If you are looking to give your home the benefit of better energy performance, privacy, and peace, there is no denying that window shutters make a lot of sense. They can also enhance the overall look of your property as well, creating a beautiful appearance. With that being said, in this guide, we are going to reveal everything you need to know about window shutters so you can understand whether or not they are a good investment for you.
What are The Benefits of Window Shutters For Your Home?
There are a number of different benefits that you can experience by having window shutters installed in your home. This includes the following:
- Improve the value of your property – You can enhance the value of your property thanks to the practical and style benefits associated with shutters. Shutters create a great impression on others and they can help to make your home stand out from others in the area.
- Increase security at your home – It is sad that we live in a day and age whereby we need to do everything in our power to protect what is rightly ours. However, this is the situation we find ourselves in, with burglaries impacting many families each year in the UK. With the installation of shutters, you can enhance security because you ensure no one is able to see inside of your home.
- Enjoy protection from the sun’s UV rays as well – While there is no denying that having the sun beaming into your home can be very pleasant, the UV rays can still be damaging. This is why it is important to have shutters installed so that you have that extra layer of protection.
- Benefit from greater privacy – We all want a bit of privacy in our own homes, and this is something you can gain more of once you have had shutters installed. You can adjust the angle of the shutters to make sure that they fulfil your needs.
- Shutters can add heaps of style and beauty to your home – There are many different designs, styles, and colours to select from today, so you should have no trouble finding the perfect shutters for your home. You can make a real style statement with your choice.
- They are low-maintenance – Shutters are not difficult to maintain. All you will need to do is wipe the shutter down using a damp cloth from time to time so you can make sure the dust does not build up.
- Enjoy excellent thermal and sound insulation – Finally, shutters can offer outstanding thermal and sound performance. This is because they create an effective barrier between the external and the internal of your home. Don’t be surprised to see your energy bills decrease once you have had shutters installed.
Types of Window Shutters
There are many different types of window shutters available for your home today. Let’s take a look at some of the main types so you can get a better understanding.
- Vinyl shutters – Long-lasting, waterproof, and strong vinyl shutters are considered a practical option for most rooms in your property. Kitchens and bathrooms generate a lot of moisture, and so vinyl shutters are ideal in spaces like this.
- Wooden shutters – Wooden shutters offer a classic style that has that timeless feel. If you’re looking for a beautiful, rustic vibe, you cannot go wrong with wooden shutters.
- Tier-on-tier shutters – These sort of shutters come in two sections, which give you the ability to maintain your privacy while also allowing air and light into your home. There are many different colours and materials available to choose from.
- Shaped shutters – Not all window shutters are created equally. If you are looking to make a real statement with your shutters, you may want to go for a shaped option. With unique mouldings and specially designed louvres, these shutters can be tailored to suit you.
- Blackout shutters – If you want to enjoy a restful night of sleep without being disturbed by light outside or noise, blackout shutters can help. The best blackout shutters will provide 99 percent blackout without style being compromised. This makes them great for nurseries and bedrooms, in particular.
- Bay window shutters – Bay windows can be the most stunning features in bedrooms and in living areas, yet they can also be challenging to dress. The good news is that there are bay window shutters available for a timeless and elegant look.
- Solid shutters – Another option to consider is the traditional solid shutter. This is a single solid panel, which will open on a hinge that is independent of the window.
- Cafe style shutters – Aside from the styles we have mentioned so far, there are also cafe style shutters. These shutters have been created to give you privacy without the light being blocked out completely. You can have the top half open and the bottom half shut, which means you get to enjoy the best of both.
- Tracked shutters – Last but not least, we have tracked shutters, which are required for bi-folding, patio, and French doors. These shutters will ensure that the opening mechanisms are not hindered in any way.
How Much Are Window Shutters?
Unfortunately, it is very difficult to give you a price for shutters when you consider the different types of shutters mentioned above. There are a lot of factors at play here, with the price tending to be anywhere from £180 to £300 per square metre. You also need to consider whether you will go DIY or get the window shutters installed professionally.
How Much Does it Cost to Install Window Shutters?
Again, the price of installation can differ depending on the company you hire. You can expect to pay £300+ per square metre if the window shutters are going to be installed by professionals as well. For more on cost you can also check here.
Can Shutters be Fitted to uPVC Windows?
uPVC windows have become very popular in homes across the country. If you have uPVC windows at your property, you may be wondering whether or not you are going to be able to have shutters fitted to this type of window. The good news is that you can. Shutters can be fitted to both uPVC windows and uPVC conservatories with ease. You simply need to make sure you carefully consider the style you are going to go for so that it fits in with the uPVC windows you already have installed in your home.
Do You Have to Put Shutters on all Windows?
You do not need to put shutters on all windows. The choice is yours. You may decide that you only want to have shutters installed on the windows at the front or side of your home, for example. You may want to leave the back windows as they are. Moreover, most people do not have shutters installed on picture windows or double-mulled windows. Ultimately, the choice comes down to your own personal preference and the goals that you are trying to achieve by having window shutters installed to begin with. Of course, this is something that you will be able to discuss with the professional that you hire if you need a second opinion.
Do Window Shutters Block Light?
Yes, window shutters can block light. In fact, there are some window shutters that have been designed solely for this purpose, and they are known as blackout shutters. These shutters do an amazing job of blocking as much as 99 per cent of light from entering the room in question. Although standard shutters may not be able to block out the same quantity of light, they can certainly make a big impact when it comes to preventing light from entering the room. This is especially beneficial for bedrooms where you need darkness to sleep.
How to Fit Window Shutters
If you want to save around 40% on the total cost of window shutters, you may be interested in fitting the shutters yourself. The basic process to follow when it comes to installing your window shutters are as follows:
1. Lay out your shutter pieces and assemble them.
2. Carefully mark and drill the fixing holes prior to loosely fixing them to your wall
3. Adjust the shutters until you are able to find the perfect position
4. Take the panels away and fix the frames to the wall
5. Hang the panels and make sure you secure the hinges
6. Use caulk to seal any of the gaps
Contact Art Blinds For Free Measurement Quotes
So there you have it: everything that you need to know about window shutters and the benefits they bring to your home. We hope that this has given you a good insight into all of the practicalities associated with window shutters, how to fit them, and the cost associated with them. However, if you need further information, don’t panic, as Art Blinds is here to help. We can provide you with a free quotation for our service; all you need to do is pick up the phone! The number you need is 01702 559 969. We look forward to hearing from you.
