Wood Shutters – What Makes Them a Great Addition to Your Home

Wood shutters, in one form or another, have been around for many years. In the past, they were used to cover openings in walls, protecting the interior of the house from animals, weather, and intruders – long before the invention of windows. In the mid-1800s when window glass came about, wood shutters gained a new function – they were no longer needed to protect the house, but required to protect the fragile and expensive glass.

As window quality improved, protection from the elements become less important and shutters became used mostly for decoration. Thanks to modern technology, the wood shutters available on the market today can do much more to simply enhance a home interior décor. Wood shutters today are more efficient and more reliable than ever before.

They Offer Light Control and UV Protection

The modern wood shutters come with louvres that can be adjusted to control the amount of light that enters a room. When more light is wanted, the shutter panels can be fully opened to allow a clear view through the window. When blockage from the harmful UV rays is required to protect furniture and flooring, the shutter panels can be fully closed to direct the sun away. Plus, wood shutters generally come finished with an invisible UV protective layer that protects the colour from fading and the panels from warping.

Sound and Thermal Insulation Properties

When totally closed, wood shutters can provide a layer of sound installation. The wood barrier also insulates the room, keeping it warmer during the winter, hence helping reduce your heating expenses. During hot days, opening your windows and keeping the shutter panels closed helps keep unwanted heat out while allowing air to circulate.

Privacy and a Sense of Security

If you live in a house adjacent to a street, you can keep the lower louvres of the shutter panel closed, while the top section louvres are open to allow some light to enter the house without compromising your privacy.

Easy to Maintain and Good for Allergy Sufferers

Compared to traditional window coverings, wood shutters are much easier to maintain – an occasional quick wipe down is all that’s necessary to keep them clean. There is a lot less dust build up in shutters than there is in fabric curtain and blinds, which makes shutters a good option for people who suffer from allergies and need to avoid dusty environments.

When shopping for wood shutters, you might be happy with the design but the colour might not fit your home décor. The good news is that wood shutters can be repainted to achieve the colour you really want. Look for retailers that offer custom made shutters to get the exact shutter look you want for your home.