White globe on windowsill

Why Shutters Are The Perfect Fit For A Nursery

by Shutters

Have a baby on the way and you’re looking for a way to add just the right touch of style to your nursery? Shutters are the perfect choice! Not only do they provide protection from the sun and give your baby some privacy, but they also offer many other benefits that make them a great choice for any nursery.

One of the biggest advantages of shutters is their versatility. Because they come in a wide variety of styles and finishes, you can easily find ones that perfectly match the aesthetic of your nursery. Whether you prefer classic or modern designs, or want something with a bold pop of colour or soothing neutral tones, there’s sure to be a set that works for you.

There are a number of reasons why shutters make the perfect addition to any nursery. First and foremost, they provide privacy and shading from the sun, making it easier for your little one to sleep soundly – this can aid a few things like naps and early bedtimes.

Secondly, they’re an excellent way to reduce outside noise pollution, whether that be from a busy street or screaming siblings they are a great way to stop your baby from getting distracted – they are also a great to help regulate the temperature in the room, keeping it cool in summer and warm in winter.

Thirdly, shutters are an extremely versatile window treatment option; you can adjust the louvers to let in as much or as little light as you like, and they can be opened and closed with the simplest amount of movement.

Overall, shutters are a great option for nurseries because they offer so many benefits to both you and your little one. Whether you’re looking to create a soothing sleeping environment, reduce outside noise, or simply have more control over the room temperature, shutters make a perfect fit for any nursery.

And finally, shutters are an incredibly versatile option for nurseries and can be customized to suit any style or decor scheme. Whether you want a clean, modern look or something more traditional and classic, there is sure to be a shutter style that will work perfectly for your nursery.

Shutters from Paul James Blinds

Shutters are the perfect choice for nurseries of all types. With a variety of styles and finishes to choose from, we can help you create a beautiful space that will be perfect for resting and playing. And with our professional installation services, you can rest assured knowing your shutters will always look their best. So why wait? Get in touch with us today to learn more about how our nursery shutters can transform your little one’s room!

venetian blinds

What is the difference between shutters and blinds?

by BlindsShutters

When choosing window coverings for your home, you may come to find that there are many more options than you initially thought. If curtains are not for you, you still have the choice between blinds or shutters. While a decision may be made primarily based upon aesthetics, there are several functional differences to consider too. In this article, we will be delving into the differences between shutters and blinds and looking at the unique characteristics of each.

Blinds

Blinds are a form of internal window covering which come in a huge variety of styles and materials. Blinds are only attached to the top of your window and hang down freely to cover the windowpane. Generally, they open vertically and are controlled by cord pulls; however, horizontally opening options are available. Blinds can be opened as much, or as little, as you wish, making them a versatile option for achieving privacy and admittance of light. Slatted blinds – such as Venetians and vertical blinds – offer the greatest control as the slats can be oriented as you wish, letting in light whilst still giving privacy.

 

What is the difference between shutters and binds?

Pros:

  • Vast range of styles – e.g. Venetian, vertical, Roman, roller, pleated – and materials possible
  • Very affordable
  • Options to suit any room – e.g. blackout blinds for a bedroom, aluminium Venetians for an often steam filled bathroom
  • Variable light admittance
  • Can be fitted to unusually shaped windows
  • Take up very little space

Cons:

  • Quite susceptible to wear and tear – e.g. worn blind cords
  • Fabrics can fade over time
  • Depending on style, can require regular cleaning

Shutters

Shutters are window coverings which can be installed internally or externally on your windows – for the best comparison to blinds, we shall consider internally fixed shutters.

Shutters are a permanently fixed, precisely fitted window covering which are attached directly to the window frame. Shutters are made from sturdier, thicker materials than blinds, often wood. They operate similarly to Venetian blinds in that they are made up of horizontal slats which can be rotated, allowing good light control. The controlling mechanism for the slats is generally a rod. Shutter panels can be opened completely and will swing away horizontally from the window, like opening a door.

Pros:

  • Highly durable
  • Timeless appeal, won’t need regular updating
  • Can provide improved insulation, keeping your home warmer in winter and cooler in summer
  • Great light control and air filtration
  • Rod operating mechanism is safer than the cord or loop option on most blinds
  • Can create total privacy when closed
  • A more unusual window covering, makes your house more individual and can even add value to your home

Cons:

  • Can be relatively expensive
  • Take up more space than blinds
  • Can block light flow more than blinds, so are best used on larger windows

 

Paul James Blinds give customers a huge range of premier window covering options to choose from. We offer beautiful blinds in numerous styles, materials and finishes, as well as several styles of high quality window shutters. Our experts provide a bespoke fitting service to ensure your window coverings sit seamlessly on your window. For a blinds and shutters specialist around the areas of Colchester, Sudbury, Braintree and Bury St Edmunds, get in touch with Paul James Blinds today.

 

 

Plantation Shutters - Paul James Blinds

Plantation shutter material options explained

by Shutters

Plantation shutters, or ‘shutter blinds’, are a high quality, low maintenance and long-lasting alternative to blinds. They can add elegance to any window and can be made to fit any unusual window shape. Plantation shutters are offered in a range of materials including wood and uPVC, each material with a host of different pros and cons, and suitabilities for different rooms and purposes. This article provides a guide on the different options available to you so you can make an informed decision on your purchase.

Real wood

Wood is a great addition to any home as its warm colours and individual grained pattern add a feeling of luxury to the room. Wood can be quite expensive in comparison to other materials available, but it’s very long-lasting and durable so can be worth the investment for a long-term, aesthetically pleasing shutter.

Advantages:

  • Highly insulating
  • Good light control
  • Low maintenance
  • Strong
  • Can be customised to fit any window easily
  • Can be left natural or painted

Disadvantages:

  • Susceptible to humidity – can warp and bend if in areas of high moisture so unsuitable for humid climates and bathrooms
  • Expensive
  • Have to be cautious when cleaning – chemicals can damage the wood

Faux-wood

Faux-wood plantation shutters consist of a vinyl or PVC and wood composite that offers a great alternative to the real wooden counterpart for anyone who wants the luxury of real wood without the price tag.

Advantages:

  • Cheaper than real wood
  • Suitable for humid areas – faux wood is moisture resistant so can be used in tropical climates or areas of high moisture, such as bathrooms
  • Easier to clean – faux wood can be cleaned using most standard cleaning products
  • Environmentally friendly – made from recyclable materials

Disadvantages:

  • Heavier than real wood
  • Can’t be painted or stained
  • Fewer colour options available
  • Less elegant than real wood

uPVC or Vinyl

uPVC is robust and resilient, offering a clean and stylish look to any window. Constructed from a thermoplastic material that is easily molded, this composition can be adapted to fit any window and is made from 100% recyclable material.

Advantages

  • Can be more durable than wood
  • Completely resistant to moisture
  • No warping, peeling or flaking
  • Considered more hygienic – can be cleaned with virtually any cleaning product
  • High thermal efficiency
  • Fire retardant
  • Can be fitted with various inserts to increase strength and improve structural integrity

Disadvantages:

  • Can’t be painted or stained
  • Heavy structures
  • Would not suit a traditional or classic styled home
  • Some listed or old buildings and conservation areas don’t allow uPVC to be used in order to retain the character of the house
  • Limited style and colour options
  • More expensive than timber
  • Can be sensitive to UV light if not properly coated

Paul James Blinds offer a first rate and personalised service in the Colchester area and offer all types of window shutters to suit any home or decor. Our friendly and helpful staff will be happy to assist you in every aspect of your purchase, from colour choice to installation. For a free quote or home visit, contact us here.

Shutters - Paul James Blinds

Using Shutters to Reduce Winter Heating Costs

by Shutters

With fuel prices constantly going up and weather being increasingly unpredictable, finding ways to reduce or minimize home heating and cooling costs is a subject on the minds of many home owners, and window shutters are an excellent and cost-effective way to do just that. Available in a range of materials, styles and colours, window shutters can be made to fit any style or decor and are the ultimate in light control and privacy, as well as being an effective energy efficient upgrade.

How Do Shutters Save Energy?

Window shutters save on heating and cooling costs in two ways. Firstly, both the shutters themselves, and the space formed between them and the window pane, add additional insulating layers, keeping heat in during the winter and out in the summer. When shutters are fully closed they form an effective insulating layer, creating a vacuum between themselves and the window glass that impedes heat transfer, and forms an excellent barrier against draughts and air currents.

Secondly, shutters allow people inside the home to control exactly how much light gets in which can have an effect on indoor temperatures as well, particularly in terms of avoiding overheating in the summer. Imagine how warm it gets in a glass greenhouse in the summer, with sunshine pouring in from all directions. The same greenhouse effect can heat a home, which may be desirable on a sunny winter day, but makes air conditioning costs more expensive during the summer. Shutters allow for control of light levels, thereby controlling the greenhouse effect in the home.

Is Installing Shutters Cost-Effective?

Properly installed window shutters are far superior to other common energy efficiency upgrades around the home, such as applying plastic film over windows or replacing doors and windows. They are also easier to install than many of these other options, and therefore cause less disruption to the daily home routine. The result is a sound investment that will not only increase the beauty and privacy of the home, but will make a noticeable difference in home heating and cooling costs that will lead to a rapid return on investment in terms of energy savings, not to mention improved quality of living.

What Other Advantages Do Shutters Offer?

Aside from being an excellent energy saving feature in any home, shutters are attractive, adaptable to any decor, easy to clean and can be customised to a wide range of window shapes and sizes as well as indoor conditions. They allow occupants to adjust the level of natural light coming into the home, either by opening and closing the entire shutter or by adjusting the louvers for more subtle control. Closed shutters can block up to 90% of light from getting in, and special blackout shutters can block nearly 100% of light.

The same mechanisms that allow light control also allow occupants to adjust the privacy of their windows, using partially opened shutters to admit natural light while maintaining privacy, in a way that is adjustable depending on the circumstances.

Paul James Blinds

Paul James Blinds offers an affordable selection of window shutters in a range of styles and materials, with a wide range of colours on offer to coordinate with any look or decor. Free home visits, measuring and installation services ensure that whatever choice is made, the shutters are guaranteed to fit well and look great, adding privacy, comfort and style to any home. Get in touch to find out more about our range of window shutters today.