Plantation shutters
Plantation shutters are becoming more and more popular among those seeking to renovate, refurbish or simply redecorate their homes. The modern desire for clean, crisp lines and bold designs is satisfied by a contemporary window treatment that not only looks stunning but is virtually maintenance free.
Plantation shutters can be constructed from a vast range of materials but are most commonly made from hardwoods like Cedar and Basswood. These woods are used because they are particularly hard wearing and they look great when painted (Basswood), or left natural (Cedar).
Available in many different styles and supplied in a vast range of sizes, shapes and colour ways, there are plantation shutters to suit virtually any window aperture.
Solid shutters
Whilst over the years, the materials used to make solid wooden shutters may have changed, the basic design has remained a constant and this bears testament to the fact, that the design was a good one to start with.
Hinged together vertically, each separate solid wooden panel folds back on itself in a concertina fashion and in this way, moves to the sides of a window aperture to allow in the maximum amount of light. When closed or partially closed, each panel moves independently of its neighbour to gradually reduce the amount of light being allowed into the room.
Nowadays, most commonly constructed of cedar, basswood or other hardwoods, they combine a traditional look with the solidity of an installation that is built to last, their sturdiness lending to a distinct air of grandeur.
Aesthetics aside, solid wood shutters also provide a sense of security and can help to reduce fuel bills as they effectively protect against draughts. They will also go a long way towards keeping light and noise pollution at bay since when closed, they offer almost 100% blackout making them ideal for light sleepers.
Tier on tier shutters
Tier on tier shutters look nothing short of stunning. They are effectively two sets of shutters, standing one on top of the other. They can be opened and closed independently offering the homeowner great versatility.
For example at different times of the day, depending on where the sun is in the sky, you could have the upper or lower section open to allow in fresh air, while the other section is closed to block out the sun.
Cafe style shutters
Another great look to adorn any home, the cafe style shutter is a stylish window treatment that won't cost the earth. Fitted to the lower half of a window aperture, the cafe style shutter is the modern, on-trend equivalent of the net curtain. It allows plenty of light in through the top half of the window but provides privacy and security for the bottom half.
The design takes, as its inspiration, the shutters of the cafes along the Champs Elysee. Here Parisians would gather over coffee, at once enjoying the fresh air and the privacy provided by this ingenious shutter arrangement. This flexibility has lead to them becoming extremely popular for use in kitchens and living rooms as people love the sense of controllable privacy and freedom they provide.
Full height shutters
Full height shutters cover the length and breadth of a window aperture in the same way as the solid shutters mentioned above. The difference here is that the full height shutter is fitted with louvers which can be opened and closed at will, controlling exactly how much light is being allowed into the room. They are the simplest design of plantation shutter, their clean lines drawing the eye and lending an air of elegant sophistication to the home from both inside and out.
Full height shutters are ideal for use in any room with larger windows and look great as a treatment for patio windows and French doors. The full height shutter can even be used as a room divider or vanity screen, its vertical concertina enabling the shutter to stand alone in a zig-zag pattern.
The Bespoke Shutter Company supply and install a full range of blinds and shutters in North London and the Home Counties, including plantation shutters, solid shutters, cedar shutters and wooden Venetian blinds.
