Indoor shutters are a great option for sash windows for many practical and aesthetic reasons. They offer a timeless window covering option that lasts for years and never goes out of style, particularly if you go for a shutter style that compliments the vintage features of your home!
What is a Sash window?
A sash window is a window that opens by sliding up and down, rather than opening outwards or inwards. They are generally made from two panes of glass and frames. They were traditionally used in Georgian, Victorian, and Edwardian homes and many still exist today in their original state, meaning they likely have single-glazed glass too. In some cases, the windows belong to a listed building, meaning they can not be changed or upgraded to double-glazing (without some careful planning). This makes shutters even more attractive for sash windows, as the extra protection of wood can increase safety and provide better insulation from heat loss and reduce noise pollution from outside.
Which shutters for Sash windows?
Cover the entire window, providing maximum privacy and insulation. Full Height shutters are ideal for bedrooms and living rooms.
Cover only the lower half of the window, maintaining privacy while letting in natural light. Café Shutters are great for street-facing rooms.
Two independent panels that open separately, giving you full control over light and privacy. Tier-on-Tier shutters are best for flexibility.
If you have wide sash windows, sliding or folding shutters can provide a sleek and space-saving solution.
What makes shutters a good option for sash windows?
Extra Insulation
Shutters are generally made from wood, although other materials such as PVC are available. Due to the thickness of the material and the physical barrier a shutter creates between your home’s interior and the window, they are great for increasing energy efficiency. This keeps your property warmer and reduces your bills, especially if your sash window is single-glazed!
Extra Security
Although sash windows look beautiful and add to the charm of your property, they can be less secure than newer PVC windows, especially if they are very old. Adding shutters to your windows adds another layer of security to stop break-ins and even accidents (from indoor games of football or an over-zealous pet!) that could damage your window.
Sympathetic to History
Shutters won’t damage your sash windows but will instead enhance the beauty of them. In a listed building you may need to check whether you can install them without permission, but for most, you should be able to install a shutter without concern. Sash window shutters are a great option for anyone in an older building that wishes to enhance, rather than hide, its unique features.
