Interior Window Shutters – An Alternative to Blinds and Curtains
If you are thinking about getting new window treatments for your home and want something different, you may want to consider shutters. Interior window shutters (also called plantation shutters) hinge on either side of a window and swing inward to allow light into a room. Operable louvers open and close to control light, airflow and visibility. Indoor shutters can be constructed from wood or from synthetic materials. Vinyl and composite wood (faux wood) shutters are more durable than wood shutters and are moisture resistant. Interior wood shutters can be used in virtually any room and add long-term value as well as beauty to your home. Learn more about how to select plantation shutters in this video.
Plantation shutters are available with louvers ranging in sixe from 1-7/8 inch to 5-1/2 inch. Elliptical louvers, which are the most common, are stronger than the alternative flat louvers. Selecting shutters with the largest louver possible will maximize your view. Shutter panel thickness is generally 1-1/8 inch. Interior window shutters offer complete privacy and a virtually dark room when closed and maximum light and visibility when open. Louvers can be partially rotated to block direct sunlight but allow sufficient lighting for the room.
Comfortex offers the Woodwinds line of composite shutters in bright white, soft white and cream colors. These shutters are available with 2-1/2, 3-1/2 and 4-1/2 inch louvers in full length, double hung or cafe style panels. Shutter hinges are available in white, antique white, antique brass, bright brass and silver (nickel). Only periodic dusting is required.
Sussex is Norman’s premier line of basswood shutters; they can be made in any specialty shape and are available in 50 paint and stain colors. Norman’s other interior window shutter product lines include Normandy Shutters which are made of affordably priced hardwood and Woodlore Shutters which are a composite construction consisting of a solid engineered wood core enclosed in a exclusive polypropylene coating.
Hunter Douglas has three distinct interior plantation shutter product lines. Heritance hardwood shutters come in 2-1/2, 3-1/2 and 4-1/2 inch louvers with 100 color options in paint or rich stains. Palm Beach polysatin shutters are made from an exclusive UV resistant polyvinyl compound and are available in 2-3/8, 3-3/8 and 4-1/2 inch louvers in a range of popular whites. NewStyle hybrid shutters are constructed from manmade materials but have the look and feel of real wood; they come in 2-1/2, 3-1/2 and 4-1/2 inch louvers. All Hunter Douglas shutters are available for special window shapes and designs such as arches, bay and corner windows and French doors.
Interior window shutters, unlike other window treatments, are designed to last the lifetime of your home and are a great investment. Take the time to research shutter manufacturers and check out their product quality and support before making any purchase decision.
