Your home is your castle, so it makes sense you only want the best. That’s why we’ve rounded up everything you need to know across design, price, and longevity to help you transform your home with the perfect window covers.
It’s tough to put your finger on the “best” of anything.
Your favourite coffee place might be different from someone else’s. Just as the best coverings for your Brisbane home or business may be different from someone else’s. But that doesn’t mean you can’t find the perfect covers for you.
To help you find a product that’s stylish, practical, and affordable, we’ve rounded up the leading shutter options to help you save time and money. As Brisbane’s experts, we understand the need to balance price and performance, so that’s exactly what we’ll give you.
Whether you’re looking to add a handful of window coverings to your bedroom, elevate your alfresco dining area with new outdoor options, or replacement across your entire home, here’s everything you need to know about the best types of shutters.
Are they worth it?
Short answer – yes.
It’s easy to assume that curtains can help keep light out and add privacy, but this leaves a range of advantages on the table (or, on the windows). For example, the installation offers advanced light control. You can regulate how much – or how little – light comes into your home.
More than just controlling light, modern window coverings can prevent unwanted noise (hello restful and rejuvenating sleep), provide temperature control (goodbye unnecessary A/C usage), and add value to your home in the form of stylish and modern products that boost curb appeal. With up to 40% of a home’s heating energy lost through windows, and 87% of heating energy gained through windows, these products provide efficient insulation that makes a mark on your energy bills.
So if we’re preaching to the choir, let’s break down the most popular shutter options in Brisbane and find out what’s best for you.
DID YOU KNOW? It’s easy to get shutters and blinds mixed up (although we’re experts in both). Blinds are attached inside or above your window recess, while shutters are installed into the window frame for sturdy and lasting results.
Best types of shutters explained
Your choice of shutter should be one you love – but it’s easy to fall in love with a style that doesn’t offer the practical features you need. Read on to learn a little more about Brisbane’s most popular shutter options and whether they’ll work for you.
#1 – Plantation shutters
They are designed to fit snugly inside your home’s window frames and provide a stylish addition that regulates light and temperature with excellent energy-efficient qualities (as they are installed snugly against your window frame).
Offering a classic and timeliness design, these products are easy to clean and can quickly transform a room – or your whole home – with durable materials that won’t need constant repair or upkeep.
Plantation Shutter Average Cost: $200 to $400 per m2 depending on the material
#2 – Outdoor shutters
Outdoor options can be installed on verandahs, seasonal rooms, and balconies to help blend your interior and exterior spaces. Living in Brisbane means hot, sticky summers and your own window coverings can help make the back verandah a cool and comfortable place to enjoy those long, hot summer days.
While traditional solutions offer a wide range of materials, including PVC, timber, and composite, outdoor options are typically made from high-grade extruded aluminium to handle the elements all year-round. However, you can still customise your window covers thanks to the range of finishes available such as powder coating, matte, gloss, and even wood-grain.
Plantation Shutter Average Cost: $250 to $400 per m2
How to choose the best plantation shutter material
Leaning towards a plantation-style shutter? If you’re choosing plantation options, you’re upgrading your home with a stylish, beautiful, and versatile window covering.
The material you choose will have a significant impact on the look, feel, longevity, and maintenance required – so it pays to compare your options when choosing the best shutter products.
So we’ve rounded up the leading materials to help you compare your options and choose the best solution for you.
Wood plantation shutters
It’s tough to go past the elegance and rustic charm of wooden plantation options. Offering an exceptional strength-to-weight ratio, you can enjoy light window covers that still stand up to the elements.
Wood is also easy to craft, so you can enjoy custom wooden options that are built to match your home’s decor and are truly one-of-a-kind. Or, if you’d like to take your customisation even further, try staining your window covers to deliver a ‘WOW’ factor that may make your neighbours seriously jealous.
Composite plantation shutters
Most people love the look and feel of natural timber – but they’re not so enamoured with the care and maintenance that goes into true wood products. That’s where innovative composite covers can help.
They can be constructed of medium-density fibreboard wrapped in a vinyl coating. Known as faux wood, or engineered wood, they are highly resistant to the weather and humidity which means less wear and tear (and fewer costly repairs and upgrades along the way).
Aluminium plantation shutters
Living in Brisbane means Australia’s best lifestyle (we might be a little biased, but we still think it’s true!). Unfortunately, that can also mean your coverings need to stand up to the QLD elements. Whether it’s coastal air or tropical rain, the best options are those that are tough all year round.
That’s where they really shine. Offering high resistance to corrosion, aluminium can last for years even in the most challenging conditions. Better still, the reflective surface can help redirect sunlight and keep your Brisbane home cool in the summer months. Between keeping your energy costs down (as there’s no need to blast the A/C all day) and the cost-effective installation, aluminium can help keep more money in your pocket.
Need a little help choosing a new shutter?
The more options you have, the easiest it is to feel stuck.
Between countless shutter styles and seemingly endless choices when it comes to material, colour, and design, we don’t blame you if you feel exhausted trying to pick a winner. That’s where we can help.
At FKR Group, we have been helping our Brisbane clients for over 30 years and counting. With no pushy sales tactics and warranties ranging up to 30 years, get in touch with our friendly team for free support and advice on your next shutter project.
Whether it’s a little help picking a timeless style, choosing the perfect colour, or finding a great deal on the right shutter for you, we’re excited to help.
Reach out on 0412 872 822 or click here to request a free measure and quote.
If you want to learn more, check out our resources below:
1. How Much Do Shutters Cost in Brisbane?
2. How To Choose The Best Type of Shutters
4. What Are the Benefits of Installing Shutters in Your Home?
