Window treatments have a long history of over a
thousand years. Until the 16th century, curtains made of silk and damask
as well as wooden shutters were in use to regulate light and air
streaming into the house. From the 16th century onwards, curtains and
drapes made of silk, wool and linen dominated window treatments, and
pelmets and cornices complemented them.
Designs for drapes and curtains evolved over time, becoming more complex and using a variety of patterns and materials sourced from abroad. However, the rationing of fabric during the World Wars saw drapes becoming simpler. It also brought shutters back into the limelight, which by then had been relegated to plantations in the south only.
What are interior shutters?
Window shutters trace back to ancient Greece, when fixed louvers of marble were put together to regulate light, air and heat indoors. Solid shutters were preferred in colder regions, as they helped keep the indoor warmth.
For a thousand or more years, stone louvers and solid shutters became popular all over the Mediterranean. In medieval Europe, people started experimenting with wooden and movable louvers to regulate light and air.
The Spanish, who colonized the Americas, popularized movable, wooden, louvered shutters all over the region. Plantations in southern US adopted them en masse, as thet made it easy for plantation owners to monitor workers from inside their homes.
Designs for drapes and curtains evolved over time, becoming more complex and using a variety of patterns and materials sourced from abroad. However, the rationing of fabric during the World Wars saw drapes becoming simpler. It also brought shutters back into the limelight, which by then had been relegated to plantations in the south only.
What are interior shutters?
Window shutters trace back to ancient Greece, when fixed louvers of marble were put together to regulate light, air and heat indoors. Solid shutters were preferred in colder regions, as they helped keep the indoor warmth.
For a thousand or more years, stone louvers and solid shutters became popular all over the Mediterranean. In medieval Europe, people started experimenting with wooden and movable louvers to regulate light and air.
The Spanish, who colonized the Americas, popularized movable, wooden, louvered shutters all over the region. Plantations in southern US adopted them en masse, as thet made it easy for plantation owners to monitor workers from inside their homes.
Gradually, as homes began to be constructed from wood, walls started becoming thinner. External shutters became popular, as they could be easily accessed from inside the house, and keep out the rainwater at the same time.
Types of Interior shutters
Various types of interior shutters derive from the following factors:
- Shape: Shutters modify the width and spacing of louvers and derive names when they fit windows that could be circular, triangular, oval-shaped, square or rectangular.
- Size: While a single panel of shutters is adequate for smaller windows, bi-fold or tri-fold shutters are required for larger windows; each panel of the latter is attached to another using hinges.
- Utility: Custom-made shutters are designed for French windows and extra large windows: they may consist of multiple panels with wheels fixed to their edges and gliding on tracks.
- Humidity: Wooden shutters for bathrooms get exposed to steam and water and would warp. To overcome this problem, designers started experimenting with composits.
- Material: Decay resistance is the preference factor of underwood, teak, mahagony and cedar, while low cost is that of synthetic and composite materials.
- Finish: Synthetic shutters come in different colors with matte or glossy finish.Wooden shutters are given various finishes using oils, lacquers and staining.
Tips on getting shutters right
- Cost: Shutters made of wood or bamboo are costlier, while those made of composites are available in the mid-range.
- Style: Depending on the look or ambience you want to achieve, you can use interior shutters, west coast plantation type, cottage style and regular plantation style shutters.
- Materials: Lighter materials like vinyl and aluminium are preferable for large windows, and for smaller ones, you can experiment with wood or fibreboard.
Shutters serve a simple function; however, they come in a wide range of colours, designs, materials and costs. A professional decor company will spend time with you to understand your needs and recommend the most suitable option for you.
