Bay windows are a feature on many houses. They allow a panoramic view of the outside and make a room feel bigger. No wonder they are still very popular.
But they can be tricky to dress, made even more so when there are radiators or window seats underneath.
Curtains have been the go-to solution for many years and they do the job but they have some drawbacks {pun intended :-)}.
Firstly, even on a narrow track, curtains encroach on the space in the window.
Then:
Do you have lots of curtains so you can gather them between each window?
should you just have two larger ones on a bent track following the curve?
if you have a curved track are the curtains getting 'stuck' going around the corners?
and getting damaged as you impatiently tug on them to get them unstuck?
Or are curtains outside the bay a better option, then you don't have to worry about the curve?
And then you can't sit in the bay if the curtains are closed?
If you have curtains just to the sill do they let in more cold air ?
Or if the sills are not level do your curtains sit unevenly and look unsightly?
Secondly, do curtains give you privacy?
They do when they are drawn.
But what about daytime? drawn curtains can block out a lot of light
making it look like either nobody is home to open them (theft opportunity)
or that people are still in bed (what would the neighbours think?)
Then you need some other solution to give privacy in addition to your curtains.
Nets do the job but they discolour easily and look old fashioned.
Roller blinds can work but there will always be gaps between them.
Venetians can be used too, but the cords have to be wrapped around a cleat for safety, making drawing up or down a pain.
Romans obscure the tops of the windows and block your view when they are down.
Verticals are probably the best blind to use in a bay window because they can be opened and closed easily BUT they are considered by many as outdated so if you have proudly just redecorated and renewed the room, they may not be in keeping with the decor.
SHUTTERS TO THE RESCUE!
The reason why your neighbours and many others are getting shutters is because they just work well.
Each upright window gets its own shutter door/s.
The frame sits close enough to the window to allow for handles but doesn't encroach into the space by much.
Shutters can be cafe style i.e they only cover the lower part of the windows,
or tier-on-tier where the top doors open independently of the bottom ones,
or full height.
Louvres can be angled or closed completely.
Angled allows you to see out but passersby can't see in (unless they get up real close,
like nose-on-the-window close!)
Closed shut helps with blocking out light (great for bedrooms and TV rooms), increasing thermal efficiency (and thereby reducing heating bills), and complete privacy. \
And may even help with noise reduction.
Thirdly, how long do curtains last?
We have come across curtains that are 20 years old but most don't last that long. By that time the fabric is usually sun damaged and faded even if they are still hanging - by a thread (or threads). They can be damaged by pets - like cats clawing their way up or dogs running past and discolouring them. Curtains need to be cleaned periodically, usually by dry-clean only, so must be taken down and rehung once done, Damage to the fabric is possible during the process and the older they get, the more fragile they become.
Shutters, especially solid wooden shutters, are built to last a lifetime. There is little to go wrong as long as the louvres are not forced or sustain impact when they are in the open position.
They are very easy to keep clean. Simply dusting or wiping with a lint-free cloth is usually sufficient. Making them much healthier for people with dust allergies, asthma or lung conditions.
Fourthly, curtains can be expensive to replace
Although shutters are not a cheap product, their longevity make them very cost effective over time. You should not have to replace shutters in your lifetime. There are still Edwardian and Victorian properties with original shutters from over 100 years ago.
So to recap:
Shutters are a robust, long lived product that should not need replacing in your lifetime.
They are tailor-made to fit each window.
They are cost effective as they last so long.
They give effective privacy, increase thermal efficiency, reduce incoming light, dampen noise, and increase security (when they have locks).
They can be painted in colours to match your decor.
They are easy to keep clean and are healthier for asthma sufferers or anyone with dust / mite allergies.
With all these features, the main reason people love their shutters is because they look so good. Inside and out. Particularly in bay windows. The shutters sit neatly in the bay itself, look sleek and unobtrusive and can be easily opened when required. Shutters enhance old and new properties because they are timeless.
If you want a nicely decorated house then shutters could be your best choice.
So there you have the reasons to get lovely shutters in your home too.
No need to worry if they will be suitable as they are for most windows and doors, even triangular and round ones.
If you have a baby or small children the shutters will help to block out most of the light when they are trying to sleep. You can also get locks on the shutter doors, making them safe for young ones. The solid wooden shutters release a lot less formaldehyde than MDF or other materials.
Buying from a reputable company gives you peace of mind that the warranty is actually worth something and you aren't being 'ripped off'.
And why wouldn't you deserve to have these sleek, functional enhancements in your home?
If you would like to know more about shutters then get in touch at https://www.countryhomeshutters.co.uk
we will be very happy to answer any of your questions.