If you have just moved into a new home and have your heart set on plantation shutters, you may discover that not all the windows in your property have a traditional, rectangular design. Once your new property is stripped bare of the previous occupants belongings, you may discover it has some unusual shaped windows - and this may not have been obvious to you at the initial viewing.
Some properties have unusual features such as half circle or full circle windows, hexagon shaped windows - or even triangles - and any of these will add great character to your interior. However, if you have odd shaped windows, you may wonder what type of window coverings to choose - and you may think plantation shutters are not possible in these circumstances.
If you have tricky shaped windows, here we shall look at the various options available via The Bespoke Shutter Company and what sort of plantation shutters would be suitable for these types of windows.
Plantation Shutters - click here for full information on our range of products.
Plantation Shutters: Solutions for Odd Shaped Windows
If you have odd shaped windows in your home, you may think of ruling out plantation shutters as an option. However, the good news is that, so far, our experts at The Bespoke Shutter Company have never come across a type of window where shutters can’t be fitted. We supply and install made-to-measure shutters to suit every type of window, so every homeowner can discover the beauty and benefits of plantation shutters.
At The Bespoke Shutter Company we do exactly what our name implies - we supply and fit shutters for all types of windows. So whether you have a rectangular shaped window above the landing, a hexagonal window in the hallway, octagon, round windows, quarter round windows, arch shaped windows, half round, elongated half round windows or windows in the shape of a triangle, we install attractive and affordable shutters designed to fit your window perfectly.
Although many unusually shaped windows are positioned high up, above an entrance hall, corridor, hallway, or landing, this is not always the case. You may have an odd shaped window in a position where you would feel too exposed if it was left uncovered all the time (in a bedroom, bathroom or living room for instance). Plantation shutters are a great option in these circumstances as the slats can be adjusted to let the light stream in, while still maintaining privacy.
Plantation Shutters for Half or Quarter Round Windows
Shutters can also be used to draw attention to an interesting shaped window and will make a feature of its design. For half round windows, eyebrow windows, elongated half round and quarter round windows, for instance, the louvres within the shutters look just like rays of the sun, bursting out of the centre. The overall effect is extremely appealing and is bound to become a talking point.
Plantation Shutters for Porthole Windows
The slats for shutters designed to fit circular, hexagonal, and octagonal porthole windows are horizontal. However, they make an interesting conversation piece and make a stunning feature of your interior.
Plantation Shutters for Conservatories
If you have a conservatory with a roof top that rises to a pinnacle in the centre, you may be left with a triangular shaped window at the top. However, there are window shutters to fit these, so you can still use your shutters to keep the conservatory cool in summer and stop heat escaping in the winter months.
Plantation Shutters for Arched Windows
Plantation shutters can be made and fitted for arched windows in a variety of ways. One is the two piece arrangements, which opens to the left and right. Another option is having a left vertical shutter, a right vertical and a sunburst or half round at the top. Just talk over the various options with your fitter to find the right one for you.
Motor Driven Shutters
Motor driven shutters provide the ideal solution for windows that are hard to reach, as the shutters can open and close at the touch of a button. They operate smoothly and quietly and are perfect for all areas of the home, including hallways, landings and conservatory areas. They are suitable for odd shaped windows, or the apex of windows, and are a much safer option as you don’t have to stand on the furniture to reach up and manually open or close your shutters.
About The Bespoke Shutter Company
The London based Bespoke Shutter Company has years of experience of supplying and fitting plantation shutters, solid shutters and blinds to your exact specifications. We pay great attention to detail and our high quality products and excellent standards of workmanship ensure that you can admire your beautiful window coverings for years to come.
Solid Shutters - click here for full information on our range of products.
Monday, February 11, 2013
Thursday, February 7, 2013
Plantation Shutters and Solid Shutters: Designing an unusual shaped Living Room
If you are moving into a new property, you may have your heart set on plantation shutters or solid shutters for the living room but are unsure about how the overall effect will look - especially if you have a tricky shaped space. This article will take a look at some of the solutions available to you.
Whether you have moved into a new build home, or are revamping a period property, not all living rooms have a traditional rectangular shaped design. Once the previous occupant has cleared the property of their belongings and the place is stripped to a bare shell, every alcove, window and design feature will be revealed in its full glory; so you see the interior with fresh eyes. And, while most living rooms are rectangular, some are more unusual, and could be in the shape of a circle, octagon, half octagon, pentagon or even a triangle - and you may not have taken this into consideration at the initial viewing.
So the big question is: How do you start decorating this type of interior? The first step is to think about the window coverings. Plantation shutters or solid shutters are a great choice for a living room as they keep the heat in during the winter months, keep the property cool in summer, are easy to keep clean, and increase the security and privacy of your home. But if you have an unusual interior - are plantation shutters or solid shutters possible in these circumstances?
Here we shall look at the various options for odd shaped living rooms and consider whether plantation shutters or solid shutters would be suitable in this type of space.
Plantation Shutters - to view some of our plantation shutters click here.
Plantation Shutters and Solid Shutters: Solutions for Awkward Spaces
If you have an awkward shaped room and are considering plantation shutters or solid shutters for the interior of your home, there are two main options available on where they can be placed. Do take some time to think about this as it will make a difference when you want to open the shutters fully.
The first option is whether you want shutters that fold flat against the wall on either side of the window (producing a frame effect). If you like this look, consider whether the space in front of the window is enough for the shutters to fold outwards in this way without knocking into pictures or potentially banging into the furniture.
If this is not possible because of the size or shape of the living room, the other option is to have shutters that fold into the window frame. If this is your preference, check that your sill is large enough to accommodate this without impinging on the room. To make your decision easier for you, our experts at Bespoke Shutters can advise you on this when you choose your shutters.
However, if you don’t want to open your shutters fully and intend to keep them closed at all times - for instance, if you have a ground floor flat or a property facing a busy street - plantation shutters are the best option as, even in the closed position, you can adjust the slats to let the light in.
Making the Most of an Unusual Living Room
If you have an unusual shaped family room, you may not know where to start when it comes to decorating it. A top tip is to draw the room to scale on a piece of graph paper or map it out on the computer (there are computer Apps available for this). This way you can play about with the various options on where to put your furniture and make a decision on the best layout for you.
Another top tip, if you have a tricky or awkward shaped room (an open plan living room/kitchen/diner for instance), is to create various zones. For example, if you have an open plan space in the shape of a pentagon (with the kitchen on the flat side of the pentagon) this leaves you with a triangle, which is one of the most awkward shapes to decorate.
The best thing to do is to start with the living area and map out a zone in the shape of a rectangle. Then decorate this space as if the living room was in a rectangular shape all along. For example you could put a television in the apex of the triangle, a sofa on one wall and another sofa opposite and parallel to it. This will leave you with a triangular shaped space behind the sofa which you can transform into a dining area. The remaining space can be used for traffic entering or leaving the room.
Another solution is to have a corner sofa (instead of two separate sofas) with the back to the kitchen area and to put the TV on the wall. This leaves one wall free and gives you more storage space and more freedom of where to site the dining table. The trick is to toy with the various ideas to find out which one works best for you.
About The Bespoke Shutter Company
The Bespoke Shutter Company supply and install high quality solid shutters and plantation shutters to suit all sizes and shapes of interior.
Plantation Shutters - to view some of our plantation shutters click here.
Whether you have moved into a new build home, or are revamping a period property, not all living rooms have a traditional rectangular shaped design. Once the previous occupant has cleared the property of their belongings and the place is stripped to a bare shell, every alcove, window and design feature will be revealed in its full glory; so you see the interior with fresh eyes. And, while most living rooms are rectangular, some are more unusual, and could be in the shape of a circle, octagon, half octagon, pentagon or even a triangle - and you may not have taken this into consideration at the initial viewing.
So the big question is: How do you start decorating this type of interior? The first step is to think about the window coverings. Plantation shutters or solid shutters are a great choice for a living room as they keep the heat in during the winter months, keep the property cool in summer, are easy to keep clean, and increase the security and privacy of your home. But if you have an unusual interior - are plantation shutters or solid shutters possible in these circumstances?
Here we shall look at the various options for odd shaped living rooms and consider whether plantation shutters or solid shutters would be suitable in this type of space.
Plantation Shutters - to view some of our plantation shutters click here.
Plantation Shutters and Solid Shutters: Solutions for Awkward Spaces
If you have an awkward shaped room and are considering plantation shutters or solid shutters for the interior of your home, there are two main options available on where they can be placed. Do take some time to think about this as it will make a difference when you want to open the shutters fully.
The first option is whether you want shutters that fold flat against the wall on either side of the window (producing a frame effect). If you like this look, consider whether the space in front of the window is enough for the shutters to fold outwards in this way without knocking into pictures or potentially banging into the furniture.
If this is not possible because of the size or shape of the living room, the other option is to have shutters that fold into the window frame. If this is your preference, check that your sill is large enough to accommodate this without impinging on the room. To make your decision easier for you, our experts at Bespoke Shutters can advise you on this when you choose your shutters.
However, if you don’t want to open your shutters fully and intend to keep them closed at all times - for instance, if you have a ground floor flat or a property facing a busy street - plantation shutters are the best option as, even in the closed position, you can adjust the slats to let the light in.
Making the Most of an Unusual Living Room
If you have an unusual shaped family room, you may not know where to start when it comes to decorating it. A top tip is to draw the room to scale on a piece of graph paper or map it out on the computer (there are computer Apps available for this). This way you can play about with the various options on where to put your furniture and make a decision on the best layout for you.
Another top tip, if you have a tricky or awkward shaped room (an open plan living room/kitchen/diner for instance), is to create various zones. For example, if you have an open plan space in the shape of a pentagon (with the kitchen on the flat side of the pentagon) this leaves you with a triangle, which is one of the most awkward shapes to decorate.
The best thing to do is to start with the living area and map out a zone in the shape of a rectangle. Then decorate this space as if the living room was in a rectangular shape all along. For example you could put a television in the apex of the triangle, a sofa on one wall and another sofa opposite and parallel to it. This will leave you with a triangular shaped space behind the sofa which you can transform into a dining area. The remaining space can be used for traffic entering or leaving the room.
Another solution is to have a corner sofa (instead of two separate sofas) with the back to the kitchen area and to put the TV on the wall. This leaves one wall free and gives you more storage space and more freedom of where to site the dining table. The trick is to toy with the various ideas to find out which one works best for you.
About The Bespoke Shutter Company
The Bespoke Shutter Company supply and install high quality solid shutters and plantation shutters to suit all sizes and shapes of interior.
Plantation Shutters - to view some of our plantation shutters click here.
Thursday, December 6, 2012
Plantation Shutters and Solid Shutters - Stylish Ways to Keep Your Home Warm this Winter
Plantation shutters and solid shutters are a great way to keep your interior warm this winter and are an elegant addition to your home. However, in addition to plantation shutters and solid shutters, there are many other attractive ways to keep your heating bills down - and some are at little or no extra cost. Here we shall look at some of the most stylish and effective ways to brighten an interior and keep the indoors cosy when the temperature plummets.
Plantation Shutters - click here for full information on our range of products.
Plantation Shutters and Solid Shutters
Plantation shutters and solid shutters are a very efficient way to keep the heat in compared to other forms of window coverings. They keep draughts at bay and insulate the home by trapping the cold air between the shutter and the window.
If you have either plantation shutters or solid shutters, a top tip is to leave the shutters open during the day to allow the sunlight to stream through. If you have tier on tier shutters, you can just leave the top half open. This serves to warm up the room in the daylight hours and you can close the shutters at night to keep the heat in.
Fireplaces
Some householders have an open fire, but rarely get round to using it. However, an open fire not only provides warmth and ambience, it also helps lower the cost of your heating bills. If your fireplace has not been used for a while, have a flick through the yellow pages to find a chimney sweep to clean out your chimney. It is also advisable to make sure you stock up on a sufficient supply of wood or smoke free coal (if you are living in a smoke free zone) before the weather turns colder.
Throws
Another stylish way to brighten your living room is to have a throw or two within easy reach of the sofa. You could even have one on each sofa or arm chair, so there’s one for every member of the family and for guests too! This is great thing to snuggle under on cold winter nights, while watching a favourite TV programme or DVD. And your guests will love to feel cosy and snug beneath it when they pop round for a chat!
Rugs
Wooden flooring looks great in any home, but it can feel chilly to walk on during the coldest months of the year. If you have wooden flooring, you may think about using rugs in winter, even if you don’t use them all year round. Rugs can be lovely and soft to sink your feet into and instantly makes the house appear warmer.
Cooking
Cooking helps warm up the kitchen area and it will fill the house with the lovely aroma of delicious winter food. If you leave the oven door open after cooking it is a good way to keep your interior cosy - and all for no extra cost. If you have a kitchen diner, the family often loves to congregate in the kitchen in winter.
Jumpers
Another way to keep warm in winter is to wear a jumper or to layer your clothing - and try to avoid going without warm socks or slippers! There are lots of fashionable slippers available including cosy home wear boots. Woollen socks really warm up your toes and you can even wear several pairs at a time if need be.
Candles
Candles create a wonderful atmosphere in the home and they can also give off a little bit of heat too! There is something incredibly relaxing about lighting a few scented candles when you get home from work on a dark winter night and they give off a fantastic aroma. Candles are very welcoming and guests will love the attention to detail when they come over to your house for festive drinks.
Rooms
If you have certain rooms you rarely use, it may be worthwhile closing these areas off in the winter months. This is a simple way to lower your heating costs and means you are not hiking up your heating bills for rooms that aren’t used. It also means the rooms that are frequented more will feel warmer and much more homely.
About Bespoke Shutters
The Bespoke Shutter Company provides beautiful made-to-measure plantation shutters and solid shutters for homes and businesses in London and the Home Counties. Our range of plantation shutters and solid shutters includes cafe style, full height and tier on tier shutters. We have several years experience in creating bespoke shutters and have a reputation for the quality of our products and high standards of craftsmanship.
Solid Shutters - click here for full information on our range of products.
Plantation Shutters - click here for full information on our range of products.
Plantation Shutters and Solid Shutters
Plantation shutters and solid shutters are a very efficient way to keep the heat in compared to other forms of window coverings. They keep draughts at bay and insulate the home by trapping the cold air between the shutter and the window.
If you have either plantation shutters or solid shutters, a top tip is to leave the shutters open during the day to allow the sunlight to stream through. If you have tier on tier shutters, you can just leave the top half open. This serves to warm up the room in the daylight hours and you can close the shutters at night to keep the heat in.
Fireplaces
Some householders have an open fire, but rarely get round to using it. However, an open fire not only provides warmth and ambience, it also helps lower the cost of your heating bills. If your fireplace has not been used for a while, have a flick through the yellow pages to find a chimney sweep to clean out your chimney. It is also advisable to make sure you stock up on a sufficient supply of wood or smoke free coal (if you are living in a smoke free zone) before the weather turns colder.
Throws
Another stylish way to brighten your living room is to have a throw or two within easy reach of the sofa. You could even have one on each sofa or arm chair, so there’s one for every member of the family and for guests too! This is great thing to snuggle under on cold winter nights, while watching a favourite TV programme or DVD. And your guests will love to feel cosy and snug beneath it when they pop round for a chat!
Rugs
Wooden flooring looks great in any home, but it can feel chilly to walk on during the coldest months of the year. If you have wooden flooring, you may think about using rugs in winter, even if you don’t use them all year round. Rugs can be lovely and soft to sink your feet into and instantly makes the house appear warmer.
Cooking
Cooking helps warm up the kitchen area and it will fill the house with the lovely aroma of delicious winter food. If you leave the oven door open after cooking it is a good way to keep your interior cosy - and all for no extra cost. If you have a kitchen diner, the family often loves to congregate in the kitchen in winter.
Jumpers
Another way to keep warm in winter is to wear a jumper or to layer your clothing - and try to avoid going without warm socks or slippers! There are lots of fashionable slippers available including cosy home wear boots. Woollen socks really warm up your toes and you can even wear several pairs at a time if need be.
Candles
Candles create a wonderful atmosphere in the home and they can also give off a little bit of heat too! There is something incredibly relaxing about lighting a few scented candles when you get home from work on a dark winter night and they give off a fantastic aroma. Candles are very welcoming and guests will love the attention to detail when they come over to your house for festive drinks.
Rooms
If you have certain rooms you rarely use, it may be worthwhile closing these areas off in the winter months. This is a simple way to lower your heating costs and means you are not hiking up your heating bills for rooms that aren’t used. It also means the rooms that are frequented more will feel warmer and much more homely.
About Bespoke Shutters
The Bespoke Shutter Company provides beautiful made-to-measure plantation shutters and solid shutters for homes and businesses in London and the Home Counties. Our range of plantation shutters and solid shutters includes cafe style, full height and tier on tier shutters. We have several years experience in creating bespoke shutters and have a reputation for the quality of our products and high standards of craftsmanship.
Solid Shutters - click here for full information on our range of products.
Tuesday, December 4, 2012
Colour Your Home Beautiful With Solid Shutters and Plantation Shutters
Just like with any other window coverings, plantation shutters and solid shutters do not come in one standard colour, such as bright white, but are available in a whole range of shades and stains to suit your decor.
Not all designs of solid shutters and plantation shutters have the full choice of finishes, but the colour range is vast for some styles. Your selection is purely down to personal taste but, if you find yourself spoilt for choice, we have compiled a few pointers to help you make the most of your interior.
Here we will look at how your choice of plantation shutters and solid shutters can create different effects. We shall also reveal which colours are mood enhancers and will help energise and uplift you.
Plantation Shutters - to view some of our plantation shutters click here.
How Your Choice of Coloured Shutters Can Create Different Effects
If you are going for a minimalist look and have plain white walls, choosing white solid shutters or plantation shutters will make the room feel light, airy and spacious. However, there is a danger that too much white can make the room feel cold and stark. So to make the space more homely, brighten up the room with colourful paintings or accessories such as throws, rugs or cushions.
A large room with dark painted walls can make the room appear smaller and gives it a more intimate appearance. For a cosy effect, keep the walls dark and paint the skirting board, fire surround (if you have one) and ceiling white. Match this look with white plantation shutters or solid shutters and choose a light coloured carpet. You can use a similar technique to make a room appear calm and spacious, but instead choose a more subtle colour for the walls, such as light green or grey.
If you want your solid shutters or plantation shutters to introduce an accent colour, this will help bring the whole look of your room together. Perhaps you want the colour of your shutters to reflect the colour of your sofa, rug, or cushions, for instance. For a more dramatic effect, choose shutters in a bright hue such as red, orange or lime green. Black shutters also create impact and look fantastic against white walls in a monochrome room.
If you don’t want to go bold and dramatic, choose a neutral colour. If this is your preference, avoid cream shutters against white walls, as this makes the shutters look ‘dirty’ against bright white.
Wooden shutters look stunning but steer clear of this if there is already too much timber in the room as this can make a space appear gloomy. In this case, painted shutters may be a better choice. However, the right wood stain is a great look for a room with pale or neutral walls, ceiling and furniture.
Colours and Their Meanings
Some people place special emphasis on colours and their meanings and will pick out a particular colour because it makes them feel good. One particular colour that helps lift our mood is yellow, as it reminds us of the sun and is seen as an optimistic and cheerful colour. It is a good choice for an entrance hall, study area or children’s playroom.
To create a room that is relaxed and tranquil, blues or greens are ideal. Blue is the colour of the sky and the sea and is also said to stimulate calming chemicals in our brain. Green is a serene colour and is also said to be one of the easiest colours on our eye. Green or blue is suitable for almost any room in the home.
Reds and purples are said to boost our energy levels and enhance our mood. Purple helps boost creativity and is a good choice for a study area. As red helps stimulate the appetite, it is ideal for a dining room. Orange is another mood booster and is said to stimulate the mind and radiate positivity, so it is a good colour for a creative room.
Bespoke Coloured Shutters
If you are opting for coloured shutters, our Phoenix, Portland and Vancouver Shutters have the widest range of colours or stains. As our shutters are bespoke, we can match the colours to suit your paintwork, so you can choose any colour for your interior. We will also closely match Farrow and Ball colours.
Our Portland shutters are the architect’s choice in shutters and are extremely robust with an engineered core to prevent warping. The Phoenix is light, so is ideal for conservatory roofs. The Vancouver, or cedar shutters are seen as the best wooden shutters you can get and they are expected to last a lifetime.
Solid Shutters - to view some of our solid shutters click here.
Not all designs of solid shutters and plantation shutters have the full choice of finishes, but the colour range is vast for some styles. Your selection is purely down to personal taste but, if you find yourself spoilt for choice, we have compiled a few pointers to help you make the most of your interior.
Here we will look at how your choice of plantation shutters and solid shutters can create different effects. We shall also reveal which colours are mood enhancers and will help energise and uplift you.
Plantation Shutters - to view some of our plantation shutters click here.
How Your Choice of Coloured Shutters Can Create Different Effects
If you are going for a minimalist look and have plain white walls, choosing white solid shutters or plantation shutters will make the room feel light, airy and spacious. However, there is a danger that too much white can make the room feel cold and stark. So to make the space more homely, brighten up the room with colourful paintings or accessories such as throws, rugs or cushions.
A large room with dark painted walls can make the room appear smaller and gives it a more intimate appearance. For a cosy effect, keep the walls dark and paint the skirting board, fire surround (if you have one) and ceiling white. Match this look with white plantation shutters or solid shutters and choose a light coloured carpet. You can use a similar technique to make a room appear calm and spacious, but instead choose a more subtle colour for the walls, such as light green or grey.
If you want your solid shutters or plantation shutters to introduce an accent colour, this will help bring the whole look of your room together. Perhaps you want the colour of your shutters to reflect the colour of your sofa, rug, or cushions, for instance. For a more dramatic effect, choose shutters in a bright hue such as red, orange or lime green. Black shutters also create impact and look fantastic against white walls in a monochrome room.
If you don’t want to go bold and dramatic, choose a neutral colour. If this is your preference, avoid cream shutters against white walls, as this makes the shutters look ‘dirty’ against bright white.
Wooden shutters look stunning but steer clear of this if there is already too much timber in the room as this can make a space appear gloomy. In this case, painted shutters may be a better choice. However, the right wood stain is a great look for a room with pale or neutral walls, ceiling and furniture.
Colours and Their Meanings
Some people place special emphasis on colours and their meanings and will pick out a particular colour because it makes them feel good. One particular colour that helps lift our mood is yellow, as it reminds us of the sun and is seen as an optimistic and cheerful colour. It is a good choice for an entrance hall, study area or children’s playroom.
To create a room that is relaxed and tranquil, blues or greens are ideal. Blue is the colour of the sky and the sea and is also said to stimulate calming chemicals in our brain. Green is a serene colour and is also said to be one of the easiest colours on our eye. Green or blue is suitable for almost any room in the home.
Reds and purples are said to boost our energy levels and enhance our mood. Purple helps boost creativity and is a good choice for a study area. As red helps stimulate the appetite, it is ideal for a dining room. Orange is another mood booster and is said to stimulate the mind and radiate positivity, so it is a good colour for a creative room.
Bespoke Coloured Shutters
If you are opting for coloured shutters, our Phoenix, Portland and Vancouver Shutters have the widest range of colours or stains. As our shutters are bespoke, we can match the colours to suit your paintwork, so you can choose any colour for your interior. We will also closely match Farrow and Ball colours.
Our Portland shutters are the architect’s choice in shutters and are extremely robust with an engineered core to prevent warping. The Phoenix is light, so is ideal for conservatory roofs. The Vancouver, or cedar shutters are seen as the best wooden shutters you can get and they are expected to last a lifetime.
Solid Shutters - to view some of our solid shutters click here.
Tuesday, November 27, 2012
Why Choose Plantation Shutters Instead of Curtains?
When it comes to selecting window coverings, one of the first choices you will make is whether to buy curtains - one of the most popular options - or to go for something different, such as plantation shutters.
Curtains have been in use for centuries but there are a number of benefits plantation shutters bring over and above curtains. Plantation shutters, for instance, are easier to keep clean and their sleek design and flexibility means more and more people are choosing this style of window covering.
The Bespoke Shutter Company creates beautiful made-to-measure plantation shutters and solid shutters in the London area and these add an elegant touch to both period properties and modern style homes
Here we shall look at the benefits of choosing plantation shutters rather than curtains for your home.
Plantation Shutters - to view some of our plantation shutters click here.
Timeless
Although there are a wide choice of curtains on the market including floral curtains, striped curtains and plain curtains, these designs can date and you may have to replace them if you want to update your room.
Plantation shutters and solid shutters are a style classic and, if you opt for a neutral colour such as white or go for shutters that reveal the beauty of the solid timber, they are a timeless choice for the home.
Aesthetics
Plantation shutters look stylish and graceful in a period property and give a modern, fresh look to a contemporary home. They look great from all angles too, both inside and outside the house. With curtains the best view comes from one direction only - the inside - as the lining tends to be shown on the outside.
Flexibility
Curtains can only be used in three ways: closed for privacy, or open or part open to let the light in.
This is where plantation shutters come into their own as they are far more flexible than other types of window covering. You can keep the slats (or veins) part open to maintain privacy, while still allowing the light to stream in.
Tier on tier plantation shutters give you even greater flexibility; it means you can keep the top section open to allow a full steam of light into your home and open the window to let the air in while keeping the bottom section closed.
You can also have shutters for windows that are high up or have an unusual shape, such as arched windows.
Warmth
Both curtains and plantation shutters keep the heat in and the cold out which is ideal for the winter months and helps keep heating costs down.
However, with plantation shutters you can close them during the day to keep drafts at bay while adjusting the slats to let the light in, which helps to warm up your interior in the daytime.
Cleanliness
Curtains accumulate dust and grime, trap smells, and can get mouldy over time as they attract condensation. They need to be vacuumed once a week (or given a good shake if you have a delicate fabric) and washed yearly.
Washing your curtains, especially if they are dry clean only, is not only a hassle but it also means you won’t have any window coverings in the intermittent period.
On the other hand, plantation shutters are easy to keep clean. All you have to do is to wipe them free from dirt with a duster or soft cloth.
Quieter
Both curtains and shutters help to block out external noise. Shutters are of a solid construction and are good at keeping the noise levels down from outside. Heavy curtains work in a similar way.
Security
If you have curtains, it is likely you will keep them closed when you are away for long period and this could alert burglars if you are going on holiday.
With plantation shutters often the slats remain partially closed all the time (especially on the ground floor of a busy street) so it is hard to work out whether someone is in the house or not.
Privacy
Curtains need to be completely closed for privacy whereas the slats can be altered with plantation shutters so you have the benefit of being able to see out while someone can’t see in. This gives you the best of both worlds.
Value
Plantation shutters are more universal and therefore more appealing if you want to sell your home. They are even said to add value to your property.
On the other hand, curtains are more individual: particularly if you have chosen a more unusual pattern or colour as this is designed to suit a distinct taste. Unlike shutters, they are unlikely to clinch a deal and sway a potential house buyer.
Plantation Shutters - to view some of our plantation shutters click here.
Curtains have been in use for centuries but there are a number of benefits plantation shutters bring over and above curtains. Plantation shutters, for instance, are easier to keep clean and their sleek design and flexibility means more and more people are choosing this style of window covering.
The Bespoke Shutter Company creates beautiful made-to-measure plantation shutters and solid shutters in the London area and these add an elegant touch to both period properties and modern style homes
Here we shall look at the benefits of choosing plantation shutters rather than curtains for your home.
Plantation Shutters - to view some of our plantation shutters click here.
Timeless
Although there are a wide choice of curtains on the market including floral curtains, striped curtains and plain curtains, these designs can date and you may have to replace them if you want to update your room.
Plantation shutters and solid shutters are a style classic and, if you opt for a neutral colour such as white or go for shutters that reveal the beauty of the solid timber, they are a timeless choice for the home.
Aesthetics
Plantation shutters look stylish and graceful in a period property and give a modern, fresh look to a contemporary home. They look great from all angles too, both inside and outside the house. With curtains the best view comes from one direction only - the inside - as the lining tends to be shown on the outside.
Flexibility
Curtains can only be used in three ways: closed for privacy, or open or part open to let the light in.
This is where plantation shutters come into their own as they are far more flexible than other types of window covering. You can keep the slats (or veins) part open to maintain privacy, while still allowing the light to stream in.
Tier on tier plantation shutters give you even greater flexibility; it means you can keep the top section open to allow a full steam of light into your home and open the window to let the air in while keeping the bottom section closed.
You can also have shutters for windows that are high up or have an unusual shape, such as arched windows.
Warmth
Both curtains and plantation shutters keep the heat in and the cold out which is ideal for the winter months and helps keep heating costs down.
However, with plantation shutters you can close them during the day to keep drafts at bay while adjusting the slats to let the light in, which helps to warm up your interior in the daytime.
Cleanliness
Curtains accumulate dust and grime, trap smells, and can get mouldy over time as they attract condensation. They need to be vacuumed once a week (or given a good shake if you have a delicate fabric) and washed yearly.
Washing your curtains, especially if they are dry clean only, is not only a hassle but it also means you won’t have any window coverings in the intermittent period.
On the other hand, plantation shutters are easy to keep clean. All you have to do is to wipe them free from dirt with a duster or soft cloth.
Quieter
Both curtains and shutters help to block out external noise. Shutters are of a solid construction and are good at keeping the noise levels down from outside. Heavy curtains work in a similar way.
Security
If you have curtains, it is likely you will keep them closed when you are away for long period and this could alert burglars if you are going on holiday.
With plantation shutters often the slats remain partially closed all the time (especially on the ground floor of a busy street) so it is hard to work out whether someone is in the house or not.
Privacy
Curtains need to be completely closed for privacy whereas the slats can be altered with plantation shutters so you have the benefit of being able to see out while someone can’t see in. This gives you the best of both worlds.
Value
Plantation shutters are more universal and therefore more appealing if you want to sell your home. They are even said to add value to your property.
On the other hand, curtains are more individual: particularly if you have chosen a more unusual pattern or colour as this is designed to suit a distinct taste. Unlike shutters, they are unlikely to clinch a deal and sway a potential house buyer.
Plantation Shutters - to view some of our plantation shutters click here.
Tuesday, November 20, 2012
Plantation Shutters for Contemporary and Traditional Homes
Plantation shutters are elegant and extremely versatile and suit both contemporary and traditional homes. The Bespoke Shutter Company has several years experience in the supply and installation of beautiful plantation shutters for homes in London and the Home Counties.
One of the many great benefits of plantation shutters is they work in almost any home - from open plan city apartments to more traditional period properties. They not only enhance your interior, but they also offer excellent flexibility, as you can use them to block out the sunlight or let it stream through into the room, making the whole space appear bright and airy.
The Bespoke Shutter Company creates high quality made-to-measure plantation shutters and solid shutters in fine materials including cedar wood and basswood. We offer a variety of colours or stains to suit your home and we can also match your existing paint shade to get the right colour for you.
Whether you have a modern or period property, plantation shutters are a fantastic addition to your interior. This article will look at just some of the benefits they can bring to traditional or contemporary properties.
Plantation Shutters - to view some of our plantation shutters click here.
Plantation Shutters for a Contemporary Home
If you have a modern home, plantation shutters create privacy and also allow sunlight to filter the room giving it a light, fresh and contemporary feel. Choose from full length plantation shutters, cafe style (which conceal the lower half of the window) or tier on tier plantation shutters, which offer the most flexibility.
Tier-on-tier shutters means you can leave the top section open (and open the window) while the bottom section remains closed to prevent anyone seeing in - something that you can’t do with blinds and curtains.
There are various options on how to install your shutters and this is up to you. You can choose plantation shutters that fold out against the inside wall, or shutters which fold inside the window frame (a good alternative for very deep window frames).
The later may leave you with a small ledge on the inside of the shutters to rest a cup of tea, a book or remote control, and a small ledge between the shutters and the window. In this case you can place a thin contemporary vase or modern sculpture to create a focal point from the outside.
Plantation shutters are minimalist with a simple, sleek design that makes them such a great choice for a contemporary home.
White shutters are a popular option for a modern home, or you can also choose other colours or stains to suit your interior. We also supply and install waterproof made-to-measure plantation shutters for the bathroom.
Plantation Shutters for a Traditional Home
Although plantation shutters are seen as originating from America and the West Indies, this type of shutter has been used in British homes for generations to keep the heat in and for security.
Their sophisticated looks and design means they have remained popular in both country style homes and period properties in London or elsewhere in the UK. In addition to privacy, they also have the added benefit of being able to block out the noise, which is perfect for city homes.
Plantation shutters look stunning in period properties with large windows and will reduce draughts. They can also help ventilate your home, as they allow you to open your window to let the fresh air in while still maintaining much needed privacy.
Bespoke Shutters also produce plantation shutters for odd shaped windows, such as half round windows, arched windows, circular windows or hexagonal windows, so you will be able to choose the right shutters whatever your property.
We can match many paint colours to suit your period home including shutters for interiors decorated in Farrow and Ball colours.
Plantation Shutters: About Bespoke Shutters
The Bespoke Shutter Company is proud of the quality of our plantation shutters which are designed to stand the test of time. We cover the following areas: Chiswick, Chelsea, Barnet, St John’s Wood, Belsize Park, Hammersmith, Kensington, Mayfair, Notting Hill, Putney, Crouch End, Clapham, Hampstead and Finchley.
Plantation Shutters - to view some of our plantation shutters click here.
One of the many great benefits of plantation shutters is they work in almost any home - from open plan city apartments to more traditional period properties. They not only enhance your interior, but they also offer excellent flexibility, as you can use them to block out the sunlight or let it stream through into the room, making the whole space appear bright and airy.
The Bespoke Shutter Company creates high quality made-to-measure plantation shutters and solid shutters in fine materials including cedar wood and basswood. We offer a variety of colours or stains to suit your home and we can also match your existing paint shade to get the right colour for you.
Whether you have a modern or period property, plantation shutters are a fantastic addition to your interior. This article will look at just some of the benefits they can bring to traditional or contemporary properties.
Plantation Shutters - to view some of our plantation shutters click here.
Plantation Shutters for a Contemporary Home
If you have a modern home, plantation shutters create privacy and also allow sunlight to filter the room giving it a light, fresh and contemporary feel. Choose from full length plantation shutters, cafe style (which conceal the lower half of the window) or tier on tier plantation shutters, which offer the most flexibility.
Tier-on-tier shutters means you can leave the top section open (and open the window) while the bottom section remains closed to prevent anyone seeing in - something that you can’t do with blinds and curtains.
There are various options on how to install your shutters and this is up to you. You can choose plantation shutters that fold out against the inside wall, or shutters which fold inside the window frame (a good alternative for very deep window frames).
The later may leave you with a small ledge on the inside of the shutters to rest a cup of tea, a book or remote control, and a small ledge between the shutters and the window. In this case you can place a thin contemporary vase or modern sculpture to create a focal point from the outside.
Plantation shutters are minimalist with a simple, sleek design that makes them such a great choice for a contemporary home.
White shutters are a popular option for a modern home, or you can also choose other colours or stains to suit your interior. We also supply and install waterproof made-to-measure plantation shutters for the bathroom.
Plantation Shutters for a Traditional Home
Although plantation shutters are seen as originating from America and the West Indies, this type of shutter has been used in British homes for generations to keep the heat in and for security.
Their sophisticated looks and design means they have remained popular in both country style homes and period properties in London or elsewhere in the UK. In addition to privacy, they also have the added benefit of being able to block out the noise, which is perfect for city homes.
Plantation shutters look stunning in period properties with large windows and will reduce draughts. They can also help ventilate your home, as they allow you to open your window to let the fresh air in while still maintaining much needed privacy.
Bespoke Shutters also produce plantation shutters for odd shaped windows, such as half round windows, arched windows, circular windows or hexagonal windows, so you will be able to choose the right shutters whatever your property.
We can match many paint colours to suit your period home including shutters for interiors decorated in Farrow and Ball colours.
Plantation Shutters: About Bespoke Shutters
The Bespoke Shutter Company is proud of the quality of our plantation shutters which are designed to stand the test of time. We cover the following areas: Chiswick, Chelsea, Barnet, St John’s Wood, Belsize Park, Hammersmith, Kensington, Mayfair, Notting Hill, Putney, Crouch End, Clapham, Hampstead and Finchley.
Plantation Shutters - to view some of our plantation shutters click here.
Tuesday, November 13, 2012
Plantation Shutters and Solid Shutters – How to Vary the Light Levels to Create Different Looks in the Home
If you have just moved house or are redecorating your home, plantation shutters and solid shutters will give your home a brand new look. It may be that your house faces onto the street and you want extra privacy but are tired of old fashioned net curtains and want a contemporary look to your interior. Perhaps you have a period property and, rather than go for blinds or curtains, you want window fittings with greater flexibility - and you can get this with plantation shutters or solid shutters.
Plantation Shutters - click here for more information on our range of plantation shutters.
Creating a New Look with Plantation Shutters and Solid Shutters
If you are choosing plantation shutters or solid shutters for your home, the first thing you may want to think about is whether to go for cafe style, tier on tier, or full plantation shutters. Here we shall explain what the differences are and the looks that you can achieve with each.
Cafe Style Shutters
Cafe style plantation shutters and solid shutters give a light and airy look to your interior. They do not cover the whole window, just the lower half. This allows natural light to stream in through the top part of the window while still maintaining privacy.
With cafe style shutters, you decide how far up the window your shutters will go. Most people, however, will choose to have cafe style shutters up to the natural break of the window and this could either be half way up or three quarters of the way up depending on your style of window.
You could either choose solid shutters for the bottom part of the window, or go for plantation shutters. Plantation shutters gives you greater flexibility as it means you can move the slats to adjust the light levels whereas solid shutters will completely block out the light from the lower half of the window.
Solid shutters are a popular option for period homes as they create a more traditional look to your interior. Another traditional look is to have cafe style shutters and curtains, which gives homes a cosy feel.
Whether you choose cafe style plantation shutters or solid shutters, you can keep the shutters closed for privacy while at the same time benefiting from letting fresh air stream in through an open top window. This is something you can’t do with blinds or curtains!
Tier on Tier Shutters
Tier on tier shutters gives you the best of both worlds. It a great option for city homes as it prevents prying eyes and lets you make the most of the natural light. Tier on tier shutters are made up of two sections, one on top of the other, and these are placed on either side of the window (so it makes up four sections overall). Each section opens independently to the other.
If you have plantation shutters, you could open the top section fully during the daytime and partially open the slats on the bottom section, but shut both sections at night for added security. Or it may be that you prefer to keep both sections closed, but want to let the light filter in through partially opened slats at the top. If you are choosing shutters for your home, tier on tier is the most flexible type of window covering.
Again, tier on tier shutters allow you to open the top window, while still maintaining privacy indoors.
Full Height Shutters
Full height shutters provide less flexibility than tier on tier shutters, but gives an elegant look to your interior.
If you are choosing full height plantation shutters, it is possible to have a mid rail. This means that you can adjust the bottom section independently to the top (and vice versa) so it gives you greater scope to vary the light levels.
If you have full height solid shutters, this will give you an almost complete black out when you close the shutters. Full height shutters are a popular option for those who have a period property - such as a Victorian home - and want to restore the interior to its former glory using original style features.
Coloured Shutters
The colours you choose for solid shutters and plantation shutters really comes down to personal taste.
It may be that you want wooden shutters to give your home a welcoming appearance and a natural warmth. Perhaps you prefer sleek white for a minimalist style home and want a contemporary look to your interior?
You can even go bold and daring and choose bright red window fittings or even black shutters for a monochrome interior. Only your imagination is the limit! Or you can choose shutters to blend perfectly with your existing decor.
When it comes to choosing your shutter colour, a top tip is to think about whether you will still appreciate your choice a few years down the line. The Bespoke shutter Company produces a full range of colour options and we are able to match most paint colours, including many Farrow and Ball colours.
Solid Shutters - click here for more information on our range of solid shutters.
Plantation Shutters - click here for more information on our range of plantation shutters.
Creating a New Look with Plantation Shutters and Solid Shutters
If you are choosing plantation shutters or solid shutters for your home, the first thing you may want to think about is whether to go for cafe style, tier on tier, or full plantation shutters. Here we shall explain what the differences are and the looks that you can achieve with each.
Cafe Style Shutters
Cafe style plantation shutters and solid shutters give a light and airy look to your interior. They do not cover the whole window, just the lower half. This allows natural light to stream in through the top part of the window while still maintaining privacy.
With cafe style shutters, you decide how far up the window your shutters will go. Most people, however, will choose to have cafe style shutters up to the natural break of the window and this could either be half way up or three quarters of the way up depending on your style of window.
You could either choose solid shutters for the bottom part of the window, or go for plantation shutters. Plantation shutters gives you greater flexibility as it means you can move the slats to adjust the light levels whereas solid shutters will completely block out the light from the lower half of the window.
Solid shutters are a popular option for period homes as they create a more traditional look to your interior. Another traditional look is to have cafe style shutters and curtains, which gives homes a cosy feel.
Whether you choose cafe style plantation shutters or solid shutters, you can keep the shutters closed for privacy while at the same time benefiting from letting fresh air stream in through an open top window. This is something you can’t do with blinds or curtains!
Tier on Tier Shutters
Tier on tier shutters gives you the best of both worlds. It a great option for city homes as it prevents prying eyes and lets you make the most of the natural light. Tier on tier shutters are made up of two sections, one on top of the other, and these are placed on either side of the window (so it makes up four sections overall). Each section opens independently to the other.
If you have plantation shutters, you could open the top section fully during the daytime and partially open the slats on the bottom section, but shut both sections at night for added security. Or it may be that you prefer to keep both sections closed, but want to let the light filter in through partially opened slats at the top. If you are choosing shutters for your home, tier on tier is the most flexible type of window covering.
Again, tier on tier shutters allow you to open the top window, while still maintaining privacy indoors.
Full Height Shutters
Full height shutters provide less flexibility than tier on tier shutters, but gives an elegant look to your interior.
If you are choosing full height plantation shutters, it is possible to have a mid rail. This means that you can adjust the bottom section independently to the top (and vice versa) so it gives you greater scope to vary the light levels.
If you have full height solid shutters, this will give you an almost complete black out when you close the shutters. Full height shutters are a popular option for those who have a period property - such as a Victorian home - and want to restore the interior to its former glory using original style features.
Coloured Shutters
The colours you choose for solid shutters and plantation shutters really comes down to personal taste.
It may be that you want wooden shutters to give your home a welcoming appearance and a natural warmth. Perhaps you prefer sleek white for a minimalist style home and want a contemporary look to your interior?
You can even go bold and daring and choose bright red window fittings or even black shutters for a monochrome interior. Only your imagination is the limit! Or you can choose shutters to blend perfectly with your existing decor.
When it comes to choosing your shutter colour, a top tip is to think about whether you will still appreciate your choice a few years down the line. The Bespoke shutter Company produces a full range of colour options and we are able to match most paint colours, including many Farrow and Ball colours.
Solid Shutters - click here for more information on our range of solid shutters.
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