Shutters have a long history, likely first gaining popularity amongst the ancient Greeks. Shutters have evolved to fit all kinds of niche needs, but the basic function of a shutter has remained the same since the time of the ancients. Shutters offer privacy, security, and control over light and heat. When trying to decrease the carbon footprint of your home, shutters can be a huge help. According to research carried out at Cornell University, a properly installed wooden shutter can reduce the loss of heat through a window by up to 90%.
There is such a huge variety of shuttering options for the modern homeowner or interior designer to choose from. This article will look at six of the most popular wooden shutter systems available today.
1. Tracked
Tracked shutters are perfect for installing over French doors. As the name might suggest, tracked shutters slide smoothly along a track instead of opening out on hinges. This is especially useful for covering French doors because of the large surface space needed. Conventional shutters of this size would drastically reduce the size of a room when opening, but tracked shutters provide a space-efficient method of letting the light in.
2. Tier on Tier
Tier on tier shutters are one of the most versatile arrangements, which has led to them being extremely widespread. These shutters have upper and lower hinged sections that open separately, like old fashioned stable doors. This allows for any number of combinations, giving you lots of control over how much light a room gets.
3. Cafe Style
Cafe style shutters, often associated with French coffee houses, are perfect for people on a slightly smaller budget. These shutters leave the top half of the window naked but cover the bottom half. This allows for privacy while letting light in at the same time. As a bonus, these are the cheapest kind of wooden shutters on account of them using less wood to make.
4. Solid Shutters
Of the different types of wooden window shutters, solid shutters provide the most privacy and heat insulation. Instead of using movable slats of wood to create the surface of the shutter, solid shutters just use one solid plank. Consider installing these if you live in a colder climate. However, these shutters have a classic look, having been popular in Tudor England, so if you would like a more traditional look to your home, these are perfect.
5. Remote Control
If you are working with a larger budget and looking to develop a ‘smart home,’ then remote control shutters might be for you. These might cost more than manual systems, but nothing beats the feeling of waking up, bathing the house in light from the comfort of your bed, and starting your day in the sun.
6. Blackout
Although most wooden shutters provide pretty good light coverage if installed correctly, some rooms – such as photography darkroom – require perfect darkness. Special ‘blackout’ shutters are designed to close tightly into their frames, preventing any light leaks. As with most shutter installation, getting professionals in to install this system is the only way to ensure a perfect fit.
