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Shutters have been around a lot longer than window glass. For centuries, they’ve been used to cover window openings. Over time, they evolved from simple boards to framed panels with louvers. Today, shutters are used inside the home to control light and privacy. Their simple design and inherent sturdiness make them one of the most versatile of all window treatment designs. A simple manual adjustment of the louvers is all it takes to adjust them.
Why Choose Shutters?
Shutters are classic, sturdy, and easy. Controlling light and privacy is a simply a matter of grasping a louver with your hand and lifting it up or down. This simple way of controlling shutters and their very traditional design makes them a timeless option. And the heavy wood, faux wood, or composite materials that make up the frame and louvers actually help insulate against heat and cold. When you consider all these things, it’s a wonder why more people don’t choose shutters for their home.
One of the biggest reasons why people don’t choose shutters is they don’t know shutters are an option. There’s a belief that shutters are something built into your home. And although it’s true that shutters really do feel like part of the architecture of the home, adding shutters to your windows is not only a possibility—it’s one of the easiest ways to transform a room in a simple installation. And Graber’s shutters are among the best in the world. Learn why Graber is such a great choice for shutters.
Understanding Window Shutters
The louvers of a window shutter are mounted into the side rails (stiles) of the shutter frame. The louvers have pins on either end so that the louvers can rotate up or down. The rotation of all the louvers is coordinated by the tilt rod. Although it this tilt rod seems to be inviting you to grab hold of it—do not! The correct way to adjust the louvers on a shutter is by handling the louvers directly. Simply grab a louver with your fingers and lift it up or down.
Graber makes window shutters from two different sturdy, durable materials.
Real Wood
These shutters are the classics. Real wood is surprisingly light and allows for a broad range of finishes and paints. Wood shutters show up in living rooms, dining rooms, offices, studies, and any room where the traditional look of shutters can elevate the décor.
Composite
Shutters made with composite materials can tolerate heat and moisture. People choose composite shutters for bathrooms, kitchens, laundry rooms, and anywhere in the home where heat and humidity might be an issue. Compared to vinyl shutters, Graber Composite Shutters feel sturdy and have a very classic look.
Benefits of Window Shutters
Not only do shutters protect against heat and cold and can be maintained with little effort, they’re also an investment. Because shutters integrate into your home design as if they’re part of the architecture of the home, you could look at your shutters as an investment in the value of your home.
Types of Window Shutters
Interior shutters, also called plantation shutters, come in three basic styles.
Standard Shutters
These shutter panels cover the whole window and have a classic look.
Café Shutters
The shutter panels cover the lower half of the window. Used in rooms where privacy isn’t a concern.
Double Hung Shutters
Panels cover the full window but operate independently for the most flexible light and privacy control.
The style you choose is up to you, but the most important consideration is light and privacy. If you want to maintain light throughout the day, café shutters are an excellent choice. However, if privacy is important for the room, standard shutters and double hung shutters are better options. And if you’re looking for a way to control the changing light throughout the day, consider the double-hung shutters which have a top and bottom set of shutters than can be opened and closed independently.
How to Choose the Right Window Shutters
Shutters are an investment. Although more expensive than some other types of window treatments, shutters have a sturdy, timeless quality that follows them throughout their long life of reliable performance.
Wood shutters are for rooms where you’re looking to create a luxurious feel or a classic formality. Wood shutters can be finished to highlight the grain of the wood or painted to enhance the décor. Because shutters are so large in comparison to other design elements, the color of your shutters can have a big effect on the feel of the room.
Composite shutters are quite similar to wood shutters in appearance. In fact, it’s hard to tell the difference between the two. But the reason composite shutters continue to be a perennial favorite with homeowners and designers is their resistance to heat and moisture. Bathrooms and kitchens are the most common places you’ll find composite shutters.
Maintenance and Care for Window Shutters
Shutters are easy to clean. All shutters can be cleaned every month or so with a feature duster or your vacuum cleaner’s upholstery attachment. Composite and faux wood shutters can be cleaned with a damp cloth. Wood shutters shouldn’t be cleaned with soap and water, but can be maintained easily with regular dusting or vacuuming. Being solid makes it very easy to clean shutters.
Interior shutters are a way to control light and privacy in your home. They’re also a way to transform a room. The timeless design of shutters and their sturdiness makes them ideal for anyone seeking a traditional look or adding classic appeal to a living room, dining room, or study. Choose wood shutters for a truly classic look or faux wood shutters for rooms with excessive heat and moisture. With shutters, you’ll enjoy easy operation, high durability, and easy maintenance. And with a look that never goes out of style, you’ll enjoy decade after decade of reliable use.
A perfectly installed set of shutters should last for decades. The Graber Design Experts have the expertise to measure and install shutters that look beautiful and operate flawlessly. Learn more about the practicality and aesthetic power of shutters. Contact a Graber Design Expert today.
