12 Handy Tips for Selecting the Perfect Shutters

Introduction

Choosing the ideal shutters to match your home’s style, architecture, and functional needs requires a bit of thought. Here are 12 essential tips to help you navigate your way through the different shutter types, materials, features, and suppliers, so you can make the best choice.

Picking the right shutters to meet your goals, budget, and aesthetic preferences requires a bit of research and planning. Let this guide help you shop smartly.

Tip 1: Align with Your Home’s Style

Select shutter styles that complement your home’s architecture and interior decor.

For traditional homes, options like raised panel and louvered colonial shutters complement ornate trims. Modern minimalist spaces might suit sleek track shutters or tiered looks. Beach cottages are begging for breezy Bahama shutters.

Choosing the right style brings everything together.

Tip 2: Think About Durability

Consider the local climate and your lifestyle. Moist or harsh conditions call for moisture, UV, and impact-resistant materials like vinyl, aluminium, and composite woods. Homes with kids and pets need durable construction to withstand the odd knock or two.

Take a look at strength ratings and warranties to confirm quality.

Tip 3: Look at Functionality

Think about your priorities. Do you need light control, ventilation, energy efficiency, sound dampening, or storm resistance? Operable louvered panels offer adjustable privacy and airflow. Solar heat-blocking options reduce cooling costs. Noise-reducing shutters buffer exterior sounds.

Special functional features may limit style choices but they provide practical benefits.

Tip 4: Go for Easy Cleaning

Choose low-maintenance shutters that will stay looking fresh. Vinyl, aluminium, and composite materials clean up easily with minimal care needed. Smooth panel styles like board-and-batten accumulate less dust than ornamental louvers.

You don’t want window treatments that require constant attention.

Tip 5: Consider Safety Features

Cordless operation and pinch-proof designs ensure safety around kids and pets. Look for shutters that have been certified by child safety groups. For storm protection, look for impact testing qualifications.

Never skimp on safety. Always inspect shutters thoroughly for potential hazards.

Tip 6: Think About Window Type and Size

Measure your window dimensions precisely. Tall, wide, or unusually shaped windows may require custom sizing. If you’re covering numerous adjacent windows, you’ll need to plan how to integrate panels together cohesively.

Shutters that are too small or askew can look sloppy. The scale and fit should impress.

Tip 7: Look at Different Operation Types

Do you prefer easy-access hinged panels, space-saving disappearing tracks, swinging bi-folds, sliding screens, or adjustable louvers? The type of operation directly impacts function and price.

Try out different systems in person when possible to get a feel for maintenance and convenience.

Tip 8: Consider Colour and Finish Options

From painted to stained wood grains, faux and real metals, customisable colour palettes allow you to match any decor. Add character through specialty treatments like antiquing, glazing, and distressing.

Window treatments are design focal points, so choose your finish thoughtfully.

Tip 9: Decide Where You Want the Shutters Installed

Interior, exterior, or spanning mounting all have pros and cons. Exterior shutters need to withstand the weather, but with interior shutters you can choose materials freely. Spanning mount combines both worlds for optimal light control and design flexibility, but may cost more.

The location of the installation will affect your budget and design choices.

Tip 10: Request Material Samples

Don’t make a decision based just on photos. Request physical samples of potential woods, metals, polymers, and fabrics. Colours, grains, and textures can vary. Feeling the actual materials can help you gauge their quality.

Make more informed choices by evaluating the real thing firsthand.

Tip 11: Obtain Quotes and Estimates

To budget accurately, obtain quotes outlining total costs including materials, labour, shipping, installation requirements, and any fees. Some types of shutters may need framing or wiring upgrades, which could add to the expenses.

Avoid sticker shock down the line by understanding the full project costs upfront. Ask suppliers to outline their pricing clearly.

Tip 12: Check Credentials and Warranties

Only deal with reputable brands and suppliers. Long-time experts with excellent reputations tend to offer higher quality, better service, and solid guarantees. Always ask to see licensing, certification, insurance coverage, and BBB accreditation.

It’s important to have confidence in your investment in window treatments. Only proven pros can provide that confidence.

Conclusion

Follow these essential tips when researching, comparing, and selecting window shutters to make the best choice to meet your needs, style, and budget. Being a savvy shopper leads to rewarding upgrades and satisfying experiences. If you need any help guiding your shutter project, don’t hesitate to reach out to us.