If you have a large opening and require your window shutters to fold all the way back to the side then you will need a track.

A track style fitting, are shutters that hang from an aluminium track, rather than being hinged at the side.  This means that the added weight of the shutters required to cover the wide opening is correctly supported.  The track is mounted on a frame or batten which is fitted along the top of your window recess.  The shutters have small wheels attached to the top which run inside the track.  The sides have battens fixed to the side of the recess which helps support the top track and create a neat finish.

Shutters fitted on a track can fold all the way to the left or right sides, or they can be spilt in the centre to fold half to each side.  You can have horizontal dividing rails lining-up with any window rails allowing you to operate the louvres independently either side of the rail.  Because this style of shutters hangs from a top track you cannot have the tier-on-tier style of shutters as these would normally open like a stable door.

Tracked shutters are popular for patio doors and very wide windows.  They take more time to fit and it is very important to fit the top track dead-level to obtain smooth running shutters.

When the shutters are folded back, they will not wrap around the wall due to wheels being fitted in the top of the track, instead they will protrude into the room at 90 degrees.  This is rarely a problem since the large windows they are covering easily hide their protrusion and the fact that you can fold the shutters back to one side or the other, depending on which way your door slides, you always have enough room.

For some wide windows that are split into sections you can order more than one shutter frame, or use T-Posts (interim support posts) to ensure your shutters are guaranteed for their width and match your window layout. Please contact us if you require more information or this seems a little confusing.

You will be amazed when you take down those large dark curtains that have been up for years.  Your room will look huge!  Because wooden window shutters are fitted so close to your window you gain extra depth to your room. Matching the colour of the shutters to your window makes them look more fitted and as most windows are white, they provide a white glow when the light bounces from the louvre blades. 

Bay windows are the most noticeable. Most curtains are fitted across the window and if they are fitted around the window they are often on large bulky tracks.  Shutters are a great neat alternative that will transform your room.

If you have wooden floors and furniture don’t think you have to match the wooden window shutters to them. Having dark shutters will make your room feel small and dark. The chances of matching the shutters exactly to your furniture are most unlikely, so you end up introducing yet another type of timber and colour into your house. Also, when you want to redecorate, change the colour of the walls, etc, you have an expensive task on your hands as all require changing.

By having white window shutters you can easily add accessories and change the colour of your room without having to think about changing the shutters. They will always look good from inside and outside, adding value to your home. This makes putting shutters in other rooms, in the future, more straight-forward too.

An important factor when thinking about shutters in several rooms is to consider matching across the whole of the front of the home – a complete appearance!

If you just can’t decide on layout or how much light you may require, then choose the ‘Tier on Tier’ shutters as your preferred option. This gives you the best of both worlds. The top of the shutters will open and close independently from each other like a stable door, so in the summer when you want lots of sun and light you can swing the top shutters back out the way. In the winter, when you want to be cosy and warm, just close them all and tilt the blades to suit. Tier on Tier shutters not only finish-off the window, but they avoid the need to introduce another window dressing at the top section, so saving you money!

Which is best… shutters or blinds?

Budget for shutters or blinds

A lot of people assume that blinds are cheaper than shutters. Well, this is not the case anymore! Our Chelsea range of shutters work out less expensive than a set of wood slat blinds. Especially, when you order them as DIY. When you compare how much better the quality and purposeful use the shutters are, most people would choose shutters every time!

Looks

Modern shutters have a far more stylish look than the more commonly used wood slat blinds, which have been around for awhile now. A set of white shutters fitted at the front of your house really looks impressive, because you can style them to match your window layout, so blending them in very easily with the overall appearance of your home/windows. It this area  shutters would win hands down.

Practical use of shutters or blinds

Some of the reasons you might choose shutters or blinds as your window dressing could be to; “Keep out the light”, “Avoid nosey neighbours”, “Block out the noise”, “Keep pets inside”. Shutters will do all the above better, as well as being thicker, stronger and held in place top and bottom by magnetic catches, so shutters win over blinds again.

Material

The different types of material shutters or blinds are made from affects their costs. A cheap cloth blind may suit the pocket but fail to last or provide additional strength and character that shutters do. It’s worth noting that, whilst our Kensington shutters are made from the more expensive pure timbers, my budget range of shutters are made from MDF providing similar features to pure timber at an excellent cost-effective price to compete with blinds which are not manufactured from MDF!

Security

Both Shutters and Blinds would provide a visual deterrent and allow you to go on holiday with the shutters or blinds left across your window, to provide a normal ‘at home’ appearance. You can tilt the blades just enough for privacy and leave a security light that goes on and off with a timer running in the different rooms. Shutters and blinds beat traditional curtains or older solid shutters hands down, for appearance whilst away, as leaving your curtains closed for a week while on holiday is very obvious. You do however have the advantage of being able to fit additional locks to shutters to help prevent anyone breaking in. Shutters also provide a more solid visual look. Once again for added security shutters would be most effective!

Selling up with shutters or blinds

Anyone can put basic blinds up. But if you have shutters fitted they can add-value to your property. Shutters appear as a feature of the house as opposed to blinds hanging in a window. Match the shutters in all the windows across the front of the house and you’ll gain an even more stunning look, hopefully attracting potential buyers and a quicker sale. So, I effect the shutters will pay for themselves.  

Though the debate between Shutters v Blinds may boil down to personal choice, the evidence to support shutters is clear.

With the world’s supplies diminishing, it’s important to find a sustainable cost effective source for wood that’s ideal to make shutters but that won’t have a detrimental effect on our environment. 

From March 2006 our Richmond Range of Shutter will be made from Parasol Wood, not only does it offer value for money, but is ideal for making lightweight, hard-wearing and beautiful shutters.  It also has the important added benefit of being eco-friendly.

Parasol Wood shutters are of the highest quality, also sometimes called phoenix wood, it has all the usual benefits you would expect from excellent quality wooden shutters and more, including additional guarantees for larger shutters.

Appearance

The Parasol wood is pale in colour, with straight grains running through it.  This beautiful appearance makes it ideal to stain, and it can easily be made to resemble a range of other woods such as oak, teak or mahogany.  This beautiful new wood has allowed the addition of new stains to compliment our range.

Durable

As it is rot-resistant and has low moisture content, it is less likely than traditional woods to warp or shrink.  Parasol Wood is also tough and has been shown to be stronger than traditional woods, its its strong but light in weight it makes it a great choice for shutters.  It has also been engineered like all my shutters to resist twisting and warping.

Lightweight – so improved size guarantees!

As it’s significantly lighter than traditional hardwood Parasol makes an ideal wood from which to manufacture shutters, especially if you are considering shutters on doorways or large windows. 

This has now allowed us to guarantee up to 8 shutters wide, e.g. 4 folding left and 4 folding right with a maximum shutter width of 550mm, and a single hung shutter of up to 890mm in width.  Previously shutters were only guaranteed for a single hung shutter of 750mm or up to 4 folding shutters, so this has significantly increased the options we can guarantee for those with wider openings who want shutters.

Safety

Due to its higher ignition point Parasol Wood is an ideal choice for use within the home, its fire retardant properties make it a safer choice.

The Plant

Parasol Wood trees are deciduous, grow up to 25m tall, have large leaves and their flowers, which resemble foxgloves, appear in early spring.  The trees are native to China, where they have been used for reforestation, but have been cultivated across Eastern Asia.  In Japan it’s known as the Princess Tree, and its leaves can be found on the badge of the Government of Japan.

Ecologically Sound

Once felled Parasol tree stumps do not rot.  In fact the new tree can grow from the old stump, allowing it to be coppiced rather than felled.  Parasol trees are also quick growing, reaching a point at which they can be used for manufacturing within as few as 5 to 7 years. This compares to 25 or more years for traditional woods such as oak.   They have become known as the ‘phoenix tree’, due to their ability to regenerate from their existing root systems.

Parasol Wood can also help to regenerate poor soil which has been compacted or contaminated.  Its root systems run deep, and are able to process and filter the contaminants, while their big leaves remove carbon dioxide to create oxygen which is then emitted into the atmosphere.

It is generally farmed on plantations, their sustainability and ability to regenerate quickly making them an ecologically sound choice.

Diverse Uses

Parasol wood has also been used to manufacture a diverse range of other products; it’s commonly used for furniture, guitars, surfboards, skis, and roof trusses. We are thrilled to offer this excellent quality option as our new wooden shutter, making it cost effective for those who want a quality wooden shutter to choose Parasol shutters.

It is extremely rare to find an opening that a shutter cannot be fitted to. Customers contact us baffled as to where to start measuring and numerous questions on folding and style options. Using the photographs of their own windows, which they email to us at info@premiershutters.co.uk  we can quickly advise them in detail as to what is best and why for their bespoke requirements - putting their mind at ease instantly. So if you live ‘out in the sticks’ or are located where there is no local expert shutter company, then do not hesitate to consider ‘doing it yourself’ as DIY will be a good/lower cost option for you.

The simple answer to this is ‘very easy’.  The actual fitting of the shutters is almost as easy as measuring. All quality shutters are supplied ready-hinged for easy, clip-together assembly and fitting inside a 4-sided frame. The panels slot into position with drop-in hinge-pins, with ready-fitted magnet catches and frame reveal edges ensuring a secure fit with little fuss. Fitting shutters certainly no longer involving complicated carpentry work.

For the majority of windows, measuring is straightforward;

 Measure the width of your window inside the recess, in three places: across the bottom, middle and top of the window. Then, do similarly for the height. Take the smallest measurement of each to give you the width and height for calculating the cost. Shutters are priced in square metres, so how many panels or hinged sections you choose should not affect the cost.

For measuring more awkward shapes and bays, the overall width and height is normally all that is required initially. Then, any angles or curves requiring templates or detailed drawings can be achieved via expert advice to obtain accurate measurements for a perfect, professional finish. 

The original reason for shutters was of course to provide protection for the home from the elements before the use of glass to keep the weather out.  However, the benefits of plantation shutters have increased as our homes have changed in style.  In essence there are three primary reasons most people want a window covering; light and ventilation control, and privacy.  Plantation shutters provide an excellent solution to all three of these, but also come with a range of other benefits that many people will not have considered.  Once you consider them you will understand why plantation shutters have seen an increase in popularity in the last two decades.

Plantation Shutters help control light

The adjustable louvre blades make controlling light within your home easy with plantation shutters.  The blades can be angled up or down to allow light to enter, but also allow you to focus light away from furniture or decorations to help prevent damage from sunlight.  When closed plantation shutters will block out as much light as a standard pair of curtains.  If you need to sleep during the day, have a south facing room or just prefer total darkness to sleep, then a blackout shutter will shut out maximum light and can be ideal in a bedroom or child’s nursery.

White shutters are a popular choice for creating the feeling of light within a room, as they will reflect light well, but also ensure your window space is not cluttered by dark features which can make the room feel smaller.

Plantation Shutters aid air circulation and ventilation

Open louvre blades on plantation shutters allow air to circulate easily within your home, providing good ventilation.  The added bonus with shutters is that there is no material to billow out into your room and knock ornaments or decorations over, and as the plantation shutters can be left shut even when the louvers are open your privacy can be maintained.

You can always add a lock to the plantation shutters if they are being used in a child’s room so that a window can be left open, but ensure your child remains safe as they are unable to access the open window. 

Plantation Shutters help Privacy and Security

Angling the louvre blades to allow light to enter but keeping prying eyes out can provide both privacy and security for your home.  When away from home plantation shutters can be left angled this way so that any lights or radios left on timed can be seen and heard, creating the impression that there is someone home.  As an added deterrent you could fit a catch or lock to the inside of shutters to prevent them easily being opened. 

Where you have a view you don’t want to completely cover but want to prevent those outside from seeing into your home you can always install a half-height or café-style shutter, which will only cover the lower half of your window.  This allows excellent light levels, an uninterrupted view from the top half of the window, but maintains privacy.  

Plantation Shutters are durable

Shutters are hardwearing and durable, and as they are often only opened when the windows need cleaning there are fewer issues of wear and tear. 

Louvre blades can be easily replaced, and can also be adjusted from a small screw to tighten or loosen the louver operation to suit your personal preference, and reduce damage occurring through use.

Plantation shutters can reduce decorating costs

White shutters are a popular choice as they match windows, and prevent the need to replace window coverings every time you decorate.  As your plantation shutters will match many styles of décor, and in white will go with any colour, this will mean that you don’t need to keep replacing them to match your new decorations. 

Wood shutters can be re-sprayed if you choose, in order to match a particular colour, or just to refurbish them if they need refreshing.

Creating space with Shutters

As shutters fit in the window recess, there is no protrusion into your room, unlike curtains which are often fitted on the outside of the window recess.  This creates a feeling of space within your room, and can be particularly noticeable where curtains have been fitted across the opening of a bay window.

Shutters are easy to care for and dust reducing

Plantation shutters can be easily maintained, with no need for professional cleaning.  Each shutter can be dusted, and wiped clean with a damp cloth when necessary, to maintain their appearance.  Dust can be removed to prevent it building up or being harboured in materials, helping those who have allergies such as asthma and need dust levels minimised. 

Shutters help reducing noise levels

Plantation shutters can help to lower outside noise levels, as they provide a barrier between your windows and your room.  Solid shutters will do this most effectively, but plantation shutters can be an excellent solution if you live on a busy road or have high noise levels near your home.

Insulation assisted by plantation or solid shutters

As plantation shutters can form a solid barrier between the window and room they can help to insulate your property and prevent heat loss when louvers are closed.  The louvers closure is designed to help reduce heat leaking out of your home.

Remote control shutters

It’s now possible to have remote control plantation shutters, making it easy to control light entering from any windows that are difficult to reach such as on stairs or over doors.  These are also ideal for someone who is bed-bound but likes to control the light entering their room, or great if you want to control your shutters from the comfort of the sofa!  Ideal for those who like their gadgets, or want a quick easy way of opening the shutters in the morning – its all done with the press of a button saving time and effort.

Keeping out animals/pets with Shutters

Plantation shutters are also a great way of allowing air to circulate in your room but ensure that pets are unable to get out of patio doors, or it’s a great way of keeping out unwanted animals!

Stylish and timeless shutters

While plantation shutters can be an investment for your home, they can also add value.  Matching shutters in each window creates a consistent look for your home, and as interior window shutters are custom-made, they can be an attractive proposition for a potential buyer.

Plantation shutters are a timeless and elegant feature that will go with a range of decorations, which is one of the reasons they have become such a popular choice.  Their ability to suit all styles means that they can look as wonderful in a modern home as they do in more traditional cottages or period homes.  The benefits that interior window shutters offer have been enjoyed in Europe and America for many years, and it’s surprising that it has taken us so long to finally discover this in the UK. 

As shutters are probably going to new to you, here is the correct terminology for the components of a shutter.

Shutter Stiles

The sides of the shutters are called “Stiles”. The inner sides of these stiles are rebated (cut out) so they interlock with the next shutter when bi-folded together. This helps reduce the light coming into the room. The side-edge of the shutters that fits into and against the side-frame is flat. The light here is reduced due to the use of the frame in which the shutters are fitted. 

Shutter stiles can also be made wider, which adds strength.  If you are ordering some of our hidden rod shutters they come with a slighter wider side stile, so you may want to order any other shutters you have in your home with the same size stile to match.

Tension Screws

Located at the end of a small in the sides of the stiles are “Tension Screws”, these allow you to adjust the tension of the louvre blades, making them tighter or looser depending on your preference. Please be careful when adjusting this screw as over tightening will break the tread and this mechanism will not long work effectively.

Shutter Rails

The top and bottom sections of the shutter are called “Rails” these are jointed into the stiles to create a frame. These rails are adjusted in width depending on the overall height of your shutter. Where measuring over 1800mm, extra rails are fixed within the height of the shutter, to provide extra strength to the shutter. These are known as “Mid Rails” and are best lined-up with a feature on your window i.e. transom bar on UPVQ or door handles etc.

Louvre Blades

“Louvre blades” (known in USA as ‘louvers’) are fitted from top to bottom inside the frame created by the stiles and rails. Some companies refer to them as Slats. These allow you to adjust the amount of light coming into the room by tilting them up or down by using a “Control Rod”. The control rod connects all the louvre blades together using stainless steel staples. You can get 3 different sizes of louvre blades, small (47mm), medium (64mm) and large (89mm). We are also able to offer a 114mm louvre, but this is more popular in the USA.  Each louvre size provides a different look and let differing amounts of light into the room.

Control Rod

The control rod is the wooden rod that runs down the centre of the louvres within the shutter and allows you to adjust the position of the louvre blades, and therefore the amount of light entering your room.  When all the louvre blades are closed the control rod sits in a small hole in the top rail of the shutter, known as a ‘Mouse hole’. This allows all the louvre blades to fold flat when fully closed.

The hidden control rod option will obviously not have a control rod. With this option you simply more one of the louvers with your fingers and they will magical move in unison.

Shutter Frame

The outer shutter frame is shaped like an “L” and has a “removable insert” around the outer edge that can be removed to reveal pre-drilled holes for fixing. Such frames come mitred at the corners, like a picture frame ready to be connected together by “interlocking plastic keys”. The frame has the outer part of the “hinge” fitted on the side to make assembly very easy. The back edge of the frame houses strong, round “barrel magnets” which keep the shutters closed within their frame.

Panel Feet

Fitted underneath the shutter panels, up into the ends of the stiles, are small “panel feet” which create an even gap between the shutters and the frame when fitted. These help support the shutter when closed, as the weight of the shutter will rest on the bottom of the frame.