that fits your personal tastes and style. Typically exterior shutters are available with your choice of the traditional louvered style, the colonial raised panel style or the cottage feel of board-n-batten. Do you like a straight top louver, arched top louver or how about a center mullion or no center mullion? Or do you like a paneled shutter? If so, do you tend to prefer a one, two or three paneled style? There are so many ways shutters can add your personal tastes to the exterior of your home.
Shutters are Easy to Install and Maintain
In comparison to their wood or composite counterparts, vinyl exterior shutters are very easy to install and maintain. Installation is fast and easy with the use of matching vinyl screws. Simply drill through the shutter and wall surface, insert the vinyl screw and your done. And unlike wood, vinyl shutters are easy to maintain and care for. Since the color is molded throughout the shutter you save time by skipping any finishing steps, and will never have to sand, repaint or stain. For routine care simply wash with soapy water to keep the shutters looking like new.
Vinyl Shutters are an Affordable Option
Once again, in comparison to their wood or composite counterparts vinyl shutters are very affordably priced, typically two to three times less. Depending on what style and sizes are desired, your home can be given a facelift on a small budget if necessary. And that small investment can in turn pay big divides if you place your home on the market. If your home has a lot of windows another affordable option is to install exterior shutter incrementally. Install shutters on the front of your home first, later install them on the sides and /or back. In conclusion, vinyl shutters are an affordable way to personalize and accent your home, adding curb appeal and value.
Have you ever driven by a house and immediately thought it was absolutely gorgeous? A home's curb appeal, or lack there of, will either cause those passing by to admire your home or miss it totally. Curb appeal involves several elements; architectural interest, appealing use of color, and a well executed landscaping plan. In focusing on adding architectural interest to a home, vinyl exterior accent products such as vinyl shutters can transform a home's exterior from ordinary to extraordinary. Shutters can add the missing architectural element needed to create an eye-catching, attractive exterior. Experts advise homeowners wishing to sell their home to create curb appeal and an attractive kitchen. Concentrating on the home's exterior, curb appeal will dramatically increase the chance of a potential buyer stopping by, rather than passing by. A well trimmed home could also bring more money, more quickly.
Personalize Your Home's Exterior
At the same time you are trying to create curb appeal and set yourself apart from your neighbors, you can also be interjecting your personal tastes on your home's exterior. Vinyl shutters by Builders Edge are available in 20 colors, plus paintable units. What's your favorite color?
And with so many shutter styles available you are sure to find one that fits your personal tastes and style. Typically exterior shutters are available with your choice of the traditional louvered style, the colonial raised panel style or the cottage feel of board-n-batten. Do you like a straight top louver, arched top louver or how about a center mullion or no center mullion? Or do you like a paneled shutter? If so, do you tend to prefer a one, two or three paneled style? There are so many ways shutters can add your personal tastes to the exterior of your home.
Shutters are Easy to Install and Maintain
In comparison to their wood or composite counterparts, vinyl exterior shutters are very easy to install and maintain. Installation is fast and easy with the use of matching vinyl screws. Simply drill through the shutter and wall surface, insert the vinyl screw and your done. And unlike wood, vinyl shutters are easy to maintain and care for. Since the color is molded throughout the shutter you save time by skipping any finishing steps, and will never have to sand, repaint or stain. For routine care simply wash with soapy water to keep the shutters looking like new.
Vinyl Shutters are an Affordable Option
Once again, in comparison to their wood or composite counterparts vinyl shutters are very affordably priced, typically two to three times less. Depending on what style and sizes are desired, your home can be given a facelift on a small budget if necessary. And that small investment can in turn pay big divides if you place your home on the market. If your home has a lot of windows another affordable option is to install exterior shutter incrementally. Install shutters on the front of your home first, later install them on the sides and /or back. In conclusion, vinyl shutters are an affordable way to personalize and accent your home, adding curb appeal and value.
Plantation Shutters - Function Meets Beauty
Plantation shutters are becoming a popular, effective way to add a new, elegant look to your home. They are both functional and attractive.
Parts of a plantation shutter
Traditional plantation shutters have a rather simple design. Plantation shutters normally are made up of a set of full-length vertical panels, and can be divided into four main parts:
The horizontal slats found on the top and bottom of the shutter are referred to as the ‘rails’. Some plantation shutters may also contain one or more horizontal rails in the center of the shutter, dividing the plantation shutter into separate tiers.
Located on the sides of the shutter, are vertical ‘stiles’.
‘Louvers’ are the parallel slats found between the stiles, which are able to be tilted and adjusted to allow in more or less light. Louvers can be made in a number of various sizes and shapes.
The ‘tilt rod’ is the mechanism which controls the movement of the louvers. These also come in a variety of styles.
# Single tilt rods are one continuous, vertical rod connecting and controlling all the louvers simultaneously.
# A split tilt rod is exactly that: a tilt rod split into individual pieces. This allows separate control of several tiers found on one shutter panel, for example, adjusting the top tier to allow in more light, while keeping a lower tier’s louvers closed, for privacy.
# Hidden tilt rods allow the apparatus to be discreetly concealed behind the shutter panel.
Where did plantation shutters come from?
Shutters have been used for many, many centuries. Some experts claim that they were used as far back as ancient Greece, with slats being made from marble slabs. They were used before glass was available, to provide protection from the elements, such as rain, wind, and direct heat from the sun’s rays. They also effectively guarded against insects and small animals entering the building. The real function of the shutters was appreciated when these elements and pests passed, and the shutters could be opened, allowing for fresh sunlight and a cool breeze to ventilate the establishment.
Many old Southern homes found the beauty and practicality of these shutters, incorporating them into the design of the decadent mansions found on plantations in the Old South. The term ‘plantation shutter’ was derived from these applications. These shutters have seen remarkably few modifications since these early times.
Modern plantation shutters
Today, plantation shutters come in a vast array of sizes, styles, and materials. They can be found throughout the globe, in every style of home. Most are made of hardwoods such as poplar or bass and can a have a number of finishes to add architectural allure to residential and commercial properties. Plantation shutters made of rich woods such as cherry, oak, mahogany, or walnut are exceptionally attractive.
Plantation shutters can be used individually, or linked together to cover several windows, or one large one. Many manufacturers of plantation shutters allow you to have custom shutters built to your specifications to add a unique look to your home and make a design statement.
Today’s plantation shutters still offer the many practicalities that previous generations found so useful. Plantation shutters are fully adjustable to allow for more or less light, offer privacy, and can even have insulation benefits.
Parts of a plantation shutter
Traditional plantation shutters have a rather simple design. Plantation shutters normally are made up of a set of full-length vertical panels, and can be divided into four main parts:
The horizontal slats found on the top and bottom of the shutter are referred to as the ‘rails’. Some plantation shutters may also contain one or more horizontal rails in the center of the shutter, dividing the plantation shutter into separate tiers.
Located on the sides of the shutter, are vertical ‘stiles’.
‘Louvers’ are the parallel slats found between the stiles, which are able to be tilted and adjusted to allow in more or less light. Louvers can be made in a number of various sizes and shapes.
The ‘tilt rod’ is the mechanism which controls the movement of the louvers. These also come in a variety of styles.
# Single tilt rods are one continuous, vertical rod connecting and controlling all the louvers simultaneously.
# A split tilt rod is exactly that: a tilt rod split into individual pieces. This allows separate control of several tiers found on one shutter panel, for example, adjusting the top tier to allow in more light, while keeping a lower tier’s louvers closed, for privacy.
# Hidden tilt rods allow the apparatus to be discreetly concealed behind the shutter panel.
Where did plantation shutters come from?
Shutters have been used for many, many centuries. Some experts claim that they were used as far back as ancient Greece, with slats being made from marble slabs. They were used before glass was available, to provide protection from the elements, such as rain, wind, and direct heat from the sun’s rays. They also effectively guarded against insects and small animals entering the building. The real function of the shutters was appreciated when these elements and pests passed, and the shutters could be opened, allowing for fresh sunlight and a cool breeze to ventilate the establishment.
Many old Southern homes found the beauty and practicality of these shutters, incorporating them into the design of the decadent mansions found on plantations in the Old South. The term ‘plantation shutter’ was derived from these applications. These shutters have seen remarkably few modifications since these early times.
Modern plantation shutters
Today, plantation shutters come in a vast array of sizes, styles, and materials. They can be found throughout the globe, in every style of home. Most are made of hardwoods such as poplar or bass and can a have a number of finishes to add architectural allure to residential and commercial properties. Plantation shutters made of rich woods such as cherry, oak, mahogany, or walnut are exceptionally attractive.
Plantation shutters can be used individually, or linked together to cover several windows, or one large one. Many manufacturers of plantation shutters allow you to have custom shutters built to your specifications to add a unique look to your home and make a design statement.
Today’s plantation shutters still offer the many practicalities that previous generations found so useful. Plantation shutters are fully adjustable to allow for more or less light, offer privacy, and can even have insulation benefits.
Do Indoor Window Shutters Affect Interior Temperature?
Indoor window shutters are not only for decoration they are a form of movable insulation. In other words, it is an adaptable window covering that can effect the interior temperature and cause the net heat gain to go up or down.
As a result you have a natural way to increase or decrease the temperature your home, as opposed to costly heaters or air conditioning. These products reduce the relative humidity inside your house. The resulting hot and dry air is not very healthy in the long run for your breathing system.
Using indoor window shutters as means of insulating windows can also greatly improve the costs involved in energy bills. This is true because windows are the main culprit in extra heat in summer and loss of heat in winter.
The main reason for this is the low R-value of the glass. The r-value is basically jargon in the building industry that measures how well a product resists the flow of heat or cold through it. To put it in perspective, an insulated wall has an r-value in the range of 12-19, while a double glazed window only has about 2.
Movable insulation, such as indoor window shutters can achieve up to triple the r-value of windows depending on design.
As with most products, you compromise the cost benefits if you do not have the shutters installed properly and if you don't use them correctly.
The most common material for shutters is wood. This type of shutter comes in a variety of styles, colours and finishes so you are not limited in choice. As well as the insulation benefits they also add a touch of elegance and luxury to your home.
In addition, there is virtually no maintaining required so it's essentially a one time investment for numerous advantages.
You'll be amazed at how additions to your home like indoor window shutters can add up to many savings in the long run and you'll be doing your part for the planet.
As a result you have a natural way to increase or decrease the temperature your home, as opposed to costly heaters or air conditioning. These products reduce the relative humidity inside your house. The resulting hot and dry air is not very healthy in the long run for your breathing system.
Using indoor window shutters as means of insulating windows can also greatly improve the costs involved in energy bills. This is true because windows are the main culprit in extra heat in summer and loss of heat in winter.
The main reason for this is the low R-value of the glass. The r-value is basically jargon in the building industry that measures how well a product resists the flow of heat or cold through it. To put it in perspective, an insulated wall has an r-value in the range of 12-19, while a double glazed window only has about 2.
Movable insulation, such as indoor window shutters can achieve up to triple the r-value of windows depending on design.
As with most products, you compromise the cost benefits if you do not have the shutters installed properly and if you don't use them correctly.
The most common material for shutters is wood. This type of shutter comes in a variety of styles, colours and finishes so you are not limited in choice. As well as the insulation benefits they also add a touch of elegance and luxury to your home.
In addition, there is virtually no maintaining required so it's essentially a one time investment for numerous advantages.
You'll be amazed at how additions to your home like indoor window shutters can add up to many savings in the long run and you'll be doing your part for the planet.
Interior Vinyl Shutters Complement Your Windows
There are many reasons why you should consider installing interior window shutters in your home. These shutters are of course pleasing to the eye, but they also perform other functions.
Heating and cooling Shutters can help bring down the cost of heating and cooling your home. Closing the shutters in the winter will prevent cold drafts from entering a room. Closing them against the blazing sun during the summer will prevent that radiant heat from raising the temperature in your home, which will cause your air condition to work overtime.
Then there's the matter of privacy. With the louvered slats that can be adjusted to various angles, you can let in air and sunlight but keep out prying eyes.
Faded furniture fears Sunlight is the source of all life, but you do not want to let direct sunlight pour into your living room. In the first place it can shine distractingly on your television screen, which is always a bad thing! However, this sunlight also causes the fabric of your furniture and carpet to fade, as well as the painting or posters on your walls and the books in your bookcases. Because it's a slow process, you probably won't notice this fading until it's too late.
So get those shutters now.
The things that shutters are made of Shutters come in many materials, but it is generally agreed that vinyl is the best material to use. Wooden shutters can warp, crack or swell, depending on the type of room in which they're placed, such as bathrooms or solariums with high humidity. Even the heat rising from a kitchen sink could have an adverse effect on wooden shutters.
Vinyl shutters are low-maintenance. You need only dust them occasionally. If a child has gotten loose with a crayon , you might need to take drastic steps with soap and water. (Try doing that on a wooden shutter!)
It's always possible to mix and match curtains, shutters and drapes. For example you can hang shutters to obscure the bottom of a window, so that you have privacy at eye level, yet when you stand up you'll be able to see over the shutters into the great outdoors.
Installing these shutters yourself is certainly possible, but only do so if you are an experienced DIY-er. You must measure your windows very carefully...and then measure them again. There is nothing worse than paying a non-refundable sum to a store for specially cut shutters, only to find that they are an inch to short. After you've chosen the shutters you like, make sure you read the directions through completely before even beginning on the project, sorting out all the material and making sure everything that should be there, is there.
Then, carefully, get to work, and soon you'll have a lovely new home accent to please the eye and help with the pocket book.
Heating and cooling Shutters can help bring down the cost of heating and cooling your home. Closing the shutters in the winter will prevent cold drafts from entering a room. Closing them against the blazing sun during the summer will prevent that radiant heat from raising the temperature in your home, which will cause your air condition to work overtime.
Then there's the matter of privacy. With the louvered slats that can be adjusted to various angles, you can let in air and sunlight but keep out prying eyes.
Faded furniture fears Sunlight is the source of all life, but you do not want to let direct sunlight pour into your living room. In the first place it can shine distractingly on your television screen, which is always a bad thing! However, this sunlight also causes the fabric of your furniture and carpet to fade, as well as the painting or posters on your walls and the books in your bookcases. Because it's a slow process, you probably won't notice this fading until it's too late.
So get those shutters now.
The things that shutters are made of Shutters come in many materials, but it is generally agreed that vinyl is the best material to use. Wooden shutters can warp, crack or swell, depending on the type of room in which they're placed, such as bathrooms or solariums with high humidity. Even the heat rising from a kitchen sink could have an adverse effect on wooden shutters.
Vinyl shutters are low-maintenance. You need only dust them occasionally. If a child has gotten loose with a crayon , you might need to take drastic steps with soap and water. (Try doing that on a wooden shutter!)
It's always possible to mix and match curtains, shutters and drapes. For example you can hang shutters to obscure the bottom of a window, so that you have privacy at eye level, yet when you stand up you'll be able to see over the shutters into the great outdoors.
Installing these shutters yourself is certainly possible, but only do so if you are an experienced DIY-er. You must measure your windows very carefully...and then measure them again. There is nothing worse than paying a non-refundable sum to a store for specially cut shutters, only to find that they are an inch to short. After you've chosen the shutters you like, make sure you read the directions through completely before even beginning on the project, sorting out all the material and making sure everything that should be there, is there.
Then, carefully, get to work, and soon you'll have a lovely new home accent to please the eye and help with the pocket book.
Why Many People Are Choosing Quality Exterior Shutters To Beautify Their Home
If you are looking for a way to freshen up the appearance of the exterior of your home, one great choice to install new exterior shutters. You can find a style of shutter to complement any style of home. As in all situations when considering home renovations, one must examine the features and benefits of the shutters under consideration before making a purchase.
When choosing exterior shutters, consumers can choose from many different dimensions and types of materials. Both wood and vinyl shutters are available at your local hardware store; both of these are quite economical choices. Functional hardware can be purchased to make wooden shutters operable.
Although exterior shutters can be manufactured from many types of wood, the best choice for this purpose is cedar. Due to its resistance to decay and durability, it is an excellent choice. This low maintenance choice can be used for fences, poles, and window sashes.
The secret to cedar's durability is the tannin oil it contains. The oil makes a barrier to keep moisture out and makes the wood unappealing to insect pests. It is necessary, though, to apply a protective coating. The best way to proceed is to apply the finishing product before installation; this will ensure that all surfaces are completely covered.
When finishing exterior shutters, the best choice is to start with a coat of oil based primer, tinted to a shade close in color to the top coat chosen. The oil from the primer will sink into the wood to give a long-lasting finish. To obtain the best results when painting, be sure to consult a professional painting firm.
To install your new exteriors shutters at your home, be sure to use a 1/2" spacer between the shutter panels and the exterior surface. This will ensure proper ventilation. In the event that functional hardware is not being used, be sure to choose rust-proof screws that can be installed flush to the wood. The screw heads can be painted with the top coat color after installation.
Both exterior paint and stain can be used for wooden shutters. If you choose to pain them, be sure to choose an opaque finish. You want to avoid having light penetrate through the paint, which could lead to a breaking down of the wooden fibers with the passing of time.
If stain is your finish of choice, be sure that the one you choose is formulated for exterior use. To keep your shutters looking their best, you need to be prepared to perform regular maintenance.
Exterior shutters are an easy way to add a splash of color to your home and give it an updated look. It's easy to see why wooden shutters are such a popular choice, making them a must-have item for a stylish home.
When choosing exterior shutters, consumers can choose from many different dimensions and types of materials. Both wood and vinyl shutters are available at your local hardware store; both of these are quite economical choices. Functional hardware can be purchased to make wooden shutters operable.
Although exterior shutters can be manufactured from many types of wood, the best choice for this purpose is cedar. Due to its resistance to decay and durability, it is an excellent choice. This low maintenance choice can be used for fences, poles, and window sashes.
The secret to cedar's durability is the tannin oil it contains. The oil makes a barrier to keep moisture out and makes the wood unappealing to insect pests. It is necessary, though, to apply a protective coating. The best way to proceed is to apply the finishing product before installation; this will ensure that all surfaces are completely covered.
When finishing exterior shutters, the best choice is to start with a coat of oil based primer, tinted to a shade close in color to the top coat chosen. The oil from the primer will sink into the wood to give a long-lasting finish. To obtain the best results when painting, be sure to consult a professional painting firm.
To install your new exteriors shutters at your home, be sure to use a 1/2" spacer between the shutter panels and the exterior surface. This will ensure proper ventilation. In the event that functional hardware is not being used, be sure to choose rust-proof screws that can be installed flush to the wood. The screw heads can be painted with the top coat color after installation.
Both exterior paint and stain can be used for wooden shutters. If you choose to pain them, be sure to choose an opaque finish. You want to avoid having light penetrate through the paint, which could lead to a breaking down of the wooden fibers with the passing of time.
If stain is your finish of choice, be sure that the one you choose is formulated for exterior use. To keep your shutters looking their best, you need to be prepared to perform regular maintenance.
Exterior shutters are an easy way to add a splash of color to your home and give it an updated look. It's easy to see why wooden shutters are such a popular choice, making them a must-have item for a stylish home.
Plantation Shutters Add Attractiveness to Your Window Dressings
You’ll want to measure your window and make sure that the opening is square. If it’s not square, you’ll have to taper the shutter to fit the opening.
Next you’ll have to cut the shutters to fit the square opening. If you run into the problem that you can’t find a shutter that will fit your window exactly, just purchase a shutter that is a little larger than the opening. If you have to strip more than 3/8” from the top or bottom, cut it from the left or bottom sides.
As well, if you’ll need to trim more than 3/8” inch from the sides, cut equal amounts from each side from each side.
When hinging the shutters, you’ll want to use non-mortising hinges. If your shutters are 30 inches or less in height, use two hinges. If they’re 30 – 48 inches in height, use three.
Security and protection are a great factor in choosing plantation shutters for your home, however the fact that they’re a beautiful and highly functional addition to your windows is the biggest benefit that people are finding.
So, exactly what are plantation shutters?
Basically they are louvered interior shutters that cover the entire window. While being most often made from wood, modern materials including vinyl and PVC are also being used with increasing acceptance. Plantation shutters are hinged and may be opened or closed and latched.
Some of these shutters are stationary and cannot be open or closed, however most easily do just that with the help of a louver.
Much of the time Pine is the chosen material for these shutters, and you can usually find them pre-finished and/or unfinished. If you so select to use unfinished, this will allow you to dye or paint the shutters the color that you desire.
If choosing PVC or vinyl, these panels come in a variety of colors, including white. They may be plain or have embossed wood graining. These materials are super choices for rooms with high levels of moisture or steam. They’re also great for poolrooms, bathrooms and utility rooms because of this fact.
Nowadays, you’ll use plantation shutters more for vanity, but they’re also important for both privacy and security. They’re often an excellent choice for high traffic rooms such as living rooms or dens.
There’s a particular feeling that comes from sitting or working in a room constructed of the rich warmth of wood. As well, the sunlight, ventilation and artificial lighting can all be adjusted to provide the perfect atmosphere.
Next you’ll have to cut the shutters to fit the square opening. If you run into the problem that you can’t find a shutter that will fit your window exactly, just purchase a shutter that is a little larger than the opening. If you have to strip more than 3/8” from the top or bottom, cut it from the left or bottom sides.
As well, if you’ll need to trim more than 3/8” inch from the sides, cut equal amounts from each side from each side.
When hinging the shutters, you’ll want to use non-mortising hinges. If your shutters are 30 inches or less in height, use two hinges. If they’re 30 – 48 inches in height, use three.
Security and protection are a great factor in choosing plantation shutters for your home, however the fact that they’re a beautiful and highly functional addition to your windows is the biggest benefit that people are finding.
So, exactly what are plantation shutters?
Basically they are louvered interior shutters that cover the entire window. While being most often made from wood, modern materials including vinyl and PVC are also being used with increasing acceptance. Plantation shutters are hinged and may be opened or closed and latched.
Some of these shutters are stationary and cannot be open or closed, however most easily do just that with the help of a louver.
Much of the time Pine is the chosen material for these shutters, and you can usually find them pre-finished and/or unfinished. If you so select to use unfinished, this will allow you to dye or paint the shutters the color that you desire.
If choosing PVC or vinyl, these panels come in a variety of colors, including white. They may be plain or have embossed wood graining. These materials are super choices for rooms with high levels of moisture or steam. They’re also great for poolrooms, bathrooms and utility rooms because of this fact.
Nowadays, you’ll use plantation shutters more for vanity, but they’re also important for both privacy and security. They’re often an excellent choice for high traffic rooms such as living rooms or dens.
There’s a particular feeling that comes from sitting or working in a room constructed of the rich warmth of wood. As well, the sunlight, ventilation and artificial lighting can all be adjusted to provide the perfect atmosphere.
Shutters - Window Treatments That Beat Blinds Hands-Down
Anyone that wants to make a smart change to their home should consider shutters as a window treatment, which can be installed on the inside of the home or the outside of the home. Shutters have a variety of features that set them apart from traditional window blinds and should not be overlooked.
Shutters can provide thermal insulation properties, add a dramatic new look to the home, provide ambient lighting control, privacy control, sound insulation, home interior protection, and save on energy. It is a well-known fact that 40% of all heat produced inside a home escapes through the windows, while 50% of solar heat from outside of the home enters through the windows. When an individual decides to add shutters to a home it drastically cuts down on the amount of heat and or cold air that enter and exit the home. One reason shutter are able to insulate a home is because it adds an extra barrier to the window. Additionally shutters also help to save you money by stopping the warping and fading of furniture, carpets, paintings, and woods.
Shutters come in a variety of designs, styles and functions so it is wise to research your shutter options carefully. If an individual chooses, they can add specially designed energy efficient shutters that can significantly lower their energy bills. Shutter window treatments can also prevent premature aging of interior rooms within a home. Each shutter window treatment can also provide a high range of lighting control within a room. Roller shutters provide minimum light while sheer and louver style shutter provide a wide rage of control over ambient lighting. In addition, shutters can add the controlled convenience of visual privacy as well as audible privacy with their ability to absorb more sound than blinds or other window treatment options. Window shutters truly are a capital investment when added to the home, improving both the look of the home and the real estate resale value all at the same time.
Shutters can provide thermal insulation properties, add a dramatic new look to the home, provide ambient lighting control, privacy control, sound insulation, home interior protection, and save on energy. It is a well-known fact that 40% of all heat produced inside a home escapes through the windows, while 50% of solar heat from outside of the home enters through the windows. When an individual decides to add shutters to a home it drastically cuts down on the amount of heat and or cold air that enter and exit the home. One reason shutter are able to insulate a home is because it adds an extra barrier to the window. Additionally shutters also help to save you money by stopping the warping and fading of furniture, carpets, paintings, and woods.
Shutters come in a variety of designs, styles and functions so it is wise to research your shutter options carefully. If an individual chooses, they can add specially designed energy efficient shutters that can significantly lower their energy bills. Shutter window treatments can also prevent premature aging of interior rooms within a home. Each shutter window treatment can also provide a high range of lighting control within a room. Roller shutters provide minimum light while sheer and louver style shutter provide a wide rage of control over ambient lighting. In addition, shutters can add the controlled convenience of visual privacy as well as audible privacy with their ability to absorb more sound than blinds or other window treatment options. Window shutters truly are a capital investment when added to the home, improving both the look of the home and the real estate resale value all at the same time.
Add Coastal Flair With Bermuda Shutters
Make your home look and feel like you are living on a tropical island in paradise with Bermuda shutters. What could be better than driving into your yard and feeling like you've stepped into your own private oasis? Bermuda shutters give your home a coastal flair that makes it look like a tropical vacation all year round.
Romantic, yet practical, Bermuda shutters offer your home sun and weather protection while adding style and grace. Individuals in the Caribbean have used similar shutters for years to keep the hot afternoon sun out of the house while still letting in cooling breezes.
A Bermuda shutter attaches to the top of your window with a hinge and opens like an awning. A rod at the bottom holds the shutter away from the window when you want to let light and air into the house. Typically, one shutter panel covers an entire window, giving a clean and elegant look.
Often, you can customize the size of the louvers in your Bermuda shutter. You'll still get a full range of view and air circulation with whatever size you choose. Yet, you may prefer one size over another and the style is purely a personal choice.
Many reasons exist for choosing Bermuda shutters. If you live in an area where you need storm protection, the shutters can be closed and secured when storms threaten in order to help protect your windows. You'll also protect the interior of your home from fading and sun damage because by using the shutters.
Some individuals like Bermuda shutters because they can also help camouflage unattractive window views. In this case, you could choose to leave those shutters down over the windows with the bad view. Or you could still open them as the shutter will still partially hide unattractive views.
Bermuda shutters made from wood or faux wood are popular, but you can also paint yours to compliment your house color. If you want to paint them, simply use a good quality exterior latex paint with a primer underneath.
If you're looking for a tropical escape, try the next best thing and turn your home into a coastal retreat. You'll be reminded of Hemingway, rum, and afternoon breezes every time you come home.
Romantic, yet practical, Bermuda shutters offer your home sun and weather protection while adding style and grace. Individuals in the Caribbean have used similar shutters for years to keep the hot afternoon sun out of the house while still letting in cooling breezes.
A Bermuda shutter attaches to the top of your window with a hinge and opens like an awning. A rod at the bottom holds the shutter away from the window when you want to let light and air into the house. Typically, one shutter panel covers an entire window, giving a clean and elegant look.
Often, you can customize the size of the louvers in your Bermuda shutter. You'll still get a full range of view and air circulation with whatever size you choose. Yet, you may prefer one size over another and the style is purely a personal choice.
Many reasons exist for choosing Bermuda shutters. If you live in an area where you need storm protection, the shutters can be closed and secured when storms threaten in order to help protect your windows. You'll also protect the interior of your home from fading and sun damage because by using the shutters.
Some individuals like Bermuda shutters because they can also help camouflage unattractive window views. In this case, you could choose to leave those shutters down over the windows with the bad view. Or you could still open them as the shutter will still partially hide unattractive views.
Bermuda shutters made from wood or faux wood are popular, but you can also paint yours to compliment your house color. If you want to paint them, simply use a good quality exterior latex paint with a primer underneath.
If you're looking for a tropical escape, try the next best thing and turn your home into a coastal retreat. You'll be reminded of Hemingway, rum, and afternoon breezes every time you come home.
What To Watch For When Buying Custom Shutters For Your Home
When considering the purchase of shutters for their homes, many consumers are attracted to companies who claim to sell ones that are custom made. This may seem like a good idea, but the truth may actually surprise you. While many firms are able to offer their customers custom-made shutters, what they are actually offering are custom-made interior shutters. This type of shutter is manufactured by taking a prefabricated shutter panel, resizing it by cutting it down to the required dimensions and attaching hinges to complete the shutter panel.
As a general rule, if this method is used, a customer will likely find that the blind will not fit the window properly. The shutters may well be out of proportion in relation to the size of the window and depending on the amount that was cut off in the resizing process, the shutter panels themselves may be compromised.
Shutters manufactured with man made materials are normally constructed with certain standard components. These components, the stiles, rails, and louvers, would then be trimmed to the desired dimensions. The goal here is to get them to the consumer in a timely manner. In this case, the product may not fit the window properly and the shutter may not be in proper proportion to the window.
One can also deal with a company that offers custom shutters, in which case the shutters are manufactured to the dimensions of each particular window. While you would think that this option would ensure a more visually-pleasing product, in reality, this may not be the case. The curb appeal of one's home is very important and there is absolutely no room for inferior workmanship.
Even in the case of custom-made shutters, some components, namely the stiles and rails, are designed so the specifications are identical throughout the customer's home or office. The result is that even though the customer is under the impression that the shutters are being manufactured specifically to fit their windows, this is not entirely accurate.
When you get to the point that you are ready to purchase shutters for your home, be sure to steer clear of so-called custom-made shutters. The best course of action in this case is to measure your windows to determine what size you require, and then go to the store and get your new shutters in the appropriate dimensions.
By following this course of action, you will ensure that you purchase the blinds best suited to your needs. With the choices now available to consumers, it is possible to match a specific element of the decor of your home; you are not limited to either an exterior or interior element of style. With very little effort, you can own the shutters that you have pictured in your mind, and you can rest assured that you will have them on your own terms.
As a general rule, if this method is used, a customer will likely find that the blind will not fit the window properly. The shutters may well be out of proportion in relation to the size of the window and depending on the amount that was cut off in the resizing process, the shutter panels themselves may be compromised.
Shutters manufactured with man made materials are normally constructed with certain standard components. These components, the stiles, rails, and louvers, would then be trimmed to the desired dimensions. The goal here is to get them to the consumer in a timely manner. In this case, the product may not fit the window properly and the shutter may not be in proper proportion to the window.
One can also deal with a company that offers custom shutters, in which case the shutters are manufactured to the dimensions of each particular window. While you would think that this option would ensure a more visually-pleasing product, in reality, this may not be the case. The curb appeal of one's home is very important and there is absolutely no room for inferior workmanship.
Even in the case of custom-made shutters, some components, namely the stiles and rails, are designed so the specifications are identical throughout the customer's home or office. The result is that even though the customer is under the impression that the shutters are being manufactured specifically to fit their windows, this is not entirely accurate.
When you get to the point that you are ready to purchase shutters for your home, be sure to steer clear of so-called custom-made shutters. The best course of action in this case is to measure your windows to determine what size you require, and then go to the store and get your new shutters in the appropriate dimensions.
By following this course of action, you will ensure that you purchase the blinds best suited to your needs. With the choices now available to consumers, it is possible to match a specific element of the decor of your home; you are not limited to either an exterior or interior element of style. With very little effort, you can own the shutters that you have pictured in your mind, and you can rest assured that you will have them on your own terms.
Window Blinds Cover And Decorate Your Windows For An Elegant Touch In Your Home
Remember the last time you walked past a home and observed their windows? YOu many not have realized what made you look at the windows. You may have noticed them because their were no blinds are you may have noticed them because they were beautiful compliments to the home. Chances are, if the windows did not have any blinds behind them, you would not have been impressed. At the same time, presence of window blinds inside the windows would have made you stand and admire the design of the blinds.
When you decide to buy a window blind at an online store, do not get fazed by the options provided to you. In true honesty, these options are provided to you for you to buy a window blind most suitable to your needs. As needs can be different, and in this case depending on your windows, the products are different.
Most online stores would offer you choices of shades and different styles in Wood Window Blinds, Aluminum Window Blinds, Fabric Window Blinds, Shades, Drapes, Valances and much more. Individuals can choose a type of window blind that would best fit the look of their home, especially the windows. A good feasibility study involving study of the benefits offered by window blinds and their cost should be studied carefully by individuals before buying a window blind.
Window Blinds ensure that they give your home privacy and light control. Most importantly, insulated window treatment, a type of window treatment for the windows ensure that noise is filtered out by the blinds allowing sanctity and peace in your home even in the noisiest of environs.
Installation of Window Blinds is not all that tough. All it requires you to do is equip yourself with basic hardware like Screwdrivers, Hammers and some hooks and you are good to get started with the installation process for window blinds. Please note some window blinds may require some special tools and hardware. Information on these tools would be available to the individuals off the instruction manuals for the product.
People often get confused with the working technology of window blinds. Window blinds can be operated by hands with cords dangling out of them. Alternatively, they could also be operated off remote controls that offer them a motorized way of controlling the movement of windows.
Maintenance is critical for any form of window blind you purchase. You must ensure that dust particles are cleared off the window blinds regularly to give you the best benefits of window blinds.
All in all, Window blinds can only be useful for individuals as they provide a very decorative and elegant look to their windows and further to their homes.
When you decide to buy a window blind at an online store, do not get fazed by the options provided to you. In true honesty, these options are provided to you for you to buy a window blind most suitable to your needs. As needs can be different, and in this case depending on your windows, the products are different.
Most online stores would offer you choices of shades and different styles in Wood Window Blinds, Aluminum Window Blinds, Fabric Window Blinds, Shades, Drapes, Valances and much more. Individuals can choose a type of window blind that would best fit the look of their home, especially the windows. A good feasibility study involving study of the benefits offered by window blinds and their cost should be studied carefully by individuals before buying a window blind.
Window Blinds ensure that they give your home privacy and light control. Most importantly, insulated window treatment, a type of window treatment for the windows ensure that noise is filtered out by the blinds allowing sanctity and peace in your home even in the noisiest of environs.
Installation of Window Blinds is not all that tough. All it requires you to do is equip yourself with basic hardware like Screwdrivers, Hammers and some hooks and you are good to get started with the installation process for window blinds. Please note some window blinds may require some special tools and hardware. Information on these tools would be available to the individuals off the instruction manuals for the product.
People often get confused with the working technology of window blinds. Window blinds can be operated by hands with cords dangling out of them. Alternatively, they could also be operated off remote controls that offer them a motorized way of controlling the movement of windows.
Maintenance is critical for any form of window blind you purchase. You must ensure that dust particles are cleared off the window blinds regularly to give you the best benefits of window blinds.
All in all, Window blinds can only be useful for individuals as they provide a very decorative and elegant look to their windows and further to their homes.
The Ease of Using a Motorized Wheelchair to Improve Mobility
No person likes to feel housebound and dependent on others. While people who have been injured or suffering from a debilitating disease may not have full functionality of their motor skills, it is still possible for them to be semi-independent and mobile with motorized wheelchairs and other home medical equipment. It can’t be over emphasized how critical that sense of independence can be. Quality, dependable Motorized Wheelchairs and other home medical equipment are the means of transportation that many people choose as their way to get around.
There are so many different Motorized Wheelchairs available on the market that it’s hard to know where to start.
Here are some suggestion when looking at different Motorized Wheelchairs:
* Pediatric Motorized Wheelchairs and other home medical equipment are generally deigned to be mobile and safe for young users.
* Heavy duty Motorized Wheelchairs are for large patients that weigh more than average yet require the ability to get around.
* Some Motorized Wheelchairs come with reclining backs and others can be easily folded to fit into a standard car trunk.
While Motorized Wheelchairs and other home medical equipment are an adjustment for the user they do provide that person with the ability to get around and maintain some, or even all of their independence.
There are so many different Motorized Wheelchairs available on the market that it’s hard to know where to start.
Here are some suggestion when looking at different Motorized Wheelchairs:
* Pediatric Motorized Wheelchairs and other home medical equipment are generally deigned to be mobile and safe for young users.
* Heavy duty Motorized Wheelchairs are for large patients that weigh more than average yet require the ability to get around.
* Some Motorized Wheelchairs come with reclining backs and others can be easily folded to fit into a standard car trunk.
While Motorized Wheelchairs and other home medical equipment are an adjustment for the user they do provide that person with the ability to get around and maintain some, or even all of their independence.
Bamboo Blinds Add Bamboo Blinds To A Room For A Stylish Look
Window blinds are one of the most neglected functional and decorative accessories of a room, but they are actually one of the most noticeable items. Bamboo blinds are a great way to add decoration to a functional accessory with the small detail yet large effect they create.
Bamboo blinds look great for any room of any style of décor. Bamboo blinds, when left as a natural looking wood, are light honey brown color that has a warm tone. This feature allows them to bring instant warmth to a room. Some people choose to paint bamboo blinds. If this is the case, they can be done in any color to match any design scheme. Traditionally, however, bamboo blinds are left their natural color because of the natural beauty of the wood.
Bamboo blinds are a popular choice in blinds because they are so durable. Bamboo is a very strong wood material, allowing the blinds to last for a long time and have excellent resistance to the normal wear and tear of blinds. Some bamboo blinds can be expensive, but the extra price is well justified because of the extreme quality of the blinds.
Bamboo blinds can be used for any window in your home. It looks great from both the inside and the outside of your home to equip you entire home with one style of blinds on all of the windows. Bamboo blinds are a great choice for the style of blinds for your home because of their beauty as well as their durability.
Bamboo blinds look great for any room of any style of décor. Bamboo blinds, when left as a natural looking wood, are light honey brown color that has a warm tone. This feature allows them to bring instant warmth to a room. Some people choose to paint bamboo blinds. If this is the case, they can be done in any color to match any design scheme. Traditionally, however, bamboo blinds are left their natural color because of the natural beauty of the wood.
Bamboo blinds are a popular choice in blinds because they are so durable. Bamboo is a very strong wood material, allowing the blinds to last for a long time and have excellent resistance to the normal wear and tear of blinds. Some bamboo blinds can be expensive, but the extra price is well justified because of the extreme quality of the blinds.
Bamboo blinds can be used for any window in your home. It looks great from both the inside and the outside of your home to equip you entire home with one style of blinds on all of the windows. Bamboo blinds are a great choice for the style of blinds for your home because of their beauty as well as their durability.
Bali Window Blinds Custom Window Blinds With Style and Less Effort
Is your home in need of custom window blinds? Bali window blinds can help – not only as a supplier for your window covering blinds, but also as a consultant.
Bali window blinds is the best custom window blinds resource for information about selecting custom window blinds. They specialize in helping customers make smart choices for their window covering blinds. Bali window blinds can provide you with information about how to choose the right custom window blinds for your home as well as an up to date look at the latest trends, styles, and ideas to make your windows grab the attention of visitors to your home and neighbors passing by.
In addition to offering you with wonderful consultant advice, bali window blinds offers a wide selection of window covering blinds as well. Most custom window blinds only come in a very narrow selection that limits your ability to choose a particular style. But with bali window blinds, it's different.
Custom window blinds can be hard to find when you have an odd shaped window, but bali window blinds makes it an easier task. With their broad selection of custom window blinds, you are not limited to only a few choices just because your window is not standard size or shape. Click on the link to learn about all the different types of custom window blinds that bali window blinds has to offer.
Bali window blinds is the best custom window blinds resource for information about selecting custom window blinds. They specialize in helping customers make smart choices for their window covering blinds. Bali window blinds can provide you with information about how to choose the right custom window blinds for your home as well as an up to date look at the latest trends, styles, and ideas to make your windows grab the attention of visitors to your home and neighbors passing by.
In addition to offering you with wonderful consultant advice, bali window blinds offers a wide selection of window covering blinds as well. Most custom window blinds only come in a very narrow selection that limits your ability to choose a particular style. But with bali window blinds, it's different.
Custom window blinds can be hard to find when you have an odd shaped window, but bali window blinds makes it an easier task. With their broad selection of custom window blinds, you are not limited to only a few choices just because your window is not standard size or shape. Click on the link to learn about all the different types of custom window blinds that bali window blinds has to offer.
Faux Wood Blinds Vinyl Blinds As An Alternative To Wood Blinds
Faux wood blinds are the most common form of blinds used as window coverings. This is because they are the perfect alternative to wood blinds and they are cheap. Fauxwood window blinds are made of vinyl material or a combination of vinyl and hardwood. They are called faux wood blinds because they look like wooden blinds. However, they are more durable than real wood and are suitable for all rooms of the home, even those with high levels of humidity. Faux wood blinds are also much easier to clean than wood blinds.
The main reason that faux wood blinds have become so popular is that homeowners like the look of blinds to their windows and the fauxwood blinds are cheap. Faux wood blinds can cost 30% less than wood blinds. They also last a lot longer than blinds made of real wood, which makes them really cost effective. An occasional cleaning and dusting will keep faux wood window blinds in perfect condition. In fact, these window blinds are so durable, you can take them down from the window and wash them in the bathtub.
You can get fauxwood blinds in sizes to fit the smallest or largest window. While you can purchase them in the store in sizes almost the same as that of your window, you can also have them custom made. Custom made faux wood blinds are not expensive either so you can dress your windows in the perfect manner without incurring extra costs. They are available in mini blinds or vertical blinds and you can also get these in motorized versions.
Installing faux wood blinds is a simple affair. You just have to decide where you are going to mount the brackets – inside or outside the facings on your window. Most of the faux wood window blinds come in measurements to fit snugly inside the facings, so if you want them outside you may have to look for cheap faux wood blinds that are an inch or so wider. Once you mount the brackets, then you simply slide in the head rail of the blind and insert the small covering that keeps it from falling out. Then you can attach the wand used to open and close the slats and you’re all set.
Whether or not you install the faux wood blinds inside or outside the facing, you can use valances and drapes with these blinds. If you purchase the fauxwood vertical blinds, then this comes with a covering for the head rail, so you don’t need to have a valance. Most homeowners do use a small valance or topper over both faux wood blinds and real wood blinds, just to suit the décor of the room and to add to its ambiance.
The main reason that faux wood blinds have become so popular is that homeowners like the look of blinds to their windows and the fauxwood blinds are cheap. Faux wood blinds can cost 30% less than wood blinds. They also last a lot longer than blinds made of real wood, which makes them really cost effective. An occasional cleaning and dusting will keep faux wood window blinds in perfect condition. In fact, these window blinds are so durable, you can take them down from the window and wash them in the bathtub.
You can get fauxwood blinds in sizes to fit the smallest or largest window. While you can purchase them in the store in sizes almost the same as that of your window, you can also have them custom made. Custom made faux wood blinds are not expensive either so you can dress your windows in the perfect manner without incurring extra costs. They are available in mini blinds or vertical blinds and you can also get these in motorized versions.
Installing faux wood blinds is a simple affair. You just have to decide where you are going to mount the brackets – inside or outside the facings on your window. Most of the faux wood window blinds come in measurements to fit snugly inside the facings, so if you want them outside you may have to look for cheap faux wood blinds that are an inch or so wider. Once you mount the brackets, then you simply slide in the head rail of the blind and insert the small covering that keeps it from falling out. Then you can attach the wand used to open and close the slats and you’re all set.
Whether or not you install the faux wood blinds inside or outside the facing, you can use valances and drapes with these blinds. If you purchase the fauxwood vertical blinds, then this comes with a covering for the head rail, so you don’t need to have a valance. Most homeowners do use a small valance or topper over both faux wood blinds and real wood blinds, just to suit the décor of the room and to add to its ambiance.
Vinyl Mini Blinds A Cheap Alternative To Expensive Drapes
Vinyl mini blinds offer a large selection of blinds in colors and styles to suit any taste. There are also aluminum blinds in this mini blind style, but they are not as cheap as the vinyl blinds. Deep printed and embossed details on vinyl mini blinds give them the appearance of being made of fabric without the detailed care that fabric blinds require. All vinyl mini blinds and aluminum blinds come with a snap on valance so that you can choose to use just the blinds as window treatments if you don’t want to use cloth valances or drapes.
Close the vinyl mini blinds completely to darken a room or leave them slightly open to let the light shine through. The small slats of both the vinyl and aluminum mini blinds overlap so that you have the privacy you need by blocking out the outside of the window. You can achieve the effect you want in any room by purchasing these types of cheap mini blinds, which enables you to make your money go farther. The modern mini blinds come in all sizes and shapes. You can also have them specially made to fir irregularly shaped windows.
Vinyl mini blinds are the cheapest of all blinds on the market. You can get this style of mini blinds in faux wood, which will make it seem as if you have the more expensive wooden blinds at the windows. The wide variety of colors that you can get in both vinyl and aluminum mini blinds makes it possible to color coordinate the windows and the décor of any room in your home. Cheap mini blinds also look great when combined with vertical blinds in a room with several large and small windows.
Both aluminum and vinyl mini blinds are easy to install and easy to clean. The slats are held together by string that raises and lowers by means of a cord. If you prefer to have a motorized mini blind, you can also get this in vinyl and aluminum, but it won’t be as cheap. You can tilt the slats in both kinds of mini blinds to control the amount of sunlight coming into a room. This enables you to have the shade you want to protect your furniture and flooring and to prevent a glare on the TV screen if it is facing the window.
Vinyl mini blinds are available everywhere and are manufactured by many top selling brand names. They are the top selling blinds because they are so durable, they won’t rust and the vinyl resists fading at the window. With cheap mini blinds, you can change the blinds at the window as often as you change the color of the room. Instead of buying expensive curtains and drapes to dress your windows, take a look at what vinyl mini blinds can do for you.
Close the vinyl mini blinds completely to darken a room or leave them slightly open to let the light shine through. The small slats of both the vinyl and aluminum mini blinds overlap so that you have the privacy you need by blocking out the outside of the window. You can achieve the effect you want in any room by purchasing these types of cheap mini blinds, which enables you to make your money go farther. The modern mini blinds come in all sizes and shapes. You can also have them specially made to fir irregularly shaped windows.
Vinyl mini blinds are the cheapest of all blinds on the market. You can get this style of mini blinds in faux wood, which will make it seem as if you have the more expensive wooden blinds at the windows. The wide variety of colors that you can get in both vinyl and aluminum mini blinds makes it possible to color coordinate the windows and the décor of any room in your home. Cheap mini blinds also look great when combined with vertical blinds in a room with several large and small windows.
Both aluminum and vinyl mini blinds are easy to install and easy to clean. The slats are held together by string that raises and lowers by means of a cord. If you prefer to have a motorized mini blind, you can also get this in vinyl and aluminum, but it won’t be as cheap. You can tilt the slats in both kinds of mini blinds to control the amount of sunlight coming into a room. This enables you to have the shade you want to protect your furniture and flooring and to prevent a glare on the TV screen if it is facing the window.
Vinyl mini blinds are available everywhere and are manufactured by many top selling brand names. They are the top selling blinds because they are so durable, they won’t rust and the vinyl resists fading at the window. With cheap mini blinds, you can change the blinds at the window as often as you change the color of the room. Instead of buying expensive curtains and drapes to dress your windows, take a look at what vinyl mini blinds can do for you.
Silhouette Blinds How Are They Different From Other Blinds?
Silhouette blinds are characterized by their ability to let some natural light shine through the window even when the blinds are closed. Two of the best known manufacturers of Silhouette blinds are Hunter Douglas and Levolor. Homeowners prefer using Silhouettes as the window coverings for their homes because they combine the best of mini blinds and cellular shades. With Silhouette blinds, your windows will look elegant whether you have the blinds open or closed.
With Silhouette blinds, the soft fabric of the blinds lets the sunlight filter through. You can rotate the slats to whatever angle you wish to have the shade you need for yourself and your furniture. Even though light can come through Silhouette window blinds, anyone outside the window cannot see in through them. Therefore, Silhouettes by Hunter Douglas give you the privacy and the light that you need.
When you raise Silhouette blinds, they are fully enclosed within the head rail. This gives you a wide open window with no blinds in your way. You can lower the Silhouette window blinds to different levels or have them all the way down. There are many choices in fabric color for the slats of the Silhouettes by Hunter Douglas. The window blinds themselves also come in different sizes and if you have a window of an irregular shape, Hunter Douglas can make the Silhouette blind specifically for your window.
When you buy Silhouette blinds from Hunter Douglas, you can choose the type of material you want in your blinds. Choose from Silhouettes by Hunter Douglas in crinkle textured fabric, bold colored sheers or maybe the linen texture will be more to your liking. One interesting feature of Silhouette window blinds is the top down/bottom up feature. You can have these blinds open at the top of the window and down to the bottom if you wish, which is really a different look in window blinds.
There are several different systems you can use for raising or lowering Silhouette blinds. The traditional cord loop is available in Silhouettes by Hunter Douglas, but you can also get these as motorized window blinds. A simple touch of a button will raise or lower the blind, as well as rotate the slats to the exact angle that you want. Silhouette blinds block the UV rays of the sun up to 99% when the vanes are closed and 63% when they are open.
With Silhouette blinds, the soft fabric of the blinds lets the sunlight filter through. You can rotate the slats to whatever angle you wish to have the shade you need for yourself and your furniture. Even though light can come through Silhouette window blinds, anyone outside the window cannot see in through them. Therefore, Silhouettes by Hunter Douglas give you the privacy and the light that you need.
When you raise Silhouette blinds, they are fully enclosed within the head rail. This gives you a wide open window with no blinds in your way. You can lower the Silhouette window blinds to different levels or have them all the way down. There are many choices in fabric color for the slats of the Silhouettes by Hunter Douglas. The window blinds themselves also come in different sizes and if you have a window of an irregular shape, Hunter Douglas can make the Silhouette blind specifically for your window.
When you buy Silhouette blinds from Hunter Douglas, you can choose the type of material you want in your blinds. Choose from Silhouettes by Hunter Douglas in crinkle textured fabric, bold colored sheers or maybe the linen texture will be more to your liking. One interesting feature of Silhouette window blinds is the top down/bottom up feature. You can have these blinds open at the top of the window and down to the bottom if you wish, which is really a different look in window blinds.
There are several different systems you can use for raising or lowering Silhouette blinds. The traditional cord loop is available in Silhouettes by Hunter Douglas, but you can also get these as motorized window blinds. A simple touch of a button will raise or lower the blind, as well as rotate the slats to the exact angle that you want. Silhouette blinds block the UV rays of the sun up to 99% when the vanes are closed and 63% when they are open.
Horizontal Blinds Enjoy Real Wood, Vinyl, Or Aluminum
In horizontal blinds, you can buy blinds made by many different manufacturers and in varying price ranges. Of course, everyone loves a bargain, so why not shop around to find retailers that sell the top brand names at discount prices. One of the places where you can realize great savings in horizontal blinds at discount prices is the American Blind and Wallpaper Company. With the wide range of horizontal blinds available in this location, you can shop for sheer blinds or any number of other styles of discount horizontal blinds.
The top selling brand of horizontal blinds is the Hunter Douglas Everwood 2 inch blind. This is a wood blind made from real hardwood and selected composite materials. With this blind you realize a discount in getting wood blinds for your windows at a significantly lower price than the more expensive blinds, yet you do not have faux wood blinds. If you want sheer horizontal blinds, you should know that this is one of the specialty shades. Although it is slightly higher in price, when you order online you will get a fantastic discount and free shipping.
Sheer horizontal blinds help to create distinctive widow coverings. These horizontal blinds are not only soft and luxurious, but they are also very unique. You don’t have to bypass this type of blind because they are available as discount horizontal blinds and are well worth a second look. In these blinds, the slats are made of fabric and appear to float between two layers of translucent sheer. This gives you a softened look of the outside of the window.
If you want horizontal blinds with a look of Venetian blinds tempered with sheer, then the sheer horizontal blinds will give you the look you want. You can adjust the slats to open or closed or even have them angled to allow only part of the light to shine through directly. You can raise or lower these blinds and with the discount horizontal blinds in this style, you can afford to buy enough blinds for every window of your home.
Horizontal blinds operate with a side cord, but you can also have them motorized as well. By shopping online, you can get the motorized blinds as discount horizontal blinds simply because of the cheaper online prices. Sheer horizontal blinds are designed to be functional as well as pleasing. They are made from sturdy polyester and they are easy to clean. If you get spots or stains on these horizontal blinds, you can lightly rub the stain with a mild cleaner. When you install these blinds at your window, they will enhance the look of the room in a way that no other blinds can.
The top selling brand of horizontal blinds is the Hunter Douglas Everwood 2 inch blind. This is a wood blind made from real hardwood and selected composite materials. With this blind you realize a discount in getting wood blinds for your windows at a significantly lower price than the more expensive blinds, yet you do not have faux wood blinds. If you want sheer horizontal blinds, you should know that this is one of the specialty shades. Although it is slightly higher in price, when you order online you will get a fantastic discount and free shipping.
Sheer horizontal blinds help to create distinctive widow coverings. These horizontal blinds are not only soft and luxurious, but they are also very unique. You don’t have to bypass this type of blind because they are available as discount horizontal blinds and are well worth a second look. In these blinds, the slats are made of fabric and appear to float between two layers of translucent sheer. This gives you a softened look of the outside of the window.
If you want horizontal blinds with a look of Venetian blinds tempered with sheer, then the sheer horizontal blinds will give you the look you want. You can adjust the slats to open or closed or even have them angled to allow only part of the light to shine through directly. You can raise or lower these blinds and with the discount horizontal blinds in this style, you can afford to buy enough blinds for every window of your home.
Horizontal blinds operate with a side cord, but you can also have them motorized as well. By shopping online, you can get the motorized blinds as discount horizontal blinds simply because of the cheaper online prices. Sheer horizontal blinds are designed to be functional as well as pleasing. They are made from sturdy polyester and they are easy to clean. If you get spots or stains on these horizontal blinds, you can lightly rub the stain with a mild cleaner. When you install these blinds at your window, they will enhance the look of the room in a way that no other blinds can.
Plantation Shutters are a Good Long Term Investment For Your Home Sublime
Plantation shutters, also called window shutters or interior shutters, are the classic wood shutters you’ve seen in those majestic Southern homes; just to give you a reference. That’s not to say that they are not popular all over. Plantation shutters are the classic window treatment, offering good looks, long life, good insulating properties and more.
Plantation shutters should not be confused with Bahama shutters which are actually a type of external shutter, hinged at the top of the window, and can be lowered to protect windows from flying debris from tropical storms and hurricanes.
Shutters are not cheap; let’s get that out of the way right away. There are, admittedly, many cheaper window treatments options available. Shutters are a long term consideration. But, they are worth the extra money. They look good with just about any décor and even add to a home’s curb appeal. A house for sale with plantation shutters will usually list them as a feature so they add value to a home.
You can find less expensive plantation shutters made from vinyl, or faux wood (composite). The cost savings between real wood shutters and vinyl shutters is approximately 25% and about 20% for composite wood. Plantation shutters also come stained or painted, the latter option being the least expensive. An additional benefit of vinyl or faux wood plantation shutters is that they won’t warp, crack or split in hot or humid areas, like kitchens and bathrooms. When planning your order, you may want to keep that in mind.
Shutters are highly versatile. They can block light very effectively or let in plenty of sunshine just by raising or lowering the louvers, which range in size from 2 ½” to 4 ½”. If you are covering a large picture window, I recommend the larger louver size as they allow greater see-through. You can custom order them to fit windows of just about any size or shape. Shutters offer effective insulation, a real plus in almost any climate.
One limitation of plantation shutters is that the color choices are somewhat limited. Generally, the painted shutters come in white, off-white, alabaster, and similar shades. These are colors that won’t clash with any décor. The stained shutters come in colors from natural to dark walnut. One reason for the limited painted colors is that shutters are a very prominent addition to a room or home and bright or dark colors would tend to dominate the color scheme.
Real wood shutters usually come in premium hardwoods and are hand-sanded for a smooth finish so they are like fine furniture. And just like fine furniture, wood shutters make a statement about the home and the homeowners – that they care about their home and want only the best. If you are going to purchase real wood shutters, you may want to consider the stained variety as opposed to the painted ones. Why waste all that beautiful wood if you are going to paint over it? Then you may as well save money by purchasing the vinyl or faux wood shutters.
Plantation shutters should not be confused with Bahama shutters which are actually a type of external shutter, hinged at the top of the window, and can be lowered to protect windows from flying debris from tropical storms and hurricanes.
Shutters are not cheap; let’s get that out of the way right away. There are, admittedly, many cheaper window treatments options available. Shutters are a long term consideration. But, they are worth the extra money. They look good with just about any décor and even add to a home’s curb appeal. A house for sale with plantation shutters will usually list them as a feature so they add value to a home.
You can find less expensive plantation shutters made from vinyl, or faux wood (composite). The cost savings between real wood shutters and vinyl shutters is approximately 25% and about 20% for composite wood. Plantation shutters also come stained or painted, the latter option being the least expensive. An additional benefit of vinyl or faux wood plantation shutters is that they won’t warp, crack or split in hot or humid areas, like kitchens and bathrooms. When planning your order, you may want to keep that in mind.
Shutters are highly versatile. They can block light very effectively or let in plenty of sunshine just by raising or lowering the louvers, which range in size from 2 ½” to 4 ½”. If you are covering a large picture window, I recommend the larger louver size as they allow greater see-through. You can custom order them to fit windows of just about any size or shape. Shutters offer effective insulation, a real plus in almost any climate.
One limitation of plantation shutters is that the color choices are somewhat limited. Generally, the painted shutters come in white, off-white, alabaster, and similar shades. These are colors that won’t clash with any décor. The stained shutters come in colors from natural to dark walnut. One reason for the limited painted colors is that shutters are a very prominent addition to a room or home and bright or dark colors would tend to dominate the color scheme.
Real wood shutters usually come in premium hardwoods and are hand-sanded for a smooth finish so they are like fine furniture. And just like fine furniture, wood shutters make a statement about the home and the homeowners – that they care about their home and want only the best. If you are going to purchase real wood shutters, you may want to consider the stained variety as opposed to the painted ones. Why waste all that beautiful wood if you are going to paint over it? Then you may as well save money by purchasing the vinyl or faux wood shutters.
Wooden Shutters - Interior Shutters for Home, Office, Restaurant, Cafe
Why have Timber Shutters instead of Curtains?
Curtains have been increasingly under siege now for many years – and it’s not hard to see why. For hundreds of years they were a great idea – indeed the best, if not only idea – for dressing windows, retaining warmth and maintaining privacy. But times have changed and 21st century alternatives leave curtains in the shade.
There have been a number of pretenders to the throne but, of all the alternatives available, wooden plantation shutters have emerged as the clear winner. It’s not hard to see why, since they are practical, aesthetically pleasing and long lasting.
What’s more, unlike curtains, they provide good insulation against noise – a real benefit, especially for anyone living near a busy road. And shutters come in a variety of styles and finishes to suit every style of home – or office – from a centuries-old country cottage to a space-age loft apartment.
It’s not surprising that they are practical – they get their name from the popular design of shutters found on American plantations where protection from intense heat and light is of primary importance.
They are made by hinging a number of panels together, which enables them to fold back. And whereas the original plantation shutters used in America’s deep south had fixed slats, today’s shutters have slats – or louvres – that can be easily adjusted to admit as much air or light as required.
Traditionally, of course, these window coverings were fitted externally. These days, however, for practical reasons they are normally fixed inside. And the good news is that they can be made to fit virtually any size or shape of window or French door.
So, there is no doubt they meet all the criteria for a practical window covering. What about looks? Well, they certainly can’t be faulted in that department! Wooden shutters are a design classic. And the choice is extensive – from the wide range of woods to the colour or stain with which they are finished. Whatever your style of furnishing or colour scheme you can co-ordinate plantation shutters with ease. And when you change your colour scheme you won’t have to change your window covering – unlike curtains, shutters don’t ‘date’ and they certainly don’t clash!
But the superiority of shutters over curtains doesn’t stop there. Curtains require washing or dry-cleaning – and you have to take them down first! Shutters stay in situ and just need a quick flick with a duster. And, of course, while dust gets into the very fabric of curtains, contributing to or aggravating allergies, there is no danger of this with shutters.
Anything else? Well, curtains fade and the material eventually rots, whereas shutters are virtually indestructible.
It’s all or nothing with curtains – open or closed. Shutters can be adjusted to your exact requirements and an advantage of this is that strong sunlight, the number one cause of fading furnishings, furniture and pictures, can be excluded without cutting out all light.
Curtains have had a good innings. They have served us well but there’s no doubt that it’s time to move on. It’s a case of RIP curtains, long live shutters!
Curtains have been increasingly under siege now for many years – and it’s not hard to see why. For hundreds of years they were a great idea – indeed the best, if not only idea – for dressing windows, retaining warmth and maintaining privacy. But times have changed and 21st century alternatives leave curtains in the shade.
There have been a number of pretenders to the throne but, of all the alternatives available, wooden plantation shutters have emerged as the clear winner. It’s not hard to see why, since they are practical, aesthetically pleasing and long lasting.
What’s more, unlike curtains, they provide good insulation against noise – a real benefit, especially for anyone living near a busy road. And shutters come in a variety of styles and finishes to suit every style of home – or office – from a centuries-old country cottage to a space-age loft apartment.
It’s not surprising that they are practical – they get their name from the popular design of shutters found on American plantations where protection from intense heat and light is of primary importance.
They are made by hinging a number of panels together, which enables them to fold back. And whereas the original plantation shutters used in America’s deep south had fixed slats, today’s shutters have slats – or louvres – that can be easily adjusted to admit as much air or light as required.
Traditionally, of course, these window coverings were fitted externally. These days, however, for practical reasons they are normally fixed inside. And the good news is that they can be made to fit virtually any size or shape of window or French door.
So, there is no doubt they meet all the criteria for a practical window covering. What about looks? Well, they certainly can’t be faulted in that department! Wooden shutters are a design classic. And the choice is extensive – from the wide range of woods to the colour or stain with which they are finished. Whatever your style of furnishing or colour scheme you can co-ordinate plantation shutters with ease. And when you change your colour scheme you won’t have to change your window covering – unlike curtains, shutters don’t ‘date’ and they certainly don’t clash!
But the superiority of shutters over curtains doesn’t stop there. Curtains require washing or dry-cleaning – and you have to take them down first! Shutters stay in situ and just need a quick flick with a duster. And, of course, while dust gets into the very fabric of curtains, contributing to or aggravating allergies, there is no danger of this with shutters.
Anything else? Well, curtains fade and the material eventually rots, whereas shutters are virtually indestructible.
It’s all or nothing with curtains – open or closed. Shutters can be adjusted to your exact requirements and an advantage of this is that strong sunlight, the number one cause of fading furnishings, furniture and pictures, can be excluded without cutting out all light.
Curtains have had a good innings. They have served us well but there’s no doubt that it’s time to move on. It’s a case of RIP curtains, long live shutters!
Exterior Vinyl Shutters Offer A Stylish, Low-Budget Window Treatment Solution
Exterior vinyl shutters are durable kerb-appeal enhancers with a fast-paced installation process. This is one of the easiest and most affordable face-lift projects for a family home, and a sensible way to spend the funds generated by a home improvement loan. If you want to add color and class to your home, innovative engineering has transformed exterior vinyl shutters into a durable design option with a range of benefits.
These budget-beating exterior vinyl shutter ranges complement virtually any architectural style. The diversity of design makes it easy to find your home's perfect match. Tempting arrays of color can be used to bring out the best in your home. The decorative fastening systems are color coordinated. These shutters can be non-functional, meaning they remain open and are permanently affixed to the walls of the property, or you can opt for a functional, usable range.
1. Superb Color Retention
One of the main benefits of an exterior vinyl shutter is that the copolymer or urethane construction is treated with a molded through color that is UV resistant. This means your shutters will retain their bright, colorful appeal for years to come. In fact, some manufacturers include a warranty of up to 40 years!
2. Low-Maintenance Durability
Molded exterior vinyl shutters are a maintenance-free product in many respects. A quick rinse-down is all you will need to do, in contrast to the time-consuming effort of having to paint wood shutters once a year. Due to the molded through color, you won't battle with paint chips, flaking or fading - the usual bane of wood exterior shutter products. You even get a wood grain texture without any of the warping woes that usually accompany real wood shutters.
3. Warp-Free Wear
Apart from the color-retaining characteristic, the benefits of this window treatment include remaining free of cracks and resisting rot due to water. Many of the exterior vinyl shutter ranges, also known as polylite shutters or composite shutters, are custom made to the measurements of the client's home.
4. Design Diversity
Board and batten shutters are a popular exterior vinyl shutter design choice. Adding a rustic look to the property, board and batten shutters can be solid, or feature spaces between the vertical boards that will allow sun and air through. Two to five vertical boards are used, with a horizontal board at the top and the bottom of the shutter. Many shutter manufacturers also supply curved ranges for arched windows.
If you prefer a different look, opt for the classic fixed louver styles, or a raised panel design. With some manufacturers you have the option of paintable shutters.
5. Do It Yourself Installation
The installation process is a fairly simple do it yourself home improvement project. It is vital that you don't skimp on the shutter fasteners and accessories. Using a quality finish will add to the durability of your home remodeling efforts. A variety of decorative hinges are available, adding a touch of tradition and authenticity.
If you take the reasonable price, low maintenance, durability, warranty and ease of installation into account, it is clear that exterior vinyl shutters are window treatments that trump real wood shutters time after time.
These budget-beating exterior vinyl shutter ranges complement virtually any architectural style. The diversity of design makes it easy to find your home's perfect match. Tempting arrays of color can be used to bring out the best in your home. The decorative fastening systems are color coordinated. These shutters can be non-functional, meaning they remain open and are permanently affixed to the walls of the property, or you can opt for a functional, usable range.
1. Superb Color Retention
One of the main benefits of an exterior vinyl shutter is that the copolymer or urethane construction is treated with a molded through color that is UV resistant. This means your shutters will retain their bright, colorful appeal for years to come. In fact, some manufacturers include a warranty of up to 40 years!
2. Low-Maintenance Durability
Molded exterior vinyl shutters are a maintenance-free product in many respects. A quick rinse-down is all you will need to do, in contrast to the time-consuming effort of having to paint wood shutters once a year. Due to the molded through color, you won't battle with paint chips, flaking or fading - the usual bane of wood exterior shutter products. You even get a wood grain texture without any of the warping woes that usually accompany real wood shutters.
3. Warp-Free Wear
Apart from the color-retaining characteristic, the benefits of this window treatment include remaining free of cracks and resisting rot due to water. Many of the exterior vinyl shutter ranges, also known as polylite shutters or composite shutters, are custom made to the measurements of the client's home.
4. Design Diversity
Board and batten shutters are a popular exterior vinyl shutter design choice. Adding a rustic look to the property, board and batten shutters can be solid, or feature spaces between the vertical boards that will allow sun and air through. Two to five vertical boards are used, with a horizontal board at the top and the bottom of the shutter. Many shutter manufacturers also supply curved ranges for arched windows.
If you prefer a different look, opt for the classic fixed louver styles, or a raised panel design. With some manufacturers you have the option of paintable shutters.
5. Do It Yourself Installation
The installation process is a fairly simple do it yourself home improvement project. It is vital that you don't skimp on the shutter fasteners and accessories. Using a quality finish will add to the durability of your home remodeling efforts. A variety of decorative hinges are available, adding a touch of tradition and authenticity.
If you take the reasonable price, low maintenance, durability, warranty and ease of installation into account, it is clear that exterior vinyl shutters are window treatments that trump real wood shutters time after time.
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