Blackout shutters

A new blackout shutter is now available.

A blackout blind comes pre-fitted within a 76mm deep shutter frame with removable light stops. The blind is fitted behind the light stops at the back of the shutter and is pulled up and down with a side cord usually fitted on the right hand side.

A great solution if you work nights or don't like the early morning sun. The blinds will also reduce noise and increase insulation. Blackout shutters are generally better than Solid shutters due to the flexibility the louvres offer during the day and the blind at night.

They can be ordered with DIY shutters or Fitted shutters in the Standard, Standard Plus and Elite range.

Available to order now online, if you would like any further details call Sam on 0844 8584025.

Easy to Fit Interior Shutters

I am often asked how easy it is to fit interior shutters, however, as my DIY customers will tell you, it really is that easy! There are many comments in my DIY testimonials to this effect.

The interior shutters I supply are extremely easy to fit as they are all completely pre-made so need only be fitted together. The frame system has pre-drilled holes, so just needs to be fitted into the window recess. The frame has a set of inserts that pop or slide out and are easily replaced once the frame is screwed in place, hiding the screws that hold the frame and creating a neat finished appearance to the overall window.

All of my frame systems come with the easy fit hidden fixings including the side fix and deco frames, making fitting easy regardless of the type of window you may have. I have a wide range of frames available making it easy to find the right frame and interior shutters for any window.

Quality Window Shutters

When shopping for window shutters it’s easy to be confused by the range of products out there. I have tried to make it easy for my customers by stocking what I believe is one of the best products currently available.

For me what sets my products apart from others is the overall high quality and detail that has gone into both making and finishing each shutter. The panels are 28.6mm thick, making them solid and sturdy, they are properly jointed with mortice and tenons to ensure they remain secure. Each of the window shutters has a 7-layer paint finish making them less likely to chip back to the base material and to protect them from daily wear and tear. Each shutter door is interlocking so that there is minimum light seepage, with magnets to hold the doors in place – these also prevent the doors banging or knocking if you leave windows open for ventilation. All of this also comes in an easy-fit frame system which ensures the final finish looks professional even if you have ‘done it yourself’.

If you are shopping around make sure that you are getting a ‘like for like’ comparison, and that other window shutters you are considering have been finished to the same high standard.

Shutters before Christmas

If you want shutters delivered before Christmas you don't have long to place your order. This year my cut off date is 21st October.

As usual it's the transport time that necessitates the early ordering, as containers fill up with the latest toys and games all winging their way to the UK shops for December. Orders are usually made within as little as 24 hours of the order being placed, but it can take up to 5 weeks to transport the shutters and get them through customs.

The best way to get advice if your unsure about measuring is to email me some photos of your windows along with some rough sizes, and I will then call you back with some advice.

The DIY shutter kits all have easyfit frame systems making fitting shutters really easy, however, if you would prefer us to fit them for you, you will need to call us as soon as possible to book your survey.

DIY Shutters without frames

I was recently asked if I could supply diy shutters without frames, and I am always happy to do this if required. While the frames make fitting easy, there are times when using panels only is the right option.

In this case the customer wanted to fit the shutter panels either side of a front door, so they would not be opened, and I have done this myself as part of a fitted service for another customer. They can assist in protecting privacy, but its important to make sure that if you want to adjust the louver blades you have clearance between the surface you fitting them to and the blades themselves.

Another instance in which I supplied diy shutters with panels only was for a window with a particularly spectacular view in a property that isn’t overlooked, but is only used for weekends and holidays. In this case the panels were held in place by magnets and removed when the property was occupied so as not to inhibit the view.

If you would prefer your diy shutters without a frame feel free to ask. You can always use the photo upload service so that I can view your windows to ensure this is possible or the best option for you.

Why have white shutters?

Many customers ask me for stains and occasionally colours, however, I always recommend white shutters. Silk white is the most popular colour I supply, and this is primarily because:

• it matches white upvc windows and painted white window frames, overall creating a more fitted finish
• it won’t date or go out of fashion
• it matches a range of décor, so there is no need to re-spray them if you change the colours or furnishings within your room
• white shutters reflect light making the room feel lighter, airy and gives a feeling of space
• if you are considering selling in the near future white will appeal to buyers as it will match whatever furniture they have and will fit with any colour scheme – it can also create the right impression for the property as the buyer approaches the front door for the first time and can attract people to a property.

While colours and stains have their place, and in particular colour can create a feature in a room such as a child’s bedroom or bathroom, white shutters are timeless and may end up saving you money in replacing window coverings when you decide its time to update your room.

Luxaflex Duette & Plisse Blinds

Luxaflex blinds have recently revamped their Duette and Plisse range to include some new options. Having been through the product range I was pleased to see the introduction of a 64mm blind, including in the blackout option, as this matches the shutter range I supply.

I sell a number of the Duette blackout supplied by Luxaflex blinds, and I have chosen these for several reasons. Firstly they are excellent quality, and I prefer to supply a quality product that will be durable, secondly there are several benefits relating to heat retention/loss that are invaluable. The blackout version incorporates a clever silver backing, which isn’t visible when the blind is raised or lowered, but with the honeycomb structure of the blind helps to trap valuable heat during the winter. During the summer the same backing helps to repel the sun’s rays, reducing the amount of heat entering the room, helping to keep temperatures down.

I hope to update the website to reflect the new 64mm addition shortly as part of the Luxaflex blinds collection, but in the meantime if you would like to know more please feel free to call me Tel: 0844 858 4025 or send me your question by message or email.