As we head towards summer we all look forward to barbecues and picnics and long warm evenings relaxing in the garden with family & friends, hopefully with a little bit of sunshine in toe for good measure! When the British summer does get its act together, our homes can get quite uncomfortably warm and, as we know all too well, can turn frustratingly chilly equally quickly and not many of us have the luxury of air-con to balance things out! Historically, the quickest way to deal with these extremes of keeping excess heat out or trapping valuable heat in is to keep curtains drawn or blinds down but this can feel quite restrictive, bordering on the oppressive! Instead, why not consider investing in shutters to solve these common dilemmas in a clean, modern versatile way like no other! Here are 5 good reasons why you should be opting for shutters this summer.
A good solution for withstanding summer heat
Unlike curtains and blinds which can get sun damaged and bleached in the sun, shutters are far and away the most hardwearing and durable option available. Possibly the most overwhelming benefit to plantation shutters is their durability & longevity, compared to literally any other window treatment making them a worthy long term & thus, cost effective investment. As they are made from far stronger, robust & solid materials they can handle more wear and tear than other window dressings whose linings and organic components can perish, degrade & weaken more quickly in the sun. Shutters can (and do!) last more than 20 years if they are properly maintained. (We know this because we’ve had first hand experience in fitting many of them!) Now that’s an impressive lifespan by any standard!
Control natural light
When it comes to selecting shutter solutions ideal for summer, adjustable louvers (slats) offer a perfect combination of functionality, style & versatility. These shutters provide excellent control over natural light, allowing you to regulate the amount of sunlight entering a room. Even focusing down to a single trouble spot within a single window, isolating a late summer blast of sun from a particular direction. Additionally, shutters with adjustable louvers can be tilted to block out harsh sunlight during the hottest parts of the day, helping to maintain a comfortable indoor temperature. This makes them a practical yet elegant solution for your home.
Selecting a full height shutter with a split louver or mid rail provides the greatest degree of control for any problem areas.
The perfect balance between openness and privacy
The versatility of shutters allows for privacy without sacrificing natural light, making them the perfect choice for summer when longer days call for a balance between openness and seclusion. By simply adjusting the angle of the louvers, you can create an open and airy atmosphere during the day while maintaining a sense of seclusion in the evening or when privacy is desired. Unlike curtains or blinds, shutters allow for varying degrees of light and privacy without completely obstructing the view, offering a harmonious combination of openness and seclusion that enhances the look and feel of any room.
To create this balance choose tier on tier as the configuration of choice. Providing complete privacy when needed as the entire height of the window is covered but with tier on tier, much like a stable door, the top set of shutters can be folded independently leaving the bottom set of shutters still across the window. A win-win!
Ventilation and peace of mind for you and your pets
Another benefit of shutters in the summer months is that you can open a window and have your shutters partially opened too which enables a flow of fresh air to circulate whilst maintaining a level of security. This is particularly useful if you have pets such as house cats too as you can keep your home ventilated and cool for your pets without worrying that Rover or Mittens may try to take themselves off on an adventure!
In this instance a good shutter option is full height. A single covering the entire height of the window. If the height of the window permits, you could still take advantage of the split louver or mid rail option to further increase the level of control. Keeping the bottom set of louvers in a more closed position is often enough to stop an over-enthusiastic “pupsqueak” from engaging with your local postie!
Protecting your decor against UV rays
Prolonged exposure to UV light can cause furniture, ornaments, paintings, carpets and all manner of prized home decor to fade and deteriorate, diminishing the aesthetic appeal and value of interior spaces. However, installing window shutters provides an added layer of protection against these harmful rays. By effectively diffusing direct UV from bathing your rooms while still allowing natural light to filter through, shutters help preserve the integrity, longevity and appearance of interior furnishings. With shutters in place, you can enjoy the benefits of natural light without worrying about the damaging effects of UV exposure, ensuring that your interior remains vibrant and beautiful for years to come.
And for those cooler winter months…
Shutters needn’t be the reserve of those warm summer days you know! Any installation that covers t
he entire area of a window can provide a significant additional thermal barrier for any room. Louvers in their closed (upward facing) position will allow the warm air circulating within the home to freely rise without any significant losses typically associated with curtains or blinds that can allow heat to escape behind the curtains. A classic problem, perfectly solved with a skilled and well thought out shutter installation that becomes part of your window rather than a simple add-on. You can speak with our experienced surveyor to find out more about this important benefit as to how you too can take advantage of this unique feature of shutters.
Why choose Shutter Central for your shutter needs
Shutter solutions are many and offer a practical and aesthetically pleasing way to enhance summer living. They are both stylish and durable which is a great combination. They also offer flexibility and provide a tasteful & timeless addition to any home. At Shutter Central, shutters are what we do. We offer a full range of louver sizes, configuration styles, standard finishes and fittings, as well as numerous bespoke paint options with our premium quality hardwood range. With Shutter Central the possibilities are endless, that’s the Shutter Central difference. We love to share our expertise and knowledge, giving advice and recommendations based on experience. If you’re considering shutters for your home, get in touch so we can discuss your requirements and provide a free no obligation consultation.