Bi-fold interior shutters consist of hinged panels connected in pairs. Instead of opening outwards like a door, bi-fold panels fold back against one another like an accordian. Depending upon your windows or patio doors, they can either run with a track along the top and if necessary a bottom track (ideal for large glass expanses and patio doors) or operate on a simple frame with hinges. Bi-folding shutters work best on patio and sliding doors, wide double or triple windows, and as room dividers. Some applications where we have designed and installed bi-folding shutters are shown below.
Window Shutters Explained: How They Work
Window shutters have become an increasingly popular choice among Puget Sound homeowners and remodelers looking to maximize aesthetic appeal without sacrificing practicality. Far more than just a decorative accent, shutters enhance your home’s functionality and efficiency in multiple ways. Let’s dive into a little more about how shutters work and their benefits.
Beyond their premium appearance, shutters provide long-term benefits, such as reduced energy bills year-round, increased privacy, full light control, easy maintenance and cleaning, and lastly, versatility for virtually any window shape.
Plantation shutters work exceptionally well because they are custom-fitted directly into your window frame, providing a sleek, seamless look. Each panel opens full like a door or folds back neatly using a bi-fold mechanism. To control light and airflow, you can choose between a classic center tilt-bar or a streamlined hidden tilt option. These clever designs allow you to adjust sunlight and ventilation effortlessly without cords or heavy fabrics- making shutters exceptionally durable, easy to clean, and safe for homes with children and pets.
One of the greatest strengths of shutters is their enduring, elevated design. The clean, structured lines offer a polished aesthetic that seamlessly complements both modern and traditional interiors. Ready to transform your home? Contact Newport Custom Shutters to help you choose both the right louver size and shutter style to suit your interior taste.
Are Shutters Worth the Investment?
Thinking about upgrading your window coverings? You’re probably asking yourself: are plantation or traditional shutters actually worth the investment? While they do cost more upfront than standard blinds or curtains, shutters are popular for a reason. They aren’t just a stunning design choice—between exceptional durability and built-in energy efficiency, they offer real, practical benefits that pay off over time. With proper care, custom shutters can comfortably last over 20 years in your home. Because each shutter is custom-built to fit your windows precisely, they also provide exceptional insulation. By eliminating gaps that are common with curtains and blinds, shutters effectively block winter draughts and keep out summer heat, helping you maintain a comfortable home year-round. Finally shutters are considered a desirable feature by many homebuyers and could make your property more attractive if you choose to sell.
2-1/2” louver shutters in a Seattle home.
2-1/2” louver shutters in a Seattle living room
How To Choose the Best Louver Size For Your Shutters
Choosing custom interior shutters is one of the best ways to elevate your home’s value and aesthetic. But once you commit to shutters, you face a crucial decision that completely changes the look, light, and feel of your space: the louver size. Traditional 1-1/4” and 1-7/8” louvers are ideal for preserving the historic integrity of older homes, offering a timeless, cozy feel. The larger 2-1/2” and 3-1/2” louvers strike a perfect balance between clear open views and elegant design. These are best for modern, transitional, coastal, or contemporary interiors. We can help you decide with a no-obligation in-home estimate.
Traditional 1-1/4” louver shutters in a Seattle residence
1-7/8” louver traditional shutters
3-1/2” louver plantation shutters
2-1/2” plantation shutters
Interior Shutters: Your Summer Cooling Solution
As temperatures climb, most of us instinctively reach for the thermostat or fans. However, one of the most effective ways to maintain a comfortable indoor climate actually dates back centuries: functional window shutters. While often viewed as a beautiful decorative choice, shutters are a powerhouse of passive cooling. Here is how they work to keep your home cool when the sun is at its peak.
The Power of Solar Heat Gain Reduction: The primary way a home heats up is through solar heat gain. When sunlight passes through the glass, it transforms into heat energy that gets trapped inside. Standard curtains and solid shades often absorb this heat and radiate it back into the room. Quality wood shutters act as a physical barrier by reflecting sunlight before it ever hits your interior space.
Precision Airflow and Ventilation: Unlike solid shades or heavy drapes, shutters offer louvers (the horizontal slats), which is their secret to cooling efficiency. By angling louvers upward, you can block the direct sting of the sun while still allowing hot air to escape and fresh breezes to enter. You can adjust the slats to catch the prevailing wind, funneling a pleasant cross-breeze through your living space without compromising privacy.
Natural Insulation Properties: Materials like basswood have low thermal conductivity. This means they don’t easily transfer heat from the outside air into your home. The same way a thermos keeps coffee hot, the air pocket created between the shutter and the window pane acts as an insulating buffer, stabilizing the temperature of your walls and floors.
3-1/2” Interior Shutters Edmonds
3-1/2” interior shutters Seattle