The History Of Window Shutters
Plantation shutters are one of the most popular window coverings today. If you are looking for window shutters in Mountain View, CA, you know they are versatile, durable, and valuable. In fact, they can increase the value of them home as few other window coverings can. These permanent fixtures can work wonders in a home, but where did they come from? How did they get their start?
Most people think about plantation shutters in association with large mansions on plantations in the south. While the unique window coverings did gain a footing in the popular realm during that time, they go as far back as ancient Greece. They were designed to give people three basic functions: light control, protection, and ventilation. The first shutters were made of marble, of all things, as the ancient Greeks favored that material for many things. That made they very solid and sturdy, as you can imagine, but also difficult to maneuver. Later, when woodworkers became master craftsman, they started to place more designs and functionality into shutters with louvers. Once the 18th and 19th centuries rolled around, the Spanish brought the idea over to America. The window shutters proved to be renowned for their grandeur and elegance, but they also improved the design of a home. Today, those benefits and more still exist.
Window Shutter Styles
Most interior shutters have a rod that allows you to adjust the horizontal louvers up and down. You can let in a varied degree of light and control your privacy at the same time based on how you tile the louvers. Traditional shutters are rather shallow and only have louvers that are 1 ¼ to 1 ¾ inches wide. The can be installed inside the window frame with ease. Plantation shutters, on the other hand, have wider louvers that range from 2 1/2 to 4/1/2 inches in width. These wider slats started out in warmer climates to let more air in but block out the sun at the same time. The Paneled shutters are another style that don’t have louvers like the others. Instead, they have panels that open or close tight to shut out light. They can be made in a split design with panels on top and louvers on the bottom half to get the best of both worlds.
If you already have window shutters on your Mountain View, CA home, it can be interesting to hear that they started out being made from marble materials. You might have marble on your floors or countertops, but certainly not your shutters. Today’s wood, vinyl, and other materials work much better. If you don’t have window shutters just yet, but you’re interested in what they can do for your home, contact San Francisco Shutters Co. at (855) 992-6739. We can go over the types, styles, materials, and costs with you to ensure you get just what you need for whatever home colors and décor you already have. Stop by and see some shutters in person at 1676 Gilbreth Road, Burlingame, CA 94010.