Plantation shutters are a feature that many property owners are beginning to consider and include in their homes. As well as their modern and sleek aesthetic, shutters are also a brilliant addition to the home because of the practicality that they afford those within the property. From thermal efficiency to light and noise reduction, there are so many reasons to invest in plantation shutters.
Before you make the investment and choose to transform your home, there are a number of factors that you could consider. This will allow you to make an informed decision, and ensure that you are treating your home to the shutters it deserves; shutters that complement, enhance, and benefit your home. Here are 10 things to know before you buy plantation shutters:
1. Materials
The material of your shutters in your London home can impact the running of your property, as well as the maintenance and aesthetic that you settle on. There are four main materials that you must consider when thinking about plantation shutters: MDF, hardwood, hybrid and waterproof shutters. All materials will provide varying benefits and will be gorgeous within your property.
- MDF – High-density MDF comes with a hard-wearing polypropylene coating, and is a cost-effective option for your home.
- Hardwood – Made from sustainable timber and as a durable option, hardwood has a wide range of colours and styles.
- Hybrid – A hybrid material for plantation shutters consists of a mix of MDF and acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), providing a lightweight finish.
- Waterproof – Made from ABS, waterproof shutters are ideal for moisture-high areas, such as bathrooms and kitchens.
2. Colours and finishes
When considering installing shutters in your home, you must think about the colour and finish options that are available to you. There are so many colours that you could choose from, from pure white shutters to a darker grey shade. Colours have an incredible impact on your home’s style, and they can help bring a room together. You could even get creative, and match the colour of your shutters to a specific item of furniture in your space. The finish of your shutters – from matte to shiny – can also provide a stylistic statement in your home.
3. The size of the louvres
You may be interested in shutters for varying reasons. This may be to block out light, or it could be a solely aesthetic choice. The size of the louvres can help you achieve what you’re looking for – and there are up to five sizes available. Smaller louvres can help you block out more light and achieve optimal privacy, whereas larger louvres make a stylish statement and let in natural light.
4. An added security measure
If you’re thinking of ways to increase your security measures in your home, plantation shutters can do this for you whilst adding their aesthetic benefits. As another layer to your windows, they can make it harder for intruders to break into your property.
5. The style they provide
Shutters offer a lot of stylish prowess – they can really elevate your space and add to a sleek and sophisticated design choice that you have in your property. There are multiple styles that you can choose from for your shutters:
- Full height shutters
- Tier-on-tier shutters
- Bay window shutters
- Tracked shutters
- Café style shutters
- Solid shutters
- Shaped shutters
These styles can each have a different impact on your property. For example, if you’re looking for a style that will offer privacy and yet the inclusion of natural light, café style shutters could be for you.
6. Impeccable installation
Installation is an incredibly important part of ensuring your shutters are a beneficial addition to your home. You must consider this before you invest – installation is not an aspect you can cut corners in. If shutters aren’t installed properly, they may not line up correctly with your windows. This could result in the style and cohesion of your home falling short.
7. Consider savings from increased thermal efficiency
Shutters could offer you excellent savings in your bills, from the increase they provide in thermal efficiency. Installing shutters will result in you benefitting from much more heat retention than curtains, for example. Studies have shown that shutters can reduce heat loss through your windows, by up to 28%. This is an incredible statistic – shutters can help you keep your home warmer.
8. Enhance the smaller details
The small details can be found in the hardware. Whether you want your hinges and catches to be noticeable with a statement gold, or blend into the shutters, there are options available so that you can make the right style choice to complement your space.
9. How to clean your shutters
Cleaning your plantation shutters is very low maintenance. Regular dusting will ensure that on the day-to-day, your shutters look tidy and clean. For a more in-depth clean, you can wipe them over with a damp sponge and some cleaning liquid – but dependant on the material of your shutters, check that cleaning fluid won’t impact the finish.
10. Can shutters add value to your home?
Yes! Shutters can add a lot of value to your home. This is due to their improved thermal efficiency, as well as their elevated and sleek aesthetic. You are more likely to find and intrigued buyer with the addition of beautiful shutters in your property.
After these ten important factors to consider, you should be able to make an informed decision about the type of shutters that would complement and benefit your property. If you would like further assistance and to discuss shutters with the experts, come to our team. At London Interior Shutters, we are passionate about providing shutters that enhance your home. Call us on 0800 023 5044 to get in touch.