Following a summer of record-breaking temperatures in the UK, now is the time to think about how solar shading can help keep your home cool. While blinds are brilliant – trust us, we at the BBSA would know – shutters are also fantastic products. But, with so many designs and materials to choose from, it can be tricky to work out exactly what type of shutter you’d like. Let’s take a look at the options.

Full-height shutters

These shutters cover all of your glazing, making them ideal if you’re likely to have a situation where you want total privacy. But that’s not to say they’re not extremely versatile.

Similar to a Venetian blind, tilting louvres give you control over light and can help stop any prying eyes. Close them completely for privacy and to restrict light ingress or tilt them to let the natural light in while still retaining a level of privacy.

The whole panel can also stack away from the window if you want to flood your space with light, while a mid-rail can be added so the top and bottom halves can be opened independently of each other (see tier-on-tier shutters).

Café style shutters

For the perfect compromise between privacy and light. The panels on café style shutters cover the lower section of your glazing so light can flow in freely through the top part of your glazing, while you enjoy the privacy on offer by the shutters at the bottom.

Like full-height shutters the louvres can be tilted, while the panels can be folded and stacked away from the glazing.

Tier-on-tier shutters

The ultimate shutter if versatility is your top priority. Tier-on-tier shutters are made up of two separate panels which can be operated independently of each other. They boast the same qualities as full-height shutters, the only difference being that a mid-rail splits the shutter in two giving you even more control over light and privacy.

Solid panel shutters

popular in period properties where there are large windows or listed properties with single glazing. There are no louvres in this type of shutter and opening or closing the whole panel is done manually. When fully open, natural light will flood in and when fully closed, they offer privacy and a high degree of light exclusion.

Shaped shutters

Perfect for unusually shaped glazing, they are crafted to follow the lines and contours of the opening. Designs will therefore vary, although they can often be fitted either inside or outside the recess.

Room-dividing shutters

With solid panels or louvres, different track systems mean you can segment open plan spaces to suit your needs.

All shutters can help improve the energy saving qualities of your home by providing a layer between the glazing and your room, boosting the level of heat retention in the winter, and reducing the sun’s heat in the summer helping keep your home cool.

For more information on how shading products can help keep your building cool in the summer and warm in winter, visit www.shadeit.org.uk.

Most of the products explored in this article will be available in wood, MDF or polymers, as well as a range of colours and finishes. Automated shutters are also available.

To find your local accredited BBSA member, visit www.bbsa.org.uk.