When choosing between various window treatments for your home, we often get asked “do shutters block out light”. While the initial answer is yes, they do – there are many ways to maximise the amount of light coming into a space. In this article we will answer this question and provide further insights into how you can maximise the light from your shutters.
The Different Types of Shutters
When considering shutters it’s essential that you understand the variety of styles available and how their composition impacts their performance, especially in terms of light control.
Full Height Shutters
Known for their wide louvres and robust design, full height shutters offer plenty of versatility in terms of light control making them ideal for a variety of spaces inside your home.
Cafe Style Shutters
Covering only the bottom section of your window, they are designed to maximise privacy while still allowing plenty of natural light in from the top half of your window. Ideal for street-level rooms where privacy is a must, without sacrificing on daylight.
Solid Shutters
Solid shutters can either fold or slide open providing a more classic appearance to your home. When closed, they offer complete privacy and a significant reduction in light.
Images from s-craft.co.uk
The material you choose doesn’t just dictate their appearance, but also their durability and light-blocking performance. Each option brings their own strengths to the table, so it’s important to consider what you want from your shutters in terms of privacy and light control.
EWC (Engineered Wood Composite) – made from a blend of wood fibres and synthetic materials, shutters made from EWC provide charming aesthetics and excellent durability. Composite shutters are fantastic at blocking light and are less prone to warping, making them suitable for all climates and rooms.
Hardwood or MDF Shutters – shutters made from hardwood are much lighter than their MDF counterparts, making them ideal for larger windows, patio doors and conservatories with a variety of customisation options to make them suit your space.
Vinyl/ABS Shutters – these are made from high-quality ABS, which is a hard lightweight plastic which typically means they are waterproof. As a result they are ideal for high-moisture environments like kitchens and bathrooms, as they are easy to dry and do not absorb moisture like other materials.
Aluminium Shutters – these shutters usually come with a lock and key, making them ideal when safety and security is a priority. Designed to look like any other shutter, they also provide additional benefits by reducing glare in the summer months.
How Shutters Block Out Light
Regardless of what material you select, you are essentially installing big blocks of wood which will naturally block out some of the incoming light from entering the room. The adjustable slats or louvres provide further control, allowing homeowners to perfectly fine-tune the amount of light they want entering a room at any given moment. By tilting the louvres, your room can be transformed from a brightly illuminated space to a more dim and cosy room in an instant.
The effectiveness of your shutters also relies on the precision of the installation and how snugly they fit the window frame. A perfectly fitted shutter will significantly reduce ‘light leakage’, which will enhance its ability to provide complete darkness. If your shutters are misaligned or have gaps, unwanted light can seep through.
So do shutters block out light?
In a word, yes – they do block out light. But there is a solution and that is to opt for a larger louvre when configuring your shutters. We would recommend you choose a supplier who is accredited by the BBSA (British Blinds and Shutters Association), like we are, which assures you receive the highest standards of quality, service and workmanship. A good supplier will work with you to find the perfect solution for your light and privacy requirements.
It’s important to remember that shutters are not a blackout solution as light will always find a way through the lines between the panels and frames and in between the louvres.
If you are searching for a room darkening solution, we would recommend our Shutter & Shade Frame from s:craft which features an integrated room darkening blind into the frame itself, providing two fantastic products in one and acting as an ideal blackout solution.
Benefits of Shutters
Conclusion
Shutters offer a remarkable blend of privacy, insulation, light control while adding a layer of aesthetic charm that complements your home’s decor. As we’ve explored, the key to harnessing the full potential of shutters relies in understanding the needs of your space and making informed decisions about the type, material and design. Consider what you’re looking for in your shutters – are you prioritising privacy, or is your main goal to finely adjust the amount of light entering a room? Your answer to this question will guide the configuration of your shutters, influencing decisions on the appropriate number of louvres and their respective size.
Picking a supplier who will assist you during every step is crucial to getting an installation that you’re happy with. We supply premium products from s:craft and specialise in everything from initial planning to expert installation. Looking for inspiration or unbiased advice on how to style your home? Come to our showroom in March or get in touch to learn more.
