I love my window shutters. Also gave my sash the windows A stylish finish, they also help with opposite sides of an issue – heat loss and heat gain.
But, when I shared this extra shutter tip with some colleagues the other day, I was surprised to find that it wasn’t as well known as I thought.
So, in the interest of making everyone’s home warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer, I’m going to share a window shutter tip that my installer shared with me when fitting my home. The good news is, it doesn’t require any additional tools, it’s totally free and it’s even backed up by experts.
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You can use the shutter tip all year round
As well as choosing shutters to help with privacy and acoustic issues (I live on a main high street and want to reduce outside noise levels), I also want them to help reduce noise. heat loss Through my single glazed windows.
Buying a listed house Meaning I am unlikely to be allowed to change Sash window With double glazed units. By using more concrete window covering As such, instead of shutters, blinds or curtains, single glazing seemed like a more effective way of keeping heat out.
When I explained this to the installer, he shared a piece of advice with me on how to use my shutters – not only in the winter, but also in the summer.
Flipping your slats up, not down, is the key to efficient window shutters
Most windows are fitted with shutter slats that can be tilted up or down. While it’s often instinctive to push them down, that’s the biggest mistake most of us make.
It is a common practice Install radiators under windows In UK homes, and as science teaches us in school, heat rises, as it enters the room to warm the occupants.
But – and here lies the root of the problem – when you push the shutter slats down, it inevitably leaves a small gap between each slat. So, when heat rises from the radiator, if there is a gap (as there will be), it will leak into the space between the window and the shutter. This means heat, especially when you’re single instead double glazing, Going out instead of staying in.
“Hinging your shutter slats upwards in winter is definitely a simple but effective way to reduce heat loss,” confirms Simon Brown, National Training Manager. Luxflex. “Warm air rises naturally. When the slats are tilted upwards, that rising heat meets the solid face of the shutters instead of escaping through the gaps between the louvers. It effectively creates a barrier that helps keep more heat in the room.”
And, there is no doubt that it works. I’ve tested it, sitting with the slats flipped up next to my shutters is more rigid than them closed – even though I’ve checked that my Window draft proofing is up to the beginning.
As an added bonus, it also helps in summer
The same ‘upward close’ rule applies in summer as well. While it’s easy to think that a gap will help keep your room cool, that’s not always the case.
“The same principle also helps with temperature rise,” confirms Simon. “Tilting the slats upwards during hot weather prevents high-angle sunlight from entering the room, which helps reduce glare and heat build-up. It’s a small adjustment, but it can make a significant difference in comfort levels and Overheating“
Do you have shutters in your bedroom and struggle to sleep when it’s light? Bending upwards can also help you with this problem.
“If you run your hand gently upwards as you close the slats, you encourage all the louvers to settle into the tightest closed position possible,” explains Simon. “This minimizes the subtle gaps between each slat, which significantly improves room darkening for sleep or evening privacy. This works because the shutter rests on each individual slat sitting flush with its neighbor, and a simple upward sweep ensures perfect alignment.”
Simon Brown has over 27 years’ experience in the UK window blinds market and is an award-winning training specialist. At Luxaflex, he has helped shape the industry’s approach to smart shading through dealer training, product launches and customer-centric strategies.
Shop for window shutters
Blinds Direct
Woodlux Silk White
Wood-effect window shutters made from moisture-resistant PVC
Dunelm
Cafe style shutters are made to measure
Half height shutters available in a range of colors and sizes to suit your window
Blinds Direct
Seranda Light Grey
Avoid the need for tools or drills with this perfect fit shutter that clips onto your existing uPVC window frames.
Try these other easy shutter tips and tricks
While I love my shutters and my flat, I’ve decided it’s time to move on. So, if like me, you are Staging a home to sellThese other simple shutter tips from Simon Brown may serve you well.
- For a perfect uniform, adjust the slats from the ‘show-home’ adjustment center: A quick interior trick is to slide your hand between the slats from the middle of the panel and gently nudge them into line. This helps each louver precisely match the tilt angle, giving the shutters a crisp, uniform look that designers love. It takes seconds and makes a huge visual difference from outside as well as indoors. This is especially helpful for large windows or shutters that open and close frequently.
- Choose your slate orientation based on the view you want: If you want privacy but still want to see out, angle the slats downward during the day. This protects you from passers-by while allowing natural light. Or, if viewing in the summer and you want fresh air, tilt the slats upwards so that fresh air flows in but the view to the outside is still restricted.
- Maintain your shutters with a normal dry dusting routine: All you need is a soft microfiber cloth. Always dust from the center outwards to avoid warping the louvers and never use abrasive products on painted shutters.
Use this to keep your shutters in pristine condition
Spontex
Spontex Microfiber Cloths
Pack of 8 microfiber cloths, perfect for use on your window shutters and around your home
Lakeland
Lakeland Microfiber Blind Cleaner
Clean multiple slats at once with this microfiber blind cleaner that also works on window shutters.
So, to make sure you have no doubts about how to tilt your shutter slats, remember this simple equation:
Upward facing slats = heat retention + blocked sunlight
Downward slats = privacy + ambient daylight
And one final piece of free advice? This tip also works with Venetian blinds. If you’re looking to upgrade your window coverings, look no further Window shutter costs Fit in your budget. Or, it’s your window that needs an overhaul, find out how much to put aside New window costs.
