Love Those Louvres
Sun Herald
Sunday April 22, 2007
Shuttered doors and windows are not only practical, they're style winners too, Cyndi Tebbel writes.
WINDOW treatments can make or break your decor, but there's more to think about than co-ordinating curtains with cushions and vice versa. In an era when every decorating decision seems to be dictated by the requirement for superior energy efficiency, windows are one of the major facets of the home that need careful consideration.There are lovely blinds and curtains that prevent faded furniture and draughts, but if you want the benefits of premium insulation as well as light and sound control, shutters win hands down. (I speak from experience, once having lived in close proximity to a six-lane expressway, the peak hour roar of which was beautifully buffered by a charming set of timber shutters.)Shutters suit almost every type of window and, if they don't, most can be custom made. This makes them an ideal solution for older homes with odd-shaped openings and a terrific treatment for sliding doors. They're even used as clever doors and room dividers.The range of shutter materials has also expanded, with traditional timber varieties now sharing the spotlight with vinyl and metal, and loads of colours and finishes - though it appears most punters are sticking with natural timber tones or a minimal colour palette of pastels, white or beige.Periods of adjustment Unlike blinds and curtains, shutters offer the enormous flexibility of louvres (also known as blades) which give you fingertip control over light and shade. They can be installed as hinged, sliding and bi-fold for a smart, allergy-friendly alternative to fabric window treatments.Shutters are ideal for indoor use, particularly in rooms such as bathrooms, bedrooms and nurseries where privacy and noise levels are a priority. They're good for media rooms, too, which need complete darkness. Then, when you're ready to let the sun and bird calls back in, all it takes is a simple adjustment.Shutters are also effective outdoors, on balconies and other areas where you want to block out noisy (or nosey) neighbours, provide a wind break or regulate sunlight. If you're looking for complete block-out properties, square louvres are a better option than round or convex varieties. Timber or metal shutters provide better sound and heat insulation than plastic.LUXAFLEX MARKETING DIRECTORGENEVIEVE MARSHALLThe key element in shutters right now is a very minimalistic look and feel - clean and uncluttered.There was a school of thought that shutters were very traditional but now we're finding people using them in very modern homes.Your choice of shutters will depend on where you want to put them because different applications require different styles and materials. Find out what they will be exposed to. In wet and outdoor environments, it's best to go for metal, plastic or an appropriate timber.If it's an oiled timber, you need to oil it regularly. I wouldn't recommend timber in extreme saltwater environments.When you're shopping think about the style of the window, its size and the overall theme. Ask about cleaning, maintenance, warranty and service agreements.Shutters should last about seven years, some much longer; it depends on how they're maintained. Most are fine with a regular wipe with a soft cloth.Where to buy LUXAFLEX 1800 804 830 or www.luxaflex.com.au OPEN SHUTTERS 1300 136 911 or www.openshutters.com.au SHUTTERS ONLINE 1800 454 114 or www.shutters.com.au SHUTTERS R US (02) 9381 2800 or www.shuttersrus.com.au VEROSOL 1800 011 176 or www.verosol.com.au
© 2007 Sun Herald
