We live at the top of a u-shaped street. My office is only one of two front facing windows {with the exception of those in our stairwell upstairs}. And let’s face it, I am on my computer several hours a night – and I’m pretty sure the entire neighborhood knows it. Our street certainly isn’t busy by any means, but it seems like our neighbors are always driving by. The decorative drapes just aren’t cutting it any more from a privacy perspective. This window is massive – nearly seven feet by seven feet – so the options are somewhat limited.
I got a bid this week for plantation shutters. I had the guy measure virtually every room in our house with the exception of the windows with new coverings in the dining room and queen guest bedroom. Although the bid that came back wasn’t too shocking, the amount is definitely not in the budget for this year or next.
So, we have decided only to go with the necessary windows. The office {obviously}and our bedroom. Our bedroom has a window that is nearly as big as the front window {covered in the photo below with the blue silk drapes left from the previous home owner}. The challenge in this room is the windows above our bed. I was fine leaving them as is, but my husband hates that they face east and the morning sun rises right over our bed {I sort of love it actually}. So the shutters will work well here also. In this room {and with every other room they bid – with the exception of the office} they will have to remove the existing window trim because the window sills aren’t deep enough to accommodate the shutters. They will then replace it with a trim mounted to the shutter itself.
I haven’t made the official call to have them ordered, but they take about six weeks to arrive. I had him color match the Swiss Coffee trim {in lieu of the existing cream colored trim} so the shutters will be a fairly bright white since I’m looking at this as a long-term solution. I will also likely be going with the 4 1/2″ slats {the further right in the photo below}. They can also make these now without the wand, but I actually prefer the look of it there.
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So, if all goes as planned, my neighbors will no longer be able to see me every single night starting mid-May! 🙂
Becky {This Is Happiness} says
Hey Sarah! Both these rooms are so pretty! Really love the 3 small windows above your bed! We have shutters throughout our home for the same reason.
Katie says
WANT shutters so bad. We haven’t had anyone out to quote yet though… is it insanely expensive?
Sarah S says
The bid for all the rooms I mentioned above {eleven windows total} was about $8,000 installed and with the warranty which is WAY more than we are able to spend right now – keep in mind two of the windows bid are huge – more like double or triple the average size}. I do feel like they are very classic so I figured we can gradually add additional ones each year if we need them {and still be able to have them all match}.
Michelle Anne Rufino says
The idea of using custom home shutters is really good. I think it adds privacy and beauty to any home. It really improves the architecture of your house and makes your house look more elegant.
Jonathan Smith says
Well by seeing the pictures, I had to tell you that the rooms are pretty amazing and windows have enhanced the look of your house, using cheap plantation shutters is a best way to avoid the entrance of sunlight and it also adds more privacy to your room.
bmccloy says
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