What is the best material for window shutters? is an interesting question.
There are 4 different materials that window shutters supplied in the UK are made from, MDF, Vinyl, Fauxwood and Hardwood.
If you think of the best as most expensive then the Hardwood window shutters are the ‘best’.
In reality the best window shutter will depend on the room the shutter is being fitted in.
Hardwood shutters maybe the most expensive but you would never have them installed in your bathroom as they are made from natural timber and will be affected by the moisture in the room.
So if we go room by room to find the best material.
What is the best material for window shutters? Bathrooms and Ensuites
Vinyl and Fauxwood are the only shutters we would ever install in your bathroom or ensuite.
Both materials are 100% waterproof, so are perfect for any room where there is moisture.
MDF and Hardwood are both made with timber so will over time suffer with warping and paint / stain flaking or peeling.
This shutter was sold as fauxwood (waterproof). The company who installed it fitted MDF (cheaper) and 2 years later this is what was happening. It’s impossible to tell so you must have total confidence in your chosen supplier.
What is the best material for window shutters? Kitchens
For the same reasons as above we would always recommend Vinyl or Fauxwood shutters for your kitchen.
In most kitchens your sink is fitted directly below the window, so steam and splashes maybe an issue.
Vinyl and Fauxwood being 100% waterproof require a lot less care when cleaning, so if your shutter does get splashed when you are doing the washing up then simply wipe them clean with a damp cloth.
Hardwood shutters are painted or stained so you will need to take much more care when cleaning (ideally just dust with a feather duster)
What is the best material for window shutters? Living rooms
All 4 of the materials would be perfectly suitable for your living areas.
We have found from experience that the colour of the shutters in your living areas is more important than other rooms in your home.
If that is the case for you the best material is Hardwood. With a huge range of stained and painted finishes and even the option of custom paint colours to match your room exactly.
What is the best material for window shutters? Bedrooms
As with the living areas all 4 material are suitable for your bedrooms.
Window shutters can be fitted in bedrooms, but are not they are not the best window coverings if you need your room as dark as possible. The design of the shutters (made up of separate slats) means there will be light gaps between each slat.
If you need your bedrooms to be as dark as possible then the hardwood shutters are your best option. We can install your bedroom shutters with a special frame that will have a blackout blind fitted behind the shutter.
So from the front it will look like a traditional shutter. In the evening you can pull down the blackout blind to create almost total blackout.
Something else to consider for bedrooms are vinyl or fauxwood for your children’s bedroom. These are 100% waterproof so are perfect for wiping off little finger prints.
If you would like to know the most common problems with shutters and how to avoid them. https://www.barlowblinds.com/6-most-common-problems-with-window-shutters
A customer made a comment to one of our shutter team after her shutters were installed that she had spent weeks worrying if she had made the right choices for her shutters. We designed a design system to remove that worry.
Our new shutter design system allows you to see and design your shutters at your windows so you can see exactly how they will look before you spend a penny.
It’s Official……..Installing Shutters will prevent up to 28% of heat loss in the winter months.
An added benefit of installing window shutters in your home is the effect they will have on reducing your winter energy bills.
We had tested the effect of windows with and without shutters with an inferred heat camera, but now it has been scientifically tested in a comprehensive study carried out by the University of Salford and the British Blind and Shutter Association. Proving that your shutters will save you money during the colder months
To find out more about these tests…https://bbsa.org.uk/householders/energy-saving/
Ever wondered what is involved in getting shutters fitted in your home? https://www.barlowblinds.com/getting-shutters-fitted-how-does-it-work
I hope that helps answer your question What is the best material for window shutters? . If you are in Leicestershire and would like a home visit from our mobile shutter showroom please give us a call on 0116 2769771 or leave your details and we will call you back https://www.barlowblinds.com/contact.
