To the
untrained in decorating (which may account for most husbands) a shade or
blind that blocks out light and provides privacy may seem like a complete
window treatment. There can be decorative blinds or shades, but their
primary purpose is light control and privacy.
Window dressing on the
other hand is what creates a complete look for the window and the entire
room’s décor. A valance or curtain is the decorative element on top of the
functional shade.
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With interior shutters
you have a little bit of both – function and frill. Shutters will block out
light, even act as an insulator for the window, but they are also quite
decorative. The shutters are made of a variety of materials from wood to
PVC, and act just as a metal or wooden blind would. Interior shutters differ in purpose from exterior shutters. Originally
shutters were used to protect a home’s windows from the wind of a
hurricane or cold of a winter storm. Now most exterior shutters are purely
decorative in nature. |
Installing Shutters
If you can master home improvement projects of average difficulty then you
can install your own interior shutters. This is a DIY project that can be
completed in very little time and with basic tools.
If you are doing an interior mount – that is on the inside of a window
box, then you are all set with secure 2x4 studs to securely hold shutter
screws. Those that are hung outside the frame of the window may require
drywall anchors or careful placement into a stud to ensure stability.
Normal hinges are used to hand the shutter and can be screwed into place
first. Then the shutter slips into the grooves of one side of hinge and a
pin holds it all in place.
Finishing & Caring for Shutters
You can pre-prime and paint shutters before installing them. This makes it
easy to finish the shutter with no mess inside the house. To clean the
shutters, a duster or soft rag does the job nicely. Vinyl shutters never
need painting, but a good cleaning with warm, soapy water from time to
time in order to removed build up dust or dirt.
Interior shutters add a warm, traditional feel to any home. Large slated
shutters, often called Plantation Shutters, get their name from the old
southern plantations. The thinner slats are more commonly found inside and
out of the old New England colonial style homes. Solid wood shutters also
provide a decorative look consistent with our American heritage.
About The Author: Ciara McNamara revealed a lot of articles for
http://www.shades-blinds-shutters-guide.com/.
Amongst her works she is specializing in subjects like
http://www.shades-blinds-shutters-guide.com/interior-shutters.html
and home decoration.
