Wood Shutters: More Control, Less Hustle
Windows are the eyes of every home, blah, blah, blah… There’s really no need to get all poetic on the subject. We all know window treatment is important in providing your home with privacy and light control while also being aesthetically appealing. There are three basic options for covering your windows: curtains, blinds, and shutters. And in this article I will go through all the benefits that shutters, specifically wood shutters, have over some of the more traditional window furnishing options.
The most popular type of wood shutters are plantation shutters. They got their name from the wide louvered style shutters that were used by the Spanish in their large plantation homes in the South. Initially, this type of shutters were used in Mediterranean countries, but very soon they spread throughout the world, although they are still mostly used in warmer climates. Shutters are basically wooden window coverings which are placed on the window frame and there are usually two separate shutters with adjustable louvers that can be opened or closed with a pole.
Although many people find wood shutters to be more aesthetically pleasing than curtains or blinds, they mostly choose them for their practical advantages. Here are some of the most notable benefits of wooden shutters.
- One of the main benefits of wood shutters is their adjustability, which means that despite any weather conditions, they can be used to control the interior conditions of a room.
- Throughout the winter, shutters can help in keeping the warmth inside the house. They are usually manufactured from high-quality wood such as basswood and essentially they provide an extra layer of protection. When they are closed they prevent cold air entering the room making them very energy efficient.
- During the summer, on the other hand, shutters keep the sun and heat outside the house. Of course, if you do want to “let the sunshine in” you can completely open the shutters to do that.
- At times when you want to block the sun but still have fresh air entering the room, you can have the shutters closed, but open the shutter louvers. You can open the louvers as much as you want depending on the sun’s position at a particular time of the day.
- Shutters require very little maintenance compared to other window coverings. To keep them clean, all they need is an occasional wipe down. Dust doesn’t build up on them in the same way it does on fabric curtains or blinds which makes them perfect for people who suffer from allergies.
- You should think of shutters as a ling term investment in your home. Since they are such a desired window covering and they are a permanent fixture which can cover up ugly PVC windows, they may help you increase the value of your home.
