Article Synopsis
This article looks at why plantation shutters are a natural fit for Islington's Georgian homes, touching on the borough's conservation areas, its arts and political reputation, and its long association with Arsenal FC. It closes with a look at the styles The Bespoke Shutter Company can offer, and how to book a free, no-obligation consultation.
This will take around four minutes to read.
Islington has plenty to shout about: a theatre scene that is second only to the West End, a long history of literary and political residents, and a proud association with Arsenal FC. But walk down Upper Street or into one of the borough's garden squares, and it's the beautiful Georgian architecture that stands out.
Terrace after terrace of tall, elegant townhouses, many protected within conservation areas, line the streets across N1 and beyond. These properties were built with a very particular kind of window treatment in mind: internal folding shutters. Today, fitting plantation shutters is more than an upgrade; it’s a homecoming.
Plantation Shutters in Islington from The Bespoke Shutter Company
At The Bespoke Shutter Company, we fit plantation shutters in Islington as well as made to measure shutters all across North London, from the Georgian streets of Barnsbury and Canonbury in N1 to Highbury (N5) and Holloway (N7). Fill in our contact form for a free, no-obligation consultation, or call us on 020 3131 3155.
They Restore the Original Georgian Look
Georgian sash windows in the area were originally fitted with solid, hinged shutters that folded flat into a box built into the window reveal. Historic England's own listing for Canonbury House still records this today, describing the ground floor's original "panelled window embrasures." Fitting new made to measure shutters brings that original look back with added benefits, rather than a modern addition bolted on afterwards.
They Offer Privacy on Islington's Georgian Squares N1
Many of the borough's finest terraces, including those around Barnsbury Square and Canonbury Square in N1, sit close to the pavement, with tall sash windows in full view from the street. Installing shutters allows you to close the louvres, giving complete privacy at street level without shutting out daylight from the upper half of the window. This makes shutters a more practical choice than curtains for a period townhouse fronting directly onto a busy road.
They Give You Control Over the Light
Georgian sash windows were designed to let in as much light as possible, with tall proportions and slim glazing bars. That's wonderful on a bright morning, but not always welcome if you're trying to watch television or work from home. The adjustable louvres of plantation shutters let you angle the light exactly how you want it, room by room, without losing the character of the window itself.
They Help with Noise from Busy Streets
Many streets in Highbury (N5) and Holloway (N7) see plenty of passing traffic, and match days near the Emirates Stadium bring their own extra noise. A well-fitted set of shutters adds a genuine layer of sound insulation, taking the edge off traffic and crowd noise, which matters in a borough where so many front doors open straight onto a busy road.
They Improve Thermal Insulation in Period Homes
Original Georgian sashes are famously draughty, and because so many of Islington's terraces sit within conservation areas such as Barnsbury, replacing them with double glazing usually isn't an option. Interior shutters add a layer of insulation without altering the window itself, helping to keep the heat in during winter and out during the height of summer.
Free Consultations from The Bespoke Shutter Company
Whether you're after solid panelled shutters that echo the original Georgian style, or a tier-on-tier design that gives you more flexibility over light and privacy, The Bespoke Shutter Company can supply and install made to measure shutters across Islington and North London. Book your free, no-obligation consultation, or call us on 020 3131 3155 or email info@bespokeshutters.com.
FAQs
Q: Do I need planning permission to fit shutters in a Georgian conservation area in Islington?
A: In most cases, no. Interior shutters are considered a minor, reversible fitting rather than a structural alteration, so they're usually exempt from planning permission. However, if your property is a listed building, it's worth checking with Islington Council's planning department before booking any work.
Q: Can shutters really help with noise around the Emirates Stadium?
A: Yes. While shutters won't block out every noise on a match day, a well-fitted set adds a genuine extra layer of sound insulation, which is useful for homes located close to the stadium or on a busy main road.
Q: What is the process for ordering shutters from The Bespoke Shutter Company?
A: We'll arrange a visit to provide a written quote. Once you confirm your order, a surveyor takes precise measurements before installation, which typically takes place six to eight weeks later. All our shutters come with a minimum three-year warranty from the date of fitting, covering warping and workmanship defects.
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