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Original poster

Shutters - why?

91 replies

Member786488 · 01/06/2024 21:11

The house down the road from me has shutters in every room. And they’re always, and I mean always, 99% closed.

this is SE England, not France, and obviously they’re inside not out.

I can’t help think that it must be so dark in every room in their house.

I know the couple, they’re fine, I’m not interested in their lives in any way.

if you have shutters, does this mean that you live your life in the dark?

I just can’t understand why anyone in this part of the world would want them, light is everything…

enlighten me…

OP posts:
YogaIsMyCalm · 01/06/2024 21:32

I have shutters and the rooms are so much brighter and airier. Mine have smallish slats so look not too dissimilar to venetian blinds except so much easier to clean.

They're split 70/30 so the top can slant differently from the bottom so that in the morning I can have privacy getting dressed but have lots of light in with the top open. They also fully open.

They aren't black out, but shut out enough light when fully closed for sleeping. I personally don't like full black out.

I love them, but I'm a fan of the minimalist look. I'm not a fan of fussy curtains and lots of bling. Each to their own.

greengreyblue · 01/06/2024 21:31

They may look closed but they normally tilt to let light in. I love them but they need to be in the right style house so I do t have any. I would if they suited. Very stylish.

DappledThings · 01/06/2024 21:29

I only really open the curtains because I think people would judge me for them being closed all day otherwise.

I'm not bothered if I get natural light coming in or not and I don't like it too bright (although I also hate lamps because they're prissy and annoying and am quite comfortable with the big light). Shutters probably let in plenty if they are slatted and can be turned different ways.

Kitkat1523 · 01/06/2024 21:29

Doesn’t really block that much light out….we have shutters in our front lounge and 2 front bedroom….our neighbours either side have them 2 ( 1870s semis) ….love them

MrsPelligrinoPetrichor · 01/06/2024 21:27

Pollypickpockets · 01/06/2024 21:12

Keeps the house nice and cool. Stops nosy neighbours from peering in.

This! Depends which way the sun is, we keep the bedroom blinds shut as it gets belting hot otherwise.

Original poster
Member786488 · 01/06/2024 21:25

So all of you who have them, are the rooms light inside?

god knows in surburbia I understand the need for privacy, but a lack of light would drive me insane.

OP posts:
Ponderingwindow · 01/06/2024 21:24

I despise bright light. I get angry if anyone turns on the overhead lights. I have motorized blackout curtains on main windows. I have lighter curtains over those for when I open the blackouts.

I joke that I am part vampire, but it’s just a sensory issue from ASD. I share it with all but one member of my household. He is an adult and just has to deal with the rest of us constantly telling him to turn off the lights.

Bright lights are awful and sunlight is the worst light of all.

AlexaPlaySomeHappyHardcore · 01/06/2024 21:23

We have them, as do lots of people on our street, probably all for the same reasons: front doors lead straight out onto the pavement and the shutters offer privacy while still letting in plenty of sunlight. Ours look closed from the outside but are still a little bit open. Don’t think they look naff at all, work quite well in Victorian terraces imo.

BrokenWing · 01/06/2024 21:20

Only seen internal shutters in RL in one house, and they are horrific looking - like horizonal prison bars!

I can understand external shutters in places prone to hurricanes, where the houses are designed with them in mind, but as an afterthought style choice I'll pass.

MidnightPatrol · 01/06/2024 21:17

I have shutters as otherwise people can see in from the street.

They let a lot of light through.

They might stay closed during the week as I am out from dawn-dusk.

Userengage · 01/06/2024 21:16

Mine may look shut from the outside but they are slanted upwards and let the light in without anyone being able to see in.

MaryFuckingFerguson · 01/06/2024 21:15

They’re so naff. Everyone was getting them about 3 years ago and they already look really dated.

not4profit · 01/06/2024 21:14

I have them because the strong sunlight on the front of my house destroyed our previous sofa - the fabric shredded

Raquelos · 01/06/2024 21:14

Maybe they're gamers, sunlight on the tv screen can be a right bummer when you are trying to make those tricky shots.

Didimum · 01/06/2024 21:13

Member786488 · 01/06/2024 21:11

The house down the road from me has shutters in every room. And they’re always, and I mean always, 99% closed.

this is SE England, not France, and obviously they’re inside not out.

I can’t help think that it must be so dark in every room in their house.

I know the couple, they’re fine, I’m not interested in their lives in any way.

if you have shutters, does this mean that you live your life in the dark?

I just can’t understand why anyone in this part of the world would want them, light is everything…

enlighten me…

I had shutters in my old house. I loved them. They were very convenient and looked great. They don’t suit the aesthetic in my new house so haven’t invested again.

Pollypickpockets · 01/06/2024 21:12

Keeps the house nice and cool. Stops nosy neighbours from peering in.