Information provided by www.opennshut.co.uk
The UK's largest online showroom for shutters and blinds, packed with helpful information and expert advice.
Sam Dunster of www.opennshut.co.uk provides expert advice on window shutters and blinds. The top 10 asked questions for internal shutters are...
Yes. On my website www.opennshut.co.uk. Ever since making furniture at college I have prided myself on taking pictures of all my work. This has followed through when fitting shutters. I have put some of my best examples online so you can get a feel for what shutters could look like in your home. Having an online showroom means you can visit 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. This keeps my costs down and allows me to offer shutters online at a discounted price. There are also pictures included with some of my testimonials which customers have sent in to show me their handywork, along with their comments for you to read.
I keep things simple and supply three types of shutters. One made from MDF (Standard), one made from real Wood (Elite) and an ABS plastic shutter.
Standard shutters are great for any rooms as they are moisture-resistant coating and have wipeable surfaces. The Elite shutters, currently made from Basswood, are available in wide range of colours and options including Solid and Shaped shutters. The ABS plastic shutters are ideal for bathrooms, kitchens, untility rooms and playrooms, as they are durable, hardwearing and water-resistant.
For my best advice on measuring your window, register on my website www.opennshut.co.uk and upload some digital photos of your window via the “My Account” section. Sash bay windows are the easiest to measure as you can generally treat them as 3 or 4 separate windows. UPVC double-glazed windows will require more guidance from me, which is when the photos are particularly useful. I have successfully advised a range of customers on measuring and fitting for bay windows, as this is one of the most popular window shapes to fit wooden window shutters on.
For customers wanting to customise their fitting or match older style shutters, it is possible to order your interior window shutters without an outer frame. This will mean you will have no easy way of fixing them, no magnets to hold them closed and a chance the louvre blades may hit any window handles that may protrude. Where possible, it is best to use shutters fitted in a 4-sided frame as they will provide a neater, more professional finish.
I offer the 3 most popular sizes of louvre blades, or slats as some people call them, sized at 47mm (small), 64mm (medium) and 89mm (large). The 64mm (medium) blade is the most popular and suits most windows, as when they are open they provide plenty of light in and a good view out. On very large windows it may be advisable to have the large louver blades, and on a very small window the small blades, I am always happy to provide you with advice on your choice if you are unsure.
Interior window shutters are generally pre-finished in a standard colour or stain to provide an excellent appearance and added-protection. I can offer customised colours and stains, or shutters without a finish. The most popular finish is silk white, but I can also colour match some of the most popular paint manufacturers colours if you want to have a particular look in your room. I usually advice having shutters with a finish, as this will protect the shutter from damage during use or from sunlight, and the finish provided by the manufacturers is specifically intended for use on shutters.
I supply shaped shutters from templates or technical drawings. You will need to provide digital photos of your windows, so I can talk you through the measuring process, as I have many customers with unique shapes and specially designed windows. You can see examples of the shaped wooden window shutters I have provided in my showroom. If your window is large as well as shaped it may also be advisable to have the elite shutter, which is lighter than MDF.
Both Louvred and Solid style shutters will provide some sound-proofing, plus they each assist with heat insulation. Since sound travels through air, so solid shutters will provide the best sound proofing.
The Deco frame is a different style of frame designed to fit on the outside of the window recess. It has a decorative surround like a door architrave and picture frame. Use this frame when you have windows that open inwards. The frame overlaps the recess by approx 72mm each side. You will need to add this measurement to each side, top and bottom of your window sizes to obtain a quote.
Yes, you can download instructions online via log in to my website www.opennshut.co.uk, where you also have access to my fitting tips and contacting me personally for additional guidance. I am always happy to help you by sharing my experience in fitting shutters.
Sam Dunster of www.opennshut.co.uk provides expert advice on window shutters and blinds. He prides himself on personally guiding each customer who completes the free registration on his website and requests assistance with their home projects. Whether for a basic single window or complete house of differing styles and complicated considerations, Sam will advise until the customer makes an informed decision in their own time.