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interior shutters for windows, interior window treatments

Are Interior Shutters for Windows a Good Investment?

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If you’re thinking about installing new window treatments in your house, you might be wondering if interior shutters for windows are a good investment. The short answer is yes. Interior window treatments can save you money while you live in your house, and your investment can pay off if you eventually decide to put your home on the market.

interior shutters for windows, interior window treatments

Interior Shutters Can Lower Your Energy Bills

Plantation shutters are more than stylish features. They can make your house more energy efficient and lower your heating and cooling costs.

Shutters provide insulation and help maintain a consistent temperature inside. During the summer, shutters can block out heat and sunlight and keep your home’s interior from heating up. That means you won’t have to run the air conditioner around the clock and pay astronomical amounts for electricity.

In the winter, plantation shutters can block out drafts and keep warm air inside. You’ll be able to use your furnace less while maintaining a safe and comfortable indoor temperature.

Interior Shutters for Windows Are Built to Last

Knox Blinds offers shutters made with durable materials, including vinyl and MDF composite and real wood. Our shutters have mortise and tenon joints that protect them from damage. If you choose shutters from Knox Blinds, you can be confident that they will serve their function and look beautiful for years to come.

Shutters Can Raise Your Home’s Resale Value

In a crowded market with lots of homes for sale, interior plantation shutters can catch the attention of potential buyers. They will be interested in shutters for the same reasons you are:

  • Energy efficiency
  • Lower utility bills
  • Durability
  • Aesthetics

Interior shutters are permanent fixtures that stay with a house when it’s sold. If you install interior shutters, you’ll be able to command a higher price when you sell the property. You can expect to recoup a significant percentage of the upfront cost.

How to Find Durable, Long-Lasting Interior Shutters for Windows

You can find plenty of stores and websites that offer shutters, but they can vary widely in terms of quality. If you only look at products in a store display or view photos online, it can be hard to tell how durable they really are.

Another downside of shopping for window treatments in a store or online is that you can’t see how different styles and colors would look in your house. You can try to imagine, but you might be disappointed when your new shutters are installed and they don’t look the way you thought they would.

Shopping at home is the solution. A consultant from Knox Blinds can visit your house to show you samples and let you assess their quality for yourself. You’ll have an opportunity to ask questions and see how different products would look in your home.

That approach can eliminate guesswork and help you feel confident that you’re making the right choice. Contact us today at (865)544-8339.

composite shutters, moisture-resistant shutters

Benefits of Composite Shutters for Modern Homes

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Plantation shutters are stylish and durable window treatments that can protect your privacy and help you save money on your utility bills. Many homeowners are immediately drawn to wood shutters, but they’re not always the best choice. In some cases, composite shutters are a better option.

composite shutters, moisture-resistant shutters

Why Are Composite Shutters Popular?

Composite shutters are made with a blend of materials that include vinyl and medium-density fiberboard. There are several reasons why homeowners choose plantation shutters made with a composite material instead of shutters made with natural wood:

  • Durability: Composite shutters are strong and tough. Knox Blinds sells shutters with mortise and tenon joints that help them handle the stress associated with daily use.
  • Moisture: Water and high humidity levels can make natural wood warp and crack. For rooms that tend to have high levels of moisture, such as the kitchen and bathrooms, moisture-resistant shutters made with composite material are the best solution.
  • Cost: For budget-conscious consumers, composite shutters are the obvious choice. They offer the beauty of real wood, excellent durability, and moisture resistance at an affordable price.
  • Maintenance: Composite shutters are easy to care for. They just have to be wiped down occasionally to remove dust and dirt.
  • Energy Efficiency: Plantation shutters provide additional insultation. When they’re closed in the winter, they block out cold air and retain heat. In the summer, shutters block out heat and keep cool air inside. Using the furnace and air conditioner less can lead to significantly lower utility bills.

Where Can You Install Composite Shutters?

Plantation shutters are versatile enough to be used with virtually any type of window, including double-hung, bow, and bay windows. Shutters can also be installed on sliding glass doors and French doors.

Because of their moisture resistance, composite shutters are perfect for kitchens and bathrooms, but they can work in any room in your house. If you’re looking for stylish, durable, and long-lasting window treatments that won’t break the bank, composite shutters fit the bill.

How Can You Find the Right Composite Shutters for Your House?

Brick-and-mortar home improvement stores and online businesses offer composite shutters, but beware. Those might seem like convenient ways to shop for new window treatments, but you can run into serious problems.

If you see composite shutters in a local store, you might think they’re perfect. You might be disappointed, though, when you have them installed and you realize that the style and color you chose don’t fit your décor as well as you expected.

Searching online can give you a wider range of options, but photos and written descriptions can be unclear or misleading. If you order shutters online, their quality or color might not match your expectations.

Knox Blinds offers free in-home consultations so our customers can shop with confidence. You’ll get to inspect samples of our composite shutters, compare different colors and styles to see which best complement your décor, and ask questions. Call (865)544-8339 to schedule an appointment at a time that’s convenient for you.

plantation shutters for sliding glass doors, stylish patio door coverings

How Plantation Shutters for Sliding Glass Doors Improve Privacy and Style

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Sliding glass doors can flood your house with natural light and let you enjoy the outdoor scenery, but they can also let other people see what’s going on inside your home. To protect your privacy, you need window treatments that can cover the doors. Plantation shutters for sliding glass doors are a practical and stylish solution.

plantation shutters for sliding glass doors, stylish patio door coverings

How Can Plantation Shutters Make Your House More Energy Efficient?

When it comes to energy efficiency, large glass doors can cause problems. They can let in a lot of sunlight, which can make your house uncomfortably hot. That can force you to run the air conditioner constantly in the summer and drive up your electricity bills.

In the winter, drafts can be a concern. If cold air gets in and warm air leaks out, you can spend more than you should on heating fuel.

With plantation shutters, you can avoid those problems. They can block out sunlight in the summer and retain heat in the winter, saving you money throughout the year.

How Can Plantation Shutters Protect Your Privacy?

One drawback of having a sliding door is that others can see what you and your family are doing and know if the house is unoccupied. If you want to keep neighbors or strangers from seeing into your home, you can close the shutters completely or angle the slats to let in some natural light but block out prying eyes.

Are Plantation Shutters Attractive?

Plantation shutters are stylish patio door coverings. They have a classic and versatile design that can complement any type of interior design. Knox Blinds offers shutters made with natural wood and vinyl and MDF composite. Our wood shutters can be painted or stained to match your home’s décor.

What Are the Best Kinds of Plantation Shutters for Sliding Glass Doors?

Shutters are available in multiple styles. These are the best options for sliding glass doors:

  • Bypass shutters glide easily along a track system. You can open the shutters to let in as much or as little light as you want. When they’re fully open, the shutters will stack so you can enjoy the view and open and close the sliding doors.
  • Hinged shutters open and close the same way that cabinet doors do. Since they open into a room or swing outward, they’re better for smaller doors.

How Can You Get an Estimate for Plantation Shutters for Sliding Glass Doors?

At Knox Blinds, we understand that shopping for new window treatments can feel overwhelming. We’re committed to making it easier. That’s why we offer free in-home consultations.

One of our consultants can visit your house at a time that fits your schedule. During the meeting, you’ll get to see samples of our plantation shutters made with real wood and vinyl and MDF composite. The consultant will help you decide which style and material will best fit your needs and give you a quote. Call (865)544-8339 to make an appointment.

bedroom window treatments

Best Window Treatments for Bedrooms: Comfort, Privacy & Style

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If you’re searching for new window treatments for your bedroom, you’ll have to balance multiple priorities. The window coverings must block out light so you can get a good night’s sleep, protect your privacy, and complement the rest of the room’s décor. Knox Blinds offers a variety of bedroom window treatments that fit the bill.

bedroom window treatments

What Are the Best Kinds of Bedroom Window Treatments?

There’s no one-size-fits-all solution, but there are some key principles that can guide you. Keep these things in mind when selecting window coverings for your bedroom.

Think about how much light control you need. It can be hard to sleep if your bedroom faces a street where cars drive by at night or if light from a nearby business filters in through your window. Shades and drapes can maximize light control because they’re made with one continuous piece of material and don’t have any gaps where light can seep in.

If light control is less of an issue, you might prefer blinds or plantation shutters. Both can block out light when they’re closed completely. With blinds or shutters, you’ll be able to angle the slats to let in light or to see what’s going on outside without others being able to see into your bedroom.

How Can You Find Bedroom Window Treatments That Are Right for Your Home?

You can easily find dozens of stores and online retailers that sell window treatments, but many products are made with flimsy materials and don’t last long. If you shop online, it’s hard to know if products that you’re looking at are durable or if they’ll quickly wear out. That’s why it’s better to look at window treatments in person before making a purchase.

Shopping in a store might seem like the obvious solution, but that approach also has drawbacks. When you look at blinds, drapes, or other window treatments in a store, you might fall in love with their style and color and think they would be perfect for your bedroom. When you have them installed, however, you might be disappointed.

Knox Blinds offers a better option: in-home consultations. We can arrange to have a consultant visit your house so you can:

  • Look at samples of the window treatments we offer, including blinds, shades, plantation shutters, and drapes
  • Ask questions about different materials and styles
  • Compare a variety of products and colors to your bedroom’s existing décor
  • Know that you’re making the right choice before you commit to a purchase

An in-home consultation can save you time, eliminate guesswork, and give you peace of mind. You’ll know that you’re investing in quality products that are built to last and that your new bedroom window treatments will fit perfectly with your home’s architecture and color scheme. Call (865)544-8339 to schedule a consultation.

bay window treatments

Window Treatments for Bay Windows: Custom Fit Solutions

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Bay windows can provide additional space and plentiful light, but figuring out how to cover the windows can be challenging. Custom bay window treatments can provide the right blend of light control, privacy, and energy efficiency.

bay window treatments

Why Should You Install Custom Bay Window Treatments?

Bay windows extend into the yard and have several glass panes that are angled and connected to each other. That unique design increases the amount of usable space in a room and enhances visual interest, but out-of-the-box treatments that are designed for standard windows simply won’t work on bay windows.

Custom bay window treatments can be tailored to your home’s exact specifications so they fit perfectly. There won’t be any gaps that could compromise your family’s privacy or allow the house to become uncomfortably hot or cold.

What Are the Best Types of Bay Window Treatments?

There are a few ways to cover bay windows. The team at Knox Blinds can install:

  • Plantation shutters
  • Cellular shades
  • Roman shades
  • Roller shades

We offer plantation shutters crafted with real wood, as well as options made with vinyl and MDF composite. Both materials are durable and beautiful, but moisture can damage natural wood. If you’re concerned about humidity, you’ll be better off with shutters made from a composite material.

Cellular, or honeycomb, shades can block out light to varying degrees. They have a series of pockets that provide insulation. Cellular shades can make your house more energy efficient, which can lead to lower utility bills throughout the year.

If you want to add some depth and dimension to your home’s interior design, consider Roman shades. You can choose shades with pleats running down the front or ones with a smooth surface.

Roller shades can be raised and lowered to let in just the right amount of light or to cover the windows completely when you need privacy. We offer SOLAR roller shades that can reduce glare on TV and computer screens, maintain a moderate indoor temperature, and save you money on your summer electricity bills. SOLAR shades can also keep the sun’s UV rays from damaging your furniture and artwork.

How Can You Choose the Right Bay Window Treatments for Your House?

All these styles of window treatments have benefits. To figure out which would work best in your home, think about your goals. You might prioritize light control, privacy, or energy efficiency, or a combination of these factors. You’ll also have to consider your home’s design and your stylistic preferences when selecting bay window treatments. 

If you’re still feeling stuck, one of our consultants can help. We can schedule an in-home consultation at a time that’s convenient for you.

During the consultation, you’ll get to see samples of the window treatments we offer, learn more about the benefits of each, and get advice on which would be the right choice for your home. Contact us today at (865)544-8339 to make an appointment.

business window treatments

How to Choose the Right Window Treatments for Your Knoxville Business

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When you’re decorating your business, the window coverings might seem like an afterthought, but they can play a critical role in how your workplace functions. Window treatments don’t just control the amount of light that gets in. They affect the way that workers feel, the way that customers perceive your business, and the amount of money you spend on utilities every month. If you need business window treatments, you can trust the professionals at Knox Blinds.

business window treatments

Business Window Treatments Affect Productivity

The amount of light in your workplace has a direct impact on your employees’ productivity and ability to concentrate. People thrive in environments with natural light, but too much sunlight can create problems.

If employees use computers and sunlight causes glare, workers can suffer from eye strain and headaches. That can lead to declines in productivity, missed deadlines, and other problems.

An office that’s flooded with sunlight can become uncomfortably hot. That can make workers distracted and irritable.

Window treatments in your business should be able to let in just the right amount of sunlight. They should be easy to adjust so that managers or individual employees can create conditions where they can focus and work effectively.

Window Treatments Influence Customers

When customers enter your business, they immediately form an impression that’s largely based on the way the building is decorated. Choosing new window treatments is an opportunity to make a positive impression. You can select a style, color, and material that align with your company’s image.

Quality Business Window Treatments Can Save You Money

Controlling the amount of light and heat in your workplace can keep your utility costs down. On hot summer days, you can close the window treatments or adjust them to let in a small amount of light so rooms don’t get uncomfortably hot. Those simple actions can dramatically reduce the amount of money your company spends on air conditioning.

In the winter, you can adjust the window treatments to take advantage of natural heat from the sun. By doing so, you’ll keep the interior warm and spend less on heating fuel.

Those savings can add up. You’ll quickly recoup the amount you spend on new window treatments and continue to enjoy significant savings for years afterward.

Get Help Selecting the Right Business Window Treatments

Knox Blinds offers an array of durable, stylish, and practical window treatments. You can choose from:

If you’re feeling overwhelmed by all the options, one of our consultants can visit your Knoxville TN business, discuss your goals and budget, show you samples of our window treatments, answer questions, and help you decide. Call (865)544-8339 to schedule a consultation.

shutters vs. blinds

Shutters vs. Blinds: What’s Right for You?

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Replacing the window treatments can update your home’s décor and make it more energy efficient. If you’re searching for new window treatments, you might be trying to decide which type to choose. Here are a few things you should know about the merits of shutters vs. blinds.

shutters vs. blinds

Benefits of Shutters

At Knox Blinds, we offer plantation shutters made with durable materials, including real wood and vinyl and MDF composite. If you choose wood shutters, we’ll be able to paint or stain them in a color that will complement the décor in your house.

Shutters are less common than blinds. If you want to decorate your house in a way that’s a bit different than your friends’ homes, plantation shutters can be an excellent choice.

Plantation shutters are versatile. They can be installed on practically any style of window, as well as sliding and French doors.

Our shutters are built to last. They have mortise and tenon joints that help them handle the stress of frequent opening and closing and prevent damage.

Plantation shutters are permanent fixtures that will remain in the house if you ever decide to move out. Shutters can appeal to potential buyers and help you secure one or more offers.

Benefits of Blinds

Blinds are easy to operate and available in a wide range of colors and styles. We sell blinds with slats of various sizes to suit small windows, ones that stretch from the floor to the ceiling, and everything in between.

Our blinds are crafted with high-quality materials, including real and faux wood and aluminum. Wood has a timeless beauty that pairs well with practically any color scheme and furniture style, but natural wood blinds can get damaged if they’re installed in a room with high levels of humidity. If you’re looking for blinds for your kitchen or bathroom, faux wood will be a better option.

If your house has contemporary décor, you might prefer aluminum blinds. They have a sleek appearance that will pair well with your modern furnishings.

Learn More about Shutters vs. Blinds During a Consultation

When shopping for new window treatments, the number of choices can feel overwhelming. Understanding the advantages of shutters vs. blinds can help you narrow your options.

Once you’ve figured out what kind of window treatments you want, you’ll have to decide on a material, a color, and other specifics. That can be hard to do if you’re shopping in a store. It will be much easier to envision how window treatments will look in your house if you can see samples and compare them in the room where you plan to install them.

That’s why Knox Blinds offers free in-home consultations. You’ll have an opportunity to meet with a consultant and:

  • Inspect samples of our blinds and shutters
  • Ask questions about different materials and features
  • See how various window treatments would look in your house
  • Compare prices for different styles and materials

You’ll get all the information you need to make the right decision. Call (865)544-8339 to schedule an appointment.

do plantation shutters add value

Increase Your Home’s Value with Plantation Shutters from Knox Blinds

do plantation shutters add value

If you’re thinking about installing new window treatments, you’re probably focusing on benefits like enhanced energy efficiency. You might also be thinking about how your investment will pay off if you sell your house in the future. If you’re wondering, do plantation shutters add value, the answer is yes.

Benefits of Plantation Shutters

Plantation shutters are a smart long-term investment. They can save you money while you live in your house and help you attract a buyer when and if you eventually put your home on the market. Since many factors come into play in a home sale, we can’t tell you exactly how much do plantation shutters add value, but you can rest assured that they will impress potential buyers and help you get top dollar. Here’s how:

  • Plantation shutters can provide privacy. This is particularly important if you live in a neighborhood where the houses are close together. With plantation shutters, you can close the slats for complete privacy or angle them so that others can’t see inside, but sunlight can still filter through.
  • Installing plantation shutters can reduce heating and cooling costs. When shutters are closed, they provide an additional layer of insulation. On summer days, plantation shutters can block out sunlight and keep the interior from heating up so you can run the air conditioner less and keep your electricity bills from skyrocketing. In the winter, you can open the shutters during the day to let the sun warm the house, then close the shutters at night to retain heat. Taking advantage of heat from the sun can let you rely less on the furnace and save money on heating fuel. Future owners will also reap these benefits!
  • Don’t forget about aesthetics. When potential buyers view a house, they focus on how it looks and form opinions within seconds. Knox Blinds offers attractive and durable shutters made with vinyl and MDF composites, as well as wood shutters that can be painted or stained in any color you like.

At Knox Blinds, we only sell high-quality window treatments. Our plantation shutters have mortise and tenon joints that protect them from stress and give them a long lifespan. If you invest in shutters, your house will be more appealing to potential buyers. Since shutters are permanent fixtures, the new owners will get to enjoy them for years after they move in.

Learn More about Plantation Shutters in an In-Home Consultation

You might have questions about plantation shutters or need help selecting the right ones for your house. This is why Knox Blinds provides free consultations. We can arrange to have a consultant visit your home at a time that’s convenient for you. During the consultation, you’ll have a chance to ask questions, such as:

  • How do plantation shutters add value?
  • What are the benefits of composite vs. wood shutters?
  • Which shutters will look best in my home?

You’ll also get to preview samples of our plantation shutters and see their quality for yourself! Ready to get started? Call Knox Blinds today at (865) 544-8339 to schedule an appointment.

how to clean plantation shutters

How to Clean and Maintain Plantation Shutters for Lasting Beauty

how to clean plantation shutters

Plantation shutters are stylish and durable. But like any part of your home’s décor, shutters will need regular upkeep to maintain their appearance and make them last as long as possible. Here’s what you need to know about how to clean plantation shutters.

Start by Removing Dust

The first step is to give your shutters a once-over and get rid of as much dust as possible. The more dust you remove now, the less work you’ll have to do later. You can use your vacuum cleaner’s brush attachment or wipe each slat with a microfiber cloth.

Start at the top and work your way down so you don’t get dust on slats that you have already cleaned. Go over the slats one at a time and clean around the edges and in the spaces between them. After you have worked your way from top to bottom, angle the slats the other way so you can remove dust from the other side.

Clean the Shutters

Getting rid of dust will dramatically improve the appearance of your shutters, but that alone won’t be enough. Your shutters will probably have some stuck-on dirt and grime. Make sure you know how to clean plantation shutters the right way.

  • Use a product that’s appropriate for your type of shutters. You might be tempted to use a cleaning product that contains harsh chemicals or scrub aggressively with a brush, but doing either of those things can damage your shutters.
  • You can remove stubborn stains with a mix of water and mild detergent. Dip a microfiber cloth in the solution and wring out the cloth before you begin to clean the shutters. The cloth should be damp, not wet. If you have plantation shutters made with real wood, you’ll have to be particularly careful when using water. Excessive moisture can warp wood and cause permanent damage.
  • Wipe the edges of the slats and clean the hardware. If there are any nooks and crannies that you can’t clean with the cloth, you can use a toothbrush. Just be sure that it has soft bristles.
  • If you use water to clean your shutters, wipe them dry with a cloth. That will help you prevent water spots and prevent wood shutters from warping.
  • You can also use furniture polish to keep your wood shutters looking like new. Before you use a product, read the label to make sure that it’s compatible with your type of shutters. Again, just be sure to follow the directions carefully.

Learn More about Plantation Shutters

Now that you know how to clean plantation shutters, you’re ready to keep them in pristine condition for years to come. If you don’t yet have shutters, but you’re interested in installing them, contact Knox Blinds at (865) 544-8339 to schedule an in-home consultation and see our high-quality options for yourself!

shutters for kitchens

Why Plantation Shutters Are the Best Choice for Your Kitchen

shutters for kitchens

Of all the rooms in your home, the kitchen is a core gathering space and center of daily activity. That’s why it’s so important to select the right kitchen window treatments! You need window coverings that can block out harsh sunlight, keep the room from overheating, let in sunlight when you want it, protect your family’s privacy, and allow you to keep an eye on what’s happening outside your home. Knox Blinds offers durable and stylish shutters for kitchens that fit the bill in all regards.

What Makes Plantation Shutters a Good Option for Your Kitchen

Plantation shutters are versatile enough to be used in any room and on virtually any type of window. They’re also beautiful in a timeless sense. If you want to take your kitchen’s décor up a notch, plantation shutters are an excellent choice.

Knox Blinds sells plantation shutters manufactured with mortise and tenon joints. This means they minimize the stress from frequent opening and closing and help our shutters last longer compared to those that many of our competitors sell.

How to Choose the Right Shutters for Kitchens

When selecting window treatments, it’s critical to choose the right material. This is especially important when it comes to the kitchen. While wood features can lend a warm and comfortable feeling to a kitchen, you won’t want to install genuine wood shutters in your kitchen. Wood is susceptible to moisture damage and won’t hold up well in a humid environment such as above the sink.

Fortunately, Knox Blinds offers faux wood plantation shutters made with vinyl and MDF composite. They look just as beautiful as shutters made with natural wood, but they’re much more resistant to moisture damage. You can be confident that your shutters will continue to look beautiful for years to come.

Compare Samples and Ask Questions During a Free Consultation

During an in-home consultation with a member of our team, you’ll be able to see samples and make sure they meet your standards before you commit to buying. You’ll also be able to ask questions and compare different styles and colors to best match your unique kitchen.

An in-home consultation will help you avoid the pitfalls associated with shopping online and in brick-and-mortar stores. When you look at photos on a website, it’s hard to gauge the quality of products. Not to mention, the way colors look on a screen can differ greatly from real life.

Shopping in a store also has drawbacks. It’s difficult to imagine how products that you see in a showroom will look in your house. You might be disappointed when you have shutters installed and they don’t meet your expectations.

Knox Blinds has a wide selection of shutters for kitchens that we can bring right to you! Call (865) 544-8339 to schedule a consultation and find the shutters that are perfect for your home.

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