Shutters – A Great Window Treatment Idea
Shutters are a traditional window treatment that provides a classic feel and warmth to any room. There are many design and style options available making them as versatile as they are beautiful. But you may be asking, “What is the definition of a shutter and how is it different than a window blind?”
Here’s a great definition of a basic shutter: “A window shutter is a solid and stable window covering usually consisting of a frame of vertical stiles and horizontal rails (top, centre and bottom).” https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Window_shutter
A traditional shutter has smaller louvers approximately 1 ¾ inches wide, which sit in a frame that’s approximately ¾ inch thick. They were originally made to be installed on the interior of a home and were first made popular in the Northeastern states.
Plantation shutters, on the other hand, have larger louvers and the frames are thicker than those of traditional shutters. The size and sturdiness of the Plantation Shutter made it suitable for them to be installed on the exterior of homes on plantation estates in the South, which is how they got their name. The heavier construction and serves a functional purpose of protecting the home from the elements.
Ideas For Interior Window Shutters
We had an opportunity to install interior shutters in several rooms in a home in Maumee Ohio, a suburb of Toledo. They were a great choice to bring out the elegance of the home while providing the functionality of needed for each individual window. Using shutters in various rooms created a theme of timeless tradition while using different styles and colors of shutters in each room added an understated contemporary design, which carried throughout the entire home. This combination of traditional design and contemporary flair is something that shutters can add to that special home!
How Shutters Can Be Used In A Bathroom
Shutters offer a lot of versatility. One idea is using a window shutter with a divider rail, which separates the shutter into two sections: a top and bottom. The louvers of each section can open and close independently. As you can see in the above photos, this allows you to have the degree of privacy and light control that you would like. The matching color of the louvers and frame blend beautifully with the wall and provide a nice accent to the room.
One thing to be aware of is where the interior shutters will be installed. If they will be used in an area that has a lot of moisture such as a bathroom or above a sink in the kitchen, you may want to consider using a material other than wood, such as a composite material. The reason is that the wood can absorb water over a period of time, resulting in warpage.
You also may want to think about how these window treatments will be used, as this can determine the type of design that will be best for your use. For example, there are many options for the tilt rod that controls how the louvers are open and closed. The rod can be in the center, off to the side and can affect the overall look of the installation of the shutter itself.
Shutters are considered by many to be “furniture custom designed for your window”. And it’s true! They provide function, decor and a classic elegance that’s unique to any other window treatment.
If you think that shutters may be an idea for your home or office, please feel free to contact me and schedule a no-obligation decorating consultation. We’ll be happy to show you the many options that available.