The joys of living in and around the Chilterns in towns like Beaconsfield are many; it offers a wonderful combination of proximity to London while also enjoying some fine rural scenery, with 324 sq miles of protected landscape. Add to that the timeless character of many of the towns and the attractive architecture and it is small wonder so many people love living there.
Whether you are a long-time resident who appreciates all this or a new arrival just discovering the area, you may be keen to ensure your home’s aesthetics match those of the built environment and still chime with the landscape around it. There are very few ‘ugly’ buildings in this part of the world, so the matter of décor warrants plenty of consideration.
When it comes to your windows, there are always multiple considerations to think about. On the one hand, there is the aesthetic; what looks good in line with the architecture, the existing interior, or, if you plan a wider makeover, your intended new décor? On the other, there are practical considerations; what makes living there easier?
The Role Plantation Shutters Can Play
Whatever your starting point, there is always a good case to be made for plantation shutters. These are attractive, stylish, and have a range of great practical benefits.
It is not hard to find lists of pros and cons when it comes to choosing between plantation shutters and the alternatives. But some of the ‘cons’ are not particularly negative.
For instance, It is true that there are cheaper alternatives out there, but this is a classic case that you get what you pay for, in this case, high quality and style.
Another claimed downside is that they have to be custom-made by definition, but this is not a bad thing when you consider that this means you get a product tailored exactly to your windows, so there is no mismatch.
Important Seasonal Factors
Moreover, some specific practical aspects might be overlooked in general guides on the topic. In particular, while it is a ‘pro’ that the shutters can be adjusted to allow more or less light in between the louvres, the exact benefits of this are perhaps more pronounced in some locations than others and more at some times than others.
As the end of summer approaches and autumn looms, this is one such time. During summer, the sun is high and its position in the sky is higher than the top of the window, especially a south-facing one. However, during spring and autumn, it is quite a bit lower and can be dazzling at certain moments.
In winter, although the weather is cloudier and the sun seen less, it is very low and can do even more to dazzle at certain times. This effect can be prevented by closing the slats to stop it from getting too bright.
Because the Chilterns are hilly, the topography can make the flexibility of plantation shutters more practical still. In some places, for instance, being dazzled by direct sunlight may be less of a problem because the sun may go behind a hill. In that case, opening the shutters up will help alleviate the gloom.
At the same time, the sun will not be periodically blocked out by large man-made structures to the extent that would be the case in a major city. Even so, the movements of the sun mean there will be many times when you need to switch between one function and another, with shutters offering more flexibility than the all-or-nothing options of blinds and curtains.
Other Benefits of Plantation Shutters
Needless to say, the light control aspect of plantation shutters is far from the only positive. This also offers greater adjustments for privacy, which may be maximised when you don’t want the world to see what you are doing, but minimised when you are being more sociable, such as when friends are coming around for a visit or a party.
Moreover, while the Chilterns is not the noisiest place in the world (you will find this especially true if you have moved here from London or another big city), shutters do have significant effects in keeping out noise.
They also add value to your property, are good at heat insulation (which is why you will want to shut them on cold, dark nights), and are easy to maintain.
Of course, nobody wants to think too much about the imminent arrival of autumn, even if that does mean football and rugby seasons for sports fans to enjoy. But while plantation shutters will be ideal for dealing with the ever-changing sunlight levels and weather of the more transitional seasons of the year, they also offer great qualities you can enjoy all year round.
