Complete Guide to Shutters

What are shutters?

Shutters are a window covering that's made up of horizontal slats (or louvres), which can be angled to control the direction of incoming light into your home.

What to consider when buying shutters

• Do you have a larger budget for purchasing window shutters?
• Do you need water resistant window coverings?
• Do you plan to sell your home and want to increase your home value?
• Do you want a motorised window covering?
• Are you thinking about creating an outdoor entertaining area?

Benefits of shutters

Not sure why you should consider shutters for your home? There are many benefits as to why they're a great option.

Help reduce noise

There aren't any window coverings that will block out all outside noise, but shutters will help as they are thicker. Especially if outdoor shutters are combined with indoor shutters, this creates a sturdy barrier to reduce sound.

Reduce incoming light and increase privacy

Indoor shutters are a great window covering for their control of incoming light. While 100% blockout of light cannot be guaranteed, they come close and are a fantastic option for creating darkness in your room.

As they provide so much coverage, it also makes shutters a great option for adding privacy to your home.

Increase home value

It's thought that shutters can increase your home value if you're ever thinking of selling and moving.

Shutters add value as they increase the security of the property, as well as curb side appeal.

High quality window covering

Shutters are one of the more expensive window coverings, however they'll last a long time if they're taken care of regularly.

Energy efficient

Shutters are a great option for helping to regulate the temperature in your home and make it more energy efficient.

As window shutters help to block out the majority of incoming light when the louvres are fully closed, this creates a darkened space, preventing your home from heating up so much in summer. This means you only need to have your air conditioner on for a short period of time, as your shutters will help keep the cool air inside.

Same goes in winter, when your heater is on, the shutters help reduce the amount of warm air that escapes your house, keeping it nice and toasty.

Added security

Outdoor shutters, in particular roller shutters, are a great installation option to add security measures to your home.

Roller shutters are made from a strong material that's difficult to break in through.

For more benefits of choosing shutters, head to our blog on why they should be included in your budget!

Types of indoor shutters

There are many types of indoor shutters to choose from, depending on your style preferences, needs, and wants.

Aluminium shutters

Aluminium shutters are a sturdy, durable and elegant option for your home. The main benefit of choosing these shutters is that they are the most waterproof shutter option, meaning they can be installed in any room in your home, including your kitchen, bathroom, or laundry.

Despite their name, aluminium shutters can be customised to a range of colours to suit your home décor and aren't just limited to the silver/grey of standard aluminium.

Basswood shutters

Basswood shutters are a great option for many rooms in your home, as they're made from a more durable wood than standard timber shutters.

These shutters are more water resistant than timber shutters, meaning they can be installed in bathrooms, kitchens, and laundries without the fear of them warping from water damage.

In saying this, they are still made from wood, so if you choose to install Basswood shutters in a humid environment, it's crucial you have proper ventilation in place. This helps them last longer as it protects the integrity of the wood.

Wooden shutters

Wooden shutters will give your home the classic, sleek and elegant finish that wood can do for your space.

These shutters are best suited to living areas and bedrooms as the wood is delicate and shouldn't be exposed to humidity or water. If the wood grains are exposed to water, they can swell, warping your louvres and damaging your blinds.

Sliding shutters

If you're not sure what type of window covering is right for your sliding doors, consider sliding shutters. These shutters look great, are very functional and will create a more cohesive space if you're also installing window shutters.

If you're still not sure whether these are the window coverings for you, head to our blog on why indoor shutters could be the option for you, for some additional information!

Types of outdoor shutters

Aluminium outdoor shutters

Looking for a patio blind for your outdoor entertaining area? Consider Aluminium outdoor shutters.

Aluminium shutters are one of the most durable options as they're water resistant and help to reduce wind coming through your area.

Hinged shutters

Hinged shutters are a popular style of outdoor window shutters.

These shutters can be installed over both windows and doorways, offering your outdoor entertaining area privacy from neighbours, as well as helping to regulate the temperature of the area depending on the time of year.

Bi-fold outdoor shutters

B-fold outdoor shutters are an option to consider if you're wanting to create an opening or closing to an area and want to add some style to your space. Bi-fold shutters are commonly used in sliding or patio doors and are a great alternative to standard doors.

These shutters are simple to use as they fold up neatly and out of the way in an accordion fashion.

The benefits of bi-fold outdoor shutters are that you have better control of light and temperature with these than you do with standard doors. They also have a very modern and elegant finish if you want to make a statement.

Roller shutters

Outdoor Roller shutters are one of the best outdoor shutter options for your home, as they have many benefits.

They are great for helping to blockout light and to regulate the temperature within your home. As they create such blockout, they help prevent sun-facing windows from heating up and warming up your home in summer. In winter, they help reduce the cold on your windows, helping keep the warm air inside.

Not only this, but they are a great way to add security to your home. When roller shutters are down, they create a tough barrier for anyone to try and break through. While no window shutters can fully prevent break-ins, these shutters go a long way in making it very difficult.

Why are shutters more expensive?

Shutters tend to cost more as they are made from more expensive materials and are more complex window coverings.

While they are more expensive to purchase upfront, they are low maintenance to care for over time and do last.

If you're thinking of selling your house and have shutters installed, it's said that they can help boost the value of your home, as they are an added security measure and are a valuable asset in a home. This means that an investment in shutters could benefit you in the long run.

How to care for your shutters

For your shutters to maintain their pristine condition for a longer period of time, regular cleaning is crucial!

All shutters should be regularly dusted with a feather duster, or if your duster isn't getting in between the louvres, try a clean sock on your hand and run your hands over the slats.

If your shutters are looking a bit dirty, give them a wipe over with a damp cloth. For timber shutters in particular, ensure that you aren't cleaning with very much water as it can warp the wood grains, damaging the louvres.

The best shutters for wet areas

For wet and humid rooms in your home, consider Aluminium or Basswood shutters.

Shutters vs blinds

When it comes to choosing window coverings for your home, a lot of it comes down to personal preference.

Here are some ways you can evaluate whether shutters or blinds are better for you.

Pros and cons of shutters

Pros:

• There are shutters for indoor and outdoor use, as well as for sliding doors
• Safe
• Aluminium shutters are one of the most durable window covering options for your home
• Strong and durable
• Simple to clean
• Roller shutters are great for home security

Cons:

• More expensive upfront
• Can't be motorised

Pros and cons of blinds

Pros:

• Easy to maintain
• Easy to clean
• Pair well with curtains
• Generally cheaper than shutters
• Many types of blinds can be motorised
• Safe

Cons:

• Don't add too much value to your home
• Blinds don't add as much in terms of security measures (the exception being Crimsafe Security blinds)

For more on the debate between shutters vs blinds and which is best, head to our blog to help you decide which is right for your home.

Thinking of purchasing shutters for your home? To arrange a free measure and quotewith a highly-trained consultant in your own home, give us a call on 13 13 15 or fill out this simple online form. We provide this service to a wide range of locations around the metro and select regional areas, 6 days a week between 8am and 6pm.

The majority of our blinds, curtains and awnings are made in Australia and are sold for the lowest price in the market, guaranteed. Just bring in a quote on any competitor's comparable item and we'll beat it by 5%.