Classic Shutters are here to stay!
A beautiful interior shutter system out-performs standard horizontal blinds at the window every time!
In the last 10 years, energy efficient and eco-friendly home products, geared towards simplifying our lives have become more desirable. The window treatment industry has moved forward to meet our new goals with more innovations and product improvements than can be mentioned in this article. However, the beautiful and timeless interior shutter system, in all of its different forms, has undergone little transformation and is now enjoying a new relevance in 2010 as a result of our changing needs.
“When a simple slatted product is called for, please don’t re-invest in more 1” and 2” horizontal blinds without considering the beauty, value and efficiencies of a custom shutter systems.” says Jennaver Brown, owner of Eye on Design Drapery, Blinds and Shutters, Inc. “In a well made shutter, home owners can find a durable, energy efficient, eco-friendly, and maintenance free window treatment with privacy and light control features that make them an excellent value.
Home owners frequently worry that shutters will make their home too dark. “I feel that a shutter designed with the right size vane, the correct color and the right mounting style, to reduce glass coverage, can actually add light to a room and increase view through the vanes to a level higher than a standard 1” or 2” blind.” Says Brown. Shutters can handle almost every specialty shape, tall or tilt-in window that we encounter. Recently, shutters have even become motorized to give the homeowner control of those difficult to reach windows that are often found in a custom home. A good shutter designer must have several styles of shutter available to meet the diverse needs of each home owner. At eye on Design, we offer no less than 10 different shutter systems to our clients to enable us to meet their needs as closely and cost effectively as possible.
I you would you like to move towards a “greener” home, here are some choices to make. Choose a shutter system manufactured here in the Midwest and reduce the use of fossil fuels related to shipping. Choose a “Greenguard Certified” shutter system that utilizes paints and finishes that will not release dangerous VOC’s into the home. Choose a light color with a no-cost divider rail feature to control and bounce light all over your home while maintaining total privacy. This combination will reduce the need to turn on lights at dawn and dusk thus reducing a home’s carbon footprint. Choose a shutter system fabricated with North American Basswood, a sustainable and renewable resource.
“With 50% of our energy loss occurring at the windows of our home, it is easy to understand that interior shutters are an investment with a measureable return.” says Brown. A modern, high quality double pane Low-E window offers an R-Value of approx. 3.5 dependent upon the manufacturer. A well-measured and well-constructed, high quality, shutter system, such as the “Newstyle” shutter system by Hunter Douglas can increase that R-Value by 70% when added to this type of window. Horizontal blinds are generally unable to increase the R-Value of this window type by more than15%
Shutters are infinitely easier to maintain than horizontal blinds because there are no cords and strings to clean around or replace when they break. With the high quality shutter finishes available now, simple dusting or damp cloth cleaning will keep your shutters looking brand new when the cords on blinds are starting to change color and dust is collecting in those areas where it is difficult to clean. Additionally, shutters can be popped right off of their hinges to get them out of the way for window cleaning. No tools required and no brackets left in the way.
Shutters are available in wood, vinyl and composites now that each offer benefits with regard to color options, framing styles, humidity resistance, price, and special features. A well trained shutter designer can walk you through your options and help you identify the product that works best for your home. For budgeting purposes, consider costs ranging from $25 to $45 per square foot installed for high quality products with great warranties. If designed properly, to fit in with the architecture of your home, you should be able to design around your shutters for many years utilizing many color palettes and furniture styles. A well designed shutter will reduce your energy costs and add to the re-sale value of your home in ways that horizontal blinds cannot. Take advantage of our annual Spring Shutter Sale today and see for yourself!