Winter Shutter and Window Maintenance

Shutter-and-Window-Maintenance

Many homeowners find themselves battling the brisk weather to keep their windows in the best condition during the colder months. Here are some tips from our shutter experts to maintaining your windows and shutters in the heart of winter:

Tackle condensation issues 

The biggest risk to damaging your window coverings as temperatures plummet is condensation and the lasting exposure it can cause. However, maintaining a consistent temperature will keep condensation at bay and will help your windows in the long run. 

Purchasing moisture trappers if condensation is a regular issue may be useful. Making use of extractor fans in bathrooms and kitchen fans when cooking will also help with moisture.

Keep on top of shutter after care 

Keeping up with your shutter aftercare will ensure your plantation shutters are in the best possible condition. Looking after your shutters will continue to benefit your home for many years to come. 

For general dusting we recommend using a feather duster to gently remove the dirt off the shutter surface. Be sure to dust the shutters before using a slightly damp cloth on the surface to avoid wetting the dust and damaging the shutter.

If you’re considering installing plantation shutters in a room that has particular high levels of exposure, you will want to consider UPVC shutters that are water-resistant. The UPVC material has excellent thermal properties which stops moisture and humidity from damaging the window cover, withstanding the test of time.

For more information on installing plantation shutters in your home 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.

This Winter, Save Money on Your Energy Bills with Shutters

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The colder months are here, which means cosy evenings as the festive period draws close. But the colder weather brings higher energy bills. As the temperature changes, the energy efficiency of your home does too. 

Energy costs are rising, and the arrival of winter energy bills can make a severe dent in our finances. It is predicted that our energy bills will increase by 30% over the next year. Therefore, now it’s a good idea to start thinking of ways to save money on energy.

Plantation shutters are energy-efficient window covering

Many homeowners around London and the UK are using plantation shutters to help save money on their energy bills in the winter. They are the most energy-efficient window treatment and help reduce heat escaping through the windows.

Plantation shutters are bespoke and made to fit all window sizes and shapes, whether big or small. As they perfectly fit the window frame, they ensure an efficient barrier against warm air escaping and cold draughts. 

According to Historic Environment Scotland, shutters belong to the most effective methods for improving the thermal performance of traditional windows. They have tested the effectiveness of different ways of improving the thermal performance of windows. 

If you are looking for ways to save money on your energy bills this winter, installing plantation shutters will help reduce heat loss and enhance the thermal performance of your windows, keeping heating bills down.

For more information on installing plantation shutters in your home this winter 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.

Modernising Your Kitchen

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Are you considering revamping your kitchen to modernise your space? Perhaps you’re looking to incorporate some slight adjustments for something different? Here are some top tips for transforming your kitchen space:

Keep your worktops clear

It’s important to keep your worktops de-cluttered to allow yourself plenty of space to cook, bake and relax. A key solution to this will be using clever storage solutions, but you will also want to carefully consider where to place your kitchen essentials, such as toaster, kettle and blender.

Kitchen island

If you’re designing your kitchen from scratch, you may want to incorporate a kitchen island into your installation. A kitchen island can be utilised for cooking by adding stoves or an oven into the unit. Adding seating around the island will ensure it doubles as a breakfast bar.

Storage solutions

Clever storage solutions will make a difference to your kitchen in terms of the overall design and by making everything convenient to access. Depending on your interior design taste, you can add cupboards and shelving nooks to hide and showcase items. Most modern kitchens have integrated bin storage to keep it out of sight.

Inject some colour

If your kitchen has a strong emphasis on one neutral colour or shade such as white, you may look to inject some colour and make a statement. A burst of colour can break up the design and make it “pop”.

Plantation shutters

Plantation shutters are a sure-fire way to modernising your kitchen. They are stylish, practical and low-maintenance, helping refresh your kitchen and ensuring a convenient space. They’re also durable and will last for future renovations.

 

For more information on modernising your home with 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.

Home Security During Christmas

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With Christmas just around the corner, our homes are often left empty in the whirlwind of shopping trips, social meetings, and other last-minute trips. On top of this, Christmas presents are conveniently left in the hallway or under the tree.

It’s not surprising to hear that home burglaries spike by an astonishing 25% in the autumn and winter months, due to the clocks going back and the darker nights setting in, providing the perfect opportunity for thieves to stay hidden.

With this in mind, we’re sharing some basic tips on home security measures to consider for peace of mind during the holiday season:

Create the illusion your home

With so many technologies available for remote home control, there are many ways to create a physical presence in the house, when you’re not there, deterring themes from your property.

Timed lighting and smart home technologies make it possible to control your entire home from your phone, allowing you to activate your lights, stereo, television, or any other light and noise creating devices, giving the illusion that someone is home.

Avoid displaying high-value items

A classic piece of advice for home security which might seem obvious but be mindful of any high-value items on display to avoid the temptation of any opportunities. This doesn’t just apply to televisions or expensive technology, but also pushbikes and cars.

Invest in plantation shutters

Closed curtains or blinds can giveaway that the property is empty, but plantation shutters can be positioned in a way to allow light toe shine through into the room while restricting the view into your home so passers-by cannot see in.

Further, plantation shutters add an extra layer of security to your home, further preventing burglarers from entering your home.

For more information on the security benefits of 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.

Plantation Shutters for Your New Home

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There has been a surge in property sales in recent times, as more buyers are taking advantage of the stamp duty holiday, and as more homeowners look for more home space for homeworking as the value of their property is at an all-time high.

If you’re one of these people who have just purchased a new house, here is why you should consider installing plantation shutters in your new home:

They are versatile

Plantation shutters hold great importance when designing a home or workplace. They enhance the decor of your home and create a joyful environment to live and work.

Unlike curtains and blinds, plantation shutters are made to fit any size and shape window, from bay windows to circular-shaped windows.

Stylish and timeless

Plantation shutters give a more expensive, up-market look than blinds and curtains. They are a stylish and timeless addition to your home. They look stately and compliments almost any internal decor, meaning you won’t have to replace your window dressing, should you choose to re-decorate down the line.

Great insulation

Shutters are great at insulating your home, ventilating the room and keeping the sun at bay during summer months, while blocking cold drafts and providing an extra layer of insulation during the colder months. As a result, plantation shutters help you save money on your energy bills.

Perfect for busy streets

If you’re moving to a busy street, plantation shutters act as a sound barrier, helping drone of traffic or noise from a nearby road. They also provide efficient privacy levels, by simply adjusting the louvres.

 

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

Interior Design Trends for 2021 Predictions

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2020 has been a long year, so we have good reason to look ahead to a new year, a fresh beginning and interior design trends of 2021.

From the growing importance of sustainable materials to celebrating uniqueness, if you’re looking to refresh your home for the year ahead, look no further than these unmissable interior design trends of 2021.

Indoor Escapes

Following 2021, when the world was turned upside down, more people will be creating a place where they can escape and rejoice in their home.

We predict people will be wanting to create an open space indoors, bringing the outdoors in, with open windows, fresh air, greenery and beauty.

We also believe beautiful outdoor garden spaces will become a must-have, with the same level of consideration as indoors, with styled furniture and accessories.

Unique Flair

After a terrible year to many businesses, we believe more people will be choosing to support local and small independent stores. By doing so, we believe, homes will begin to incorporate a unique flair into their interior, creating diversity in every property.

Plantation Shutters

Design trends come and go, but something that will never lose their appeal is plantation shutters; the must-have window dressing of 2021.

Plantation shutters allow you to enjoy the outdoors while ensuring maximum privacy. They are stylish, adding kerb appeal, sustainable, helping to keep the energy bills down and help to add an extra layer of security to your property.

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If you’re looking for plantation shutters in London, surrounding areas and the UK, support your trusted local supplier, Totally Shutters. For more information on made-to-measure plantation shutters, call Totally Shutters today on 0203 960 6963 to book your free no obligation in-house survey. All plantation shutters come with a 5-year guarantee.

What to Consider When Installing Window Shutters

At Totally Shutters, we offer a discounted price to those looking to measure and install their window shutters themselves. However, when installing window shutters, there are a few things to consider:

Only buy from a reputable shutter company

The first and foremost thing to consider is to only buy your plantation shutters from a reputable shutter company that you can trust, such as Totally Shutters. Further, your shutters must be made-to-measure, not only to create the desired look but also to benefit from all the advantages that they give, such as insulation, light and privacy control.

Beware of companies that sell shutters in stock and cut them to fit, as these will never give the same quality look as made-to-measure shutters.

Do your research

Do your research in shutter styles and shutter materials to ensure you have the right option for you and your property. Only choose hardwood or UPVC and avoid pine shutters as they are a softer wood that tends to bleed sap, spoiling the overall look of your plantation shutters, and will need replacing down the line.

Ensure all renovations are carried out

If renovating your window area, it’s essential that any replacement windows, plastering, painting, wallpapering and tiling are completed before measuring your window area, or arranging for your Totally Shutters free in-house survey.

Even the smallest changes can alter the configuration of your made-to-measure shutters, resulting in an imperfect fit.

Why choose plantation shutters?

Plantation shutters are an investment. They are versatile and look stunning at every window and property type. They are also child and pet friendly and extremely easy to maintain. They add kerb appeal to your home and value to your property.

As plantation shutters are considered to be part of the fixtures and fittings of your home, it’s vital that they function as well as they look. We recommend that you have a professional measure and install your plantation shutters, to ensure a perfect fit.

 

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

Plantation Shutters for the New Year

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Winter is just around the corner, and the countdown to Christmas is on. As we get excited for spending quality time with our nearest and dearest, you may be thinking about sprucing your home up for 2021, and what better way to spruce your home up than with the gift that keeps on giving – plantation shutters.

Plantation Shutters Will Be Your Best Investment

As we spend more time at home, it’s the place where we feel safe, kick back and relax, and in some cases, work. Plantation shutters provide the perfect backdrop for spending quality time with your family. They give maximum light and privacy control, and an extra layer of security, making them the ideal window covering for working from home, relaxing and feeling safer at home.

As plantation shutters have excellent insulation qualities, they will help keep your home warm and cosy in the winter months, while helping to reflect sunlight and glare in the summer months. Plantation shutters help lower your annual utility bill, and add value to your property, should you decide to sell.

Plantation shutters really do add the finishing touch to your home and are the perfect New Year investment.

 

If you are looking to have made-to-measure plantation shutters installed in 2021, call Totally Shutters today on 0203 960 6963 to book your free no obligation in-house survey. All plantation shutters come with a 5-year guarantee.

Choosing the Right Plantation Shutter Material for your Window

Often, some customers feel overwhelmed by the many plantation shutter solutions they’re faced with, which is perfectly normal when deciding the best solution. But, Totally Shutters are on hand to help walk through the entire process one step and one decision at a time.

In this blog post, we will discuss the different plantation materials that we offer, each possessing its unique advantages. The two materials that we offer for our plantation shutters are Paulownia hardwood and waterproof UPVC:

Paulownia Hardwood

Our Paulownia Hardwood shutters are a great choice if you’re looking for a particular colour of shutters, as they can come in a wide range of colours and stains.

Paulownia is a strong and lightweight hardwood that comes from a sustainable source. Boasting an engineered core, Paulownia offers excellent dimensional stability, reducing the possibility of warping.

Paulownia offers exceptional stability which is perfect for high access areas. Due to its engineered core, Paulownia offers excellent dimensional stability which hugely reduces warping.

Due to the hardwood construction, Paulownia shutters aren’t as waterproof as our UPVC shutters.

UPVC shutters

UPVC shutters are sturdy and immune to damage from water. If direct water contact or moisture is a concern, UPVC shutters is the perfect choice.

UPVC shutters are most popular for kitchens and bathrooms. They look great behind your sink, where there is always potential for a splash, or in a wet room where they will get direct contact with water.

Not only that, UPVC shutters are our most affordable shutter material and come in a number of different styles.

 

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

Planning a Loft Conversion? Get Your Window Dressing Right

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A loft conversion is the most cost-effective way of increasing the square footage to your home and the resale value of your house. However, a loft conversion is a huge job and there are lots of things to consider, and it can all get a little overwhelming.

When it comes to your loft conversion windows, Totally Shutters have you covered. We’re here on hand to make sure you choose the best loft shutters for your new space.

Why Loft Shutters?

In loft conversions, the windows are often the main attraction, so choosing the correct window dressing is paramount. You wouldn’t want to design a beautiful loft, only to choose the wrong window dressing that is bulky or blocks out the sunlight.

Plantation shutters are bespoke and made-to-fit so will your loft shutters beautifully. They’re incredibly versatile too and are great for all kinds of windows such as bay, dormer, Velux and even special shapes. This versatility means they will blend seamlessly with any decor.

Plantation shutters are the most practical choice for loft conversions and all rooms when compared to other window coverings. They offer maximum light and privacy control, they are great heat insulators, help to keep out draughts, and take up less space than curtains.

Choosing the Right Colour for Your Loft Shutters

Choosing the colour for your loft conversion comes down to a matter of personal preference. While our white shutters are our most popular choice, we have a range of different paint colours and wood stains available. We also offer a custom colour service where we will match your loft shutters to virtually any colour.

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