Window Treats Inc.
80 Broad St Ste 16 • Red Bank, NJ 07701
Phone: (732) 219-0303

Shutters are an attractive, timeless window treatment. Though not inexpensive, plantation shutters in NJ and elsewhere are worth their cost; aside from being long-lasting, they also make your home very energy efficient. Plus, these shutters can make a huge difference in the look and feel of your home.

Here are a few more reasons why you should get plantation shutters for your home:

Aesthetics and Versatility

Plantation shutters come in a range of sizes, styles, materials, and finishes. No matter your home’s aesthetic, there will surely be shutters to match it. Since they cannot be bought off the shelf and would have to be custom-made to fit your home, they offer a truly bespoke look that will never go out of style.

Additionally, shutters look great when seen from the street, so they add to your home’s curb appeal.

Child Safety

Unlike drapery and window blinds, which pose an injury risk for children, shutters do not have dangling cords that children can get tangled up in. They only have slats and a crossbar that can adjust the shutters. This makes them a safer alternative, especially for people with younger kids.

Durability

Quality shutters are built to last. You won’t have to replace them every few years because they are hardy products that can stand the test of time, especially if they’ve been properly cared for.

Easy to Clean

Shutters are low maintenance window treatments. Like other window dressings, they can accumulate dust and dirt, but you don’t have to take them down to clean them, as you would with other types of window treatments. Just use a damp cloth to wipe off the grime from time to time. Shutters are also easier to clean than blinds because they have a larger surface area.

Energy Savings

Another benefit that shutters afford is that they are great insulators. They can keep both the heat and the cold out when they’re closed. When open, they can let sunlight in, which can naturally heat up your home in the winter. During summer, you can adjust the shutter slats so that they can deflect the sunshine, which prevents your home from getting too warm.

Privacy

With shutters, you can control the view that you have, looking out, and the view that people have, looking in. The slats can be adjusted in a way that would let light in but prying eyes out, allowing you the illumination – and the privacy – that you need.

Protection

You get an extra layer of security if you have shutters installed on your windows at home, especially if you add locks to them. In addition, shutters can shield your furniture from the sun’s UV rays which can cause undue fading. Simply tilt the shutter slats up, and the light will filter in without damaging your furniture or carpet.

Ventilation

When you have shutters, you can open the windows to let fresh air in while maintaining your privacy and controlling the amount of light that enters. This gives you maximum ventilation. While you can do the same with blinds, they rattle and flutter in the wind, as do shades and other window treatments. Solid plantation shutters, on the other hand, make no noise.

Get Plantation Shutters for Your Home

With all of the great things that they offer, plantation shutters are a great investment that you can make for your home. If you’ve decided to get plantation shutters, get in touch with Window Treats Inc. today. For more than two decades, we have been providing custom window treatments – including shutters – to our clients. Contact us to learn more.

Now that winter is here, the temperatures have begun to drop. Even if you don’t live in a snow-prone area, you’re likely cranking up the heat to ensure your home stays comfortable. Unfortunately, that can have major effects on your monthly energy bills — especially if you live in an older home. Because windows and doors account for nearly one-third of your home’s total thermal loss, these spots are the first ones you should evaluate. You could replace your windows, of course, or invest in better interior insulation. But there are also some quick fixes that can be highly effective. If you aren’t up for a major home renovation but want to minimize the draftiness throughout your house (and your high energy bills), here are some easy ways to amp up your insulation.

1. Apply Window Film: Apartment dwellers and homeowners alike may be familiar with this simple project. Insulating window film sticks directly to the window pane to act as an extra barrier. It’s important to note that after you apply the film, the pane won’t be as transparent. It may not be an option in certain spaces, particularly if the look of the film bothers you. Used in conjunction with other methods on this list, it can make a rather significant difference.
2. Add Weather Stripping: You can buy weatherstripping at virtually any home improvement store and easily install it to block out any drafts and leaks you’ll find. You should use weatherstrips in the sash of your window (the middle frame component with the locks). You can also use rope caulk around the edges to plug larger gaps.
3. Use Thermal Curtains: Window treatments can be a great way to quickly add some extra insulation. Insulated thermal curtains will keep the heat inside and the cold outside. Even opting for curtains in a darker, heavier fabric will help. Just make sure to let as much light in as possible during the daytime and close them when the sun starts to go down to maximize this natural heat source.
4. Opt For Cellular Shades: When you choose blinds for windows in your home, you won’t want to go with a basic model. Cellular shades, with their signature honeycomb shape, are designed to use air to your advantage. They actually act like a down comforter or warm quilt, insulating your windows and keeping the cold air away from your family.
5. Install Motorized Blinds: Whether or not you like cellular shades, you can make a difference by utilizing motorization. Motorized blinds for windows will automatically adjust the amount of light that comes in or out at a certain time or day without you ever having to lift a finger. This will make energy efficiency a breeze and will instantly optimize the amount of natural heat in your home. As a plus, motorized blinds for windows are also safer and convenient — and who doesn’t want that?

You might assume that adding insulation will require a huge renovation, but it’s actually much easier than you think to add an extra barrier or two. By following these tips, you can make your home more comfortable within a day (or a few hours!) and keep it that way all winter long.