Over the centuries, shutters have been fitted to the outside of properties, as well as to the inside. Here, The Bespoke Shutter Company, who can design and install made-to-measure interior shutters in North London and further afield, look at the history of both types of window fitting, and why the internal variety offers several advantages over its external counterpart.
The History of Shutters
Shutters were often the only window covering available as glass did not become generally affordable until the late 17th century. Until that point, shutters had been used for weather protection, particularly in Mediterranean countries, and were often fixed to a property’s outside walls.
However, the increasing popularity and convenience of glass meant that shutters could become an optional extra. The trend shifted towards interior shutters for their aesthetic and functional benefits.
For example, the original plantation shutters, which were so called because they were installed on plantation farmhouses in the southern States of the USA, were largely fitted inside. They still offered the same protection against high winds and hot sun as their external counterparts.
For more information on the history of shutters, check out our previous article here.
So, what are the advantages of interior shutters over external ones?
They are Longer Lasting
Exterior shutters are more exposed to the elements and so, while you may not need to dust them or wipe them down as often, there will be more long-term damage unless you look after them properly. This particularly applies if they are made from wood rather than any composite materials.
This means plenty of repainting or varnishing to mitigate the effects of the rain and snow (and prolonged hot spells may fade any paintwork, and lead to the wood cracking or becoming brittle). Even with regular repainting, you may find you have to replace them more frequently than internal ones.
They are More Accessible
External shutters may need to be permanently fixed to the outside wall. This is because windows in the UK open outwards, so you won’t be able to fit them to the existing window frame. This means it will be more difficult to open and close them from inside your home.
They Can Offer More Heat and Light Control
Exterior shutters have louvres, but in the past the panels tended to be in fixed positions so you couldn’t alter them (although this is less the case now). In contrast, interior shutters come with adjustable louvres so you can alter the angle to regulate the amount of heat and light which you allow into any given room. This is particularly important during any hot spells.
They Offer Better Aesthetics
This is a more subjective benefit, as some people prefer the somewhat rustic or Mediterranean look of exterior shutters. However, external ones will substantially alter the appearance of your home as they will be permanently on display, whether they are open or shut. Some design experts believe they will look out of place unless the rest of your home has a similarly Mediterranean vibe.
Interior Window Shutters in North London from the Bespoke Shutter Company
At The Bespoke Shutter Company, we can supply and install all types of interior plantation shutter in London, Hertfordshire and Essex. These include tier-on-tier, café-style, full length and solid shutters. And don’t worry if your window is an unusual shape – we haven’t yet found a window that we can’t fit a shutter to.
Simply follow this link and complete the form to get a free, no-obligation consultation. You can also call us on 0203 131 3155.
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