Why You Should Hire a Professional Shutter Specialist

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When researching plantation shutters for your home, you will see the market is competitive with many companies to choose from. To make things even more difficult, you come to the choice between DIY versus professional shutter installation. 

Everyone wants to save time and money, so DIY plantation shutters may seem like the better option. But sometimes rushing out to install your plantation shutters can be a huge mistake, even if you’re a professional at making flat-packed furniture. 

Here’s four reasons why you should choose a professional to install your plantation shutters:

You gain expert advice

A shutter specialist will guide you through the entire shutter process from choosing and designing your plantation shutters to installation. By getting in touch with the experts, you can rest assured you’re choosing the right shutter option for your window, and the finished product will be exactly what you imagined.

Your shutters will fit perfectly

Measuring your windows may seem straightforward, but one wrong measure and your entire shutter project will turn into a complete disaster. If you don’t measure your windows precisely, you will find it impossible to install your shutters. Shutter specialists will get the correct dimensions every time.

They will be energy efficient

As your shutters will be the perfect fit, you will benefit from the practicalities of plantation shutters. They are a great way to add beauty to your home, keep your home cooler in the summer, warmer in the winter and lower your energy bills. 

Stress-free installation

Installing shutters is a complex and time-consuming process. If conducted by an experienced shutter specialist, it saves a lot of time. You can sit back and rest assured that your shutters will be perfect the first 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.

New Showroom and Office Opening in Orpington Kent

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At Totally Shutters, we have some exciting news to share; we’re in the midst of entering a new phase in our growth as we’re about to expand our business with the opening of our first showroom and office in Orpington, Kent.

With a new showroom and office in Orpington, we can invite home and business owners in and around the area to view the different options available for their plantation shutters in person. A specialist will also be on hand to answer any queries and guide you through the benefits of each.

Our new offices mean existing customers have the option to stop by to discuss their current order and pay outstanding balances, should they wish to pay in-person.

Our Orpington showroom and offices are due to open later this year.

Your In-house Survey Still Available

Our new showroom and offices will be in conjunction with our existing free no obligation in-house survey that we offer customers in Kent, London and surrounding areas.

As part of the in-house survey, one of our shutter specialists come to your property at a time that suits you, armed with different shutter styles and advice to help you with your decision and journey to finding the right window dressing for you.

As the in-house survey, the specialist will measure your windows and provide you with an accurate quotation for your chosen plantation shutters.

 

For more information on plantation shutters for 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.

Should You Install Plantation Shutters On All Windows of Your Home?

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Yes, we can install plantation shutters on every window of your house, no matter the shape and size of your windows. However, whether you should install plantation shutters on every window of your home, you must consider a few factors.

Typically, the decision will depend largely on the size of your house, the number of windows you have and your planned budget. You will also want to consider the aesthetic exterior of your home.

Considering all these factors will help you decide whether you require plantation shutters for every window in your property, the front- or rear-facing windows or perhaps the top or bottom windows.

Where to install plantation shutters

We do advise customers that if you install plantation shutters in one window within a room, you should consider installing them in every window of that room. For example, if your living room has three windows, we recommend installing plantation shutters on all three windows for a consistent look.

If plantation shutters are not necessarily required in every room, some homeowners choose to take a balanced approach by opting for plantation shutters on one floor of their home. Others choose to install them on the front of their home for privacy control and kerb appeal.

However, if your budget is tight, you may want to opt for plantation shutters for the rooms that need them the most, where light and privacy control are required.

For a uniform look, you may want to consider wooden blinds for the other rooms, but you will lose the associated benefits of plantation shutters.

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 window shutters come with a 5-year guarantee.

Help Combat the Energy Crisis with Plantation Shutters

energy-efficient-shutters

The price of gas has soared since the beginning of 2021, putting many energy suppliers out of business. This surge in wholesale prices is set to hike up our energy bills even further in the coming months.

With an end to the Universal Credit cap, the furlough support and employment support schemes paired with the high level of inflation, the unprecedented energy bill crisis will impact many homes around the UK, with some making the devastating choice between heating and eating this winter.

The energy crisis is going to impact us all, leaving many of us thinking of alternative ways to cut down on our energy usage.

Reduce your energy usage with plantation shutters

The Department of Energy maintains that heat gain and heat loss through windows are responsible for 25-30% of residential heating and cooling energy use, making energy-efficient windows an important consideration for homeowners.

Plantation shutters are an excellent way to prevent heat loss through a window by up to 50% and when combined with secondary glazing, this can exceed 62%.

In fact, plantation shutters are the most energy-efficient window dressing that you can use, helping reduce heat loss in the winter months and reduce heat gain in the summer. Shutters are excellent insulators, trapping the cold air between your shutter and window.

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

Plantation Shutters – Design Is Everything

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Plantation shutters are the ideal window covering choice for those looking for maximum natural light while staying in complete control of your privacy levels.

Tier-on-tier shutters are the most versatile choice, providing independently controlled top and bottom louvre sections within the same shutter, achieved by a hidden control rod. The control rod effectively creates two sets of louvres within the same panel, allowing you to tilt the top set to filter the light coming in when the sun is at its peak and tilt the bottom set in a different direction to keep prying eyes at bay.

However, there are more plantation shutter options than tier-on-tier shutters. Whatever option you choose, all our window shutter options are beautifully tailored to fit your windows perfectly.

Full height shutters

Full height plantation shutters cover the entire window from top to bottom. They have excellent light control properties and are great for keeping in the heat as wood is a good insulator. Full height shutters are ideal for privacy control and feature a robust design. They’re great for making a big statement in a tall room.

Cafe style shutters

Cafe style plantation shutters bring a Parisian feel to your interior by covering only the bottom part of your window. They’re an ideal solution for creating a private space while staying in touch with the outside world. Cafe style shutters make a design statement without overwhelming that beautiful open aspect that enhances your living experience.

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

Home Design Tips for First-Time Buyers

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One of the advantages of purchasing your first home is that you can design it exactly how you want. But when it comes to decorating, it can be hard to know where to begin.

Start with design boards

The best place to start is with pen and paper or online inspiration boards, such as Pinterest. Think about the overall mood you want to create in your home while considering the layout of your property. Don’t worry about trends as such because it’s your home and your unique flair.

Consider your structure

Never rush the design process; take time to decide what it is you want. Start with the structure of your home, ensuring the property is sound, dry and warm. Think long term goals rather than quick fixes. By thinking long term, you will cut down spending in the long run.

Think Lighting

Lighting can have a huge impact and change the entire feel of the room. There are so many different lighting options available, so ensure you do your research. Depending on how much natural light your home receives will impact the lighting solutions you choose.

Don’t forget your windows

Carefully consider your window solutions. Plantation shutters are worth the investment as they’re stylish and practical, hosting a range of benefits. They are easy to maintain and give you complete control over lighting, privacy and noise levels while adding value to your property. Having them installed when you move into your home is ideal.

Always remember

Remember above all, don’t be afraid to be bold with your design and inject your personality. It’s your home, not anyone else’s. Don’t worry too much about matching everything.

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

A Guide to Small Window Shutters

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Finding the perfect window covering is a great feeling as the right covering can bring a room together, helping you unwind and enjoy. However, sometimes small windows can be problematic.

You will be surprised by how easy it is to find the perfect-sized plantation shutter for your small window. Here’s everything you need to know about choosing plantation shutters for small windows in your home:

Why plantation shutters are ideal for smaller windows

Plantation shutters are bespoke and made to measure your windows perfectly, no matter what size they are.

As part of our free in-house survey, one of our shutter specialists will come to your home at a time that suits you and take the exact measurements of your window. If you decide to go ahead with the purchase, they will manufacture and install the small window shutters to your exact requirements.

Which shutter style works best for small windows?

With small windows, we recommend avoiding cafe-style shutters as these work best for large windows, and similarly, with tier-on-tier shutters, you won’t have enough window surface for them to work completely.

Solid shutters are a great choice for small windows as they will help you improve your privacy and block out as much of the sun’s light as possible. Otherwise, full height shutters are ideal for small windows as the clean lines of this style will not over-complicate the window.

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

Create the Perfect Reading Nook in Your Home

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Are you enjoying reading? Do you struggle to find the perfect spot to read, undisturbed? If you answered yes to both these questions, perhaps you should create a space in your home where you can escape in a book in peace.

Whether it’s on a screen or with a good old-fashioned paperback in hand, reading brings great pleasure to many people. As we spend more time at home, a reading nook is a great way to soothe the mind and escape.

Finding the Right Spot

If you’re blessed with a bay window and a nice view, you’re already on the way to creating up your own reading nook, as this can be the perfect place to set up.

Once you have identified which window where you’d like to make your reading window, you should spend a bit of time planning what you want to get into your nook.

You could convert the window sill into a seat, or find a comfy chair to sit on. Perhaps you could add some shelves for your book collection, a table for a cup of tea or beverage.

The Right Lighting

Natural light is the healthiest and most relaxing way to read, and why the window is the best place to create a reading nook. Plantation shutters are the best way to control the lighting conditions, offering the right lighting for reading while maintaining privacy.

Plantation shutters offer a solid physical barrier to keep the noise out and help you feel warm and secure when the sun goes down. Further helping to create the perfect reading nook.

When it’s nighttime, you will need artificial light. Bulb colour can help you set the mood for reading. Reds for a warmer, more intimate feel. Blue for a brighter and cooler atmosphere. Daylight bulbs are a favourite for avid readers.

For more information on plantation shutters for 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.

Our Favourite Living Room Plantation Shutter Looks

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When we think of our living room, we think of a place to relax, unwind and retreat with our loved ones. To reflect this, our choice of decor should be practical, stylish and comforting. There’s only one choice to choose, plantation shutters.

Below we share some of our favourite and most recent living room shutter installations for inspiration.

Full height living room shutters

Full height shutters cover the entirety of the window. With these shutters, you get to control the amount of light you require while maintaining privacy levels. Full height shutters are perfect for patio doors or windows that are close to busy roads, as they’re effective at blocking out external noise.

Our full height shutters are our most popular style owing to their versatile use and sophistication look. Here’s one of our most recent installations, bringing a distinguished look to the room.

Tier on tier living room shutters

Tier on tier shutters brings you the benefits of full height shutters and cafe style shutters combined. With this style, you choose a tailored divide point, so your panels can be split into an upper and lower tier which can be operated independently.

Tier on tier shutters allows you to keep the bottom section closed whilst still allowing plenty of light to come through above. Here’s one of our most recent installation, tier on tier shutters are glamourous and are particularly suited to tall windows.

Cafe style living room shutters

Cafe style shutters cover the lower half of a window, offering privacy and natural light simultaneously. The style is perfectly suited for bay windows, period properties and traditional window designs with stained glass features.

Here is a recent installation, cafe style shutters add a touch of sophistication to every window type.

For more information on plantation shutters for living rooms, 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.