What are shutters?
Shutters (also known as plantation shutters) are a type of window covering characterised by their wide horizontal slats. They are considered a premium blind offering as they can add value to the price of your home.
The size of the slat you choose will determine the amount of light control and blockout the shutters provide. If you're after high levels of privacy and blockout, we recommend choosing a thicker slat.
Why choose shutters for your windows?
There are many benefits to choosing window shutters for your home.
- They provide your home with additional security measures as they're a much stronger window covering to break through.
- Shutters are very durable and are likely to last a long time if maintenance is kept up with.
- They can be used indoors and outdoors.
- Shutters are available in different materials, so there's bound to be an option to suit your needs.
- They are simple to install and use in your home.
How to choose the right shutters for your home
Choosing the right shutters for your home comes down to the following questions:
- Where do you want to install shutters?
- Will they match the décor of the room where they'll be installed?
- Do you want to install shutters on windows, as doors, or both?
Where can you install shutters?
Shutters can be installed as window coverings, as doors or as sliding doors.
Sliding door shutters are typically installed outside as part of an outdoor area. They are a great option for entertaining as the slats can be moved to provide the right amount of air flow.
Types of indoor shutters
Aluminium Shutters
Aluminium shutters are a great shutter option for your home. Known for their durability, aluminium shutters are a popular choice for both indoor and outdoor locations. They're also a good option for any wet areas, such as your bathroom, laundry, or kitchen as they're waterproof and won't splinter or warp if the slats are exposed to water or higher temperatures.
Basswood Plantation Shutters
Basswood shutters are a type of timber shutter (also known as Linden Wood) that's known for being incredibly lightweight yet durable.
The main benefit of choosing Basswood shutters is that the wood they are made from is hard-wearing, meaning that it lasts longer than typical wooden or timber shutters due to the strength and thickness of the timber.
An added benefit is that this type of shutter can be painted in different colours, so you can tailor them to suit the aesthetic of your home.
Basswood shutters can be installed in any room in your home, however if you're thinking of installing them in your bathroom or kitchen, it's important that the area is well-ventilated. While these shutters are more durable than traditional wooden window coverings, they aren't completely waterproof, so to prolong their lifespan, keep them as dry as possible.
Types of exterior shutters
Outdoor shutters
If you're wanting to create an outdoor area for your home, outdoor shutters are a great option to consider. These shutters give your outdoor area more privacy without compromising on visibility, as you have the flexibility to control the angle of the shutter slats.
Outdoor shutters are also a great way to maintain a comfortable temperature in your area. By adjusting the slats, you can keep the heat in or out, depending on the time of year.
How to clean your shutters
Depending on the type of shutter you choose, the care and maintenance required will differ slightly.
Aluminium shutters are water resistant, so they don't require the room they're in to be as ventilated as Basswood shutters need. Having ventilation is always needed though, so it's still important.
For Basswood shutters, good ventilation is a must, so the grains of the wood don't absorb water and swell, damaging your slats. If you want to use them in wet or humid areas, they just need to be wiped over regularly to prevent water absorption.
Checklist for cleaning your shutters
For all types of shutters, cleaning them is straightforward. Simply giving your shutters a wipe down every so often and keeping them free from dust is always a good starting point.
To dust shutters, you can use a feather duster, a vacuum with soft bristles, or even using a clean sock over your hand is a great hack to ensure all areas of the shutters are cleaned.
If something is spilled on your shutters and it's just water, give the slats a dry as soon as possible. If something sticky makes contact, wipe them over with a damp cloth and a solution to help clean wood blinds.
Be careful not to clean your shutters with any harsh chemicals as it can strip the outer layer of colour or wood and cause permanent damage.
For more tips on cleaning your shutters, head to our blog.
How to style your home with shutters
Shutters create quite a classy atmosphere in your home. One of the most common ways to style them is by creating a French provincial look with your shutters.
For this styling, think upper class, beige and navy blue colour palettes and delicate pieces. Shutters work well with this styling as they are subtle and elegant, and if you go for Basswood shutters you can choose them in a colour that works well with this palette.
There isn't one correct way to style shutters, so just go with the décor you like the look of. Matching your shutters to the colour palette of the room creates a cohesive feel and is a good starting point if you're not sure how to incorporate them.
Do shutters provide insulation?
If you're wanting to add extra insulation to your home, shutters are a great option. As shutters are a thicker window covering with typically wide slats and are often built into the window recess, they seal any gaps for drafts to pass through and maintain a constant temperature within your home.
The cost of shutters
Shutters are one of the pricier window covering options, however, they do have long-term benefits for that higher purchase cost.
While it's not a confirmed fact, installing shutters on your windows is said to increase the value of your home long-term if you're wanting to sell.
Shutters also provide additional security to your home, making it harder for anyone to break-in, as well as they are made to a very high quality and often last longer than other window covering options.
The type of shutters you choose and the size you need, may also impact the price.
How to measure your windows for shutters
Measuring is one of the hardest things about DIY shutters, but don't worry, we have resources available to help you.
You can find our guide on how to measure for plantation shutters on our website!
How to install plantation shutters
The best way to install your shutters is by choosing a recess fit. This means that your shutters sit within the windowsill and create a secure and sealed fit. Installing shutters can sometimes be challenging and can be much easier with two people.
Check out our helpful guide on installing plantation shutters to have you installing your new coverings like a pro! Download our instructions for aluminium shutters and basswood shutters on our website!
Whether to choose blinds, shutters, or curtains
If you're still not sure if shutters are the right option for your home, comparing the pros of different window coverings can help. There are benefits to each type of window covering, so head to our article outlining the differences between blinds, shutters, and curtains.
Interested in shutters for your home? Why not get in touch! You can reach us via Facebook or by calling my Australian customer support team on 1300 699 041. They'll beat any competing in-store or online blinds quote you may have by a huge 10 percent!
You can find all of our shutters, awnings, curtains and blinds online for the lowest prices, guaranteed. Plus, we deliver Australia-wide from Perth to the east coast and offer free shipping on metro orders over $449. For all other orders, shipping is $27.
