The Advantages of Indoor Shutters

There are copious advantages of indoor shutters over other types of window coverings. These types of shutters are most often used in situations with focus placed on the creation of an attractive interior design statement. However, they can also provide versatility in terms of how they are used, as well as certain utilitarian advantages. Unlike blinds, indoor shutters do not raise up and down, nor lift. They are created with horizontal slats, in most cases, and are mounted on a solid wood, plastic or metal frame. More often than not, indoor shutters are made from solid hardwood. However, some manufacturers provide them in aluminum, vinyl or composite wood. Endless possibilities exist with regard to their design and construction. For instance, they can be manufactured with louvers that run straight across in one panel only, or with vertical louvers, in some cases. Indoor shutters can also be made with double panels, each hinged and opening outward in the style of a double door. Another option is a shutter designed with quadruple panels and that is fashioned in such as way as to allow the panels to be opened and closed in the style of a bi-fold door. Indoor shutters can be constructed with both single or double tiers. A home or business that is situated near a sidewalk with a lot of foot traffic, can benefit from a double indoor shutters that are stacked one above the other. The lower shutters can be left closed for privacy, while the upper shutters can be opened to let in the light. Because shutters often come with louvers, the direction of the light flow can be adjusted as desired. The louvers can be tilted in an open position, which allows light and air to flow freely, or can be partially tilted to modify these elements. They can also be tilted to a closed position that blocks out air, light and temperature. Indoor shutters are popular in areas with tropical climates because they encourage the flow of fresh air where it is most needed. Since they create shade at the same time, the interior of the dwelling stays cooler overall. These types of indoor shutters can be custom-built to fit every specific window they cover, which comes in handy for older homes that were made in eras where window shapes were less uniform than current styles. For instance, indoor shutters can be designed to fit virtually any shape of window, including arched windows, circular windows, or even diamond- shaped ones.   Indoor shutters can have some interesting options that give the homeowner total control over the way the light gets filtered. For instance, light strips can be installed along the edges of the inside mounts. These light strips limit the light that can enter along the sides. Another option is to install the hinges into grooves, so they become recessed into the window frame. This serves the purpose of limiting the space between the window frame and the edge of the slat to provide a more pleasing appearance. The specific procedures used for the care and maintenance of indoor shutters depends on the materials used to make them. Those that are made from a stained natural wood finish require a specific approach, while faux wood or plastic shutters have less restrictive cleaning processes. Painted indoor shutters will have yet a different set of requirements for cleaning and maintenance. Decisions about how to keep indoor shutters in the best possible condition should coincide with the specific instructions that are issued by the manufacturer prior to installation. However, it is advisable to vacuum all types of indoor shutters frequently.