Wood or MDF Shutters?

Plantation shutters are increasingly gaining popularity in the UK as more homeowners discover the benefits of the window covering. However, with many different options available, it can be hard to know which shutter option is best.

The two commonly used materials are wood (namely, basswood and paulownia hardwood) and MDF (medium-density fibreboard) – but what’s the difference between the two and which should you opt for in your own home?

Note: although wood and MDF are the most popular materials used to manufacture window shutters, there are many more materials to consider. But for now, this blog post weighs up the pros and cons of both wood and MDF shutters to help you decide between the two.

Wood Shutters

Pros

  • Wood is stronger than MDF making it more suitable for larger openings where a more sturdy fixture is required (i.e. doorways and bay windows)
  • A natural material, the different grains and finishes of wood can add charm and authenticity to your shutters
  • Wood is lighter than MDF and is, therefore, easier to use and install
  • Different types of wood is available, each coming with a variety of individual qualities and benefits
  • Wood comes with various colours and finishes to suit any style of home interior

Cons

  • Due to the high quality of the material, wood is pricier than MDF
  • Susceptible to humidity, wood shutters are not suitable for rooms that are humid (i.e. bathrooms and kitchens)

MDF

Pros

  • Made from various different woods and topped with a plastic coating, MDF shutters are a lot more durable than wood shutters
  • MDF shutters have a natural appearance and can be difficult to distinguish from expensive real wood options
  • As MDF shutters have a plastic coating they’re a lot easier to clean
    Cheaper than wood, MDF shutters are a great choice for people on a budget

Cons

  • MDF is available in fewer colours than wood
  • MDF heavier than wood and harder to install
  • Somewhat less flexible than wood, MDF shutters have limited placement options available when it comes to intricate shapes and designs

 

For more information on wood, MDF and other shutter options available, or to book your free no obligation in-house survey, contact us today on 0203 960 6963. All shutters come with a 5-year guarantee.

Create Year-Round Cosiness in Your Home With Wooden Shutters

If you’re looking to create a cosy feel in your home, then wooden shutters are for you. Lavish, warming and full of character, wooden shutters look great in all types of interiors, and whether painted or stained, are the most practical window dressing for everyday living.

Wooden shutters are easy to clean, simple to operate allowing for maximum light control and offer excellent heat insulation benefits too.

Here’s how to create your ideal look with our stained hardwood shutter range:

For a rustic look

Stained hardwood shutters are perfect for interiors that have a rustic, industrial vibe. As the rustic look is all about darker colours and materials like leather, brick, metal and concrete, a darker rick grain would add the perfect accent the perfect rustic accent and compliment the scheme.

For a minimal look

If you’re a fan of the scandi look that’s inspired by raw materials such as ceramic clay, linen, wool, felt and fur, opting for hardwood shutters in a natural stain will bring the minimal ‘raw’ look to your windows.

For an eclectic look

Wooden shutters are renown for adding charm to a home and are fitting for eclectic interiors. The irregularity of the wood grain on each sat makes wooden shutters a unique option for eclectic interiors, and complement all patterns, fabrics and colours.

 

See and feel the grain of our wooden shutters range for yourself when you book your free, no obligation in-house survey. Simply call us on 203 960 6963 to book. All shutters come with a 5-year guarantee.

How to Pair Shutters With Curtains

Shutters and curtains are a match made in heaven. Curtains on their own can leave a window looking unfinished, and pairing with blinds isn’t a great solution as blinds block light, but pairing with shutters and you receive all the benefits (light control, tons of privacy, an insulated window and plenty of kerb appeal) while achieving a luxurious layered look.

Here are a few benefits of layering window dressings for maximum style and performance:

Contrast textures

One of the best things about pairing made-to-measure shutters and curtains is the contrast in textures that it brings to your interior. The soft folds of the curtain fabric against the sleek lines of the shutter blinds helps to create a boutique look.

Tranquillity

Pairing shutters with curtains in your bedroom can help you enjoy a better night’s sleep. Shutters block the amount of unwanted noise coming through your windows while curtains can create a relaxed and romantic feel.

Energy efficient

Both shutters and curtains are great at preventing draughts and locking in the heat. Doubling up and you have the ultimate energy efficient pairing, helping to maintain a cosy temperature all year round.

More choice

Once you’ve decided on the layered look, you’ve got a wide range of shutter styles to choose from including tier-on-tier, cafe style, full height and solid panels. You will also be able to accessorise your shutters and curtains to suit your interior preferences.

 

For more information on layering your shutters with curtains, or would like to book your free no obligation in-house survey, get in touch with Totally Shutter on 0203 960 6963. All shutters come with a 5-year guarantee.

Tracked Shutters for Larger Windows

Do you have a large window in your home, a feature window or patio door? Are you looking for a window covering solution that will fit that window seamlessly? Look no further as tracked shutters from Totally Shutters are the perfect solution!

What are tracked shutters?

Tracked shutters are a stylish covering option for larger windows, helping you to control your light and privacy levels while stilling allowing light to stream in while the louvres are open. Easy to open and close, tracked shutters come in two styles depending on your needs: a by-pass system and a bi-fold system.

The by-pass system allows each panel to effortlessly slide past the other on smooth-running tracks, making this option ideal for wardrobes and room dividers. Whereas the bi-fold system simply folds out of the way against the adjoining wall.

Are tracked shutters for me?

The maximum width of a shutter panel is 91cm. If your window is wider than 91cm, you will need multiple panels. However, if your window is wider than 250cm, you will need tracked shutters.

Tracked shutters can be made to measure any space and fit seamlessly with any colour or interior design. Beyond larger windows and sliding doors, tracked shutters work well dividing up space in open plan homes, creating flexible contemporary living spaces without obstructing the light.

 

For more information on tracked shutters for larger windows, or to book your free, no obligation in-house survey, contact Totally Shutters today on 0203 960 6963.

Plantation Shutter Myths Exposed

The Totally Shutters team spend a lot of time talking to homeowners about plantation shutters, and we hear the same myths about shutter blinds over again. So we wanted to set the record straight and expose the most common myths about plantation shutters so you can make the best window covering choice for your home:

MYTH: shutters are expensive

It’s true, shutters are not the cheapest window covering option on the market but unlike blinds and drapes that have a short life-cycle, shutters are a permanent addition to your home. Shutters add value to your property and come with multiple benefits; they’re energy efficient and proven to lower your energy bills. Taking these benefits into consideration, shutters are an investment rather than an expense.

MYTH: shutters are easy to DIY

There are several home projects that you can complete in a single weekend, but installing shutters may not be one of them. Putting in new shutters can be tricky, and if the process isn’t done right, you could end up with crooked shutters and frequent draughts. At Totally Shutters we do offer a DIY discount, however, we only recommend this to experts.

MYTH: shutters are for older homes

Maybe the name “plantation shutters” lead people to believe that shutters are for period properties but this certainly isn’t true. While shutters were used in homes stretching back decades, their crisp, versatile and stylish appeal allow them to fit in with all types of properties.

MYTH: shutters and blinds are the same

For some reason, some people believe shutters and blinds are the same. Blinds and shutters couldn’t be further apart. Shutters are a solid structure that attaches to the window whereas blinds dangle from a cord. Blinds are temporary and can deteriorate after 3-5 years while shutters are permanent and can easily last 20+ years.

 

If you have a few questions about plantation shutters that you would like answering, or would like to book your free, no obligation in-house survey, contact Totally Shutters today on 0203 960 6963.

What Window Treatment Works Best In Humid Places?

Certain rooms, such as bathrooms and kitchens, are subjected to more humidity. It’s important to choose the right window treatment as condensation buildup in humid rooms can cause your window treatments to warp, chip or go mouldy.

Window treatments to avoid

The most important factor in deciding whether a window treatment can survive a humid room is the material. Real wood will swell, warp and mould in a moisture-heavy room even after a short period of time. Whereas curtains are like sponges in humid rooms and will soap up the moisture, making them ripe for discolouration and wrinkling.

UPVC shutters for humid rooms

There are a handful of window treatments that excel in moisture-laden areas, but nothing compares to UPVC shutters. Not only are they unaffected by humidity, but UPVC shutters are waterproof, so even direct contact with moisture is not a problem. This means polyvinyl shutters are perfect for kitchens and bathrooms that have a “splash zone”.

Although best suited for kitchens and bathrooms, UPVC shutters are suitable for any room in your home. UPVC shutters are finished in high-grade pain, meaning they’re available in any colour and come with a marine grade stainless steel hinge to prevent rusting.

 

With the right window treatment in your kitchen, bathroom or laundry room, you’ll never have to worry about damage caused by humidity. To find the right window treatment for your home, or to request your free no obligation in-house survey, call us today on 0203 960 6963. All shutters come with a 5-year guarantee.

How to Use Light in Your Home

Does your home have beautiful furnishings but appear to feel flat and sterile, and you’re unsure why? Chances are, it’s the lighting.

Light is a powerful element of your home design which can influence your home space and mood, and should never be overlooked. There are two types of lighting that can affect your home and feeling: natural light and artificial light.

Natural light

Homes with larger windows allow a lot of light in, helping spaces look larger. Homes with smaller windows tend to rely on artificial light, but even with smaller windows, there are ways to amplify natural light.

Window treatments like drapes either block the light or let all light through. Unlike other window treatments, plantation shutters let as much light in as possible without sacrificing privacy.

Another trick is to strategically place mirrors around the room to amplify the natural light to make the room appear more spacious. And using lighter colours will reflect more natural light.

Artificial light

Artificial light can create a really cosy feel. Rooms with one main overhead light can feel sterile. Whereas multiple sources of light can create pockets of light and soften shadows, creating a balance and making the room feel cosier.

Choosing the right bulbs for your home is important. Dimmer lights can make low ceilings appear higher. Daylight bulbs are bright and best saved for offices and commercial settings. Warm-toned light bulbs are best for residential spaces.

 

If you’re ready to brighten up your home with the right window treatments, call us today on 0203 960 6963 to book your free no obligation in-house survey. All shutters come with a 5-year guarantee.

Introducing Our New Entry Level MDF Shutters Range

Here at Totally Shutters, we are proud to introduce our new entry level MDF shutter range, an entry-level premium product made from MDF, covered with an extruded polypropylene coating. The new range is incredibly versatile and durable and is a perfect choice for your home.

The new MDF shutter range is available in our popular styles including full-height, tier-on-tier, cafe style, tracked shutters and shutters used as doors, and are available in a choice of nine shades. The shutters are ideal for small and medium windows as there are limitations when using MDF in larger installations.

Great for families

MDF shutters are manufactured using a patented polymer coating and are therefore extremely durable, easy to clean and maintain. And MDF is robust and hardwearing material. Both these properties make the MDF range ideal for busy families as they’re a little bit more resistant to scratches and bumps.

Suitable for:

  • Well ventilated rooms
  • Double glazed windows with white frames
  • Used as room dividers
  • Busy families looking for a hardwearing window covering

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If you are interested in having MDF shutters fitted at your home, get in touch with Totally Shutters today on 0203 960 6963 to book your free no obligation in-house survey. All shutters come with a 5-year guarantee.

Home Interior Design Trends for 2019

Out with the old, in with the new. With a new year comes new design trends to help breathe new life into your existing interior. 2019 is going to have some fantastic interior design trends. Here are five trends to watch out for and welcome into your home this year:

1. Bold colours

Although muted colours can stop your interior from feeling overwhelming, 2019 will be the year where richer hues will be preferred. You will want to incorporate dramatic reds, statement pinks, bold yellows and organic greens into your home decor this year.

2. Natural elements

Last year we saw tech-obsessed decor dominate the design trends, but this year, fresh, natural materials such as stone, copper, concrete and granite are preferred. These elements will bring a serene ambience into any interior or space, reflecting the world around your home.

3. Patterns

Patterns have been a decorating trend around for a while but in the upcoming year, we will see both floral and geometric patterns in a new, light. Patterns will be oversized incorporating bolder colours, a trend that will make a statement in any room.

4. Velvet furnishing

Once seen as old fashion and stuffy, velvet is now viewed as luxurious and fashionable. The fabric is increasingly gaining a lot of attention with many notable designers believing velvet decor will be the most sought-after trends of 2019.

5. Feature windows

Feature windows provide fantastic views and what better window dressing than timeless shutter blinds? Shutters can control the natural lighting in your home, preserving your furniture from fading. Shutter blinds don’t just enhance your interior but your kerb appeal too.

 

Design trends will come and go as the months go by, but shutters are timeless and will be a design trend for years to come. For more information on shutter blinds, or to book your free no obligation in-house survey, call Totally Shutters today on 0203 960 6963. All shutters come with a 5-year guarantee.

New Year, New Interior

The festive period is officially over, and as the Christmas decorations get packed away for another 11 months and the reality of January sets in, it’s not just our energy levels that are left feeling deflated. A home that looked perfectly fine in November suddenly appears to be missing something – but what?!

If you’re feeling less than impressed with your interior, it’s time to breathe new life into your home. There’s no need to start tearing wallpaper down or hiring a skip to get rid of family heirlooms, a simple change to your window dressing can be the new lease of life your interior and home needs.

Enhance your kerb appeal with shutters

Combining quality and elegance, plantation shutters will enhance the decor of your interior and enhance your kerb appeal like no other window treatment. Whether you’re the homeowner of a townhouse, a period style home or an ultra-modern apartment, shutters will complement your windows, interior and property.

Whether you opt for full height, tier on tier or cafe style shutters, each type offers versatility in light, ventilation and privacy. With shutter blinds, you can let external light flood in or you can maximise your privacy while enjoying no external noise. Just seeing your home in a different light, is enough for you to fall in love with your home again.

Shutters also help with temperature control, providing extra insulation during the winter months and a cooling effect during summer, helping decrease your energy bill.

 

If you’re looking to breathe a new lease of life into your interior this year, contact Totally Shutters today on 0203 960 6963 to book your FREE no obligation in-house survey. All shutters come with a 5-year guarantee.