Words by Jamie Crocker
Sometimes it’s worth taking a step back and really breaking from tradition. The results can be transforming.
Ten years ago, Andrew cook spotted a growing interest in shutters within the home market and believed they would go on to be an alternative choice for window coverings, quickly replacing the need for blinds and curtains. He recognised that curtains had been increasingly under siege for many years and it’s not hard to see why. For centuries they were a great idea – indeed the best – for dressing windows, retaining warmth and maintaining privacy. But times changed and 21st century alternatives have left curtains in the shade. Andrew’s instinct proved correct, with the ensuing business success providing a vehicle for the whole family to relocate to Cornwall.
Although a national brand, Just Shutters prides itself on being a local company. Based in Newquay excellent customer service can be rolled out across the peninsula, looking after the needs of both long-term residents and for those in the holiday letting market. With the adoption and acceptance of online meetings, after the recent pandemic, non-domicile owners can utilise Zoom or Facetime hook-ups to engage with the company, negating the need to be on-site when choosing the right blinds or shutters. The whole process becomes very streamlined and stress free with some placements achievable within a two-to-three-hour window – a boon on changeover days.
Besides being relatively easy to install shutters have also shaken off their purely functional, minimalist genesis. The number of different designs and materials available has exploded over the years, allowing you to match them with the over-arching theme of your interiors. Essentially each one can be as bespoke as you want it to be, and of course made to measure – the shutter style with smaller louvres and centre tilt rod style would suit a more traditional interior while wide panels will suit a more modern and contemporary home. They really can enhance your home’s aesthetics both inside and out, offering a touch of American chic and a break from the more obvious choices.
Whilst they might, in some instances, be the more expensive option, their versatility means they provide better value than curtains or blinds. If privacy, light control, efficiency and durability are important to you, there is no better window dressing option. In terms of use, window shutters can be set to be partially open which allows the required light into the room whilst simultaneously reducing the impact of full sun on fabrics such as furniture and carpets. A recent study proved that shutters reduce heat loss more than blinds and curtains – a big plus as we move toward a more sustainable future. Hence, they can help maintain a desired room temperature and ultimately reduce your heating bills. The process is simple – to make the most of the heat coming from the sun, the slats (louvres) should be tilted fully open; this allows the natural solar heat to reach through your window. In colder weather, louvres should be fully closed so that your room retains more heat.
So, there is no doubt they meet all the criteria for a practical window covering. And when you change your colour scheme you won’t have to change your window covering. Unlike curtains, shutters don’t date and they certainly don’t clash!
To find out more, visit the Just Shutters website, or get in touch by calling 01637 808397 / 07957 281802