When looking at shutters for your bathroom, there’s one consideration that simply must be prioritised above all others: water resistance. Thankfully, sticking to a waterproof material doesn’t mean you are limited in style, with a wide range of purpose-made bathroom shutters that won’t get slowly (or swiftly!) destroyed when you have a shower.
Shutter Materials that Work Well for Bathrooms
Waterproof shutters typically means uPVC, though there are variations in both composition and quality. uPVC is a perfect bathroom shutter material because it is completely 100% waterproof, easy to clean and can be made in a variety of styles. When it comes to shutters, the main options are:
- Fully uPVC shutters – These are cost-effective, fully waterproof and durable – perfect for humid environments.
- Composite shutters – An aluminium core coated in uPVC or vinyl, composite shutters provide the same long-lasting waterproof qualities of uPVC but are slightly more robust.
- ABS – This is a high-grade polymer that provides full waterproofing for use in bathrooms with a superior finish to uPVC. Look to our Java range for a premium ABS bathroom shutter.
With a choice of materials and 12 painted finishes to choose from (and the option of custom colours!) there’s an option available to suit any home decor.
Shutter Materials to Avoid in a Bathroom
Many shutters are made with MDF. This cost-effective and versatile material is perfect for shutters in rooms like bedrooms or living rooms, but MDF doesn’t love moisture and can deteriorate over time, eventually leading to swelling, flaking or even structural failure. Though coated MDF can provide some resistance for a few years, it’s best avoided if you want true investment value.
Wood is another material that’s best kept out of the bathroom. While wood does have some resistance to moisture, if not well maintained, it can warp and split. Worst, wood shutters can become susceptible to mould, making them a potential health hazard in bathrooms. There’s no doubt that wood shutters have a sense of luxury, but they’re best used in less-humid locations.
Also Avoid…
Though not shutters, it’s worth noting that fabric window coverings, such as many blinds and curtains, should be completely avoided in bathrooms – these will quickly become breeding grounds for mould and bacteria. Options such as thinly slatted Venetian blinds are also a problem, as they’re quick to warp.
Many inexperienced homeowners will look to these cheaper options for the bathroom, not considering the long-term impact. Save your time and money – opt for a durable, water-resistant shutter instead!
Shutter Designs that Bring Out the Best for Bathrooms
Of course, it’s not just about the technical efficiency of your bathroom shutter – you’re also looking for something that matches your style and brings an inviting tone to the room.
Bathrooms benefit from good natural lighting, where you have some degree of control. There’s nothing quite as perfect as the sun shining through the window on a warm summer’s morning, or as relaxing as a candlelit evening in the bathtub, filled with bubbles, glorious scents and a peek at the twinkle of stars.
With shutters, you can enjoy a view while maintaining privacy thanks to the ability to angle the louvres. A tilt upwards or downwards means you can still see outside, but anyone glancing at your window can’t see in.
As with all shutters, shutter styles for bathrooms include:
- Café-style – With an open and decorative top half, café-style shutters offer the perfect mix for a bathroom with frosted windows. Bright light shines through the top section during the day, while the lower-level closed panels provide privacy and style.
- Tier-on-tier – Offering the ability to open the bottom and top sections independently, tier-on-tier shutters offer true flexibility. Let the light in during the day, filter with louvred light control as necessary, and close tightly at night for insulation. Perfect for houses with bathrooms that need extra privacy protection from neighbours.
- Full height – The classic shutter, offered in both louvred and solid options. A full height shutter provides total light control and privacy, offers exceptional thermal insulation, helps to block unwanted sound and has a timeless look that simply cannot be beaten.
- External – External shutters are less common in the UK, but for the right home, the option to place the shutters outside the building exists for a more traditional look. Then, on those bright sunny mornings, you can throw them open exuberantly like Snow White, and let the birds come to help with the cleaning! Not only that, but external shutters are fantastic at keeping the heat out during the blistering summer weather.
Choosing Bathroom Shutters with SSC
At the Scottish Shutter Company, we know a thing or two about getting the right window cover for your bathroom windows – we have over 38 years of experience and a number of awards to our name. We have proven our dedication to our customers time and time again, and we’d like nothing more than the opportunity to show you the possibilities for your home.
Download a brochure today or arrange a consultation to see how you can bring beautiful style, long-lasting durability and complete light control together. Spending time in your private sanctuary will never have felt so good.
