Disinfecting Your Home During the Coronavirus Outbreak

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We’ve all heard about the importance of washing your hands for at least 20 seconds and staying six feet away from others to prevent the spread of the new coronavirus, but we haven’t always heard as much about how to properly disinfect our houses. With recommendations to stay at home being implemented across the county, taking the time to deep clean your home is now more important than ever. But, what products are best for tackling the virus? What items in your home require the most attention and scrubbing?

Here are some valuable tips for cleaning your home during the coronavirus pandemic:

Use Appropriate Cleaners

Cleaning and disinfecting are actually two different things. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), you should clean items and surfaces using soap and water before using a disinfectant. Many people use a daily cleaner, instead,  and then follow it up with the disinfectant. Either way, it’s important to carefully read the label on disinfectants, as you are often directed to leave the disinfecting solution on the surface for a certain length of time. After you wipe down the solution, let the surface air dry.

The CDC recommends EPA-registered household disinfectants (like Lysol and Clorox branded cleaners) or alcohol solutions containing 70% alcohol or more. You can also mix your own bleach solution using 1/3rd cup of bleach per gallon of water or 4 teaspoons of bleach per quart of water. If possible, it is suggested to wear gloves when disinfecting your home. Always wash your hands after wearing gloves and use a fresh pair each time that you clean. 

Clean High Contact Areas Most Often

As of now, it is believed that the new coronavirus, Covid-19, can live on plastic and stainless steel for 72 hours and copper for 4 hours. While the amount of actual virus on these surfaces after a few days is low, it’s still important to keep those germs at bay.

It’s easy to forget to clean light switches and door knobs, but these “high contact” surfaces tend to carry the most germs. The CDC also recommends routinely cleaning toilet levers, sink faucets, cabinet handles, remote controls, keyboards, and tables. Electronics, too, can become heavy sources of germs. Potentially the biggest culprit? Your cellphone. Don’t forget to wipe your mobile device down with a disinfectant wipe or other safe choice. You can also do the same for your computers or tablets. 

Take Special Care with Your Soft Surfaces

If you have carpeted areas or soft window treatments, you might want to consider washing curtains or using carpet cleaners much more frequently. Other soft items in your home, like blankets and even the couch, should also be appropriately cleaned. When doing laundry, be sure to use the warmest water setting that is still safe for your items. If a person is ill in your home, then you should consider wearing gloves while handling his or her laundry. 

Sweep and Mop Regularly

The CDC says that regularly sweeping and mopping your floors, especially through the use of a wet mop, can help reduce the spread of the new coronavirus within your home. Just make sure that your floor cleaner is compatible with your floor type. If you have carpet, you’ll want to vacuum each day, as well. 

Shoes easily track germs into the house. If at all possible, encourage household members to leave their outdoor shoes at the door. You should also disinfect shoes by washing them in the washing machine, if appropriate, or using a color safe bleach solution. Avoid damaging the shoes by skipping the dryer and letting the pair air dry afterward. 

Clean Your Walls and Windows

Walls and windows don’t always make the top of cleaning lists, but wiping down walls and polishing plantation shutters are other important home cleaning tasks. How can you clean plantation shutters? Avoid using soap and water on wood (this can damage the material). Instead, use a microfiber cloth and wood safe furniture polish. You can also use a vacuum attachment to help get rid of dust. 

Safe at Home

Cleaning due to a pandemic feels more stressful than basic cleaning, but using appropriate cleaners and following the suggestions of organizations like the CDC will leave you feeling safer and more comfortable during your time at home. Plus, a fresh, clean home is simply a more enjoyable place to be. 

Preparing for the Future

Shenandoah Shutters has been handcrafting custom made, all wood plantation shutters in Richmond since 1990. We serve Virginia, Maryland, and Washington, D.C. 

Plantation shutters are a popular choice for homeowners. In fact, plantation shutters actually increase the resale value of your home. If you’ve been hoping to upgrade your home, or even plan to sell, plantation shutters can make a positive difference for your house. 

The beautiful light control provided by plantation shutters is simply unmatched by any other window treatment. The stains, creams, and colors available for our plantation shutters adds another layer of beauty to your window treatment. We even hand finish each shutter with a silken, lacquer finish that perfectly coordinates with your existing wooden furnishings. 

Worried about an oddly shaped window? At Shenandoah Shutters, we can craft plantation shutters to fit windows of any size or shape. You can install plantation shutters on French doors, sunbursts, sliding glass doors, and arches. You can also choose from traditional and contemporary plantation shutter designs. We even created our own, patented Softedge design that hides the hinges, for a more modern look. Plantation shutters never go out of style. 

Shenandoah Shutters is committed to customer service and quality craftsmanship. That’s why we’re proud to offer a 100-year limited warranty on our plantation shutters and a 25-year warranty on our lacquer finish. We want your plantation shutters to be an investment that you’ll treasure for years to come. Contact us today for more information on our plantation shutters. You can also explore our online photo gallery and get to know our products.

Finding the Perfect Window Treatments to Match…Your Floor?

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Flooring and window treatments are unique in that they are both essential to homelife and noticeable pieces of a home’s décor. Going from blinds to plantation shutters or from carpet to hardwood floors completely changes the look and feel of your house. Placing decorative throw rugs or carpets on top of hard flooring also changes up your home’s design.The same is true when you switch out old draperies for a new color or try out a new curtain design. Your floors and windows are as much decoration pieces as they are functional. Considering this, many homeowners wonder how to best match their window treatments with their flooring. Carpet and throw rug rugs, in particular, are often patterned or solid blocks of color that can make coordination challenging. 

Are you looking for ways to match up your flooring with your window treatment? Take a look at these 6 helpful ideas for an easy, perfect pairing: 

Look at the Color Wheel

The color wheel is a useful tool for home decorators. You can use the color wheel to help you select complementary colors (colors on opposite sides of the color wheel), find  accents (colors that are next to each other), determine warm and cool colors, and even just play around with different color palettes. 

Color is one of the clearest ways to pair your flooring with your window treatment. For instance, warm curtains will naturally match an amber colored carpet, while light hardwood pairs well with equally light, cooler colors like blue or green. 

You likely don’t want to exactly match your window treatment with your flooring. Choosing colors that are the exact same shade, like brown curtains with a brown carpet, can manage to feel unbalanced and overwhelming. Look for colors and shades in the same family, or well positioned to each other within the color wheel, without necessarily having a uniform look from the windows to the floor. 

Consider Your Design Scheme

Are you imagining a bold, daring look for your space? Do you want your window treatment or flooring choice to be the main focus of your design? Or, would you prefer a softer, quieter look? These are important questions to ask yourself before deciding on your window treatment and flooring. Dramatic looks might call for more contrast or warmer colors (think red, yellows, and oranges), as well as less artwork or other decorations on the wall to steal attention from the eye. You should also try to choose a color that is different from the color of your baseboards or mouldings, so that your window treatment and flooring really pops. Softer looks will benefit from cooler colors, lighter patterns, and blending with mouldings, as well as more neutral flooring and windows. You might also want to add a large statement piece or several statement pieces to keep the focus. 

Don’t Forget the Neutrals

Earth tones, including white, gray, beige, black, and even navy or olive green, are the easiest colors to match with your decor. Choosing window treatments in these colors will go well with almost any carpet design, and vice versa. You can also select colors with neutral shades, like dusty rose, for a unique, but still easily matched look. 

Install a Hardwood Window Treatment

Neutral flooring also looks especially pleasing in tandem with wooden window treatments. The natural, earthy colors are ideally suited to wood. For non-neutral flooring, hardwood window treatments can provide an appealing contrast. By that same token, wooden treatments also match well with wooden flooring. 

If you’re looking to install a hardwood window treatment that will pair well with your carpet or other flooring type, plantation shutters are the perfect choice. Stylish and versatile, plantation shutters come in colors, stains, and creams that effortlessly blend well with virtually any flooring design. While other window treatments are often more easily worn down or difficult to maintain, plantation shutters are long lasting and easy to clean. Plus, adding plantation shutters to your windows will increase your home’s resale value. 

You also don’t have to worry about abandoning  beloved curtains or draperies in order to have beautiful, hardwood plantation shutters — you can have both! 

Look at Your Patterns

If your carpet has designs or patterns, consider pairing the colors in your designs with your window treatment. You might also want to mix and match patterns that blend well with your flooring. Your choice will ultimately depend on the kind of mood that you want for your space. 

Go for Contrast

Coordination is key, but maybe you don’t actually want to match your window treatment and flooring at all. After all, choosing unique colors and creating eye-catching contrast is one of the most fun parts of design. Your home should reflect you. If you’d rather try your hand at pairing opposing colors or unusual patterns, go for it! Who knows? You might just come up with the newest design trend. 

Plantation Shutters: The Perfect Match for Any Floor

Shenandoah Shutters is proud to craft custom made, all wood plantation shutters for every theme and design scheme. Our hardwood plantation shutters are crafted by skilled woodworking employees in scenic Richmond, Virginia. In fact, we’ve been serving Virginia, Maryland, and D.C for decades. 

Plantations shutters are more than just a lovely window treatment. Homeowners value plantation shutters for their spectacular light control, energy-efficiency, and privacy. When you think of plantation shutters, you probably think of the traditional shutters spotted throughout the DMV area, but there are modern choices, too. At Shenandoah Shutters, we even designed our own, patented Softedge design that harmoniously hides the hinges of your shutter. This is a popular choice for all window types, but especially for casements and tilt-ins. 

We can manufacture stunning hardwood shutters for any window size or shape. You can even install plantation shutters on your sliding glass doors, French doors, sunbursts, and arches. 

Ready to upgrade your window treatment? Call or email Shenandoah Shutters today to schedule your free, in-home design consultation and estimate.

5 Bathroom Decor Tips

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When it comes to home decorating, the living room, bedrooms, and even the kitchen usually take priority over the bathroom. While it isn’t a common area of your home, a well decorated bathroom ties your whole house together. Of course, the bathroom is also often the smallest room in the house. How can you keep this space well designed and looking fresh? Spruce up your bathroom this spring with some of these home decor ideas:

Fill Your Bathroom with Plants

Plants will add a dramatic pop of style and color to your bathroom. From a few flowy, green plants to a single vase with flowers, plants will leave your bathroom feeling more like an oasis. Plus, houseplants can potentially help purify the air. 

When selecting your plants, you’ll want to look for greenery that can handle the high humidity level and low light of bathrooms. You’ll also want to make sure that your plant is safe for curious pets. 

Favorite plants for bathrooms include bamboo plants, aloe vera plants, ferns, cast iron plants, and spider plants. For flowers, try orchids or gardenias. 

Organize Your Supplies

Keeping your bathroom clutter free will help it look more spacious and inviting. Organize your toiletries and other essentials using decorative bins, wicker baskets, and space saving storage. Apothecary jars look especially clean and stylish while storing common items like cotton balls or swabs. Decorative toilet paper and toothbrush holders are also fun ways to style your bathroom. 

Use Wall Space

Effectively using available wall space is another way to make your bathroom look larger and more appealing. Install floating shelves and hanging storage to house decorations or basic bathroom supplies. Use towel bars on the back of your door for even more space and select color coordinating hand towels to hang from them. You can also roll up several of your bath towels to place in a towel basket on your shelf. Your bathroom will instantly feel like a luxurious hotel!

Photography, paintings, and other artwork will also liven up your bathroom. If you have enough wall space, you could even make a gallery wall using your favorites. 

Try Out a Theme

Beach and spa themes are a popular choice for bathrooms, but your design theme can be anything. Modern themes are a growing bathroom trend, particularly with gold accents. A vintage bathroom with floral wallpaper and a farmhouse sink is another sophisticated idea. 

When implementing a theme, don’t forget to coordinate your shower curtain, sink accessories, and other bathroom pieces with your plan. You might even want to choose hand towels or other pieces based on your theme. For instance, If you choose a beach theme, you could include nautical towels, sailboat tchotchkes, a basket of potpourri with seashells, or an ocean scented diffuser in your room decor. 

Consider Your Colors

Colors make a real difference for any room. Neutral colors are great for promoting relaxation and calm, while dark colors offer a sense of glamour and drama. Neutrals also provide a nice balance to bright, statement colors. There’s been a trend lately toward the unexpected, like a black bathroom with reflective pieces. Your theme will play a significant role in your color choices. Think ocean blues for a spa theme or cheery yellow for a pop of warmth. 

Moisture-resistant wallpaper is still a familiar choice for bathrooms, even over paint. Backsplashes and unique flooring are also favorites of homeowners looking to refresh their bathrooms. 

Look at Your Lighting

In a bathroom, multiple sources of light are recommended. This is known as lighting in layers. Think a combination of sconces, overhead lighting, and hanging lights, as well as the natural window light. Dimmers are also helpful for relaxing in the bath after a long day.

If you have a window in your bathroom, your window treatment can make a huge difference in the lighting of your space. You might wonder, can I have plantation shutters in a bathroom? The answer is yes! As long as your hardwood plantation shutters aren’t subjected to direct water contact, they’ll provide gorgeous lighting choices for your bathroom. 

Plantation shutters are ideal for controlling the sunlight that enters your home. With plantation shutters, you control the louvers (horizontal slats) of the shutter to filter light in and out of your house. The result is the perfect mood lighting.

Plantation Shutters for Maryland, Virginia, and Washington, D.C

Shenandoah Shutters is located in Richmond, where we’ve been handcrafting custom made, all wood plantation shutters since 1990. We can provide high quality plantation shutters for every room in your house, all made by our skilled woodworking employees. Your plantation shutters can easily match the theme of your bathroom, thanks to our color, cream, and stain selections. For modern rooms, take a look at our original Softedge design with hidden hinges. We also have innovative options for the rest of your house, including your French doors, sunbursts, arches, and sliding glass doors. 

Our plantation shutters are built using treasured American woods, including yellow poplar and basswood. You can even request a specialty wood to match your existing moulding or go along with your wooden furniture. Every plantation shutter is hand finished with a rich, silky lacquer for an extra dose of beauty. 

Plantation shutters will give your home a beautiful, well lit ambiance, but there are other benefits, too. These shutters are energy-efficient and they increase the resale value of your home. They’re a terrific option even if you’re getting your home ready to sell. They’re also safer for children than blinds or other options with cords. Plus, they give your home an added layer of privacy and protection. 

Ready to upgrade the rooms of your house with plantation shutters? Call Shenandoah Shutters today to schedule a free, in-home design estimate and consultation. We’ll measure your windows, bring samples, and talk with you about your design plans. Explore our online photo gallery for examples of our work and products. You can also schedule a tour at our woodshop and showroom in Richmond.

5 Ways to Boost Your Home’s Appearance Before You Sell

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Putting your home on the market is a major decision. Maybe you’ve outgrown the space thanks to a growing family, have equity, or would even like to downsize. Whatever the reason you’ve chosen to sell, getting your home ready for open house is exciting and overwhelming all at the same time. You want to make a terrific first impression for any potential buyers. 

Luckily, there are some ways to touch up or even renovate a home that will boost its selling power. This is known as your home’s curb appeal. You real estate agent can let you know what’s helped other homes in your neighborhood sell well, but there are also some things that you can do right now to maximize your home’s curb appeal. 

Turn Your Home Into a Neutral Environment for Buyers

You’ve made so many memories in your home that it can be difficult to think about turning the place into a neutral zone for potential buyers, but that’s the best way to ensure a quick sale. Removing personal photographs from the walls or funny magnets from the refrigerator, for instance, lets future homeowners more easily see themselves in the space. This same philosophy goes for paint colors and decorations. Consider painting over bold colors with taupe, gray, or a light blue. Neutral colors also have a tendency to give the illusion of more space. 

The more neutral your selections, the more that homeowners will start picturing their own memories in the home. 

Clean Inside and Out

The importance of having a neat and tidy home for buyers cannot be overstated. Start by looking critically at your home from the outside and taking note of what steps need to be taken to present your house at its best. Power washing, window polishing, yard care, and landscaping are essential to a solid presentation. If you notice any needed repairs, schedule a time to correct them or arrange to complete them yourself, if possible. You may even need to touch up outdoor paint. Don’t forget to clean any outdoor furniture. If you have a budget for it, you might also consider enhancing your outdoor space by purchasing new items, like a porch swing, for your home.

Once you’re confident in the outdoor presentation of your house, the deep cleaning inside of the home can begin. It’s important to note that the smell of a home is often a big deal for buyers. Thoroughly cleaning your house, getting every nook and cranny, will minimize the potential for any unpleasant odors. 

Just like outdoors, you’ll want to check the inside of your home for anything that could leave a negative impression. Scuff marks on baseboards, dirty grout, chipped paint, or broken tile should all be touched up before visitors arrive. Make sure that your lighting, too, is inviting and really opens up your house. 

Declutter Your Spaces

A cluttered space gives the impression that the house is too small. You want homebuyers to feel like the home is large enough for their needs. Put away the coats and shoes that gather in entry ways. Clear hallways, front porches, and other spots in your house that are prone to clutter. Contain items neatly in bins and organized closets, so that buyers will be able to clearly see the available space in the home. When it comes to decluttering, think minimalism. Bulky furniture, overflowing mail, or an abundance of knick knacks can all make a house feel too personal and too cramped for a buyer to maintain interest. 

Include Plants in Your Home

Having fresh flowers on the coffee table or a small garden outside will really bring your house to life. Plants elevate a home and are a sophisticated way to welcome potential buyers into the space. They’re also another way to make the rooms in your house appear larger. Of course, try to choose plants that aren’t strongly associated with allergies or overly strong in scent. 

Don’t Plan on Selling Right Away? Consider Renovations 

If selling your home is something on your mind, but not necessarily on paper, you might consider boosting your home’s resale value with upgrades. Building a deck, replacing carpet with hardwood floors, and installing energy-efficient, hardwood plantation shutters are all ways to boost your home’s resale value. Of course, any non-luxury repairs, like a leaking roof or a non-working shower, should be repaired before your home is put on the market. 

Plantation Shutters In Virginia, Maryland, and D.C

Shenandoah Shutters provides custom made, all wood plantation shutters for our service areas in Virginia, Maryland, and Washington, D.C. We handcraft our plantation shutters in Richmond using fine American woods and a silken lacquer finish that results in a beautiful, stylish window treatment for your home. We’re proud to offer a 100-year warranty on our plantation shutters and a 25-year warranty on the finish. 

Plantation shutters are one of the few window treatments that add value to your home. These shutters allow you to control the sunlight that filters in and out of each room, creating an inviting ambiance that future homebuyers will love. They are also energy-efficient and offer an added layer of privacy for the home. Plantation shutters are safer for families with children than blinds or other window treatments that have dangling cords. Plus, they’re easy to clean and pair perfectly with your fine, wooden furniture. 

Plantation shutters are timeless window treatments that never go out of style. That’s why we offer both traditional and modern designs. In fact, we even created our own, patented Softedge design for a modern enhancement on this time honored window treatment. 

Contact Shenandoah Shutters to schedule a free, in-home design estimate and consultation for your home. You can also visit us face-to-face at our Richmond showroom and woodshop, where we’ll take you on a tour of our products and share more about our process. Take a closer look at our products and get to know us online today.

Is It Time to Babyproof Your Home?

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Baby proofing is an essential part of parenthood, but it’s also something that leaves many parents worrying. Making sure that each room of your home is safe for your new baby can feel like a monumental task when you consider the curiosity and activity level of a young child. 

If you’re a first time parent, you might also wonder if you can keep your current, grown-up interior design theme without jeopardizing safety. Luckily, baby proofing your home and maintaining a beloved design really only takes a little creativity. With some simple changes, basic safety tips, and appropriate supplies, you’ll quickly feel comfortable letting your newly crawling baby explore his or her world. 

Preparing to Child Proof Your House

When preparing for the arrival of your child, you might wonder about the best time to start baby proofing. The truth is that, until your baby becomes mobile, the answer is really up to you. You can choose to prepare your home for your new arrival while you’re still expecting, or you can wait until your child is rolling over or close to crawling. 

Every baby is different, but infants typically learn to crawl between 6 and 10 months of age. Of course, a major advantage of baby proofing before your baby’s arrival is that you’ll already have the house ready to go by the time your baby is active. This means a lot less pressure during those exhausted early months of parenthood. However, waiting until you meet your child means that you get to see your child’s personality and behavior before childproofing. You’ll be able to see the pieces of your home that fascinate your child the most and plan accordingly. 

Whatever time you decide is best to childproof your home, the first thing you should try is to see your house from your new baby’s point of view. Some child development experts even recommend crawling a bit yourself, taking care to notice safety hazards from your child’s level. 

General Baby Proofing: Where to Start

It’s recommended that you install outlet covers throughout your entire home. Simple outlet covers are extremely inexpensive. You should also have a guard for your fireplace and a baby gate at the top of your stairs, preferably one that is held securely in place by the wall. 

Make sure that the gate doesn’t have a threshold at its bottom that could cause dangerous tripping. A gate at the bottom of the stairs, too, will give you additional peace of mind and keep you from having to constantly pull your child away from the staircase. As your baby nears age 1, climbing up the stairs might become a favorite pastime, but be certain to always climb with your child and provide close supervision. 

What About Your Design?

It’s true that a baby changes everything, but you really only have to make a few basic changes to your home decor for your little one. If you have heavy items that could be pulled down by your baby, be sure to relocate those to a safer part of your house. A young child will try to pull down everything. Candles, decorative knick knacks, glass objects, and even unexpected items, like DVD players, should all be secured and away from your child’s reach. 

Make sure that your television or shelves can’t fall over onto your exploring child. If you have sharp corners on your furniture, you might want to cover those with protective corner guards. Your child will eventually want to cruise from furniture piece to furniture piece. 

Practice Basic Safety

While child proofing your home, be sure to check the batteries in your smoke detector. You should also make sure that you have a carbon monoxide detector and a fire extinguisher. While you’ll be able to (and should) install cabinet locks for dangerous products, try to also have those products in cabinets that are far away from your baby’s reach. 

A medicine box with a lock can be incredibly helpful. Go ahead and get in the habit of putting pills and medicines in the box instead of on a coffee table or somewhere that your child will be able to reach. Even disinfectant wipes and lotions can be dangerous to a small child. Use your time baby proofing as organization time, too — find safe places in your home for potentially dangerous items. 

Baby Proofing the Living Areas 

Family living areas provide nice, large spaces for a baby to practice crawling. Use your basic safety tips and check for things that can topple over or be pulled down by a curious child. Window treatments are a major consideration when child proofing. If you have a window treatment that includes a cord, like blinds, be sure to tie it up and away from your child’s reach. You can also buy a pack of inexpensive cord winders. 

Plantation shutters are an extremely safe window treatment. They have no dangling cords that could be dangerous for children and pets. Many parents choose to update their existing window treatments with plantation shutters for peace of mind. 

Baby Proofing the Kitchen

There are many supplies, including knob covers and locks, available on the market to help your kitchen be a safe place for your child. You’ll also want to consider the location of knives and cleaning solutions for your child’s safety. Some parents even choose to install a large gate at the entryway of the kitchen to deter children from entering altogether.  

Baby Proofing the Bathrooms 

Safety experts recommend setting your hot water heater below 120ºF to avoid dangerously overheating the baby’s bath water. You should also move sharp and potentially dangerous objects, like razors, to a part of the bathroom that can’t be easily accessed by your child. Toilet locks are on the market for extra security. 

Baby Proofing the Nursery and Other Rooms

The nursery will be your baby’s sanctuary, but baby proofing this important room isn’t much different from childproofing the other spaces of your home. The same holds true for your own bedroom or even a sibling’s bedroom. If you think your child might end up crawling into the space at some point, it’s worth it to do a quick safety check. 

In the nursery, make sure that your crib meets current safety standards and doesn’t drop from the sides or have large gaps. While decorative crib bumpers and fluffy stuffed animals are adorable, it’s important to remember that pediatricians recommend that babies sleep alone, on their backs, in a crib with only a snug mattress sheet underneath them. (When your child reaches age 1, it’s generally okay to offer a safe lovey or small stuffed animal for comfort.) 

Getting Your Home Ready for Baby

Baby proofing may seem like a daunting task at first, but your home will soon be a safe and exciting place for your baby to grow. 

If you’re looking for a safer alternative to blinds and a beautiful way to achieve just the right amount of natural light in your home, contact Shenandoah Shutters today. We’re proud to offer custom made, hardwood plantation shutters that are elegant, functional, and perfect for the family room. Explore our gallery for a closer look.

6 Tips for Spring Cleaning and Home Transformation

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With the new year in full swing and spring just around the corner, many of us will take the time to spring clean our homes before heading outside to enjoy the warmer temperatures. The tradition of spring cleaning dates back centuries, thanks to the soot left on the floors of old homes after the winter use of materials like kerosene and coal to light and heat houses. Windows and doors would be opened with the warmer weather, so that the soot could be removed from rugs and swept from floors. 

Even after all this time, there’s still something about the fresh arrival of spring that seems like the ideal time for deep cleaning and home renovations. Getting that process started, however, can easily feel overwhelming. From polished plantation shutters to cleaning checklist tips, here are 6 ideas to get your home ready for warmer weather:

Make Your Own Cleaner Using Household Supplies

Vinegar, baking soda, distilled water, and lemon juice are just a few common pantry supplies with uses that extend far beyond cooking. You can use baking soda to scrub away hard to remove stains, deodorize rugs, and clean kids’ toys. A combination of distilled water and vinegar will help clean the glass of your windows and mirrors. Lemon juice can help balance the strong scent of vinegar. You can also mix lemon juice with olive oil and vinegar to make a gentle wooden furniture polish. 

Pay Attention to What You Forget to Clean

Spring cleaning gives you the opportunity to focus on those cleaning tasks that might be forgotten with the demands of daily life. This is a great time to run a cloth along baseboards, use a duster on the walls, and spruce up ceiling fans. Don’t forget about the machines that you use to keep things clean, either, like dishwashers, vacuums, and washing machines. 

Changing seasons is also an ideal time to change air filters. You’ll breathe easier and have less dust to clean up later. 

Follow a Spring Cleaning Checklist 

One way to make sure that you tackle all of your cleaning tasks is to use a checklist. You can make your own or choose one from the many available online. Try to make sure that your checklist only has you completing a couple of cleaning projects a day. Spreading out the cleaning work is much easier and less overwhelming when you aren’t trying to deep clean your whole house over the course of a week!

Organize Your Closets and Cabinets

Spring cleaning is the perfect time to clean out closets, decide on what to do with old clothes, organize your pantry, and generally accomplish organization tasks that might otherwise be put aside. A helpful tip for organization? Consider using clear containers and bins to organize the things in your closet. Clear containers allow you to easily see the items that you’ve stored away. 

Freshen Up Your Plantation Shutters 

One of the benefits of having plantation shutters as your window treatment is how easy these beauties are to maintain. The authentically wooden plantation shutters that we sell at Shenandoah Shutters don’t require expensive products or time-consuming routines to stay clean. In fact, the use of products — even soap and water — can be too harsh for the wood. Instead, keep your plantation shutters sparkling with a microfiber cloth, feather duster, and gentle, wood safe furniture polish. To be extra safe, you can even use your homemade furniture polish on your plantation shutters. Combine two parts vinegar with two parts olive oil and one part lemon juice for an easy DIY plantation shutter cleaner. 

When it’s time to clean, carefully dust your plantation shutters using the feather duster. You can also use a vacuum attachment to sweep each row of the shutters. Then, add the gentle furniture polish to your microfiber cloth and run it along each part of the shutter. After the polish dries, if you still feel like there’s dust on your shutters, you can use a toothbrush to clean anything that you couldn’t remove with your feather duster. 

Add Plantation Shutters to Your Home This Spring

Home improvements are popular in the spring. If you’ve been hoping to install plantation shutters in your home this year, spring is one of the best times to do it. Plantation shutters filter the gorgeous sunlight in and out of your home, creating an inviting ambiance that pairs perfectly with the season of blooming flowers and warmer days. Plantation shutters are also energy efficient and provide an added layer of privacy. Like spring cleaning, plantation shutters date back centuries as a result of their ability to keep homes both sunny and cool. 

With spring and summer comes BBQs and group celebrations. Your ability to control the natural light in your space will enhance each room of your home for you and your guests. Since Shenandoah Shutters uses only wooden plantation shutters, you can also rest assured that our stunning window treatments will look beautiful alongside your wooden furnishings. We use fine American woods, including yellow poplar and basswood, for our plantation shutters. If a specialty wood, like cherry or mahogany, would be better for your home, let us know! We can accommodate your specialty wood request. 

At Shenandoah Shutters, you’ll also choose from creams, stains, or custom colors to complete the look of your plantation shutters.  

Plantation Shutters Never Go Out of Style

While plantation shutters are a time-honored window treatment, you can still choose from a variety of styles for your windows. We have shutters for windows every size and shape, including sliding glass doors. We even patented our own original Softedge design, which offers an innovative and modern look for the plantation shutter.

Concerned about the future? Shenandoah Shutters offers a limited, 100-year transferable warranty on your plantation shutters. Since each shutter is hand finished using a silken lacquer, we offer a 25-year warranty on that, as well. 

We’re proud to have spent decades serving the Virginia, Maryland, and Washington, D.C areas. Shenandoah Shutters is located in Richmond, making our woodshop and showroom within visiting distance of our service areas. 

Ready to make your appointment? Contact us today to schedule your free, in-home design estimate and consultation. Plantation shutters are the ultimate way to transform your home for spring.

Service Area Spotlight: 6 Things to Do In Washington, D.C.

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Washington, D.C has been serviced by Shenandoah Shutters for decades. The charming neoclassical architecture of the D.C area is ideally suited to stylish plantation shutters. As the United States capital, Washington, D.C is an important city both locally and internationally. Washington is one of the most populated areas in the U.S and many residents are involved in government-related work. Even people who don’t live directly in Washington often commute to the city for its varied work opportunities. The headquarters of numerous organizations are located in D.C. 

However, Washington, D.C isn’t all work. The city’s cultural and artistic opportunities are endless, with stunning national museums and monuments available to the many visitors and residents of Washington, D.C Here’s a look at some of the experiences you’ll want to have when visiting this unique city:

See the Capitol and the White House

The capitol is rich with political history and even offers free guided tours to visitors. For a more intimate experience, book a staff-led tour through the office of your congressional representative. When touring the Capitol, you’ll see the famous Rotunda and statues meant to represent each U.S state. If you obtain an additional pass, you can also view the House and Senate galleries when congress is in session. 

When you think of Washington, D.C, you no doubt think of the White House. There are many places within D.C to get a good glimpse of the White House, including public parks. If you plan in advance, it is also possible to arrange a tour. 

Explore the Museums

There are so many museums in Washington, D.C, that you’ll need days to see them all. In fact, even if you just visited the Smithsonian’s facilities, it would take you more than a lifetime to see each exhibit. 

The Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History can be found on the National Mall and is one of the most popular museums for visitors. At this museum, you can see everything from the Hope Diamond to geology exhibits and live butterflies.

Art lovers will delight in the National Gallery of Art, the Hirshhorn Museum, and the National Portrait Gallery. The National Portrait Gallery houses beautiful portraits of the United States presidents. Bookworms, meanwhile, will marvel at the Library of Congress, an institution which houses almost every book ever published. The Library of Congress is also known for its elaborate architectural design. 

Other cultural, educational, and historical experiences include the National Museum of African History and Culture, the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum, and the National Museum of American History, among many others. 

Walk Around the National Mall and Tidal Basin

The National Mall is a history-rich, beautiful area to simply walk around and enjoy. Many of Washington D.C’s famous museums, memorials, and monuments can be found on the National Mall. From the Washington Monument to the National Air and Space Museum, there is something for everyone on the National Mall. Kids will enjoy the carousel on the National Mall. 

Cherry blossom trees are also a favorite of the National Mall. The Tidal Basin is a great place to view these trees and take memorable photographs. Bike and paddle boat rentals are popular during the spring Cherry Blossom Festival. 

Visit a Memorial

While exploring the National Mall, you’ll come across meaningful memorials that allow time for reflection during a busy day. Memorials on the National Mall include The Korean War Veterans Memorial, Vietnam Veterans Memorial, and the National World War II Memorial. You can also see memorials dedicated to past presidents and historical leaders, including the Jefferson Memorial, the Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial, the Lincoln Memorial, and the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial. At the Tidal Basin, a popular statue of Albert Einstein is often enjoyed by children who climb into the famous scientist’s lap for photographs.

See the United States Botanical Garden

The United States Botanical Gardens are as educational and informative as they are a refreshing treat for the senses. Found on the National Mall, the Botanical Gardens house a diverse variety of plants that provide an oasis from the hustle and bustle of D.C life. You can also learn about the medicinal value of plant life. 

Enjoy Fine Dining, Specialty Shops, and Entertainment

Washington, D.C has some of the finest culinary experiences in the world. You can also catch a show or event at The Kennedy Center. Shoppers will enjoy the many local specialty shops, like the bookstore Politics and Prose, which has access to almost any book title imaginable. 

With so many things to do and see, boredom isn’t a possibility in Washington, D.C.

Moving to Washington, D.C?

If you’re in the process of relocating to the DMV area, Shenandoah Shutters can provide you with sophisticated interior plantation shutters for your new home. Looking to update your existing window treatment? Plantation shutters are an ideal choice. They are steeped in history and provide many benefits for D.C homes, including added privacy, energy efficiency, beauty, and ambiance. Plantation shutters are one of the few upgrades you can make to your home that actually increase its resale value. 

Made In America

Shenandoah Shutters crafts custom, hardwood plantation shutters that are made from only high-quality American woods. Our woodshop is located just a few hours away from Washington, D.C in Richmond, Virginia, and is available for tours to see our products and process firsthand. When you invest in plantation shutters from Shenandoah Shutters, you can feel good about buying a local, American made product for your D.C home. We offer traditional plantation shutters, as well as innovative designs and installation solutions. View our gallery online or visit our FAQs for a greater glimpse into how our company can serve you and your home. 

Shenandoah Shutters provides free, in-home design estimates and consultations. Contact us today to schedule your appointment or to speak with one of our consultants for more information on our hardwood plantation shutters.

Spooky Ways to Spice Up Your Windows This Halloween

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October is an exciting month with cooler temperatures and frightful fun in the air. It’s the perfect time to switch out your summertime lemon centerpiece for something with pumpkins and a little more fall flair. Many decorations can even be made right at home, giving your house added creativity and originality. It’s also great fun for kids, grandkids, and, of course, the influx of trick-or-treaters. 

Decorating with your plantation shutters is an easy way to incorporate your windows into your fall home designs. For Halloween, think faux spider webs or creepy netting combined with flameless candles for a spooky night inside. Of course, you can also have some fun with your actual windows, too. Give one of these ideas a try for some Halloween fun this month:

Use Halloween Window Decals and Stickers

From elaborate Halloween scenes to simple, popular characters like spiders and ghosts, window decals and clings are easy ways to get in the Halloween spirit. You can find decals in local shops or online. You can even make your own window decals using a variety of materials, such as simple contact paper and printed templates or vinyl adhesive and specialized machines (like the Cricut). The possibilities for DIY window decals are truly endless. 

Get Imaginative with Pretend Window Boards

Give your house that horror movie look by pretending your windows are all boarded up. Battered board decorations are easily found at party supply stores and should be easy to hang using removable mounting putty or other materials. Just make sure that any adhesive you use is safe for use on windows. Just like with the window decals, you can DIY these playful boards, too, using foam board. If you want to take the whole project a step further, pick-up “caution” or “enter if you dare” tape from the party supply store and attach it to your battered board. 

Hang Decorative Curtains

Hanging spooky curtains above your plantation shutters sets the perfect tone for Halloween movie night. Fringe and lace curtains are popular decorations for the holiday. Gauze and cheesecloth are other favorites for outdoor displays. You could even decorate your own curtains, or use streamers in place of fabric. 

Add a Silhouette to Your Window

Similar to window decals, silhouettes make spooky and fun decorations for your windows. It’s easy to make your own using online templates, a printer, and foam or poster boards. Cardboard monster shapes are an especially favored Halloween design, as are the characters from The Nightmare Before Christmas and the silhouettes from the Hocus Pocus sisters. 

String Miniature Lights on Your Windows

Halloween lights can illuminate your window decorations or just serve as a more simple way to participate in the holiday. If you’d rather decorate more for autumn and less for Halloween, then you can even choose lights in warm colors that can last well into November. 

Project Images Onto Your Windows Using a Projector

If your neighborhood is popular with trick-or-treaters, you can really amplify the scare factor with a projector that projects Halloween movies and images onto your windows. Some projectors also project images from other holidays, like Christmas, or create interesting light shows. 

Doodle Your Own Designs Using Window Chalk Markers

Kids will have a blast when you tell them that, yes, this time they can draw on the windows! Chalk markers are easy and inexpensive finds at craft stores, so that your family can decorate the windows with any Halloween design they can imagine. Best of all, glass markers allow you to change up your design as often as you want. Marker art should be simple to remove from the glass using a window cleaning product.

Have an Elegant Halloween with Themed Garland

Garland is a classic, festive way to decorate your windows regardless of the holiday. Bright orange pumpkins or dangling ghosts are perfect for Halloween parties and visiting candy hopefuls. Plus, you can easily make your own garland using paper or fabric. 

What About When It’s Time to Take Down the Display?

When October ends and you’re ready to switch to purely fall decorating, carefully remove your decorations without damaging your windows. Ideally, your decorations won’t leave behind any residue, but if they do, one common trick is to use nail polish remover or an acetone-based glass cleaner to help remove the residue from the glass. As tempting as it may be, try not to scrape your windows to remove residue or decorations, as this could damage the glass. 

Clean your windows gently with a lint-free cloth and a safe, homemade or commercial cleaning product before applying new decorations. It’s also a good time to clean your plantation shutters, as well, using our simple guide. 

Fall Is the Perfect Time for Plantation Shutters

With the cooler temperatures, autumn is the perfect time to think about home upgrades, like installing plantation shutters. Shenandoah Shutters custom builds beautiful, natural  hardwood plantation shutters for the residents of Maryland, Virginia, and D.C. 

Plantation shutters add value and elegance to your home, providing extra privacy and energy efficiency. You can even pair plantation shutters with fabric valances or curtains, if you wish. Our plantation shutters are specifically crafted to fit your windows, from tilt-ins and casements to arches and French doors. Choose from cream or stained plantation shutters, or even a custom color. We also offer specialty woods like cherry and oak to match your plantation shutters with your existing home furnishings. 

Shenandoah Shutters has been building plantation shutters for decades. We’re located in Richmond, within a few hours or less of our service areas. In fact, you can even tour our woodshop and showroom to see our process and examine our products. At Shenandoah Shutters, we usually only fine American woods and our silken lacquer finish to design our plantation shutters. No plastic or vinyl here. We even patented our own plantation shutter design, the Softedge, giving you more options for your plantation shutters. 

Explore our products and photo gallery to see our passion for plantation shutters. When you’re ready, contact us with your questions and to set-up your free, in-home design consultation with a member of our team.

A Quick Guide to Plantation Shutter Terminology

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As you explore your options for hardwood plantation shutters, you’ll also come across a variety of unfamiliar words and descriptions. From louvers to rails, there are certain words associated with plantation shutters that you need to know for the best installation experience. Here’s a breakdown of some of the most heard words and phrases: 

Louver 

This is most likely the word that you’ll come across the most often when researching plantation shutters. The louvers are the main part of the plantation shutter. You’ll immediately recognize louvers as the movable wooden slats that run horizontally across the shutter and filter in or out sunlight to allow for the perfect ambiance. 

Louvers come in different shapes and sizes based on your own preference. At Shenandoah Shutters, you can choose from three different louver sizes. Our louvers are available in 2.5”, 3.5”, or 4.5” sizes. The middle size tends to be the most common choice for custom built plantation shutters, but you might prefer the smallest size if you also have small windows. If you have large windows, or if you just prefer the style of larger louvers, then you might choose to select the 4.5” style. The larger the louver size, the more open your view can be, as well. 

No matter what size louver you choose, your plantation shutters will be classically elegant and provide a warm atmosphere for your home. The same is true of plantation shutter shapes. There are flat and contour shape choices at Shenandoah Shutters. 

Flat louvers are exactly as they sound. They are flat on top and on bottom. A contoured louver, meanwhile, is reminiscent of an airplane’s wings. Contoured louvers start out small, widen in the middle, and then are small again. 

Rail

Rails are the long, horizontal wood pieces that can be found at the bottom and top of each plantation shutter panel. Some plantation shutters, especially double hung windows, may also have a rail in the center, or a divider rail. A divider rail gives you even more freedom for light control, as you can have your louvers set one way on top and another way on the bottom. The divider rail is also a popular choice for its added privacy benefits, as you can have your lower louvers closed for privacy while your top louvers stream in the sunny day.

Tilt Rod

The tilt rod is what allows the louvers to open and close. There are single tilt rods, hidden tilt rods, and split tilt rods. 

A single tilt rod is the long, visible rod in the middle of the plantation shutter that goes from the top to the bottom of the panel. It attaches each louver. A hidden tilt rod, meanwhile, is hidden behind the panels, but has the same functionality. Hidden tilt rods allow for a more modern look, while single tilt rods allow for a more traditional plantation shutter appearance. A split tilt rod is similar to the divider rail in that it also allows for independent light control of the top and bottom shutters. However, the split tilt rod doesn’t actually use a rail.   

Stile

Stiles are the vertical wood pieces that are on each side of the louvers. Stiles hold the mounted louvers with louver pins. 

Shadowbox

A shadowbox accommodates your door handle, so that plantation shutters can be added to your French door. Since we custom build our plantation shutters, we can easily outfit your unique French door.   

Cafe Shutter

Cafe shutters are a popular shutter style, especially in kitchens and breakfast nooks. Cafe shutters have plantation shutters on the bottom and an open window at the top. You can install a valance or other fabric window treatment above the open window. This is another term that is exactly what it sounds like, with the end result looking like the windows of fine cafes. Of course, this plantation shutter style looks equally as beautiful in rooms other than the kitchen. 

Slider

A slider is a design for your sliding glass door. With a slider, you can have plantation shutters on your sliding door without sacrificing your ability to slide the door open and shut. 

Our Patented Softedge Design

Another term that we’re thrilled for you to know is Softedge, the name for our very own, patented design concept. With the Softedge, you can have your hinges discreetly hidden in a style that is similar to European cabinetry. European cabinetry doesn’t use bulky frames and maintains a clean, harmonious focus, just like our Softedge design. While this style is ideal for tilt-in and casement windows, it is also a popular choice for a variety of other window types. The Softedge is our way of adding another modern component to classically elegant plantation shutters. 

Getting to Know Shenandoah Shutters

These are just some of the most commonly used terms at Shenandoah Shutters. Your design consultant will be happy to guide you through the terminology and options to find the plantation shutter design plan that is right for your home. You can also visit our showroom and woodshop in Richmond, just a few hours or less away from our service areas. Since we’re locally owned and operated, you’ll be able to view our products and process firsthand. 

With decades of experience, our woodworkers can craft a plantation shutter for any window size or shape. We have solutions for even the most difficult installations. Give us a call or contact us online today to discuss your plantation shutter needs. We’ll set up a free, in-home design consultation and estimate. 

At Shenandoah Shutters, we use only the finest American woods to build our plantation shutters. No plastics or vinyl here. Our woods of choice are yellow poplar for cream interior shutters and basswood for stained plantation shutters, as these woods provide for a vibrant, rich color. Of course, you’re welcome to request a specialty wood, like cherry, oak, or mahogany, to match your existing furniture. We can also provide a custom color.

Service Area Spotlight: 10 Things to Do In Baltimore, Maryland

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Since 1990, Shenandoah Shutters has been honored to serve the Baltimore, Maryland area. Baltimore is a diverse, exciting city with a variety of home types available for residents. In fact, even Baltimore’s historic row houses are filled with variety and originality. There is no question that Baltimore is a city of history and charm. 

If you’re lucky enough to be a new resident of Baltimore, or if you’re just looking to explore this amazing city, here are 10 things to enjoy in Baltimore, Maryland: 

Take a Stroll of Baltimore

Seeing Baltimore from the ground gives you the opportunity to really take in the city’s many architectural and artistic gems. Use a self-guided walking tour app on your phone or take advantage of one of the city’s walking tour businesses. At the end of your walk, you’ll have gained a greater appreciation and understanding of the city.

Spend the Day at the National Aquarium 

Routinely named one of the best aquariums in the United States by multiple magazines and media publications, National Aquarium is known for its conservation efforts and award-winning exhibits. It’s the only place in Baltimore where you can see exotic animals, like the laughing kookaburra of Australia and the giant South American river turtle.

Enjoy the Inner Harbor

After you’ve seen sea life up close at the National Aquarium, enjoy the rest of the Inner Harbor. From The Maryland Science Center to shops and restaurants, the Inner Harbor is a Baltimore, Maryland favorite. You can even explore it by water taxi.  

Sightsee in Fell’s Point

The neighborhood of Fell’s Point boasts over 150 buildings on the National Register, including the Robert Long House, Baltimore’s oldest residential building. You can also visit the Frederick Douglass-Isaac Myers Maritime Park Museum, experience history and ghost walks (the writer Edgar Allan Poe was last seen here before his death), and enjoy the annual Fells Point Maritime Heritage Festival. 

Visit the Distinctive Hampden Neighborhood

Hampden is known for its quirky and artistic style. Visitors to Hampden can enjoy over a hundred unique shops, as well as frequent festivals, including the annual autumn Hampdenfest. During the holiday season, Hampden hosts Miracle on 34th Street, a vibrant light display and holiday festival that attracts people from all over Baltimore and beyond. 

See a Game at Oriole Park

This nostalgic stadium is a baseball fan’s dream, with fascinating seasonal tours and all of the food you could ever need for game day. Another great perk of Oriole Park? The incredible views of Baltimore from the stands.

Tour a Museum

There is no shortage of museums in Baltimore. Art lovers will appreciate the Baltimore Museum of Art and sculpture garden, The Walters Art Museum, The American Visionary Art Museum, and the Evergreen Museum. There are also many galleries to explore. History buffs, meanwhile, will relish the National Cryptologic Museum, as well as numerous specialty and cultural museums, such as the Baltimore Museum of Industry, Maryland Historical Society, and the Jewish Museum of Maryland. Take the kids to Port Discovery Children’s Museum or Ripley’s Believe It or Not for a day of kid-centered family fun. 

Go Off the Beaten Path

One of the things that makes Baltimore so special is the variety of quirky experiences available for visitors and residents of the city. To really get a unique taste of Baltimore, check out some of the city’s more eclectic activities. Book lovers will be mesmerized by The Book Thing, a not-so-little free library, while lovers of the creepy will be delighted by Elijah Bond’s ouija board gravesite, built to mark the achievement of the ouija board game creator himself. You can also enjoy the city’s many food markets, seafooderies, and music venues.

Fort McHenry National Monument

This historic Baltimore battle site inspired Francis Scott Key to write our national anthem,  “The Star-Spangled Banner.” There is much history to explore and take in at the Monument, along with beautiful views of Baltimore. Fort McHenry is a convenient stop after visiting the Inner Harbor.

See Baltimore by Water

While you can also take advantage of the city’s water taxi during your explorations of the Inner Harbor, there are still more ways to see Baltimore. Once you’ve explored Baltimore by land, you can hop on a boat and see it by sea. From pirate cruises to relaxing dinner cruises, seeing Baltimore by water is an experience like no other. 

Searching for Plantation Shutters for Your Baltimore, MD Home?

Baltimore is called Charm City for a reason. This vibrant area easily lends itself to the beauty and elegance of plantation shutters. If you’ve recently bought a home in or around Baltimore, or if you’re just looking to add value to your home with this extraordinary hardwood window treatment, give Shenandoah Shutters a phone call today. We’ll answer your questions about plantation shutters and even set-up a free, in-home design estimate and consultation. Visiting Baltimore from D.C, Virginia, or another part of Maryland? We’re excited to serve you, too! 

Ask us about our original, patented Softedge design, a unique plantation shutter style that is similar to European cabinetry. This is a perfect option for tilt-in and casement windows. In fact, at Shenandoah Shutters, we custom build plantation shutters for any window size or shape. We even craft plantation shutters for doors and arches. 

Shenandoah Shutters crafts high quality, completely real wood interior plantation shutters using only American woods. If you’d like a specialty wood, like cherry, oak, or mahogany, we can accommodate your request. Choose from a beautiful cream, a rich stain, or a custom color for your plantation shutters. We finish every one of our plantation shutters with a silky, lacquer finish that will help set the ambiance and tone of your home. Baltimore is only a few hours from Richmond, Virginia, where our shutters are built by expert craftsmen with decades of experience. If you’re looking for a day trip from Baltimore, visit our woodshop and showroom to see our process firsthand.