Blinds & shutters
Reframe your windows and give them a new lease of life with shutters or blinds
Reframe your windows with these beautiful designs
Windows are one of the defining features of your home, and selecting the right blinds or shutters is a multifaceted decision. Not only do you need to think about aesthetics both inside and out, but also practicalities, such as the level of privacy, natural light and moisture resistance that are required for the space.
Blinds are a great choice for any room, with waterproof designs being perfect for bathrooms and kitchens, sheer materials layering elegantly with curtains, and pretty fabric blinds adding charm to a traditional interior.
Shutters are an authentic option for period homes from many different eras, and offered a practical solution before glazed windows were even in use. If you are lucky enough to have original shutters still intact, then they must be preserved and maintained. Alternatively, fitting new shutters will not only add a beautiful feature but can enhance security and help to improve insulation and noise reduction.
When making your decision, consider how the style and materials will complement the era of your home, as well as the size of the windows and the individual needs of the room.
Sizing up
Blinds can sit inside or outside the window recess, so consider which would be best. Fitting them inside the recess is a neater solution, and is ideal where there is not much space available around the window. However, fitting blinds outside the recess is better for uneven surfaces, or where you want to maximise light in the room, as it allows for a clearer opening. When measuring, be sure to account for elements such as tiles, and use a professional service to check dimensions for more complex designs.
Selecting a style
ROMAN BLINDS form upward pleats when raised, mimicking the drawing of curtains. They work especially well with patterned fabrics.
ROLLER BLINDS roll down to cover the window and are a practical choice for kitchens and bathrooms as they can be made from waterproof fabric.
SWEDISH BLINDS are fabric blinds that are rolled up by hand and held in place with ties.
VENETIAN BLINDS feature horizontal blades that can be angled to let in as much light as required. They are ideal for maintaining privacy.
PLEATED BLINDS gather concertina style at the top or bottom of the window. They are typically made from a light fabric to let sunlight filter into the room.
VERTICAL BLINDS offer variable light levels and are best suited to floor-to-ceiling windows or patio doors.
BLACKOUT BLINDS are fitted with blackout lining to block out light. They are ideal for the bedroom.
Safety first
Blind cords are a practical feature but due to the risk they pose to young children and pets, all new installations must meet safety standards, with cords set at a distance of at least 1.5m from the floor. Alternatively, there are many designs that instead work on a pull-down and release system. You could even opt for a motorised blind that operates via a remote or an app, which is especially useful for conservatory or ceiling blinds.
Keep it clean
Blinds can gather dust and grime if not regularly cleaned. ‘Use the vacuum’s upholstery tool to gently remove dust and dirt from the surface,’ advises Lucy Askew from Hillarys. ‘An occasional deep clean is also worthwhile – check the blinds’ instructions to ensure you use the right products.’
This classic option is appropriate for period homes from almost every era, and will complement a room’s character while offering practicality
Types of shutters
SOLID SHUTTERS cover the whole window with a solid panel. They are perfect for bedrooms as they provide good light exclusion and offer an extra barrier to block out noise pollution.
FULL-HEIGHT SHUTTERS completely cover the window area. Both the louvred slats and the whole panels can be opened, offering flexibility to manage light and privacy. The panels can either be single hinged or can open concertina-style for larger windows or if covering French doors.
CAFÉ-STYLE SHUTTERS dress the lower portion of the window, leaving the top section uncovered. The style is ideal for windows at pavement level as it offers privacy while still letting in light.
TIER-ON-TIER SHUTTERS are a blend of café-style and full-height shutters. Although they cover the whole window, the upper and lower panels can be opened independently, letting in light from above while maintaining privacy below. ‘If your windows have a natural break, opt for tier-on-tier shutters with a mid-rail positioned over the break,’ advises Sam Tamlyn, general manager at Shutterly Fabulous.
Material matters
The materials from which shutters are made are as varied as their general style.
WOOD is the only truly authentic choice for shutters, and offers a long lifespan, allowing you to repaint or revarnish in the future. Hardwoods, such as oak, are the best option as they are more durable than softwood designs – this is, however, reflected in a higher price tag. Bear in mind that real wood shutters will require periodic maintenance and refinishing to keep them in good condition.
VINYL is durable, environmentally friendly and moisture resistant, making it a good choice for kitchens and bathrooms. Better designs can even imitate the look of wood. However, as vinyl is a lightweight material it is not recommended for use in large panelled shutters, and it should ideally be divided into smaller panes.
MEDIUM DENSITY FIBRE (MDF) is a more cost-effective engineered wood option that is compressed to make it strong and dense, so it withstands heat and moisture well. MDF has a smooth surface finish, which makes it easy to clean, and when painted, good designs can be hard to distinguish from wood.
PERFECT FIT
Bay windows are an icon of Victorian properties, but many homeowners are daunted by the prospect of dressing them. Fitted to each window individually, shutters are a great solution, working harmoniously together, unlike separate blinds, to create a chic backdrop to your room. These Manhattan tier-on-tier shutters are priced on application from The New England Shutter Company.