Why have Timber Shutters instead of Curtains?
Curtains have been increasingly under siege now for many years – and it’s not hard to see why. For hundreds of years they were a great idea – indeed the best, if not only idea – for dressing windows, retaining warmth and maintaining privacy. But times have changed and 21st century alternatives leave curtains in the shade.
There have been a number of pretenders to the throne but, of all the alternatives available, wooden plantation shutters have emerged as the clear winner. It’s not hard to see why, since they are practical, aesthetically pleasing and long lasting.
What’s more, unlike curtains, they provide good insulation against noise – a real benefit, especially for anyone living near a busy road. And shutters come in a variety of styles and finishes to suit every style of home – or office – from a centuries-old country cottage to a space-age loft apartment.
It’s not surprising that they are practical – they get their name from the popular design of shutters found on American plantations where protection from intense heat and light is of primary importance.
They are made by hinging a number of panels together, which enables them to fold back. And whereas the original plantation shutters used in America’s deep south had fixed slats, today’s shutters have slats – or louvres – that can be easily adjusted to admit as much air or light as required.
Traditionally, of course, these window coverings were fitted externally. These days, however, for practical reasons they are normally fixed inside. And the good news is that they can be made to fit virtually any size or shape of window or French door.
So, there is no doubt they meet all the criteria for a practical window covering. What about looks? Well, they certainly can’t be faulted in that department! Wooden shutters are a design classic. And the choice is extensive – from the wide range of woods to the colour or stain with which they are finished. Whatever your style of furnishing or colour scheme you can co-ordinate plantation shutters with ease. And when you change your colour scheme you won’t have to change your window covering – unlike curtains, shutters don’t ‘date’ and they certainly don’t clash!
But the superiority of shutters over curtains doesn’t stop there. Curtains require washing or dry-cleaning – and you have to take them down first! Shutters stay in situ and just need a quick flick with a duster. And, of course, while dust gets into the very fabric of curtains, contributing to or aggravating allergies, there is no danger of this with shutters.
Anything else? Well, curtains fade and the material eventually rots, whereas shutters are virtually indestructible.
It’s all or nothing with curtains – open or closed. Shutters can be adjusted to your exact requirements and an advantage of this is that strong sunlight, the number one cause of fading furnishings, furniture and pictures, can be excluded without cutting out all light.
Curtains have had a good innings. They have served us well but there’s no doubt that it’s time to move on. It’s a case of RIP curtains, long live shutters!
Is this the end of the line for curtains
By: Barry Dunlop
Posts Tagged ‘Heat And Light’
Wooden Shutters – Interior Shutters for Home, Office, Restaurant, Cafe
April 25th, 2010Home Improvement Contracts – Do You Know What You’re Signing?
November 24th, 2009
Contracts are all about money. In today’s litigious world if you’re planning any kind of renovation work you better have comprehensive home improvement contracts. The same goes for the contractor you better have a contract that is legal and protects you too. You also need to understand how to write a contract because the contract is a part of you every step of the project even after the job is done and you are paid.
Every project starts out the same. The client is excited about their new renovation and the contractor is excited too have the job. I think it’s a period of fantasy. There are certain expectations (or fantasys) on behalf of both parties.
The contractor thinks “this is a great client, great project with lots of profit”. The client thinks “I’m lucky to have found this contractor, he’s the best and his price is great, all those stories my friends have told me, well it’s not happening to me, I’m smarter than them.”
Anyway the contractor gets the residential construction contracts signed and deposits the deposit right away. He’s thinking,”i can’t wait to get started”. This could be mistake number one. In some states there is a 3 day rescission period. The contractor has violated contract law if he deposits the check before the 3 day period. (every state is different) When time for final payment if the client doesn’t pay and it goes to court the Judge could throw case out. Sorry Mr. Contractor you breached the contract, tough luck you deposited the first check to soon.
It can work both ways. Lets say the contract stipulates that the client must provide water, heat and light. Contractor shows up to get to work on a flooring job. He brings 3 guys and materials. Guess what? The plumber turned off the water, had to run out to get a part, stops for coffee, another client calls, needs him for a minute which turns into 3 hours. So what is flooring guy supposed to do? Eat the expense of waiting around, delaying the job a day, jeopardizing another job because of the plumber?
If it’s in the contract, the flooring guy isn’t going to eat it. Either the owner or GC will have to shell out some extra money. The flooring guy better have a change order ready to sign. If you have a solid contract with the plumber he’ll have to eat it, if you don’t you know who is losing. That could be a $1,000.00 issue, maybe more.
Now the fantasy is turning into reality. Happy homeowner is now upset and contractor/s are in a pretty foul mood too. The winner is the one with the best contract. The floor guy could walk off the job with the owners money unless problem is settled right then and there. Take the flooring guy to court, good luck, you breached the contract. No water.
Variations of this scenario happen every day. Contracts are overlooked and just signed. In the beginning everyone is well intentioned. The contractor wants to get paid for his service. When Mr. Contractor starts working for free his enthusiasm plummets. Frequently what Mr. Contractor sees as free work the client expects as part of the service. Unless discussed and agreed to in writing up front there will be problems. Everyone has a different perception of what’s fair.
It all comes down to the contract. And what is a contract? A service for a fee. Both parties need to have a firm understanding of the contract or it will cost someone. It’s also critical to understand the law in your state. Before entering into any contracts make sure you know what you’re signing. That goes for both parties.
A critical part to a contractors business should be having a legal advisor and knowing the laws that pertain to the business. Too bad for you if you don’t. If you are the client it’s advisable to have an attorney review the contract before signing. Shame on you if you don’t know what you’re signing.
By: Edward Winslow