Window shutters have long been admired for their timeless elegance and functionality. However, several misconceptions about shutters still exist, and these can prevent many homeowners from considering them as a viable window treatment option.
In this blog post, we’ll debunk the top 5 myths about window shutters.
Myth #1: Shutters Are Only For Traditional Homes
Shutters are often misunderstood. Let’s explore the first untruth on our list.
The Myth
Shutters are exclusively suited for older homes or traditional interior design styles.
The Reality
Shutters are incredibly versatile and can complement various architectural styles and interior design themes. This means that whether you live in a cosy cottage, a sleek new build or a grand manor house, there’s a shutter style to suit your space.
Let’s Break It Down
Shutters come in a wide range of styles. From solid shutters to louvred cafe-style shutters, each type of shutter brings its own aesthetic to a space and can blend in or contrast with your home’s features depending on your preference.
Customisation, such as colours, stains, and finishes, makes shutters an incredibly flexible window treatment. Wooden tones provide a rich, earthy elegance. Classic whites and greys give you a minimalistic, stylish palette. Deep jewel colours and cheerful brights can make your shutters a focal point for a bold look.
Shutters can be precisely measured and cut to fit virtually any window shape. Even awkward windows like triangles, hexagons and ginormous arches. This means that shutters are suitable for traditional homes with historical or unique architectural elements and modern buildings with cleaner lines. Here’s how shutters work for sash windows.
Myth #2: Shutters Are Difficult To Clean And Maintain
Next up…
The Myth
Shutters are high-maintenance and require constant cleaning and upkeep.
The Reality
In fact, shutters are one of the easiest window treatments to clean and maintain.
You read that right!
Shutters require minimal effort to keep looking their best and can stay picture-perfect for years with just occasional cleaning. They are durable and much easier to look after than curtains or blinds. For some cleaning information, please visit our dedicated page.
Let’s Break It Down
Shutters have smooth, solid surfaces and don’t trap dirt and dust as curtains and blinds do. Dusty shutters can be wiped down in minutes with a soft cloth or a feather duster, and that is all that’s required for general maintenance. For a deeper clean, a damp cloth and a shutter-cleaning tool will do the job.
High-quality shutters are designed to last. They are resistant to fading, warping, and cracking, which means repairs and replacements are extremely rare. Their durability makes shutters a cost-effective long-term investment, upping curb appeal and saving you time and money.
The Scottish Shutter Company offers a 5-year Perfect Fit Promise. We guarantee that your shutters will remain in top condition for years to come, giving you complete peace of mind that you’re investing in long-lasting performance beyond buying a functional, beautiful product.
Myth #3: Shutters Are Expensive
Money is tight for many of us, and that impacts our buying decisions.
The Myth
Shutters are a luxury item and sit out of reach for many homeowners’ budgets.
The Reality
Shutters often have a higher upfront cost compared to other window shading solutions, and this comes down to quality and craftsmanship. Unlike off-the-shelf budget solutions that don’t last, don’t fit and don’t offer reliable light and privacy control, shutters are a long-term investment that can save you money over time.
Let’s Break It Down
Shutters are durable and can withstand constant daily use; they are built to last. Unlike cheap alternatives that often need repairs or replacements due to wear and tear, our shutters are made from hardy materials. This longevity offsets the typically higher cost of buying them compared to other window treatments.
Shutters can also improve the energy efficiency of your home. They do this by offering solar protection in the heat of the summer and excellent insulation in the winter months, reducing your reliance on heating and cooling systems and bringing down your bills.
Shutters enhance the aesthetics of your home and can boost its market value. Their timeless design makes them extremely desirable to prospective buyers, potentially allowing you to sell more quickly.
Myth #4: Shutters Block Too Much Light
We know what you’re thinking… How can shutters block out too much light? However, it’s a real concern for many homeowners, so let’s bust myth number 4.
The Myth
Shutters completely block out natural light, making rooms dark and gloomy.
The Reality
Shutters offer superb versatility when it comes to light control. Rather than causing your home to feel dark and dreary, shutters enable you to adjust the amount of light entering a room with impressive precision.
Looking to let the summer sun stream in? How about a cosy, half-light vibe for the early evening? Shutters give you full control over setting the mood.
Let’s Break It Down
Shutters have adjustable louvres that can be tilted for precise control over light levels throughout the day. Fully opening the louvres allows natural light to flow, and partially closing them diffuses light for a softer effect.
When you want darkness or privacy, the louvres of your shutters can be completely closed. It’s a common misconception that shutters are blackouts—this is simply not true. Shutters block out enough light to maintain full privacy, but some light can filter around the louvre gaps.
The unparalleled versatility of shutters enables homeowners to create flexible lighting atmospheres around a property. Here are some examples:
- Cafe-style shutters are a popular option for street-facing rooms and spaces where privacy is desired on the lower half of the window without compromising natural light entering from the top.
- Solid panel shutters are a great choice for bedrooms because they can be completely shut to block out most of the light and promote a restful night’s sleep.
Myth #5: You Can DIY Shutters
This myth can cost you plenty of time and money if things go wrong.
The Myth
You can easily put up your own shutters.
The Reality
Putting shutters up may look straightforward, but it’s trickier than it seems.
Meticulously precise measurements and careful installation are vital to ensuring that you achieve stunning shutters that work properly. If anything goes wrong, this can lead to wonky or damaged shutters and even damaged walls.
The easy fix is to buy your premium quality shutters from a reputable company that includes expert measuring and fitting in the cost. (A company just like ours!).
Let’s Break It Down
Arguably, the most critical aspect of installing shutters is getting the measurements right. To work effectively, shutters need to fit your windows with no gaps, and a difference of even one or two millimetres can prevent them from opening and closing properly.
Without years of experience and tried-and-tested measuring techniques, DIYers often make errors, which can damage windows and walls, land you in an expensive reordering situation, and extend your project by weeks.
Shutter installation requires skill, proper tools, and patience. The process can present many challenges, which can be stressful if you don’t know what you’re doing. Fitting shutters involves drilling into walls and window frames, handling heavy panels, and ensuring proper alignment.
By using a trusted company, you’ll get beautifully installed shutters that perform as they should without the headache of doing it yourself… They also take care of the clean-up!
A Smart Investment For Any Home
As we’ve explored, shutters are far more versatile and functional than many people realise.
Shutters enhance all different types of homes and can be fitted to even the most awkward of windows. They are easy to maintain and provide unparalleled light control without blocking out too much natural light. Though they are a more expensive investment than off-the-shelf options, shutters offer unbeatable long-term value and enhance your home’s appeal.
And, lastly, installing them yourself is a bad idea. So let us help! The Scottish Shutter company provide free expert measurement and fitting with any purchase. Get in touch with us today.
