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Add warmth, interest to windows
Chandra Orr
Copley News Service
Forget the Venetians, Romans and honeycombs. When it comes to privacy,
curb appeal and pure aesthetic, consumers are ditching their blinds and
clamoring for indoor shutters.
Interior shutters, which look similar to exterior shutters but feature
fully operable hinges, slats and clasps, are quickly gaining in
popularity, garnering about $560 million in retail sales a year,
according to a study by Hunter Douglas.
“There are many tangible and intangible benefits to indoor shutters,”
said Christine Kane, brand manager for Hunter Douglas Heritance hardwood
shutters.
“Wood shutters are a natural product that add warmth and character to
any room,” she said. “Today’s consumers have a strong desire to create a
home environment that’s serene, natural and harmonious.
“Surrounding themselves with natural and beautiful products is a part of
creating that harmony.
“Consumers also want to feel secure in their homes. Hardwood shutters
add to that comfort factor by putting a beautiful, functional yet solid
window covering between them and the outside world.”
Beyond the comfort factor, there are many other benefits pulling
consumers away from more traditional window treatments, according to
Kane.
“Light control is another reason consumers are choosing wood shutters,”
Kane said. Not only will shutters provide shade, when closed they can
reduce nearly all harmful UV rays that may damage, wear and fade
furniture, carpets and rugs.
Because shutters are custom ordered, homeowners can request that
different sections of the same shutter panel operate differently, which
allows for maximum privacy, Kane said.
“This is ideal for increased privacy needs in a room like a bedroom
where a homeowner may want to allow light and have a view on the upper
part of the shutter, but restrict the view on the lower portion of the
panel for privacy,” she said.
Function aside, the real draw is in the design. Shutters have the
ability to turn drab into fab, adding style, architectural interest and
a finished touch to otherwise empty windows.
“There’s a real curb-appeal factor associated with shutters,” Kane said.
“Since shutters are known as the creme de la creme of window coverings,
real estate estimators often report that quality shutters can increase
the resale value of a home,” she said.
With a range of frame types, consumers can select a style that
compliments their home’s architecture or even use the shutters to add
architectural detail. Traditionally, shutters are made from real wood
like basswood, alder, cedar and pine. But in recent years, companies
have developed a range of simulated wood and wood composites like
polyfoam, vinyl and polywood.
Regardless of material, there are two basic categories of shutters —
custom and customized.
“Custom shutters are built to the exact specifications of your windows,”
Kane explained. “Customized shutters, on the other hand, are available
off-the-shelf and are cut down to fit your windows.
“Shutters can be configured on nearly all window and door openings, but
they are an ideal choice for challenging openings, such as sliding glass
doors, French doors and corner and bay windows,” Kane said. “For sliding
glass doors function becomes a big factor since doorways get a lot of
use.”
Because shutters like the Heritance line are available in bypass and
bi-fold track systems, homeowners can tailor shutters to meet their
unique usage and design needs. While bypass track systems let large
shutter panels slide past the opening and out of the way, bi-fold
systems fold off to the sides. The handles on many French doors often
pose problems for homeowners seeking a little privacy and panache, but
shutters can be customized to accommodate such handles.
Finally, because shutters are custom installed, creating a perfect fit
for awkward windows is a snap. |
BYE, BYE
BLINDS — Shutters are a perfect window treatment for the bedroom, where
it’s desirable to let light in from the top and close the bottom when
privacy is needed.
COPLEY NEWS SERVICE
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