Why Victorian Shutters are a Solid Investment
The Victorian era saw many inventions that we all continue to use up to today, from stamps to telephones, and from rubber tyres to ice cream. One of the less heralded innovations of the age is the Victorian shutter.
Here The Bespoke Shutter Company, who supply and install Victorian shutters to homes and businesses in Herts, Essex and London, look at the history of this window fitting, and how it remains a good investment for both period and modern homes today.
More Out than In
Victorian window shutters tended to be full length and solid. They were also as likely to be found outside of a home as the inside. This is because windows generally weren’t recessed as much in the Victorian era, and were therefore more reachable. In most Victorian homes, planning laws dictated that the windows should be flush with the outside of the property (so there weren’t many expansive bay windows). This did not change until 1894. Exterior shutters were also a good security device for when the owner was away, preventing thieves from seeing that the house was unoccupied.
In addition, walls were thinner during the Victorian age. Therefore, solid shutters were needed for insulation purposes, as well as to reduce noise from outside, particularly in busy city environments.
Why Have They Moved Inside?
Some of the original outside shutters have deteriorated due to prolonged exposure to the elements. Many original Victorian shutters have also been painted over or sealed in place for similar reasons.
Placing the same style of shutter on the inside brings the same benefits (for example, privacy and shutting out the light), without the risk of the wood succumbing to weathering and rotting.
The rule change in 1894 meant that lots of bay windows were built in the latter stages of the Victorian era, as well into the following decades, even up to today. One of the best ways of covering these large expanses is with internal shutters.
Other Uses of Solid Shutters
Solid shutters aren’t just for Victorian properties, they are also very useful in more modern homes where there is a need to block out the light completely. For example, children’s bedrooms are an ideal location if they are light sleepers; equally adults’ bedrooms if they work unusual hours and appreciate the reduction in noise and light.
These types of shutters are also useful in certain downstairs rooms such as home cinemas and gyms where you don’t want any distractions from outside, or anyone peering in.
Solid Shutters from The Bespoke Shutter Company
The Bespoke Shutter Company supply and install solid shutters in homes throughout South London, North London Herts, and Essex. Our shutters are either made out of cedar, which although classified as a softwood it is not likely to warp or crack, or a hardwood, which means they are more durable, long-lasting and cost-effective.
This is in stark contrast to many of the original outdoor shutters which were made from pine or other types of softwood, which would weather and rot more easily and therefore need replacing more often.
If you would like to know more about our selection of Victorian shutters, give us a call on 020 3131 3155 or click on this link and fill in the contact form. We also supply a wide choice of other shutter types, including tier-on-tier, full length and café-style. We can also fit more unusually-shaped shutters, including to boats and houseboats – we like to think that if there is any type of window that can’t accommodate a shutter, then we haven’t come across it yet.
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