Whether you’re after beautiful bay window shutters, full height, cafe style  or conservatory shutters – we can help you find the perfect style.

Order yours today and get 10% off!

10% discount on all UK made Faux Wood Shutters

Our imitation wood shutters are made right here in the UK, which means that you can be confident they’re of the highest quality.

And not just that! Because they’re UK made, it means that we can order your made to measure shutters and have them delivered and ready for installation in just 2 weeks!

Why choose imitation wood shutters?

Our high quality faux wood shutters can be made from vinyl, uPVC or plastic, making them durable, water resistant and easy to clean.

Not only that, they look fantastic too!

It’s a great way to get the stylish effect of real wood shutters without the hassle of warping or discolouring over time.

And because our faux wood shutters are made right here in the UK, you can also get them faster, with only a 2 week turnaround between measurement and installation which we provide free for customers in the Warwickshire area!

Ready to order? Get your 10% discount off UK made faux wood shutters today!

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With a UK supplier, not only do we have access to some of the highest quality imitation wood shutters and blinds, it also means that we have drastically reduced waiting times when you order.

We can now offer turnaround times of just 2 weeks on our made to measure faux wood venetian blinds and faux wood shutters!

And of course that comes with free measuring and installation for all our Warwickshire customers too.

So if you’re looking for high quality, UK made vinyl, plastic or upvc shutters or venetian blinds, not only can Leamington Blinds can offer you the very best products – we can also provide measuring, manufacture and installation within just 2 weeks!

Get in touch today for a quote or to find out more!

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But with so many different types out there, how can you be sure you’re getting the style you really want?

In this guide we’ll give you a run-down of all the most popular shutters, so you know exactly what style is right for you.

What types of shutters are there?

Let’s start with the basics – what are the different types of shutter? We’ve broken our guide down into the most popular styles:

1. Plantation
2. Solid
3. Café
4. Full height
5. Tier on tier
6. Bi-fold shutters
7. Sliding shutters
8. Arched

We’ll explain the unique features of each one, give you the pros and cons, and help you choose the perfect shutters for your windows.

Plantation shutters

Plantation shutters get their name from the large Plantation homes of the American South, where the expansive windows were shaded and insulated by large wooden shutters.

They also have tiltable slats or louvres that can be adjusted to give you just the right level of light.

The other big feature of plantation shutters is that they can be opened out like doors. This is why they’re such a popular choice for large or long windows, but means that you do need a good amount of space around your window for them to be a good option.

If you’ve not got a decent level of space around your window, then plantation shutters may not be a great choice. After all, you don’t want to damage your shutters (or your furniture) by bashing them on something every time they’re opened.

Solid shutters

If you’re looking for a sturdy shutter that blocks out almost all light, then solid panel shutters could be the perfect choice for you.

Unlike louvre window shutters which have slats that let you manage how much light can come through the window, these shutters come as a single, solid piece.

Solid window shutters are very popular for older, period houses, as they’re in perfect keeping with the style. They’re also a popular choice for outdoor as well as indoor window shutters, giving a little extra security and insulation.

Café shutters

Café-style shutters are a fantastic option if your biggest issue is privacy. Café shutters only cover the lower portion of a window, leaving the top part open.

They’re often used in combination with blinds or curtains, and are incredibly popular for older properties – particularly those with sash windows. Because sash windows have a clearly defined upper and lower portion of the window, café shutters look absolutely perfect across the lower portion of the window.

The actual design of the shutter itself can come in lots of different styles, from louvered window shutters to solid panels.

Café shutters can also be a good option for arched windows. That’s because they can cover the base of the window (which is a regular shape), and you don’t need to have the top of the shutter specially designed to fit the curve of your arch.

Full height shutters

This is the opposite of café-style, full height shutters cover your whole window top to bottom. This can look very impressive if you have large, high windows, but to some it can give a bit of an imposing look.

Full height is a common choice if you have smaller windows, or if you don’t need to have too much flexibility. They also come in a range of styles, so whether you’re after solid or louvre shutters, you’re likely to find a full height option that’s right for you.

Tier on Tier shutters

Tier on Tier shutters are the mid point between café and full height shutters. With this style you have multiple tiers of shutter which are stacked on each other.

This gives you a huge level of flexibility, as you can independently manage the tiers to give you different levels of light control and privacy. So you can have the upper tier open and the lower tier closed, or vice versa. Or you can have the entire window shaded or open.

If you’re after a really flexible shutter, tier on tier shutters may be the best option for you.

Bi-fold shutters

This style of shutter is a great way to get shutters that are easy to open and close, without taking up lots of room around your window.

Each panel of the shutter folds in the middle, meaning you can move them to the side without them needing lots of space for a big single panel.

This is a really popular option if you’re looking for patio or french door shutters, as you can have multiple panels which fold up like a concertina.

Bi-fold shutters can either be tracked shutters, meaning that they run off a track at the base and top of your window, or free standing, which means that the panels are simply fixed at the far ends.

Tracked bifold shutters are perfect for long windows where you need multiple shutter panels. But freestanding can often be a great option too, for example if you need bay window shutters.

Freestanding bifold shutters can manage the flexibility needed for a bay window, as they can cope with the different angles between each panel. Of course if your bay window is pretty big, you may still need the security of tracks, so it’s always best to ask an expert fitter before making your decision about the right shutters for your bay window.

Sliding shutters

Another space-saving alternative to bi-fold shutters are sliding window shutters. These are another style of tracked shutter, but here the tracks continue past the window, so that the shutter panel can be pushed back either into a wall cavity, or against the wall.

While this can save a lot of space in front of the window, naturally you need enough space to the side of the window to store the shutter panel. So think carefully about your space before deciding this is the right option for you.

Arched window shutters

Shaped shutters are needed if your windows aren’t a standard rectangular shape, and the most common form of shaped windows are arches.

If you’re after special shapes or arched shutters, it’s always best to get an expert out to have a look at them before making any decisions.

That’s because first and foremost, you’ll need your shutters specially made so they perfectly fit the shape of your window.

How to choose your perfect window shutters

Now you know about all the different styles of interior window shutters, it’s time to think about the finishing touches.

Firstly, you’ll need to decide what sort of material you want your shutters to be made from.

There’s classic choices like hardwood, or cheaper alternatives like MDF. You could also consider faux wood shutters in vinyl or uPVC, which can have a wood-style finish, but keep the hard wearing, moisture resistance of plastic. You can even use our helpful guide to take you through the pros and cons of real and faux wood shutters.

And on top of that, there’s colours and finishes to choose. Probably the most popular shutter finish is bright white, a classic colour that also keeps the shutters from looking too imposing.

But if you go for a real wood shutter, you might choose a natural finish to show them off.

Or you can even go for a more modern style with bright colours to match your room and make your windows a real focal point.

Get a Quote for Shutters

There are so many options that you can choose! And if you need a little help picking the right option for you, the experts at Leamington Blinds are here to help, so get in touch with us today.

The post A complete guide to shutter styles: from plantation to café appeared first on Leamington Blinds.

One of the biggest decisions to make is whether you want real wood or faux wood shutters. And even then, there are a lot of different alternatives, from plastic shutters to mdf shutters.

Each different type of interior shutter has its own list of pros and cons, from how much they cost, to how durable they are – and of course, the finished look.

So in this article, we’ll look at all the different types of shutters for your home, and find out the positives and negatives for each one.

Real wood shutters

One of the most popular types of window shading right now is real wood plantation shutters – and it’s easy to understand why.

Wooden shutters provide a timeless style, and look just as fantastic in a modern home as they do in a period property.

They also appeal to people concerned about their carbon footprint, as they can be made from sustainable materials.

Wooden shutters often provide more variation in style and colour than the alternatives too.  If you want a wooden finish, there are a lot of different types of wood you can choose from, each with its own look and characteristics.

And of course you can opt for painted wooden shutters, which can come in a huge variety of shades, from classic white to bright reds and blues. And if you decide to change the style of your room, you can always change the style of your shutters to match!

But the lovely finish you get from real wood shutters does take quite a bit of maintenance. Varnished wood needs regular treatment, and painted shutters are prone to fading.

Another thing to keep an eye on is keeping your wooden shutters clean – especially if your windows are prone to condensation or damp.

Real wood shutters can absorb this water, leading to warping, cracking or a nasty case of mould or mildew. It’s nothing that can’t be fixed with some regular care, but it’s important that you keep on top of it.

But for many people, the extra upkeep is a small price to pay for the gorgeous finish that real wooden shutters can offer.

Another benefit of having real wooden plantation shutters is their strength and sturdiness.

MDF vs wood shutters

One alternative to having real wood shutters, is MDF or composite shutters.

Composite wood shutters are one of the most popular faux wood shutter options, and are commonly made of a combination of different wood materials and wax. They provide the sturdiness and warmth of hardwood shutters, but also the resilience of vinyl or plastic shutters.

Most composite faux wood shutters are resistant to mildew and mould, and don’t have the tendency to warp or absorb moisture like real wood will.

On the other hand, the finish you get on composite shutters doesn’t quite live up to real wood – even if you apply a grain texture to them. They are also not so versatile, and can’t be repainted once hung.

MDF (or medium density fibreboard) is a specific type of composite material, and has a lot of the same properties as real wood in that it’s very sturdy but also has the same vulnerability to water and damp.

The biggest considerations when you’re choosing MDF or wood shutters are going to be the cost and the finish. MDF can’t provide the lovely natural finish that real wood has, but it usually comes in at a fraction of the price.

Plantation shutters: wood or pvc?

Plastic shutters or vinyl shutters are a great alternative to wood, especially if you’re looking for a long lasting window shade.

PVC shutters (or uPVC shutters) are light, easy to install and look fantastic without too much effort to clean and maintain them.

Compared to real wood, plastic window shutters are often also the more affordable option.

But one down site of opting for upvc window shutters is that they aren’t easy to adapt. Unlike wooden shutters, you won’t be able to update or repaint them after they’ve been installed.

They also don’t have the same warmth and feel you get from real wood – even though you can have a grain effect on your plastic plantation shutters, they’re never going to be quite the same as real oak or teak.

Plantation shutters vs wood blinds

To throw another alternative into the mix, wooden blinds can provide you with a similar look to real wood shutters.

This is a good choice if you’re really not keen on going with pvc or plastic plantation shutters, but can’t stretch your budget to real wood.

Faux wood shutters vs real wood shutters

Real wood shutters are certainly an icon of interior design, but the cost and upkeep of them can be a bit much.

But the best faux wood shutters give you a great range of options. From affordable alternatives like MDF and composite shutters, to the durability and easy maintenance of plastic and vinyl shutters.

If you need a little advice on what shutters are going to work best for your home and budget, you can always get in touch with Leamington Blinds for a quote.

The post What’s the difference? Real wood vs faux wood shutters appeared first on Leamington Blinds.

But which one is right for you?

In this guide, we’ll talk about the benefits of window shutters and blinds as well as the negatives, looking at all the key details that might matter to you, including:

• Shutters vs blinds: the basics
• Cost of shutters vs blinds
• Are blinds or shutters better for blackout?
• Are shutters or blinds easier to install?
• Blinds or shutters for shaped windows?
• Best rooms for shutters and blinds
• Wooden blinds: the best of blinds and shutters
• Shutters or blinds – what’s best for you?

So, by the end of this article you should have all the information you need to make the right choice about whether blinds or shutters are going to be the perfect choice for your home.

Shutters vs blinds: the basics

When you’re looking for shades for your doors or windows, blinds and shutters are popular choices.

There are lots of different types of shutters, including plantation shutters and cafe style shutters. They also come in a range of different finishes and materials, including wooden or faux-wood, vinyl or pvc.

Shutters are a solid structure that you fit to the inside of your window frames. They have louvered slats which can be tilted for more or less light exposure, and they can be folded back from the windows completely when you want to allow lots of light in the room.

Blinds can be made of lots of different materials and come in a huge range of different styles. The most common types you’ll see are material blinds like roller or roman blinds, but you’ll also find venetian blinds which come in aluminium and wood.

Blinds can be fixed within the window frame or the window recess and can be raised and lowered, or moved to the side when you want to let more light in.

Cost of shutters vs blinds

The first big question about whether blinds or shutters are right for you is cost. How much does it cost to install shutters as opposed to blinds? And what is the average cost of the shutters themselves?

Shutter prices do vary quite a bit depending on the material. PVC or MDF shutters tend to be more affordable than real wood options.

Generally speaking, wooden shutters are more expensive than most blinds, and shutter installation usually costs more too.

Shutters are also pretty difficult to buy off the shelf. In order to get ones that perfectly fit, you’re much better off getting an expert in to measure up and fit them for you. Then you can get shutters built to your exact requirements, whatever the shape and size of your windows.

But despite the additional cost, plantation shutters do often add value to a house. They’re a popular feature that can make your house more attractive inside and out.

But blinds can get pricey too, especially if you’re booking for unique blinds to fit in a difficult space, or want to have smart or motorised blinds.

So, in short: the average cost of wooden shutters is more expensive than most blinds, especially when you include install costs, but with shutters you might recoup some of that cost in added house value if you decide to sell.

Are blinds or shutters better for blackout?

Having blackout window coverings is a really popular trend, but are shutters or blinds really best for blackout?

Annoyingly, the answer really depends on the type of blinds or shutters you get, and how they’re fitted.

Blackout blinds are pretty easy to get hold of, and come in a wide range of different styles and fabrics. But one of the common issues is that light can creep in around the edges.

As shutters are sturdy and made of wood, pvc or vinyl, they can completely block out the light, but occasionally you might find light coming in between the slats.

Both of these issues can be avoided by getting an expert to find and fit your window coverings, so if you want blackout shutters or blinds, it might be best to have a chat with an expert to see what will work best for you.

Are shutters or blinds easier to install?

For both shutters and blinds we always advise to get an expert fitter. That’s because it is really easy to get your measurements slightly wrong, and end up with blinds that don’t fit perfectly.

But this is especially true with shutters, as you don’t just need to think about the width of your windows, but the length as well. If you have unusually shaped windows, shutters can be a great solution, but you’ll need to have them measured, made and fit by an expert.

Blind installation is a little simpler, but ensuring you’re buying the right size blind and fitting it perfectly still takes some experience – we’ve heard far too many stories of wonky installations or blinds just barely too long or short to fit.

Blinds or shutters for shaped windows?

If you need unique blinds or shutters to fit bay, arched or unusual windows, there are a few different options to consider.

Generally, if you are looking for a window covering that fits with the shape of your window, plantation shutters are a good idea. They can be made and fitted to perfectly match your window shape.

Blinds are less versatile for arched windows, as they usually need to be hung straight, but they are a great option for bay windows, bifold or french doors and patio windows.

One of the best blinds for bifold doors and patios is perfect fit blinds. They hang within the frame of your window so they’re easy to install and always fit perfectly! This is also a great choice of blind for angled windows and skylights.

Best rooms for shutters and blinds

Deciding whether to have blinds or shutters will also depend on the room you’re decorating. Plantation shutters are a really popular choice for living rooms – but you have to make sure that there’s enough space to make them practical.

Blinds are often more popular for bedrooms and kitchens, but there’s a rising trend in wood shutters for bedroom windows. This is due to a combination of things, such as the desire for sustainable products, a well as the blackout qualities of shutters.

Bathroom shutters are also a great option, especially if you choose a vinyl, pvc or faux wood style. Real wood shutters and material blinds can be difficult in bathrooms, as they tend to absorb condensation and steam. This can make them get dirty much faster, or even warp them out of shape.

But vinyl or PVC shutters are perfectly water resistant, so they’re perfect for bathrooms, kitchens or any rooms that suffer from damp or condensation.

Wooden blinds: the best of blinds and shutters

There are so many different pros and cons to blinds and shutters, but there is a product that is often considered the best of both worlds – wooden venetian blinds.

When considering shutters vs venetian blinds, the wooden style provides a similar look to plantation shutters, but are more affordable, are easier to install and don’t take up as much room. They’re often considered to be the inexpensive plantation shutter solution.

Wooden venetian blinds provide the benefits of plantation shutters in terms of the finished look, the sustainable material and the durable product, but they don’t have the disadvantages of shutters, like the additional cost and space they need.

Shutters or blinds: What’s best for you?

We’ve gone through all the pros and cons for blinds versus shutters, so now the final choice is down to you! Are you after the versatility, affordability and simplicity of blinds, or do you want the elegance, durability and style of shutters?

It all depends on what matters to you. And if you can’t decide, or want some advice on what would be best for your home, fill out the form or talk to our friendly team today.

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