In our latest blog, we’re discussing 3 Things to Know about Shutters. We'll cover the styles, benefits and easability that contribute to their popularity in today’s interior design world.
As the month of May ushers in warmer, milder temperatures, we're happily see windows opening up again. So, it got us thinking about the variety of window treatments out there. Specifically interior shutters.
We’ve seen the use of this window treatment across residential and commercial properties increase significantly over the last year. And with the industry expected to reach USD 6.09 billion by 2025, shutters are just one more option for your clients.
Let’s get right into it!
Here are the 3 things to know:
#1: Shutters offer unique benefits to the interior of your client’s home. All of which contribute to maximum comfort and enjoyment. The primary benefits include:
- Temperature regulation: Shutters are a great way to provide insulation for your home, keeping the heat in or warm temps out depending on the season. This benefit not only helps with comfort but also greatly impacts the home’s overall energy output. A big win for our environment!
- Lighting: Whether you need a little or a lot, much like the insulation benefit, shutters more easily adjust to the exact amount of lighting needed throughout the day.
- Privacy: An obvious one, sure, but shutters do allow for maximum privacy when needed as well as an added sense of security while in your home or away.
#2: Shutters are available in a variety of styles, offering the ideal solution for interior design projects big and small. Here’s the low-down on the primary styles offered:
- Cafe: Cafe shutters, named after the French cafés, cover about 1/2 of the window and are by far the most popular choice. Although only providing some of the typical benefits, Cafes make up for it in design and charm. We often see this style of shutter coupled with an outside mount valance at the top of the window. This provides more warmth and design detail to the space.
- Wide Slat (or more commonly known as “Plantation”): This style of shutter covers the full window and includes somewhat tilted louvers (or slats) that can be customized from top to bottom. As a result, they're great for family and sun rooms with large windows.
- Shaker: Modeled after the traditional Shaker style design, Shaker shutters are equipped with flat, full panels and do not include the louvers design found in Cafe and Wide Slat styles.
#3: Available in different materials, colors and sizes, shutters can provide a vast variety of solutions for small and large interior design projects. So let’s face it, shutters definitely offer a lot more flexibility or “easability” over the traditional soft window treatments, including:
- Less maintenance: Shutters are MUCH easier to clean compared to blinds and drapery panels. They can be wiped down with a damp cloth or even vacuumed.
- More color options: Hands down one of the best benefits is the ability to incorporate any color shutter within your room design. Wooden shutters provide the most flexibility. Lighter colors to help make a room feel more open and darker colors to provide warmth.
- Variety of materials: Hybrid shutters are made out of wood composite and are often seen in bathrooms where there’s a lot more moisture. You can also find shutters in faux wood and, of course, traditional wood shutters. Wood shutters provide the optimum benefit of being able to be customized to match any color.
Crisp, fresh and clean bathroom design by Kelly McGuill Home. Photo credit: Tamara Flanagan
Considering the install of shutters for your next design project? Please send us an email. We’d love the opportunity to work with you!
Is your client considering a permanent home office? Be sure to catch our last piece on The Rise of the Home Office with some recent projects we’ve worked on with our client.
Stay tuned for some exciting MDW updates in the month of May.
Happy designing!
The Makkas Drapery Team
Want to work with us? Drop us a note. We'd love to talk.
