All You Need to Know About Shutters for Patio Doors

Patio doors can be a real problem to dress, and you may feel as if your options are limited. Your first choice may have been curtains, but more often than not, they’re not ideal as you want something that will bring you privacy without blocking out the light, yet leaving them bare is attracting to thieves. So have you considered installing plantation shutters?

Here’s why plantation shutters are the best window solution for patio doors:

They offer privacy and light control

Many people are reluctant to cover their patio doors as they like to let the light in during the day but for reasons like privacy, so having no window dressing is sometimes not an option. Plantation shutters offer privacy and light control in a way that patio door curtains don’t. With adjustable slats, plantation shutters can be positioned fully or partially open, giving you both privacy and light control.

They are made to measure

Many often struggle to find a window dressing for their patio doors that fit perfectly, especially when measurements exceed the industry standard measurements on ready made blinds and curtains. As plantation shutters are made to measure, you don’t need to worry about large or irregular measurements as they will fit securely on your patio door.

They offer an extra layer of insulation

If your patio doors are prone to draughts, shutters can provide an extra layer of insulation. This extra layer can reduce the amount of heat loss through your doors, helping you save money on your energy bills.

They prevent wandering pets and children

Installing shutters on your patio doors can be a great solution to pet owners and parents with young children. In the warmer months, if you want to leave the door open for ventilation, shutters provide a barrier to stop your pets or children from running outside.

 

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

Plantation Shutters Are Ideal For City Homes

If you live in the city, you will be familiar with unwanted noise, bright streetlights and more often than not passers-by peering in. If you’re at the end of your tether with the pitfalls of city living, plantation shutters may be for you.

Here’s why shutter blinds are the best window solution for city homeowners:

Blocks out noise

Living in the city can be extremely noisy with cars, trains, planes and not to mention, loud pedestrians. But fitting plantation shutters can keep the noise transmitted through your windows to a minimum. As shutters from Totally Shutters are made-to-measure, fitting perfectly inside each frame, they filter even more noise.

Keeps privacy high

Sometimes, living on a busy street can mean pedestrians checking out your decor and noseying what you’re watching on the TV. Shutters allow the daylight to enter your room while obscuring the gaze outside. Simply by moving the slats of your shutters, you can control the light and privacy of your home.

Stops street light glare

Street lights outside your window can be a right pain, ruining the ambience of your home and disturbing the sleep of both adults and children. If this is a problem in your city home, shutters can block light effectively. And our shutter and shade range blacks out 99% of all external light.

Improves home security

As shutters provide an extra barrier at the window, something which blinds and curtains don’t, shutter blinds improve home security. What’s more, shutter slats can be angled to prevent potential intruders from checking out the contents of your home.

Retains value

Enhancing the value of your city home is important in today’s property market, and shutters add to your home’s kerb appeal while helping to increase the value of your home when it’s time to put your city pad on the market.

 

For more information on plantation shutters for your city home, or to arrange your free in-house survey, contact the Totally Shutters team today on 0203 960 6963. All shutters from Totally Shutters come with a 5-year guarantee.

Dressing Bay Windows With Plantation Shutters

A bay window provides a stunning attribute to a home. Victorians and Edwardians made full use of bay windows in their homes, and they continue to be featured on new build homes today. However, many homeowners hide their bay windows behind heavy curtains and drapes.

Instead of hiding your bay windows, you should embrace them. Plantation shutters do just that, enhancing your window from the inside and outside while adding value to your home.

What plantation shutters will suit my bay windows?

Bay windows come in many shapes and sizes. The versatility of plantation shutters allow for a combination of open and closed louvres (split louvre array) and panels (tier on tier) or even panels covering just the bottom part of the window (cafe style).

However, tier on tier style plantation shutters remain the most popular option for bay windows as they’re incredibly functional. With the tier on tier style, you can have both tiers closed, while still being able to adjust the slats to allow light to enter the room. When the top tier is opened, the shutters work in a cafe style, allowing maximum light to enter the room while keeping maximum privacy on the lower half.

As well as providing great light, privacy and noise control, plantation shutters for bay windows have been proven to be the most energy efficient window covering and will reduce energy bills. Plantation shutters will offer the best option to insulate from the heat and cold that can enter from all sides of a bay window.

 

Whether you have a curved, angled or box bay window, Totally Shutters will be able to design, manufacture and install a plantation shutter solution for you. Call us on 0203 960 6963 for more information on plantation shutters for bay windows or to book your in-house survey. All shutters from Totally Shutters come with a 5-year guarantee.

The Totally Shutters Process

Totally Shutters have been crafting, manufacturing and installing shutter blinds across London and the rest of the UK for over 15 years, and it’s fair to say, we’ve mastered the art to a tee. But what does the Totally Shutters process look like?

Step one: your in-house survey

We understand that every room and everyone’s tastes are different, that’s why choosing the right shutter blinds is best in the comfort of your home. We will come to you at a time that suits you, armed with knowledge and lots of samples for inspiration.

During your in-house survey, we will answer any questions you may have, take measurements and provide a quotation for your shutter choices. Our priority is helping you create your desired interior look that you will admire for years to come.

Step two: placing your order

When you’ve decided on the right shutter binds for your home, it couldn’t be easier to place your order – simply give us a call. During this phone call, we will talk you through the details of your order to ensure everything is exactly how you like it. We will then ask you for a 50% deposit, where the remainder of the balance will be required upon installation.

At this stage, if you have changed your mind about the colour or would like a quotation for a different style of shutter, it’s not a problem. We can make any amendments before your shutters are sent off to be manufactured.

Step three: transformation day

When you have paid your deposit, we will arrange a time and date to fit your shutters. On the day, you can sit back, relax and leave everything in our hands. With years of experience, you know they’ll be right the first time.

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Ready to transform your home? Call Totally Shutters on 0203 960 6963 to book your in-house survey and start your Totally Shutters process to creating your dream home. And don’t forget, all shutters from Totally Shutters come with a 5-year guarantee.

A Brief History of Window Shutters

The first shutters (as we know them) came long before glass windows, 500 years ago during the Tudor England period. These shutters were made of thick wooden boards and were made purposefully to block out light and the brisk English weather while a large iron bar locking the shutters together prevented thieves from entering.

A few decades later and glass windows came along. As glass was deemed a luxury expense, instead of fitting windows, most people had half glass, half shutter arrangement. This style was the basis for the more contemporary cafe style shutters we see today.

After the 16th century, the shutter moved beyond functional purposes, with lavish decorative woodwork becoming statement pieces of the home. It was during the Victorian period when walls and window recesses became thinner, allowing shutters to be moved from the inside of the home to the outside.

As the Americans became colonise, shutters grew in popularity among homeowners of large homes and mansions and were viewed as a status symbol among the higher classes. These shutters had much wider louvres than their predecessors and were commonly painted white to reflect the hot sun.

Today, there is a wide range of shutter styles available. From modern forms to bespoke space, shutters have the ability to fit any space, regardless of the window shape and size. Shutters have never gone out of style as they boast endless properties and look fantastic.

Call Totally Shutters today on 0845 299 7757 to arrange your FREE no obligation in-house survey. All shutters come with a 5-year guarantee.

Add Value to Your Home With Plantation Shutters

If you’re looking to add the finishing touch to your home, or something that can add value to your home to increase its price, then plantation shutters are the solution for you.

When selling your home, it’s important to maximise its potential, especially in a market that has more sellers than buyers. Your home needs to stand out and have the wow factor, and plantation shutters can help you achieve just that.

Why do shutters add value?

Plantation shutters don’t just look good from the inside, but the outside too, making your home stand out from the others. Potential buyers will immediately focus on how stylish your home is.

Shutters are considered part of the fixtures and fittings of a home, so when valuing your home, estate agents will add an amount onto the sale price. Your estate agent will be able to tell potential buyers the benefits of shutters and how they reduce utility bills by providing extra insulation, control lighting and improve privacy and security.

How much value do shutters add to a property?

A ‘no size fits all’ question as the value depends on the style chosen and the quality of the shutters. However, any plantation shutter type is considered beneficial for increasing value. But remember when choosing shutters for your home, your taste may not be right for someone else, so avoid bright colours and very dark stains and paints. And always opt for waterproof options for humid rooms such as bathrooms and kitchens.

Often property developers will opt for the cheapest shutters available. However, today’s buyers are knowledgeable and are looking for strong, quality shutters that stand the test of time. If your shutters are poor quality or badly fitted, the prospective buyer will immediately see this and ask for discount.

 

For more information on how plantation shutters can add value to your home or to request your free, no-obligation quotation, contact Totally Shutters on 0845 299 7757 today. All shutters from Totally Shutters come with a 5-year guarantee.

Keep Warm This Winter With Plantation Shutters

Autumn is in full swing and as beautiful crisp leaves tumble from the branches above and Christmas gifts begin to adorn the shelves of every supermarket, we start to turn our attention towards winter time. But what’s the best window covering for your home during these colder months?

There’s no better way to dress your windows for the colder seasons than plantation shutters. The stylish solution is the perfect way to spruce up your decor and bring some much-needed warmth and cosiness to your home. Here are three advantages and benefits for shutter blinds during the winter months:

Warmth

The main benefit of shutters during winter is to keep the heat in and reduce energy bills. Approximately 25-50% of all heat escapes out of the windows, so regardless of how long you keep your heating on, you can be wasting incredible amounts of warmth and money. Plantation shutters create a barrier which prevents the heat from escaping, proving a good investment in the long run.

Privacy

When night draws in, privacy can be invaded. Traditional blinds don’t provide a great deal of privacy and you may find passerby’s catching a peek of you watching television. Plantation shutters offer total privacy, providing a barrier that is 100% effective, so your family can cosy up together in the privacy of your own home.

Low Maintenance

Most people spend more time in the warmth of their home during the winter months, which can often result in more cleaning. Shutters require little maintenance and hardly any cleaning – just a quick wipe down now and again – so you can spend more time with your loved ones.

 

If you would like more information on plantation shutters, please contact Totally Shutters today on 0845 299 7757 for expert advice and guidance. All shutters from Totally Shutters come with a 5-year guarantee.

How to Clean Your Wooden Plantation Shutters

With many styles, stains and finishes to choose from, wooden shutters create a timeless and elegant look in your home, complimenting both contemporary and classic interior.

However, as a natural fibre, wood cannot cope with excessive amounts of moisture, responding by swelling then shrinking as it dries out. Wooden shutters can become warped and ill-fitted if cleaned with too much water or liquid solutions.

Whether you have slatted or solid wooden shutters, we recommend using the following cleaning tips:

Dust removal

To keep your wooden shutters dust-free, clean your shutter blinds with a dry cloth by tilting your slats to open position and wiping each slat from centre to outer edge. For a quick clean, close your shutters and wipe the slats and frame with a clean cloth and a hand-held feather duster for hard-to-reach areas.

Alternatively, you can also clean your shutters with a vacuum cleaner as long as you have a soft upholstery attachment. Clean your slats in the same way you would a duster, opening your slats to clean each one or closing the slats and brushing over the entire shutter.

Stubborn stains

To lift stubborn stains that you cannot remove with a dry cloth, rub lightly with a damp cloth, wiping away excess moisture with a clean and damp cloth. When lifting stains, do not rub too hard as this may affect the paint or finish on your shutters.

 

We hope you found this cleaning guide useful. For more information on wooden plantation shutters or to request your free, no-obligation quotation, call Totally Shutters today on 0203 960 69 63. All shutters from Totally Shutters come with a 5-year guarantee.

Bi-Fold Shutters for Your Home

Plantation shutters add a touch of style to your interior and home, but if you’re looking for a more traditional charm, bi-fold shutters may be the window covering solution for you. The beauty of bi-fold is that you can tuck the shutters out of the way, providing easy access whenever you need it.

Bi-fold shutters are ideal for larger windows, patio doors or to use as room dividers. The concertina design of a bi-fold provides you with easy access to your window, patio or balcony, allowing your outdoor and indoor spaces to merge together harmoniously for an increased sense of light and space.

What are bi-fold shutters?

Named after the way they fold, bi-fold shutters function on a hinge system that allows the shutter panels to fold to one side of each frame, creating an accordion effect.

Open your bi-fold shutters to let the light in along with fresh, cool air. When you fully open bi-fold shutters you can enjoy a clear, unobstructed view. When shut, bi-fold shutters provide complete privacy, helping you relax in the comfort of your home with your guard down.

Bi-fold shutters are available in a broad range of options, colours and finishes. So whatever your home or interior, there’s a bi-fold shutter option available to suit your decor.

The different types of bi-fold shutters

You can opt for shutters that function on the hinges only, which are ideal for separation or divisions in open-plan spaces. The panels fold out on either side and stack neatly together on one side.

Or you can choose bi-fold shutters on top and bottom tracks which are ideal for window and door coverings, or dividing spaces with higher ceilings as the tracks allow for a more stable movement of the panels.

 

If you want to transform the look of your home, look no further than bi-fold shutters. For more information on bi-fold shutters on hinges or bi-fold shutters on track, call Totally Shutters today on 0203 960 69 63. All shutters from Totally Shutters come with a 5-year guarantee.

Add a Splash of Colour to Your Windows With Custom Colour Shutters

Regardless of the property style and interior design, plantation shutters look fantastic in any home, helping transform your room into something special. But if you’re looking for something a little different that adds the wow factor, why not add a splash of colour to your home and windows with custom colour shutters?

From calming blues to buttercup yellows and quintessential pinks, our colour custom service matches any colour, providing endless possibilities. Adding a splash of colour can change the mood of your home, can make a statement or make your interior pop.

Custom colour shutters are elegant, timeless and will continue to complement the decor of your home even if you decide to redecorate. Here are 7 benefits for choosing custom colour shutters:

Benefits of custom colour shutters

  • You can match your custom colour shutters to your existing decor
  • You can tailor your shutters to match your own unique interior design taste
  • Custom colour shutters can help inject fun and personality into your property
  • There is plenty of scope to create a unique look in your home
  • Custom colour shutters can create a bright and fresh look when viewed from the inside or outside
  • Darker colours can look striking but few people want to paint their walls darker as it can make the room look smaller. Painting your shutters a darker colour can add contrast to your home without compromising on the feel of space
  • Decorating a child’s room can be tricky as their tastes change as they get older. A great solution to this would be keeping walls and flooring neural, introducing colour via your window shutters

At Totally Shutters we build up the colour of your custom colour shutters layer by layer, rubbing each panel between coats for a smooth and hardwearing finish. We then add a UV protective layer to reduce the chance of fading caused by sunlight.

 

All you have to do is give us a sample of the paint or stain colour you would like for your shutter blinds and we’ll match it. Get in touch with Totally Shutters today on 0203 960 69 63 to find out how we can add a splash of colour to your home with custom colour shutters. All custom colour shutters from Totally Shutters come with a 5-year guarantee.