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Shutters: the first window covering?
The truth lies in the relics of yesteryear, dating back some 500 years to the Tudor Reign. Wooden Shutters were built as doors over windows for protection, and certainly that "protection" wasn't limited to UV Rays. There is also evidence of the Shutter in Ancient Greek times where marble was used in the same way.
Leading us to believe that, YES, Shutters were the first window covering.
Enter the discovery of glass for windows and the Shutter evolves with louvers and a new tradition in window coverings is born.... Classic and timeless let us walk you through all the elements of the Shutter in today's window covering.
classic appeal that stands the test of time, how do we find the perfect fit for our own windows?
Shutters find a home in any interior; be it modern, eclectic, traditional, cottage, or a walk in Tuscany, the shutter creates a harmonious platform to build on. The first choice to make to showcase your interior style is the louver size, yes, in Shutters size does matter.
Your view to the world is enhanced by the size of the vane - the louver. The smaller the louvers the less view through, vis-a-vis, the larger the louvers the more view. Opting for hidden-tilt operation also increases the view and is a plus for smaller openings for a cleaner look.
Now for some color . . .
You have an idea in mind, possibly something you've seen before in a friends home, magazine or maybe one of our showroom displays. When it comes to selecting the color of your shutters, consider that shutters are a furnishing for your windows. With Wood Plantation Shutters you will have the most options as they can be stained or painted in any tone the color wheel has available, and we all like possibilities. The possibilities of custom staining the shutters to match our hardwood floors, or painted in the same color as the existing moldings, or just a tint of the wall color to highlight both the shutters and the wall.
And, then there was Faux...
Faux wood shutters first came on the scene in the 90's originally developed with wet rooms and humid climates in mind - PVC as they're referred to: Poly-Vinyl-Composite Shutters unexpectedly took over the mainstream Wood Plantation Shutters with the practicalities of resistance to fade, discoloration, warping and fire resistance all at a less expensive price point. There are many different qualities of PVC Shutters and at Knight's we focus on the utmost quality of our products….. INCLUDING MOTORIZED SHUTTERS!
Specialty Windows Take The Stage
Over the years in designing and treating so many window coverings, I have come to appreciate the simplicity of shutters for covering every shape of window; Arches, Circles, Angles, Bay, French Doors, and Upper windows. Upper windows may not be something new in the world of Shutter coverings, but they are when you add motorization to tilt and position the vanes throughout the day. Shutters add a composed influence to the window and become an actual part of the architecture.
For more on specialty window treatments, please click the above photo.
Create the perfect platform
From a design style point of view, shutters create the perfect platform to build on. Sure, shutters are great as a stand-alone-window-covering with molding styles that can be upgraded to accentuate the details, but combine with fabrics and the look creates a balance to integrate within any design theme.
Cafe Style. Shutter placement to cover just enough of the window for privacy and light control. Add a roman-fold shade in any style to compliment your decor.... Yes, two treatments on one window, the hard and the soft of it and it is one of my favorite window covering combos.
Draperies. Shutters are known as one of the best insulating window coverings on the market. To enhance your coverage and block light-lines that appear through the closed louvers, consider a drapery allowing enough stack-back off the shutter and higher placement of the drapery rod to soften the look and allow you to coordinate your fabrics to the window. There's nothing like a window that completes the room - and this is it.