Designing a Family Games Room with Plantation Shutters

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Whether you are designing a children’s game room, games room for entertaining friends and family or a man cave, it’s a task that requires careful window covering consideration as these types of rooms need to be comfortable and enjoyable as well as being functional and practical.

Getting the right lighting with plantation shutters

Lighting has always been one of the most important aspects of interior design and if used well, can completely transform a room, making any space seem larger and brighter. At the same time, if used wrongfully, it can spoil the whole design and comfort of the room.

With your games and entertainment room being a special part of the family home where you can escape and have fun, it’s important to get the lighting and ambience right.

Generally speaking, the more natural light the better, but windows can pose a problem since reflections and glare on a TV screen can ruin the whole viewing experience. Plantation shutters stop glare while letting sufficient light in, or they can completely block out all light for the ultimate cinema-like experience.

Gain privacy and keep the sound in

Games and entertainment rooms are used throughout the day and night, so the correct mix of privacy and light is essential to make the room look and feel how you need. Many families have snooker tables, table tennis, entertainment systems and TV screens with games consoles in their games room.

Plantation shutters are great for gaining privacy in your games and entertainment room. They also act as a sound barrier helping keep sound and noise in, helping avoid annoying the neighbours.

Plantation shutters also help to insulate properties, keeping the room warm in the nights and colder months, as well as allowing the louvres and panels to be open in the summer months when airflow is required. Meaning your games and entertainment room can be used all year round, in summer and winter.

 

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

How Vegan is Your Home?

It’s Veganuary! With many participants swapping their diet and lifestyle to vegan for January.

As society grows, we are getting much less ignorant about the suffering of animals for human vanity, with veganism being as popular as ever in 2020. But veganism goes beyond dropping the meat and dairy. Animal-baed products are all around us, from the shoes we wear to the chairs we sit on.

As more and more people turning towards plant-based diets, we ask, is vegan decor on the rise, and how vegan are our homes?

Vegan homes on the rise

A recent survey conducted by Hillarys found more than two in three vegans admitted their homes weren’t vegan-friendly, with more than half (56%) struggling to adapt to a completely vegan lifestyle.

The main challenge for creating a more vegan-friendly was lack of knowledge, as more than half of respondents (56%) claimed they’d made some effort but struggled to know what products were and were not considered vegan.

However, more and more interior and furniture companies are making the shift towards vegan-friendly to not only stay on-trend and ahead of the market but to match their ethos and morals.

At Totally Shutters, we believe once more alternatives to leather and wool become available, more interior and furniture companies will adopt veganism and vegan homes will become more mainstream.

Start with small steps

We all want to do our bit and make our home’s more environmentally friendly, but it’s virtually impossible to immediately go all-in when it comes to veganism; making small steps and changes in our everyday life is what makes all the difference.

Start by ditching the leather, wool and silk, and when decorating your home, choose vegan-based paints. When sourcing furniture, choose a local company who manufacture their products in the UK to reduce your carbon footprint and always opt for a sustainable window solution.

 

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

Best Window Treatments for Nurseries

There’s nothing more exciting for parents-to-be than decorating their baby’s nursery. From the theme and colour scheme to the floor and window coverings, all aspects of the baby’s nursery must come together to make the perfect room.

A baby’s nursery needs to create a relaxing and peaceful environment for sleep, provide privacy for parents during changings and feeds, and be safe and fun for the child as he or she plays.

With more window options than ever before, deciding what window treatment for your nursery can be an overwhelming decision. So, what factors matter most?

Child safety

Child safety can be affected by your choice of window covering, as curtains and blinds rely on cords and ties to maintain functionality. These are a hazard for young children who are inquisitive and could easily get tangled in these hanging obstacles.

As plantation shutters don’t need cords or ties to function, they’re suited for nurseries in terms of style and practicality.

Blackoutness

Young children need a lot of sleep, at night time and during the day. As well as helping to promote child safety, Totally Shutter’s Shutter & Shade range is integrated with a room-darkening system helping create a dark environment – great for children who need to nap during the day and find it difficult due to the light.

Unlike other window treatments, shutters provide a layer between the home and outside world, helping you control light, privacy and noise levels.

Allergy-free and maintenance

Young children can be sensitive to allergies. Unlike curtains that can trap dust, plantation shutters are the most hygienic window treatment as they prevent the build-up of dust. Plantation shutters are also easy to clean and maintain requiring a simple wiped down with a damp cloth every so often.

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For more information on plantation shutters, the Shutter & Shade range or window treatments for nurseries, contact Totally Shutters today 0203 960 6963. All plantation shutters come with a 5-year guarantee.

Are Plantation Shutters Out of Style?

hinged-shutters

Originally plantation shutters were designed for large plantation houses and farmhouses in South America; where owing to the subtropical climate in the region, with hot summers, traditional coverings were impractical, heavy and stifling.

Landowners required a window dressing that allowed for privacy, light control and for cooling fresh air to enter rooms. Soon the plantation shutter was developed, the white finish used to reflect heat, remaining the most popular choice even today.

But with a history spanning far back, have plantation shutters gone out of style?

Plantation shutters are as popular as ever

The number of homes and offices in London and the UK that have plantation shutters has rapidly increased over the last few years, and this growth shows no signs of slowing down. By being incredibly practical, stylish and available in a range of colours, plantation shutters complement any interior style and will outlast any changing trends.

When installed, plantation shutters almost become part of the fixtures and fittings of a home and are therefore an investment. Unlike curtains and blinds, plantation shutters can last a lifetime and don’t need replacing every few years.

Plantation shutters are popular in Georgian and Victorian properties, complementing their original features, but we have seen an increasing demand for shutters in new builds as more and more homeowners are discovering the benefits and practicalities of the window covering.

In short, plantation shutters are a timeless window covering and show no sign of going out of fashion any time soon. As well as being timeless, plantation shutters are versatile suiting all types of properties including flats, houses, Victorian, Georgian, Edwardian and new build.

 

Ready to find out more about the ultimate timeless purchase for your home? Call Totally Shutters today on 0203 960 6963 for more information or to book your free no obligation in-house survey. All plantation shutters come with a 5-year guarantee.

A Guide to Decorating Bay Windows

Bay windows are a stunning feature in any property, but with their tricky angles and tall windows, they can pose a problem to dress.

There are many different bay window decor solutions to from, curtains, blinds, shutters, all coming with their pros and cons. But when it comes to bay windows, the most timeless, practical and stylish solutions is bay window shutters.

Why bay window shutters?

1. They’re timeless

Having plantation shutters installed in your bay window complements your interior and exterior. They’re a stylish window dressing and opting for neutrals such as white, grey or natural stains, ensures your plantation shutters will complement all colour schemes and last for years to come.

2. They add value

Plantation shutters are made-to-measure and fitted to your bay window. Built to the exact millimetre of your window, once installed, bay window shutters become part of the architecture of your home, improving the kerb appeal of your home and adding value to your property.

3. They maximise light

Plantation shutters maximise the light entering your bay window and home. The style options shutters offer, such as full height, cafe style, solid or tier-on-tier, give you a wide variety of choice to suit the aspects of your window, and your light and privacy needs.

4. They save money

Bay window shutters offer insulation benefits, installing them will help to insulate your home, preventing heat loss and saving on your annual energy bill.

 

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

Dog and Pet Proof Window Treatments

Even the best-behaved dogs can occasionally find themselves in a spot of mischief – something pet parents need to accept. But few household items seem to bear the brunt of bad behaviour than windows.

Of course, remote controls, pillows and shoes are commonly the main focal point of canine frustration, but window treatments are often destroyed in homes too.

Why do dogs damage window coverings?

There are many reasons why dogs unleash their destructive instincts on window treatments. Often boredom and separation anxiety are at play, but the main issue is a dog’s instinct to be territorial.

Often when dogs see people, pets or prey outside their home, they will bark or scratch at the window and often the window treatment suffers. Plantation shutters prevent dogs from seeing passersby outside and can prevent this behaviour from happening.

Characteristics to seek in dog-friendly window shutters

There are two main traits to look for when seeking a dog or pet-friendly window covering for your home. These include:

Cordless design

Dogs are curious creature, and when faced with a blind cord will naturally explore the foreign object. To prevent the dog from chewing, or worse, get caught on the dangling cord, it’s best to eliminate the problem with plantation shutters. All plantation shutters are cordless.

Complete window coverage

By covering the window entirely, you will prevent your dog from seeing the types of things that will prevent him/her barking, slobbering and destroying your window coverings. Made-to-measure plantation shutters are made to fit and cover your window entirely, the slats can be adjusted to stop your canine from seeing out while letting light in. The tilting of slats will also prevent the trapping of limbs.

 

Although not completely pet-proof window treatment, plantation shutters are ideal for homes with dogs. For more information or to book your free, no obligation in-house survey, call Totally Shutters today on 0203 960 6963. All plantation shutters come with a 5-year guarantee.

Which Window Covering is Best for The Environment?

More and more homeowners around the UK are recognising the environmental issues that our planet is facing and are becoming increasingly more aware of their interior choices, including their window coverings solutions.

Compared to other window treatments, there’s a wealth of evidence that suggests plantation shutters are the most environmentally friendly as they are:

  • Made from natural, non-toxic materials
  • Made from a sustainable source
  • Incredibly energy-efficient
  • Recyclable when at the end of their lives

Sadly, most window treatments cannot claim all these requirements.

Why plantation shutters are the most eco-friendly window treatment

When it comes to making improvements to the home, plantation shutters deliver; they add value to your property, boost the kerb appeal of your home and are kind to the environment.

Plantation shutters provide great insulation and are an effective method of heat retention, allowing you to turn down the thermostat on your radiators in the winter. They also help to keep hot air out, greatly reducing the need for air conditioning and fans during the summer months. Not only does this reduce your energy bill but your carbon footprint too.

Another advantage of plantation shutters is that they allow for complete light control while maintaining privacy levels. By adjusting the slats and opening the shutters to your requirements, you’re regulating the flow of natural light and reducing the need for artificial lighting. This eco-friendly action helps lower your carbon footprint.

Plantation shutters last a lifetime, but should you wish to update them in the future, wood is easily recyclable – another eco-friendly benefit.

 

If you’re interested in finding out more about the sustainability of plantation shutters and our wide range of shutter options, contact Totally Shutters today on 0203 960 6963. All plantation shutters come with a 5-year guarantee.

Secure Your Home With Aluminium Security Shutters

All plantation shutters supply a source of security and privacy, but Porchester Aluminium Security Shutters enhances both of these features, especially security.

With a key and lock design, a double key turn locking system and an intruder resistant system, Portchester Aluminum Security Shutters add an extra layer of security to your home.

If you want to have some and peace of mind in your home, here are three reasons why you should invest in Porchester Aluminium Security Shutters for your home:

A stylish security solution

The days of putting up security dressing window gates and guards that convert your home into looking and feeling like a prison cell are long gone. Porchester Aluminium Security Shutters secure your home while adding a touch of style and sophistication to your interior and exterior. These shutters work well in every room from the living area to kitchen, bedroom to the bathroom.

Look just like wooden shutters

Our Porchester Aluminium Security Shutter range looks very similar to our wooden shutter range, allowing you to dress vulnerable windows with security shutters and the other windows in your home with wooden shutters helping to maintain a consistent scheme throughout your home. Available in full height, bi-fold and by-pass, security shutters operate like wooden shutters.

Tried and tested

Portchester Aluminium Security Shutters have been one of the most popular forms of window and door security around the world for many years, and are increasingly gaining popularity in London and the UK. Manufactured in South Africa where security is taken very seriously, the Portchester Aluminum Security Shutter range defends your home without sacrificing style.

 

For more information on our Porchester Aluminium Security Shutter range plantation shutters, or to book your free no obligation in-house survey, call Totally Shutters today on 0203 960 6963. All plantation shutters come with a 5-year guarantee.

Why You MUST Invest in Plantation Shutters in 2020

If you’re planning your 2020 home improvements, then you must consider plantation shutters. Plantation shutters are stunning and provide an elegant way to define a room, they add value to your home, and offer a host of benefits over other window dressings.

A practical solution

Plantation shutters are custom-made to fit any shape or size window and bring a whole new lease of life to a tired-looking room, altering the light and enhancing the sense of space. Unlike curtains and blinds, shutters need little maintenance and are easy to clean.

Complete light and privacy control

The main benefit of plantation shutters is that they give complete control over how much light enters a room and also how private you wish your space to be.

Save money on your heating

Plantation shutters add to the appeal of your home, therefore adding value to your home, but they also have the additional benefit of being effective insulators. In the colder months, shutters keep more heat in than other window dressings, saving on your heating bills.

Plantation shutters for life

High-quality made-to-measure plantation shutters are robust and incredibly hard-wearing. Unlike curtains and blinds that can fade and become worn over time, shutters are a durable solution that can last a lifetime.

Incredibly versatile

Available in full-height, tier-on-tier, solid and cafe style, made-to-measure plantation shutters can fit any window size and shape. With our colour-custom service, they can be made in any shade to match your home and interior taste. Plantation shutters enhance your decor and complement your space.

Available in a range of materials

Plantation shutters are usually made from hardwood, but MDF and UPVC options are available. MDF is a cheaper option, whereas UPVC is a waterproof option, ideal for bathrooms and kitchens.

 

For more information on plantation shutters in 2020, or to book your free no obligation in-house survey, call Totally Shutters today on 0203 960 6963. All plantation shutters come with a 5-year guarantee.

Add a Cosy Vibe to Your Home this Christmas

With Christmas just weeks away, there’s no better time to implement a few changes to your home decor to make it look warm, cosy and homely in time for the big day. Just a few changes can have a huge impact on your home and your mood:

Lighting

The lighting in your home is incredibly important. Ambient lighting provides the overall illumination of your home, giving the room a bright feel the whole family can enjoy. Task lighting is ideal for any Christmas Day reading, preparing the turkey and all the festive trimmings, or any other close-up work. Accent lighting is great for highlight standout features in your home such as novelty decoration or table centrepieces. A cosy room maximises the use of these three lighting types.

Accessories

Accessories such as cushions, throws and blankets are the ultimate way to add a cosy feel in any home. Pile festive cushions on to your sofa, add thick woollen throws to your beds for extra comfort and warmth. Experiment with different fabrics and textures to add a little depth into your interior. Use fabrics such as cashmere, wool, mohair and velvet.

Plantation shutters

Lastly, an item you can add to your home for ultimate warmth and cosiness on Christmas Day and all year round is plantation shutters. Shutters trap the cold between the window and the frame adding extra warmth to your home. Other than being super practical, they’re stylish and add a traditional cosiness to your interior.

 

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