Interior shutters are a good choice for virtually any window in your home, but especially for smaller spaces where curtains and drapes may actually get in your way. Shutters can offer a clean and simple look, or can be very eye-catching and add some color and style to a space. Before you buy any interior shutters, note a few tips for how to ensure that you're happy with your shutters for years to come.
Hinge
For shutters with just two panels, you need to consider the hinge you choose as this will actually determine how far the shutters can be opened. Basic hinges only allow shutters to open to a ninety-degree angle, and this causes them to jut out from the window. A piano hinge refers to a hinge that opens a full 180-degrees, meaning that the shutter can lay flat against the wall next to it. For smaller spaces and for maximum light and air ventilation, choose a piano hinge.
Size of panels
Traditional shutters have more than two panels and the panels are connected to each other with a hinge, so you can fold up the shutters and slide them open along a track. If this is the style you're choosing, you need to think about the size and number of panels. Larger panels can look more attractive and are better for large spaces, where small panels can seem disproportionate. However, the larger the panel, the more it will jut out from the wall space when folded open. Consider the placement of furniture and other items in the room and note the actual width of shutter panels, as their width is how far they'll "stick out" from the wall when folded open.
Material and color
Shutters today are available in more than just plain white! While white can be an attractive, crisp-looking choice against dark wall colors, white shutters seem drab and dull if your walls are also white. For a traditional look, choose timber shutters that are stained a dark shade of walnut or a light oak color. Timber shutters can also be painted virtually any color; a russet red can work well in a traditional home with lots of earth tones, or you might choose a color that matches the linens in your bedroom or bathroom. Remember that timber shutters can also be repainted more easily than other materials, so opt for timber if you know you like to consistently change the look and design of a room.
Share26 September 2016
My yard is in the shade of both of my neighbour's homes for most of the day which makes it quite hard to grow some of my favourite plants. Even though the yard is shady I still want it to have some nice look ground cover and be a cool place to entertain people. I have used a combination of shade resistant plants and pavers to create a lovely space that is good for entertaining all year round. This blog has some tips on creating a pleasant atmosphere in your shady backyard, particularly if you have a yard that is too shady to grow many kinds of plants.