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.

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.

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.