Curtains and blinds are great for those windows that you want to access on a regular basis, but if you are after something a bit more solid and permanent, then you are probably going to want to look at window shutters. The majority of shutters are made from timber and consist of a vertical frame on either side of the window and twp or three horizontal frames (top and bottom, and optionally one in the middle). Within this frame a shutter will usually have louvres, which can be either fixed in place, or movable so that you can open and close them. Some shutters are fixed into the window cavity permanent, while others are set on hinges, and can be opened and closed as needed. There are many different reasons why people use shutters in their homes. Shutters with louvres that open and close are great for privacy, whereas outdoor shutters are used to protect your home from the harsh weather. Some people just love the look of them, and install them for no other reason than their aesthetic value.

Interior Window Shutters

Usually the shutters that you install on the inside of your windows will have hinges on the inner window frame, allowing them to swing open and closed. In the case of corner windows this is not possible, as the shutter “door” will have nowhere to swing. You can get interior shutters that have louvres that can be moved up and down to control the amount of light that is filtered through, and you can also get stationary louvres that do not move. Stationary louvres are usually cheaper, but are not recommended for areas that see a large amount of sunlight. There are different sized louvres available, the larger slats being used more widely on larger windows. This style of shutter is often referred to as “Plantation Shutters” or “Californian Shutters”, and can be used to great effect in the right situation. The slats that open and close are quite often split into two pieces, so that you can open the louvres in the top half of the shutter, while leaving the bottom half closed, or visa versa.

Exterior Window Shutters

Exterior shutters have been used since colonial days to protect your home from the extremes of weather that mother nature throws at us. Having the shutters on the outside of your window protects the glass in the case of flying debris or heavy rain. As with the interior variety, outside window shutters are usually attached to the side of the window frames using a hinge, allowing you to open and close them as needed. The downside is that they are not as easy to access as indoor shutters. You can also get shutters that are not functional and do not even close over your window. Obviously, these are purely for show. When purchasing shutters for windows, especially exterior ones, a great deal of attention needs to be paid to the materials used. Shutters on the outside of your home are going to be exposed to the elements day in and day out, and it is important that they are made of a sturdy hardwood and coated in weather proof paint or varnish in order for them to last the distance.

Browse Our Selection Of Window Shutters

Of course, wood is not the only material available for shutters. You can also get synthetic materials that are very sturdy and lightweight, however they do not have the charm of real wooden window shutters. If you are on a tight budget, and really want the look of shutters in your home, then it would be well worth your while to investigate vinyl window shutters. The benefit of vinyl is that it is hard wearing, and will not fade in direct sunlight as wood can. You can also get vinyl shutters in many different colours, so for the modern decor or the kids bedrooms, this can be used to great effect.