Period Living

Blinds & shutters

Reframe your windows and give them a new lease of life with shutters or blinds

- Feature Tallulah Rushaya

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.

 ??  ?? COTTAGE WARMTH Choose a fabric blind in a pretty pattern to add a pop of colour to an otherwise muted palette. This Roman blind, made in Mika stonewash cotton in Rose, £52 per m at Susie Watson Designs, evokes quintessen­tial cottage charm and highlights the original timber beams and windows. It is finished with a Rose/ Dark Beech pom-pom trim, £15 per m, for a playful touch.
COTTAGE WARMTH Choose a fabric blind in a pretty pattern to add a pop of colour to an otherwise muted palette. This Roman blind, made in Mika stonewash cotton in Rose, £52 per m at Susie Watson Designs, evokes quintessen­tial cottage charm and highlights the original timber beams and windows. It is finished with a Rose/ Dark Beech pom-pom trim, £15 per m, for a playful touch.
 ??  ?? THROW SHADE
Below: With so much glazing, it can be hard to create the ideal temperatur­e in a conservato­ry. Blinds are a simple, versatile solution, acting as a sun-shield in hot weather and an insulator in the cold. Made from wood, pinoleum blinds have a traditiona­l look and create a soft dappled light when used on a roof – try Marla Custom Blinds for similar. They pair beautifull­y with curtains in Sanderson’s Fernery Glasshouse fabric, priced from £59 per m.
THROW SHADE Below: With so much glazing, it can be hard to create the ideal temperatur­e in a conservato­ry. Blinds are a simple, versatile solution, acting as a sun-shield in hot weather and an insulator in the cold. Made from wood, pinoleum blinds have a traditiona­l look and create a soft dappled light when used on a roof – try Marla Custom Blinds for similar. They pair beautifull­y with curtains in Sanderson’s Fernery Glasshouse fabric, priced from £59 per m.
 ??  ?? CONTINENTA­L CHIC
Above: Voiles are making an elegant comeback. Named after the French for ‘veil’, they are made of a sheer fabric that diffuses light for a soft, dreamy effect. Lightweigh­t and breathable, a voile is a great choice for layering behind a curtain, providing privacy even when the curtains are open. These Serenity Chalk voile Roman blinds, from £101, have been paired with Brilliance Silver curtains, from £283 a pair, to create a laid-back look in this bedroom, both from Thomas Sanderson.
CONTINENTA­L CHIC Above: Voiles are making an elegant comeback. Named after the French for ‘veil’, they are made of a sheer fabric that diffuses light for a soft, dreamy effect. Lightweigh­t and breathable, a voile is a great choice for layering behind a curtain, providing privacy even when the curtains are open. These Serenity Chalk voile Roman blinds, from £101, have been paired with Brilliance Silver curtains, from £283 a pair, to create a laid-back look in this bedroom, both from Thomas Sanderson.
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 ??  ?? PERIOD CHARM
Above: Beyond their classic looks, shutters bring with them many benefits for period homes, especially those with original single-glazed windows. Opting for a solid wooden design creates a barrier between the window and the room, helping to improve levels of insulation and reduce the impact of draughts. They are also a sensitive addition that can look beautiful in a wide range of homes, from a timber-beamed cottage to a Victorian townhouse.
PERIOD CHARM Above: Beyond their classic looks, shutters bring with them many benefits for period homes, especially those with original single-glazed windows. Opting for a solid wooden design creates a barrier between the window and the room, helping to improve levels of insulation and reduce the impact of draughts. They are also a sensitive addition that can look beautiful in a wide range of homes, from a timber-beamed cottage to a Victorian townhouse.
 ??  ?? HALF MEASURE
Right: If your living room or home office overlooks the street, then café-style shutters are the perfect choice. Covering the lower half of the window ensures passers-by can’t see in, while the open upper half means you don’t have to compromise on light levels. These Boston Decorators White shutters cost from £301 at Luxaflex.
HALF MEASURE Right: If your living room or home office overlooks the street, then café-style shutters are the perfect choice. Covering the lower half of the window ensures passers-by can’t see in, while the open upper half means you don’t have to compromise on light levels. These Boston Decorators White shutters cost from £301 at Luxaflex.
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