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7 Classic Yet Chic Styles of Window Shutters

Window Shutters

Popular since eons, one of the finest architectural marvels introduced to the world by the Spanish, window shutters have always been one of the most elegant and functional options to deck up your windows. The origin of shutter windows was initially a functional one, i.e. allowing the window to be opened and closed whenever desired using louvers. The louver was designed to provide precise control over the amount and angle of light coming in. So one can allow the bright early morning sunlight to freshen up ones home, or keep out the harsh afternoon sunlight. Also, a plethora of customization options will definitely help your windows grab attention, be it from the outside, or from within!

Window shutters are primarily of two types – Interior window shutters and exterior window shutters. The indoor ones greatly enhance the décor of your home from the inside. Very durable and aesthetic, they neither fade away unlike drapes or curtains, nor do they need regular washing. And sturdy, dry shutters also help keep allergens at bay!

Exterior window shutters shield your home against heavy rain, strong winds and other harsh climatic factors. And windows bolstered with sturdy shutters definitely build up the house’s security quotient.

Most decorative window shutters can be customized, but they broadly fall into 7 main styles –

1. Louvered – One of the most preferred of the lot, simple design in terms of lines and texture, louvered window shutters can be customized in innumerable ways and add the perfect classic touch to your house.
2. Bahama – The sun, sand, beaches! Bahama styled window shutters definitely pep up any beach resort or homes, perfect to keep the hot coastal breezes and strong sunlight at bay. They are also the perfect solution to tackle the moist coastal air.
3. Flat Panel – Flat panel window shutters perfectly blend into the overall interior design of the structure, and are perfect for offices or spaces adding a subtle flavor. Simple, yet stylist!
4. Raised Panel – Eye-catching in terms of design and contours, yet versatile in terms of positioning and color, their elegance comes out best when installed in solid wood or colors.
5. Open Board and Batten – These open board and batten shutters perfectly blend in with traditional or rustic architecture. Easy to install and paint, they are ageless!
6. Closed Board and Batten – Primarily designed as a means of protection to secure your windows, their functional yet aesthetic design definitely add to your home’s charm.
7. Cutouts – Entirely customizable in terms of design or color. If you are looking for window shutters that you feel only you should have, cutout window shutters offer immaculate exclusivity.

Depending upon geography, unique aesthetics of regions, and functionality, the material used in making the window shutters plays a very vital role. Although almost every material is within reach almost anywhere, compatibility between the window shutters and the overall climatic conditions of the region should be duly considered while choosing between options. Primarily, window shutters are available in the following materials,

1. Vinyl Shutters – Budget-friendly, low maintenance, quick and easy to install, easily customizable in the widest possible range of sizes and colors, no wonder vinyl shutters are the most preferred window shutters worldwide.
2. Wood Shutters – If you want your house and especially your windows to stand a class apart, wooden window shutters are just the things for you. Premium, elegant, classic, timeless.
3. Aluminum Shutters – If strong, impregnable windows is what you want, aluminum window shutters is the perfect solution. The right blend of strength and style, they are also easy to maintain! Ideal for any house or commercial space.
4. Composite Shutters - If you are looking for a perfect mix of durability and elegance in a cost-effective way, composite window shutters offers the best of both worlds. Usually comprises milled and assembled wood or PVC.

Decorative window shutters are the perfect way in which your windows can add to the overall décor and aesthetic mood of your spaces. And the variety of styles and options in which they are available can be mind-boggling! Hence, choosing the right option for you can be a decision requiring some thought. What is the intended duration that you have in mind? Window shutters that are trendy, which you expect to change in time? Or window shutters that you expect to resiliently endure over the years? This should be your primary concern. Another major factor to keep in mind is the geography and climatic conditions where you intend to install these window shutters. From the salty coastlines, to hot and dry areas, from moist and humid areas that receive heavy rainfall, to cold, snow-capped mountains – decorative window shutters are available for all types of spaces. However, their compatibility must be ascertained to ensure maximum durability and effectiveness. But although deciding upon the perfect window shutter demands a bit of a thought, the endless variety in which they can excite your home definitely makes decorative window shutters the best option for your windows!

Source: https://decorativeshutters.wordpress.com/2017/09/21/7-classic-yet-chic-styles-of-window-shutters/

How to Maintain Your House Shutters

Installation of window shutters is considered one of the best investments you will ever make for your house. They enhance the beauty of a house beyond adding to the value of the house when you sell it. House shutters look great during installation. The challenge is in maintaining their excellent appearance and functionality. Professionals in shutters have made the following recommendations to ensure that they remain clean and in perfect condition.

Consider the Material

House shutters come in different materials including vinyl, wood, plastic and aluminum, among others. Each of these materials requires a different approach during cleaning and maintenance.

• Plastic- they are a wide spread option because they are very affordable. Plastic shutters are also easy to customize and fit on to any space. There different varieties of plastics used in manufacture of house shutters. However, their maintenance procedures are similar. You can air dry by blowing away any dust on the surface. You may also choose to wipe with a damp cloth or even wash it with soapy water and a piece of cloth. A hose can be used to spray the shutter with water in order to clean off the soap. Because of exposure to heat over a prolonged period, plastic shutters may be brittle and break easily. Be cautious by ensuring that you do not exert a lot of force. Don’t use a pressure cleaner.

• Vinyl- this is among the most common materials used in manufacture of shutters. Being a synthetic and water proof material, it offers no difficulty during cleaning. You also do not have to worry about its coat of paint because the material typically has the color built-in. To keep vinyl house shutters clean and in top shape, it is recommended that you use warm water and soap. For exterior shutters, a hose can be used to spray water. To avoid water stains, wipe the shutters dry before leaving the site. Vinyl house shutters are also vulnerable when exposed to pressure. Avoid exerting a lot of pressure.

• Wood- this is a common material for properties looking for a classic feel. Wooden house shutters require more detailed maintenance attention because they can be damaged by moisture or excessive exposure to elements. Wood is not recommended in areas that are exposed to excessive amounts of water. To keep wood house shutters in top shape, you should dust regularly and where possible use a specialized vacuum cleaner to clean the louvers and nooks and crannies where insects may take up residence. It is a common mistake to see property owners or residents washing wooden house shutters with water and even detergent which should be avoided. Furniture polish can be used on a regular basis to remove stains and protect the surface against damage from elements. This helps to maintain its wooden and elegant appearance.

• Aluminum house shutters- this is one of the most durable, cost effective and easy to maintain materials used in the manufacture of exterior shutters, making aluminum shutters increasingly popular. Aluminum shutters are preferred because they last long and can withstand intense beating by the weather. They also do not require a lot of attention in the name of maintenance. You merely wipe away water from the surface to prevent the danger of corrosion. It is especially dangerous on joints because they will easily corrode and fail to open. Pay attention to joints several times in a year to keep them in proper working order. If your shutters are operational, grease the hinges on a regular basis to ensure that they stay in working order. High quality aluminum house shutters will have a durable powder-coated finish that will stand up to the elements and will last for years and years.

Any other shutters should be cleaned using the procedure and instructions indicated in the sales manual. The manuals indicate the procedures as well as substances that should be used. The integrity of house shutters can only be maintained when you take proper care of them.

 It is easier to clean house shutters that are on the ground floor. This even allows you to use a hose because water can get to that height. It is also easier to get to all parts or corners of the shutter. If a house is more than one story, you will require specialized equipment to reach the heights. Attempting to use the hose or improvise ladders could prove dangerous and ineffective. Whichever story or floor you will be cleaning, using all purpose detergent makes the work easier and faster. Brush off dust from the surface of house shutters before using any cleaning liquid.

Original Source: http://www.articlesfactory.com/articles/home-repair/professional-maintenance-tips-for-house-shutters.html

Re-Define Your Curb Appeal with Exterior Shutters

Exterior shutters add charm and curb appeal to any home. Therefore, when it comes to making a decision, you’ll want to take your time, weigh your options and choose wisely. But before we get into that, let’s see why you should add exterior shutters to your home. Here are some of the advantages:

• Protection:

Decorativeshutters.com’s focus is on decorative shutters, most are not functional (meaning that they are secured in place and don’t open or close) while some are installed with functionality (they can open or close) but they are not for protection or safety. Storm shutters better fit this description but are not sold on this site. 

• Decor

Exterior shutters look lovely on windows and doors and add extra character and curb appeal.

• Easy installation and use

Shutters can be designed as operational so they can be opened and closed as desired, or as decorative, so they will be fastened to the sides of the windows providing a permanently opened appeal. Shutter installation is a great DIY project and can be handled in a few hours by an experienced do-it-yourselfer or you may hire a handyman.

• Long term investment returns

Shutters provide a home an elegant appeal and are a great way to add color accents. Long lasting and durable, shutters will give your house curb appeal for years to come.

• Low Maintenance

Shutters can be easily cleaned, wiped and polished to shine for many years. Composite and aluminum shutters will hold their color and form for many years with very little need for maintenance.

There are many types, colors and designs of shutters to choose from. However, one of the most important decisions you will need to make is the choice of material. Exterior shutters come in several materials. Which one should you choose? Here’s a helpful list with pros and cons of each type of material.

Vinyl Shutters

Vinyl exterior shutters are a popular choice because they are budget-friendly and look appealing. They are easy to clean and maintain, and available in many colors and styles. These are a great choice if you’re on a budget and want exterior shutters that not only look nice but are easy to clean and maintain. Vinyl exterior shutters do not endure the elements of the environment as well as wood shutters. If maintained well, they can last up to 10 years. Colors and designs are plenty, and some vinyl shutters can be made to look like real wood, but are not functional and are only cosmetic.

Vinyl Shutters

Composite Shutters

There are two types of composite shutters. One with wood as it’s base component and another with a PVC material at its core. Both materials offer a beautiful, long-lasting, low-maintenance alternative to real wood shutters. They both hold paint very well and hold their beauty for many years. The PVC varieties can be found on upscale homes and are often used as replacement shutters on homes in historical districts. The wood based, or Extira composite shutter is a more economical option than the PVC based. Both styles can be designed in decorative or operational styles depending upon your need. There are endless possibilities in design, style, color and customization. 

Composite Shutters

Wood Shutters

There is old-time charm to using authentic wood. If you like the traditional wood shutters, popular choices are red cedar and cypress. These long-lasting, classic exterior shutters are available in functional or decorative configurations. These are milled from whole stock pieces so the grain will match from component to component. Stained or painted, or simply use it in its natural color and your guaranteed to add character and warmth to your home.

Wood Shutters

Aluminum Shutters

For its combination of low maintenance, functionality, economy and good looks aluminum shutters may be your perfect choice. Available in limitless colors and styles to match your décor, this durable product provides years of charm and is available in decorative and operational styles.

Aluminum Shutters

In addition, the points to consider when deciding on which shutter to get include easy operability, climatic conditions, safety features, DIY possibilities, lighting conditions, color and decor and of course, affordability.

Shutters are available in designs like louvered, flat or raised panel, bahama style, open & closed board battens or even cutouts which can be designed to your distinct individual taste. Each of these comes in a material of your choice to make those decisions easier and more suited to your home. Manufacturers are happy to customize a product and have it delivered to you for the final touches. Opt for the classic louvered style shutter or a rustic open board batten in wood or long lasting vinyl and with a buyer’s guide you can have them up in just a few hours.