finishing and decorating a kid-friendly home
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finishing and decorating a kid-friendly home

How do you finish the interior of the home in which small children live without having to worry about what they are doing every second of the day? Can you finish the floors and the walls with materials that will withstand the abuse they will put it through and decorate in a way that will not put the kids in danger? Our blog is all about finishing and decorating a home that is kid-friendly. You will learn the best materials to use, the best types of paint, the easiest colors to work with and ideas to help you decorate without as much concern.

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finishing and decorating a kid-friendly home

You Know What Your Home Needs? Shutters!

Sally Horton

Many homes in America are garnished by shutters. If you have finally caught the vision of what shutters can add to your home, you are probably researching which type of shutters you should put up. Other countries use the term 'shutters' as a type of window treatment similar to blinds. In the United States, most people attach shutters to the outside of their homes as more of a decoration. There are many different styles of shutters. You should choose one that goes with the motif of your home. Here are a few popular options:

Louvered

Louvered shutters are potentially the most popular type. These are the shutters that have lines of wood slats which are outlined with a pattern. You can see these on many antique homes across America since they have been popular ever since the birth of the nation.

Raised Panel

Raised panel shutters look very similar to doors. They have a raised panel both on the top and bottom, which some people get to match the doors of their homes. 

Board and Batten

Board and batten shutters are very popular on farmhouse homes. These are very simple to make, and were often used on barns in the old days. They are characteristically 3 vertical 2x4 boards set close together or with a slight space between them, with 2-3 horizontal 2x4s holding them together. 

Once you have selected the style, you will also have the choice of which material your shutters will be made of:

Wood

Historically, all shutters were made of wood. Wooden shutters are easy to paint or stain and can be changed with a flick of the brush. They do require some maintenance, though, since they can rot and are susceptible to termites. They potentially add the most value to homes if they are maintained properly. 

Vinyl

Vinyl shutters are easy to put up since they are lightweight and cheap. If you are looking for a quick shutter fix on a budget, these would probably be your best bet. However, they cannot be painted easily and may break in inclement weather. 

Composite

Composite shutters look and feel like real wood shutters, though they can usually withstand the elements a bit better than wood. Since they are termite and rot resistant, they are likely to withstand the other two types of shutters. 

In conclusion, choosing the right type of shutters can bring a curb appeal to your home which may even increase the value. If you do your homework, you will likely choose a type of shutter that will outlast the elements in your area and will last for several years. Good luck!


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