Why Plantation Shutters are the Best Window Solution for Loft Conversions

Converting the loft is a great way to add extra space to your home and value to your property. Whether you’ve opted to create a master suite, home office or extra living space for your home, it’s important to find the right window treatment for your loft conversion.

We are often contacted by many homeowners looking to find the best window dressing for their new or existing loft conversion. As the windows found in lofts are of the trickier locations to work with, finding the right window solution is paramount.

The different window solutions for loft conversions

If you’ve got a dormer conversion, you may discover hanging curtains can be challenging. The way curtains have to be hung can also end up blocking some of the light, making your new room a gloomier place to spend time.

In a small loft conversion, or in addition to dormers, you might have incorporated skylights and wondered if you need to leave the window uncovered, resulting in a room that feels exposed. You may have thought the only solution was a blind, that blocks out sunlight when you require privacy.

The best window solution for loft conversions is plantation shutters. Loft plantation shutters are bespoke and made to fit loft windows, whether they’re dormers, skylights or shaped windows. Custom made for each window, plantation shutters fit precisely and let in maximum light while maintaining privacy levels.

Unlike curtains and blinds, shutters aren’t just open or shut. With adjustable louvres, loft plantation shutters can create the perfect atmosphere and lighting all day long.

Plantation shutters also help to keep your loft conversion snug as they provide effective insulation in the winter. In summer, when an attic can become warm, the loft plantation shutter louvres can be adjusted to prevent direct sunlight overheating the room while maintaining the flow of fresh air.

For more information on plantation shutters for loft conversions, or to book your FREE no obligation in-house survey, contact Totally Shutters today on 0203 960 6963. All loft plantation shutters come with a 5-year guarantee.

What are the Ecological and Economical Benefits of Plantation Shutters?

No window solution compares to plantation shutters. They deliver on all fronts; they add value to your property, boost your overall kerb appeal and are kind to the environment.

Plantation shutters are eco-friendly as they’re an effective method of heat retention too, working as an extra layer of insulation, making a massive difference to your annual energy bills. It’s estimated that 10x more warmth is lost through glass than a brick wall, making windows one of the most inefficient parts of the home – and one big reason to invest in plantation shutters.

Plantation shutters also help make a relaxed environment in your home, as they reduce noise pollution considerably.

Plantation shutters put you in control

Another advantage of having plantation shutters is that they allow you to control the distribution of light in a room, all day long. By simply adjusting the slats and opening the shutters to your requirements, you will allow the right amount of natural light to flow into your home while maintaining privacy levels.

With maximum light control, plantation shutters are eco-friendly and a very stylish way to lower your carbon footprint. With plantation shutters, it’s easier to leave the lights off for as long as possible.

The great thing about plantation shutters is that they come in a whole range of different styles and designs with different benefits. Full height shutters, offer flexibility and excellent light control, whereas solid panel shutters are particularly effective at retaining heat.

 

For more information on the eco-friendly benefits of plantation shutters, or to book your no obligation in-house survey, contact Totally Shutters today on 0203 960 6963. All plantation shutters come with a 5-year guarantee.

Are Plantation Shutters the Most Hygienic Window Solution?

During these uncertain times, more and more people are searching for the most hygienic window solution. A hygienic window solution can save you time and money, as well as help prevent allergies.

In short, plantation shutters are the most hygienic shutters, and here we take a look at how they compare to other window solutions such as blinds and curtains.

Plantation shutters are easiest to clean

Unlike blinds that have small blades that can easily bend or crack, plantation shutters are made from solid materials, meaning they’re never hollow or composite, and have an easy to clean surface.

Curtains collect dust easily and require frequent vacuuming or laundering. Plantation shutters do not collect dust or pet hair as easily and actually prevent dust from entering the home through your windows. This cuts down on allergens and reduces the amount of cleaning time required.

The easiest to clean plantation shutters

For the easiest to clean plantation shutters, choose a hidden tolt rod. With a hidden tilt rod, your slats are connected to one another with a thin metal rod on the back/side of each panel, making them even easier to clean versus the central tilt rod on the front/centre of each panel.

However, all plantation shutters from Totally Shutters have a smooth surface, making them easy to clean and maintain. A soft duster or microfibre cloth is all you require to clean your shutters.

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For more information on plantation shutters, or to book your no obligation in-house survey, contact Totally Shutters today on 0203 960 6963. All plantation shutters come with a 5-year guarantee.

How to Fix Your Plantation Shutter Slats

Plantation shutters are incredibly stylish, and once installed, a real source of pride and joy within your home. However, accidents happen and wear and tear can impact the overall appeal of your plantation shutters. In the rare event one of your louvres becomes damaged and requires repairing, don’t worry, as it’s a simple process that most DIYers can accomplish.

Fixing a plantation shutter with a tilt rod

Along with your replacement slat, Totally Shutters will send you staples to attach to the slat on the rod, and pins to attach the slat to the panel.

Firstly, you will need to remove the damaged slat. Using a pair of pliers, carefully snip the stable on the damaged slat and ease the slat from the push rod gently. Tapping with a wallpaper scraper gently between the slat and the solid upright section of the shutter panel will help dislodge the slat from the panel.

Now you’re ready to fit your new slat. First, take your replacement pins and insert on either side of the slat. Take the spring-loaded pin and push the larger section into the hole on the panel. Push the pin in and align the slat to the hole.

Next, you will need to attach the slat to the push rod. Take the shorter staple, dab a small amount of superglue on the end of the staple and insert it into the holes on the slat. Push the staple into the holes until it can’t go any further. If desired, you can touch up the staple to blend in with your panels.

 

In the unlikely event your plantation shutter slat has been damaged and needs replacing, call Totally Shutters today on 0203 960 6963 and we will send you a replacement slat promptly.

Can Plantation Shutters Stop Your Conservatory from Overheating?

Conservatories are a great asset to your home, especially during the hot summer months, where you can entertain guests with beautiful views of the great outdoors and your garden. But often, it can be difficult to regulate the temperature in your conservatory.

Plantation shutters for conservatories are a stylish and functional solution for regulating the heat. With adjustable slats, conservatory shutters allow you to control light in a way other window dressings simply cannot, helping to stop your conservatory from overheating.

Conservatory shutters for light and shading control

With conservatory shutters, you have the freedom to adjust the level of direct sunlight entering the room, allowing you to cool the room on hot days and add an extra layer of insulation in cooler months. With shutters, you can be comfortable in your conservatory all year long.

Conservatory shutters for privacy

Another benefit of shutters for conservatories is the unrivalled privacy the window dressing offers. Conservatories can often feel exposed, but installing conservatories shutters will bring the privacy you require when you need it. Conservatory shutters are stylish and as functional as in every other room in your home too.

Conservatory shutters for insulation

Plantation shutters are known to act as a layer of insulation when installed to a property. They reduce heat loss through draughts, helping to reduce your energy bills. During colder months, this makes shutters the ideal window dressing for all rooms as well as conservatories. They help keep the light bouncing through the conservatory while preventing heat loss.

 

For more information on plantation shutters for your conservatory or what we can do for your home, book your free, no-obligation in-house survey today with one of our shutter specialists. Call us today on 0203 960 6963.

DIY Shutters: How are Plantation Shutters Installed?

Modern bay window shutters in neutral-toned living space

Although we do not usually recommend fitting your shutters yourself, in these uncertain and worrying times, we understand you may feel more at ease measuring and installing your plantation shutters yourself.

Unfortunately, installing plantation shutters can be a very tricky process. To get a product that fits perfectly and operates smoothly, you’ll need to make sure that you have the skills in DIY required, but also an attention to detail in both measuring and installation.

What you will need:

  • Exact measurements
  • Totally Shutters phone number
  • Correct tools for the fitting
  • More than one person for larger installs

How to measure for plantation shutters

We advise to measure in at least three places for every side of the window, to check that the window is square and the dimensions are consistent. Always use the largest measurements, as they can be reduced via a sander if needed.

For a standard rectangular window, you will need to:

  • Measure the width and height of the window – this will need to be inside or outside the recess depending on how you are planning to fit your plantation shutters.
  • Measure at least three different points for the height and width.
  • Note the dimensions you find.

For other types of windows, such as special shapes and bays, other steps will be required. We advise in speak with one of our shutter specialists to ensure you get the measurements right.

Once you have the dimensions of your window, call Totally Shutters on 0203 960 6963 and we will craft and manufacture your made-to-measure shutters.

How to install plantation shutters

You will need the correct tools to install and fit shutters:

  • Power drill
  • Hammer drill
  • Electric planer
  • Spirit level
  • Screwdriver
  • Tape measure
  • Stanley knife
  • Masking tape
  • Silicone

The steps to install plantation shutters:

  • Assemble the frame – depending on the access to the window itself this could be in one piece or assembled within the recess itself
  • Install the frame – attach at a few fixing points inside/outside the recess as guided by the frame type
  • Attach the panels – drop the hinge pins into place
  • Check movement – panels and louvres should be able to move easily without any obstruction
  • Amend if necessary

 

To guarantee a perfect finish and correct operation, it is highly advisable to use a shutter expert to fit your made-to-measure plantation shutters. However, our shutter experts are on call to help you through each process. Call 0203 960 6963 to discuss your plantation shutters requirements.

Spring Forward Your Interior With Wooden Plantation Shutters

Interior-shutters

The days are getting longer, the weather is getting warmer, and Spring is officially around the corner. Spring is a time for new life and beginnings, so why not give your home a fresh look and a new lease of life this Spring with wooden plantation shutters.

Wooden Plantation Shutters in Spring

Wooden plantation shutters look incredible, allowing maximum sunlight to flood into your home while maintaining your privacy. They add kerb appeal and value to your property and are energy-efficient, reflecting some of the sun’s energy away from the room. Unlike blinds, wooden plantation shutters won’t move in the breeze, making them the perfect window solution in Spring and Summer.

What’s more, wooden plantation shutters help to cut the accumulation of dust much more than fabric window dressings do, helping make spring cleaning effortless.

Spring Cleaning Your Wooden Plantation Shutters

When you have new wooden plantation shutters fitted, you will want to make sure they stay in tip-top condition at your window. However, wooden products do not cope well with excessive moisture.

To stop your wooden plantation shutters from warping, never use excessive amounts of water or liquid cleaning solutions to clean your shutters.

A clean, dry cloth is all you need for every day dusts and debris. To remove debris build up use a soft toothbrush, and to remove any marks or stains, use a lightly damp cloth.

 

For more information on wooden plantation shutters, or to book your no obligation Spring in-house survey, contact Totally Shutters today on 0203 960 6963. All wooden plantation shutters come with a 5-year guarantee.

Do Plantation Shutters Warp?

Plantation shutters are an investment for your property, and just like with any investment comes concerns. A big concern for customers is whether their plantation shutters will warp, expand or contract when exposed to direct sunlight, different weather conditions and/or moisture. Here’s what you need to know for your own peace of mind:

Wooden plantation shutters

At Totally Shutters, we use only the finest materials. All our wooden shutters are solid hardwood and are not hollow or composite, making them incredibly durable. They are also coated with several layers of UV protectant and sealant, so can withstand high heat and direct sunlight without warping or cracking.

Although incredibly durable, hardwood products do not cope well with excessive moisture. Wood is a natural fibre which responds by swelling and then shrinking back as it dries out. This can result in warping, which in turn leads to ill-fitting plantation shutters.

Waterproof plantation shutters

Our UPVC waterproof shutters are 100% waterproof, built to withstand high moisture and humidity levels. These can be installed anywhere throughout the house, but are highly recommended for kitchens, bathrooms and en-suites.

UPVC waterproof shutters have excellent temperature operating properties that prevent warping, peeling and flaking. They’re made to fit all shapes and sizes, and are available in all shutter styles, louvre sizes, paint and stain colours.

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For more information on plantation shutters or our UPVC waterproof shutter range, contact Totally Shutters today on 0203 960 6963. All plantation shutters come with a 5-year guarantee.

Give Your Home a Spring Makeover

We’re officially in Spring, and what better season to give your home a makeover? From floral prints to rethinking your window dressings, these practical spring makeover ideas are full of inspiration to make your home more inviting.

Think floral

Nothing embodies the season more than floral patterns. So for a quick win, why not add a touch of Spring to your interior with floral patterned accessories such as scatter cushions or wall? Or consider updating your interior with a floral statement wall.

Rethink your window dressings

Plantation shutters allow you to flood your room with light while maintaining privacy levels, bringing the bright spring sunlight inside. Plantation shutters also help to reflect some of the sun’s energy away from your home, making them the ideal window solution in Spring and Summer.

Merge the indoors and out

Well-designed homes always include a room where boundaries between indoors and out are blurred. Think about adding window boxes of foliage both inside and out. Place houseplants around your home. And, choose your window covering wisely. Solid shutters and cafe-style shutters allow you to always have a clear view of your garden, inviting the outdoors inside your home.

 

For more information on plantation shutters, or to book your no obligation Spring in-house survey, contact Totally Shutters today on 0203 960 6963. All plantation shutters come with a 5-year guarantee.

Inside or Outside Mount on Plantation Shutters

Not to be confused with interior vs exterior shutters, we are referring to inside mount shutters and outside mount shutters.

Inside mount shutters are made to fit within a recessed window opening. If your window is set back from the wall enough to accommodate the shutter frame, you may consider an inside mount.

Whereas outside mount shutters are measured to surround your window opening and are mounted to the wall outside the glass area, or on top of your existing trim.

Pros and Cons of Inside Mount Shutters

Inside mount shutters are the most popular shutter mount option but are only suited to windows deep enough. Inside mount shutters fit inside the window opening and can be pushed back toward the glass for very deep windows, or pulled forward to blend with the wall.

The disadvantage to inside mount is if you have crack-out windows with large handles as the inside mount frame may get in the way of operating your window handles and locks.

Pros and Cons of Outside Mount Shutters

Outside mount shutters are a great choice for windows with limited recess depth or windows that are not level or square. At Totally Shutters, our outside mount frames act in place of a window mould, while supporting the weight of your shutter panels, ensuring everything is perfectly aligned.

Outside mount shutters surround the window opening, hiding any imperfections and eliminating gaps. For crack-out windows with large handles, outside mount shutters would be suited.

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For more information on inside mount shutters and outside mount shutters, or to book your no obligation in-house survey, contact Totally Shutters today on 0203 960 6963. All plantation shutters come with a 5-year guarantee.