Style Classic: Indoor Shutters
Shutters have had a surprisingly saucy reputation – from Peeping Tom peering at a naked Lady Godiva to Louis XIV using the louvers to secretly spy on women bathing in his gardens.
Shutters in the UK were usually solid, however, to protect from the weather as well as for security. In Georgian and Victorian properties they were built into the architecture with box panels either side of windows so they could slot away neatly.
Over time they became as decorative as they were functional with carvings added to tie in with interior fashion. As the British Empire branched into warmer climes, designs required moveable slats for ventilation, which is where the louvers, also known as plantation style, were born. Different heights, from café style to full length, were also made available to control lighting and temperature.
As glazing technology got better, windows grew in size and it became fashionable to drape expensive fabrics around them – enter curtains. These knocked shutters out of favour for some decades but we’ve definitely seen a revival in modern homes – some might say from better heating, whereas others revel in cleaner lines and less dry cleaning.
Not to mention, it’s far easier to nose at your neighbours.
Details: For solid style shutters like these try Shutterly Fabulous.
Be The First To Know
The Livingetc newsletter is your shortcut to the now and the next in home design. Subscribe today to receive a stunning free 200-page book of the best homes from around the world.
The homes media brand for early adopters, Livingetc shines a spotlight on the now and the next in design, obsessively covering interior trends, color advice, stylish homeware and modern homes. Celebrating the intersection between fashion and interiors. it's the brand that makes and breaks trends and it draws on its network on leading international luminaries to bring you the very best insight and ideas.
-
The 5 Art and Design Exhibitions in London That Are on Our Culture Editor's Radar Right Now
From public art installations to design-centric group shows, this selection of creative events open in the British capital will immerse you in the breadth of its cultural scene in and outside of traditional gallery spaces
By Gilda Bruno Published
-
Before and After — This Kansas Kitchen Went From Dark and Dated to Open and Bright, Here's How
Thanks to Forward Design Architecture, this once-old-fashioned kitchen now feels breezy and is wonderfully connected to the home's primary rooms
By Aditi Sharma Maheshwari Published