A great way to increase the value of a home and the curb appeal of the facade without having to spend an exorbitant amount of money is to install shutters on the exterior. The task of installing exterior shutters can be performed by professionals or even as part of a DIY project. Shutters do not purely have to be used on the exterior however; increasingly designers are using them inside as an elegant and stylish design solution.

Shutters are truly an alternative to blinds or curtains that can considerably improve the look of a room as a finishing touch or design focal point. They come in a variety of styles and hence can be matched to meet the design features of a home. The following article hopes to highlight the different types of shutters and how they can be used in interior design.

The solid panel shutter is one of the more popular varieties on the market; they come in a plethora of different styles and can be matched to nearly all rooms. They can be constructed from flat solid timber although increasingly intricate inlays and carving have been used in shutter manufacture in order to give homeowners a bespoke style to their rooms.

Additionally with the inclusion of certain carving methods a distinct period design element can be added. Fortunately they provide the homeowner with complete privacy and when they are shut are surprisingly effective at keeping the heat in.

One of the benefits of shutters is that they are highly versatile and can be used to compliment a number of different styles, from contemporary to traditional. One of the most commonly used shutter varieties is the plantation shutter. The first plantation shutters were used on the continent in warmer countries where the heat of the day had to be kept out, they did this by keeping the home shaded whilst also allowing air to pass through.

The reason they are usually given the plantation label is that when the European powers explored the new world and started colonies, this form of shutter was often used in humid and hot areas where they excelled in keeping homes cool and shady, in fact today many existing plantation houses still have this form of shutter.

Shutters are available in a number of different materials from solid wood to MDF and vinyl. all have various benefits and downsides for instance sold wood shutters are not particularly suited to highly humid areas although it is always advisable to give wood enough treatments of stain and paint so that it will be able to stand up to the elements.

Vinyl shutters are extremely affordable and do not suffer from the same problems as wood in terms of moisture; however, they do not look as attractive and can in some cases actually be detrimental to the style of a home.

Hopefully this article has gone some of the way to explaining how useful shutters can be in interior design; with such a wealth of varieties and styles on offer they can bring homes to life with innovative and elegant design, making the house a chic and contemporary space to spend time and enjoy life. Fundamentally, by installing shutters it is possible to give a home a unique look that is hard to replicate; one that screams elegance and beauty to all who view it.

About the Author

Interior design expert Thomas Pretty looks at the use of shutters on homes as an elegant and chic design option.

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