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.

Visible Tilt Rod vs Hidden Tilt Rod

When choosing your dream shutters, there are several factors to consider. As well as deciding what type of shutter will best suit your home, colour and size of louvres, you must decide whether or not you want the tilt rod to be visible.

Tilt rods are essentially the material and mechanism that are used to angle your slats and dictate the natural lighting of your home. They are also vital for the overall aesthetics of the shutter and can be a standout feature.

Tilt rods can be either visible or hidden. Here’s all you need to know before making your decision:

Visible Tilt Rod

Pros:

  • Throughout the history of shutters, the tilt rod has been on show. So if you have a traditional interior, a visible tilt rod may suit the needs of your home.
  • Visible tilt rods are not just restricted to the centre of your shutters and can be positioned to the left or right – opening up your shutters to a variety of different looks.
  • Visible tilt rods are easy to access and intuitive to use. Hidden tilt rods may confuse guests or family members who aren’t used to the mechanism.

Cons:

  • Can make your shutter look too ‘busy’ especially if you have lots of ornamentation on your windows such as leading or grills.
  • As a conspicuous feature, the visible tilt rod may be tempting for young children to mess around with which could leave to damage over time.

Hidden Tilt Rod

Pros:

  • Hidden tilt rods are disguised within the stiles of your shutters and can be opened and closed easily by rolling the tilt rod with the palm of your hand or by physically moving the individual louvres.
  • Many think shutters appear more streamlined without a tilt rod, making a hidden tilt rod perfect for minimalists.
  • The hidden tilt rod can prevent excessive lines from dividing form of your shutters, especially when coupled with full height shutters and wide louvres.

Cons:

  • Hidden tilt rods may not be ideal for those who would prefer a more traditional design of shutter.
  • The hidden tilt rod may come at an extra cost compared to the standard visible tilt rod.

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

3 Eco-Friendly Benefits of Window Shutters

Most people want their homes to be a little bit greener and a part of this process is learning about the environmental effects of products and the impact over time. So how do window shutters score on the environmental scale?

Shutters boast a range of environmental benefits compared to other window treatments, i.e. curtains and blinds. Here are some environmental factors to keep in mind when choosing your window dressings:

1. Insulation

Windows are a culprit for heat loss. A great way to reduce your household energy usage and cut down your bills is to install window shutters. When internal shutters are closed they seal the window completely leaving no gaps, ensuring that no heat escapes through the window.

2. Sustainable materials

Real wood and PVC are the most common materials used for shutters and are both known for being eco-friendly and sustainable. Unlike curtains and blinds that require constant repair and replacement, shutters are made of more durable materials and can last at least 20 years without a problem.

3. Natural lighting

The main appeal of shutters over different kind of window treatments is their ability to control light. Shutters are a great way to limit the amount of natural light without removing it completely, as such, the need for artificial lighting is reduced.

 

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.

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.

How to Choose the Right Louvres Width

The function and appearance of shutter blinds are determined by several factors, with the louvres (also known as slats) being the major one. Running horizontally between the stiles of the frame, the louvres have different functions including the intake of light and air, controlling privacy levels, regulating the temperature of the room, all while giving your shutters a stylish look.

As your shutters’ louvres are an influential feature, it’s important to get them right. The size of your louvres will not only influence their appearance but their functionality too. Thick or thin louvres will determine the level of light, privacy, ventilation and insulation your home enjoys.

Here’s a quick guide on how to choose the right shutter louvres for you:

47mm

The 47mm is our smallest louvre and creates the most privacy, however, does not allow as much light in as our more wider louvres. Because of this, the 47mm is ideal for rooms that require the most privacy such as small toilets, utility rooms and walk-in wardrobes.

63mm

63mm are our most popular size due to their flexibility. They still give you some privacy when opened, but let a lot more light in. Not too big, not too small, the 63mm louvres are compatible with shutters of any size and shape in terms of aesthetics, hence their popularity.

76mm

76mm louvres have all the benefits of 63mm, with a subtle aesthetic difference. 76mm are great if you want slightly wider louvres, would like to appreciate the great outdoors or maintain more light entering your property.

89mm

The 89mm louvre is ideal for lounges and dining rooms are they allow a generous amount of light into the room while still allowing for a moderate level of privacy. The wider louvres make your window appear less busy than the smaller louvres.

114mm

114mm offer the least privacy when opened, but also bring in the most amount of light. Because of this, 114mm louvres are best suited to dark rooms, big and tall windows, and interiors with a sense of drama to the design.

 

For more information on our different louvre sizes available, or to book your free no obligation in-house survey, call the Totally Shutters team today on 0203 960 6963. 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

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.

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.