Shutters: yes or no?

@Notspaghetti: yes, I probably should!

Just noticed jack that you do... can you sort that out first?

Sorry first time I've posted got in wrong section!

Are you saying that you have condensation problems?
I think I'd deal with that first, personally.

Good morning everyone,
I'm 66 and feeling (and looking) a bit tired so I rang a local beauty salon and booked eyelash and eyebrow tint and eyebrow wax. This salon has been there many years but I've never been, I went for tint test yesterday and the lady was lovely she started talking about my skin saying I had rosacea across my cheeks and nose. She advised IPL laser treatment. My skin is bit reddened in these areas but my estee double wear covers it. I told her I didn't think it was for me but did book a facial with her for next week. She was 66 herself and really knew her business gets fantastic reviews but have any ladies here tried IPL or can suggest treatments that give them a lift and improvement? My husband said she's just a really good saleslady! Thank you, Barbara

We have lots and lots of shutters, on all windows. Very continental of course, solid, wooden ones- and don't use curtains at all.

JackK, don't worry about condensation - the air will still circulate - worry about all the dusting (if you get the slatted type). Solid wood shutters, the ones that look like doors, really do keep out the cold at night, though.

E have them in 4 rooms. I have never had problems with condensation apart from the bathroom as that gets steamy

Meant to say, for our lounge am thinking of getting full length dress curtains...to frame the window...as I like the mixture / contrast between Shutters & curtains...but they won't ever be closed... just adding texture...

Hi...we have shutters on our lounge & bedroom windows...we just love them... somehow they make you feel tranquil & uplifting...and they also show the lovely shapes of our windows...we had the best price from Just Shutters & are very happy with them...advise not to get wooden ones as they can distort...no condensation... easy to open & operate & make the house look great from the outside too...

Shandy re your comment about 'taking down curtains, etc.
I love really nice drapes - and did spend a lot of money to have beautiful ones made for both my Living room and bedroom after I moved. The curtain maker came and put them up, and has also told me that if, at any future date, I need to have them taken down (maybe if room is being redecorated) or for them to be cleaned, then to contact her and she will make the arrangements for that. she also pointed out that in a smoke free home, they are unlikely to need any real cleaning for many years.
To me, beautiful drapes are part of the interior design and, no way, would I ever give these up for those (to me) cold looking shutters. When I visit someones home with these in, and they are closed they make me feel rather claustrophobic.

Oh! I thought that this was about exterior shutters, not interior ones. Here in France exterior shutters are the norm because windows open inwards. Sorry OP, forget my reply. I have no experience of interior shutters.

I have wooden interior shutters that were made in 1880 at the same time as the house. Also have the original window frames and some of the original glass. Sometimes there is a little condensation on the glass in the mornings in the winter when I open the shutters but it quickly dries as the glass heats up and has done no observable damage in 140 years. I love the shutters. Great insulation for both heat and cold. Very flexible for light and shade at all times. Open, they fold right back into the panelling and let in more light than curtains would. Take up no space in the room. No cleaning bills. No curtains would have lasted that time. And would have been extremely expensive as they are very large windows. Also the shutters are beautiful.

I hadn't realised there were so many replies! I've just read them all and think that I shall go ahead! Thanks everyone ... your advice is much appreciated!

Lollin and Harris 7: great replies ... may I combine the two to ask a further question?!
The condensation is an issue now - rather than me wondering whether the shutters will actually cause condensation ... Harris7, could you please ask your husband whether this present condensation will damage the shutters? Thanks!

Candelle I’ve had mine for three years. I have on occasion flicked a feather duster over them and have wiped them once a year.
They are as white and fresh looking as when they were installed. My home is light and bright. Unfortunately the windows have been covered in blue plastic externally since July as we are having the house rendered and only the upper floor has been opened up this week.
I love my shutters and would certainly recommend them.

Interesting thread for me as I am considering having these put in.

Would anyone give their opinion on cleaning them (is it time consuming?) and do they gather dust?

Additionally, do they require frequent decorating? I wonder if they discolour in bright sunlight?

Thanks

I wasn't sure and when somebody came measure my windows for blinds that pull up from the bottom (we live in a bungalow opposite park so want to look out but not for people to be able to look in as it is our bedroom) I asked whether shutters would be better and he said the trouble with shutters is the framework cuts out a lot of light. But I can't confirm that as I stuck with blinds.

I'm definitely getting them when I move, I don't want to be teetering on a ladder taking curtains down to wash. Plus I am sure they deter burgulars

I was only thinking today how much I love my shutters and how I wish I'd had them when I lived in the UK. Not only do the shut out the weather (cold or hot) but the lovely feeling of security they give is so comforting. When I go away, I close and lock them all and never worry about intruders.
No they dont make condensation, quite the opposite. My windows stay clean for longer and the paintwork is protected.
Dont hesitate, get on with it!!

I like the look of them but would miss soft furnishing as it absorbs noise. Also you can’t have the window sill full of plants etc. It has to be kept clear which I would hate.

Everyone around here seemed to have these shutters fitted ten years ago. Almost without exception they've all been replaced now! They make even the lightest room dark. This passion for trying to reproduce France in old England is weird. Fifteen years ago in our road it was decking. The soon rotten wood created a des res for rats and in the course was replaced too.

I have shutters in two rooms, would love them all over. Never experienced condensation, (double glazed windows). My son has them all over his house and again, never experienced condensation. What makes you think you will have condensation?

I love my shutters, never had a condensation problem before or after fitting. If you have condensation shutters will not cure it.

I have just had shutters fitted,the only problem I have found is that if you have a pelmet you will be unable to fully open your shutter.I didn’t realise this and I have a pair of curtains with a deep stiff pelmet so I can just manage to,open one bedroom window,