Six Selections to Make before Ordering Shutters

Custom shutters are a stunning and classic window treatment that is exquisitely crafted and made to last. Shutters not only look beautiful, they offer you a vast array of benefits. Shutters provide excellent privacy and ventilation. This feature is mandatory when it comes to a good window treatment. But that's not all they offer, they are energy-efficient due to their insulating design which will help you save on your energy bills, are extremely durable and become an investment to your home because they will last for years and improve your home's curb appeal. Shutters are also very low maintenance and offer an extreme ease of cleaning.

If you have already made your mind up that your home's coverings will be custom shutters, there are six choices to consider before you order. With plenty of decisions to make before your important purchase, it is crucial for an expert Style Consultant from Budget Blinds® to serve you through the process. Your Style Consultant can help you from the start to the finish of your order. They will assist you to consider every option so that by installation time you have exactly what you want. Here are some of the options you will have to discuss with your Style Consultant before making your purchase.

1. Shutter Style

There are countless style options to select from when you decide to purchase shutters. First, shutters come in a variety of materials such as hardwood, faux wood, composite and aluminum. You will want to determine the type of material that will fit best in each room. For instance, if you are buying shutters for a bathroom, the material that would function best is composite because they can stand up to moisture. After you select the material, consider picking a style: Plantation, café or indoor/outdoor shutters. Lastly you will have to decide on color and texture. There is a limitless range of colors and finishes to match your distinct style preferences. This may seem overwhelming but your Budget Blinds Style Consultant will be there with you every step of the way to help you achieve your desired look while staying within your budget!

2. Framing/Divider Rails

There are four beautiful shutter frame styles to choose from. The frame you choose has a lot to do with the window and how you want the shutter to hang. At Budget Blinds, we offer a selection of decorative frames for inside or outside mounting. Here are our four basic types of frames:

• L-Frame
• Z-Frame
• Deco Frame
• Direct Mount

Your Budget Blinds Style Consultant will recommend the best frame to complement your shutters for a polished and stylish look.

Divider rails

The divider rail is the horizontal bar on the shutter panel that separates the top and bottom louvers. It is used so you can control different parts of the shutter separately. Depending on your style choices, you can determine how many divider rails will appear on your shutters. There is no limit on the amount of divider rails; it is all about the look and function you are trying to achieve.

3. Mounting Options

Figuring out how your shutters should be mounted can be difficult to decide on your own, and that is where an expert Style Consultant can help. They will show you both options of mounting which include inside and outside and will inform you of the best option that will work with the window that you are trying to cover.

4. Louver Size

Louvers are designed to give you the ability to control the light and view. Budget Blinds offers three popular louver sizes, 2 ½", 3 ½" and 4 ½." Depending on what size louver you choose for your shutters will determine how many louvers are on a shutter panel. The smaller the louver size, the more you will have, giving more privacy. The larger louver size will give you a clearer view to the outdoors.

5. Tilt Options

The main purpose of the tilt rod is to allow you to control the louvers in unison. There are three options when it comes to the tilt including:

Tilt Rod (located in the center of the louvers)
Off Set Tilt Rod (located on the left or right side of the louvers)
Invisible Tilt (located on the backside of the louvers)
All the of options function the same, it all just depends on what look you want to achieve!

6. Automation

The last decision to make for your custom shutters is whether you would like to manually operate your shutters or add automation. Budget Blinds wants to provide you ultimate convenience with automated window coverings to make your everyday life easier. With automation, you can program timers to allow for automatic opening and closing, even when you are not home. They can be managed by wireless wall switches, hand-held remotes, and the option for a tablet or smartphone app. An important benefit of automated shutters is that they are child and pet-safe since they are cordless.