Why Shutters and Period Properties Make a Natural Combination

There is something about period properties that encourages respect of their heritage. The high ceilings, the original features, the bay windows, the cornicing - all these elements matter, and the wrong choice of window treatment can easily spoil them. Shutters, on the contrary, will do wonders.

A lot of people think shutters are a relatively modern solution that happens to suit period properties well. In fact, shutters were an important element of window decoration in Victorian, Edwardian and Georgian times, long before curtains took the lead. Installing shutters in a period property is not about applying anything foreign to the house, but simply restoring what belonged there from the very beginning.

Period properties often have big, tall windows which can be hard to dress. Heavy drapes may suit them, but very often they dominate the space or cover too much of the window when pulled back. Shutters sit right inside the window frames, giving you the opportunity to show the window the way it should be shown. Bay windows, a trademark of Victorian and Edwardian properties, are perfectly suited to shutters.

Apart from aesthetics, period properties have a number of features that make shutters ideal. Draughty windows, uneven frames and original single glazing all let cold air into the rooms. Shutters help solve this, providing additional insulation and heat retention without any disrespect to the original appearance of the property. For a property in a conservation area or a listed building, shutters are often a much better choice than secondary glazing or replacement windows because of planning limitations.

At Jasper & Finch we have installed shutters in period properties across Essex and London, and it is one of our favourite jobs. All our shutters are made to measure, so unusual window sizes, original uneven frames and bay window shapes are all taken care of properly. If you own a period property and wonder whether shutters are right for it, please contact us and we will be happy to come over.