Shutters are a great alternative to blinds, which may seem a bit industrial and drab, and to curtains, which may be difficult to coordinate with your furniture and which may seem to overpower a small space. When choosing shutters, you need to take your time and shop for just the right style or they'll look like a poor afterthought, so note a few factors you'll want to ensure you consider before you buy.
1. Size
If you get shutters too wide for your windows, they won't close completely, but many homeowners opt for shutters that are actually too narrow, not realizing that standard shutters won't work on double windows or picture windows. They may also not think to measure the width of shutters from where the hinges are hung. If you connect the hinges to the wall outside the window, this will mean you need wider shutters to actually cover the windows than if you connected the hinges inside the window frame.
2. Material
Note the material of shutters before you purchase. For a space with lots of humidity such as a bathroom or kitchen, choose vinyl so that it doesn't warp. If you like a traditional look and may want to change the color of your shutters over time, choose wood. These can be painted or stained every year or as often as you wish. These may also be easier to repair, as you can typically fill in a chip or crack with wood putty and then paint over it, whereas a vinyl shutter may need replacing if it should get damaged in any way.
3. Style
Shutters actually come in a range of styles and you want to choose according to the style of your home. Panel shutters are made of one piece and these have a very rustic, country look. However, you need to open them completely to let in light and air. Louvered shutters with slats can allow you to open the slats so you let in light and air without opening the shutters completely, but depending on the size of the slats and the shutters themselves, these can look a bit busy in a small space.
Board and batten shutters can give you a nice compromise; these are made of a few boards set horizontally and then attached with one vertical beam, usually on an angle. They are very traditional, rustic looking and are often purposely made with gaps between the boards so that light and air can get into the shutters even when they're closed.
For more information, contact Illawarra Blinds & Awnings or a similar company.
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