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Factors to Consider for Your Next Decorating Project

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Monday, October 31, 2016

Are custom shutters the right decorating choice for your next home project? Shutters are a stylish option that can make a statement in any room. They are easy to maintain, energy efficient, and outlast many other types of window treatments. Here are some practical factors to consider when looking at custom shutters for your home. 

Custom shutters are designed for each specific window. They can also be made in specialty shapes to fit arches, curves, angles, quarter circles, hexagons, octagons, and other oddly shaped windows. Shutters are even a great option for French doors, offering privacy and light control. Decorative frame options allow the shutters to be mounted inside or outside the window casing, depending on the homeowner’s preference.

Louver size is a matter of personal style. Popular sizes range from 2.5 to 4.5 inches. A tilt bar allows the shutters to be adjusted for optimal light control. A traditional tilt bar on the front of the shutter creates a classic look. For a clean and modern look, homeowners may choose a tilt system that is hidden on the back of the shutter. Bi-fold shutters offer even greater light control because they can be folded back.

Shutters offer energy efficiency in summer and winter. Louvers in the closed position block heat and sunlight during hot weather. Homeowners will save on their cooling bills when air conditioning units can work more efficiently. In colder weather, closed louvers keep the heat inside and the drafts out. On sunny winter days, opening the louvers on south facing windows will let the sun help warm up a room.

Consider the easy maintenance of shutters that are not manufactured with wood products. They resist water damage in kitchens and bathrooms, will not warp or chip, and won’t have to be repainted over the years. Their nonporous material makes them mold and mildew resistant. These shutters are easily cleaned with a damp cloth.

Custom shutters give a sophisticated and elegant look to any home. They remain one of the most popular decorating choices for today’s homeowners.

Selecting the Correct Shutter Style for Windows

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Tuesday, October 11, 2016

If the intrusion of on-lookers into your home has become an unwelcome part of your everyday life, it's probably time to consider some appropriate window coverings. shutters can offer you an exceptional way to invite privacy into your home while letting the light shine in when you choose to. But, not all shutters are created equal. If you're considering shutters, but have found yourself confused by the many options available on the market, this buyers' guide should help you along the path to perfect privacy protection.

EclipseShutters New8

Understand Your Style Situation

There's more than meets-the-eye to a great shutter selection. There are plenty of details that you may not have even thought about before. Some of the features you'll probably want to consider include:
  • Color
  • Louver size (view-through)
  • Tilt mechanism
  • Frame
  • Configuration
The ultimate variety of options is seemingly limitless, and the product that's best for you will combine your personal style with the functionality that's best-suited for your unique situation.

Consider Obstructions

If you're stuck deciding between bi-fold and standard configuration shutters, there may be a few deal-breakers. Both are beautiful window treatments, but one might fit your needs better than the other. For example, a bi-fold configuration gives you the flexibility to tuck away the shutters giving you more space for light to come through the window. Standard configuration shutters can work quite well for wide-open spaces.

Figure Out Your Framing

There's a bit of science involved in selecting the right frame for your shutters. To begin with, you'll need to know if you plan to mount the shutters inside or outside the window frame. There are several options for either choice. Once you've decided which framing choice works best for you, the rest of the selection lies within your own personal style and overall preference. Before you invest in shutters, you'll want to be sure that you're working with a company that's happy to answer your questions and stands by its products. Eclipse Shutters has a nationwide network of dealers that can help you with any questions you may have regarding framing, measuring, and installation. We welcome you to contact our Eclipse Shutters team with any inquiries you may have. In return, we'll provide you with friendly, expert advice to help you with your decision.

Shutters - The Perfect Low Maintenance Window Treatment

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Thursday, October 27, 2016

Custom designed shutters add elegance, style and beauty to any room in a home. Shutters are the perfect complement for many design styles, are extremely durable, and are very easy for the homeowner to maintain.

 

Eclipse Shutters custom manufactures their shutters to last for decades. Because these shutters are not made from wood products, there is no warping, fading, or cracking of the panels or louvers. Their unique UltraSatin™ finish gives these shutters the look of painted wood without the upkeep of wood. The homeowner will never need to repaint or refinish these shutters. Eclipse Shutters are UV resistant and will not be damaged by the sun. The colors will remain true to the original shade with no yellowing or fading.

The non-porous surface of these shutters is easy to clean and maintain. The panels can be wiped with a clean damp cloth. There is no need to use lemon oil, furniture polish, or harsh chemical cleaners. These shutters are mold and mildew resistant, making them an excellent choice for kitchens and bathrooms. The special panel lock closure device eliminates those plastic encased magnets other manufacturers use that deteriorate over time and must be replaced. Shutters manufactured by Eclipse Shutters are fire retardant and NFPA 701 certified. They are also GREENGUARD GOLD Certified for air quality.

Homeowners simply cannot go wrong with shutters from Eclipse Shutters. The company offers the longest manufacturers’ warranty in the industry. All their shutters carry an unconditional 25-year guarantee. Eclipse custom shutters may be the last window treatments a homeowner will ever need to purchase.

Selecting Shutter Colors that Coordinate with Your Home's Interior

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Tuesday, September 20, 2016

Shutters can add instant beauty and elegance to any home, but once you've decided to purchase them, your decision-making process isn't complete. You may be stuck wondering how you can select shutter colors that coordinate with your home interior.

If this sounds familiar, you're not alone! Here are some tips from the pros at Eclipse Shutters to help you with your color-coordinating decisions:

  • The Classic Color. Cotton white shutters have become quite common due to their classic elegance and ability to make any room look its very best. If your room is painted in neutral tones, white shutters will easily match the calm and even tone of your space. Alternatively, if you've decided to go with bright, vibrant hues on your walls, white shutters can add extra eye-appeal, focusing visitors' eyes on these lovely window accessories each time they walk into the room. White gets bonus points because you won't have to ;worry about updating your shades if you get bored of the rest of your room's color scheme and need a change.
  • A Touch of Warmth. If you're looking for a way to bring a warmer tone to your interior, you may wish to consider off-white shades such as the Pearl or Vanilla tones offered by Eclipse Shutters. Each of these offers a softer experience than brilliant white, which makes them great for rooms where you intend to relax and unwind, such as your bedroom. Brightly colored accent walls tend to look much warmer when accented by softer shutters, whereas vibrant white will add a distinctive focal point to the room.
  • Define Your Style. What kind of personality does the room in question have? Is it ultra-modern with clean, sleek lines and modern furniture? If so, a white shutter might fit the mood best. Is it a relaxing room with neutral furniture where the family hangs out and enjoys the days' conversation? If this is the case, a softer-toned shutter might enhance the atmosphere optimally.
The most important part of choosing the right color scheme to match your home interior is finding a hue that speaks to you. Looking for a little visual inspiration? Please feel free to browse our Eclipse Shutters gallery, and let us know if you have any questions!

Interior Shutters: What is the ROI?

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Tuesday, October 11, 2016

Interior shutters can be an excellent addition to any home, but they're not the kind of accessory you replace every two or three years. In fact, these beautiful window treatments are meant to be long-term investments that last for many years to come. With that said, if you're going to be spending several thousand dollars on shutters, you're probably curious about the return-on-investment (ROI) this home accessory can deliver.

Here are some elements you should consider when calculating the return on investment of shutters:

 

Will They Still Be In Style Five or Ten Years From Now?

The good news is that this is an easy question to answer. Shutters are generally considered to be timeless and classic additions to any home, which means a few years down the road, they'll be just as beautiful and on-trend as they were the day you purchased them.

The timeless element of this accessory is a positive factor in terms of ROI. You won't have to worry about replacing them shortly after installation because these shutters simply are made to withstand the test of time.

How Long Will You Be In Your Home?

If you're selling your home soon and considering adding shutters to increase your home's market price, you should speak to a Realtor. An experienced real estate professional will help you understand how this type of addition can help your home stand out from the competition. If a higher sale is the sole reason you're considering installing shutters, your Realtor can likely give you ballpark in terms of the ROI you'll receive.

Alternatively, if you're not planning on going anywhere for five years or so, shutters will pay for themselves several times over because you won't be faced with costly replacements, repairs, upgrades, maintenance, and style updates, which would otherwise be necessary with a different window covering option.

Are You Planning to Install Your Shutters Yourself?

Some homeowners opt to install their shutters themselves, but the end result can end up costing you ROI. When you're investing in a high-quality home accessory, it doesn't make sense to skimp on the installment, as an amateur installation could ultimately harm the entire aesthetic of the final product.

To achieve maximum ROI, spend the extra money, and make sure a professional installs your shutters so you won't have worries down the road.

Join in the conversation, and find out how shutters have measured up for others @eclipseshutters!

5 Easy Ways to Reinvent Your Living Room

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Monday, August 8, 2016
If you are like most Americans, you and your family spend a lot of time in your living room. Don’t you want the space to be alive and inviting? If you look around your living room and see tired, boring furniture and décor, then your space may need a facelift — but how do you get started? Try any of these simple additions to breathe new life into your space.

1. Try Texture and Patterns.

If your furniture and décor are all one color, the room may lack depth. Adding an accent wall that has a patterned paint job or wallpaper may brighten up the room. If you don’t have time to paint, you might just want to pick some pillows that have patterns or fun textures to add some dimension and color. Don’t be afraid to mix colors!

2. Consider Adding a Feature that Makes a Statement.

Living spaces that have a focal point tend to add more life to a room. In many living rooms, however, the focal point ends up being a television or entertainment system. Switch things up by picking out a large painting or bright rug to really make a statement in your room. You can find something that fits with your existing color scheme or design around your new statement piece.

3. Incorporate Shutters.

shutters give any room a sophistication that is difficult to replicate. These beautiful window treatment options can brighten up a room, add character and are clean and safe alternatives to other window treatments. They also add to the value of your home in addition to totally changing the ambiance of your living space. You could change nothing else, but add shutters, and it would feel like a completely different room.

4. Scale Down Your Furniture.

You can make your living space seem a lot bigger by getting rid of that oversized couch. If you have multiple pieces of furniture in the room, consider removing one or two pieces to make the room seem less crowded and more open. You may also want to move your furniture away from the wall to create the illusion of even more space.

5. Revitalize Your Mantle.

If you have a fireplace, you will be surprised at how much simply updating the mantle can do for the whole room. Although some projects can be costly, there are many DIY options that you may want to consider. Stick to light colors to make the space seem bigger. Let us know other ways you update your living areas. For more design tips, follow our blog.