Understanding Shutter Styles
Beyond the material options - Timber, PolySatin® and Aluminium, which we covered in a previous blog - shutters also come in different application styles. The choice of style can significantly impact the functionality, aesthetics, and overall feel of your space. In this blog, we explore three popular shutter styles: hinged, sliding, and bi-fold on track, each bringing distinct advantages and tailored for specific areas in your home.
1. Hinged Shutters: Classic Charm with Easy Access
Hinged shutters are a traditional and versatile choice and popular with homeowners looking to add both charm and functionality to their spaces. These shutters are attached directly to the window frame with hinges, allowing them to swing open like a door and are best suited to smaller or medium-sized windows. This design provides easy access to open and close the windows and makes it simple to adjust light levels and privacy as needed.
Hinged shutters are particularly suited to windows in rooms where full access to the window is necessary, such as kitchens, bathrooms and bedrooms. They offer a classic plantation shutter look, with panels that can be individually hinged or configured in pairs as a bi-fold design.
2. Sliding Shutters: Sleek Solutions for Large Spaces
Sliding shutters are an excellent option for homes with large windows or patio doors, where traditional hinged shutters might not be practical. These shutters glide smoothly along a track, making them perfect for expansive glass doors, living rooms, or bedrooms with wide window openings.
The sliding operation provides a sleek, modern look while also saving space. Unlike hinged shutters, sliding shutters don’t require any clearance for swinging panels, making them ideal for areas where space is limited. The bi-pass track system, which allows the shutter panels to slide past each other, is particularly useful for sliding glass doors, enabling you to cover wide widths effortlessly.
This style of shutter offers excellent light control and privacy, with the ability to slide the panels to the side when you want to enjoy the view or let in more natural light. Sliding shutters are not only practical but also add a contemporary edge to your interior design, making them a popular choice for modern homes.
3. Bi-Fold Shutters: Maximising Space and View
For large openings where you want to open the blinds to see as much of the view as possible completely, bi-fold shutters are an ideal solution. These shutters fold back on themselves and stack neatly to one side, providing maximum access to the view outside or allowing for seamless transitions between indoor and outdoor spaces.
Bi-fold shutters are perfect for wide windows, conservatories, or as a stylish room divider in open-plan spaces. The Bi-Fold on track system supports up to eight panels, which are connected to a top and bottom track. This track system not only supports the panels but also guides their folding movements, ensuring smooth operation.
Whether you want to create a statement feature in a large living area or need a practical solution for sliding glass doors, bi-fold shutters offer a versatile and elegant option. They provide the benefits of light control and privacy while also allowing you to open up your space when needed.
