5 Ways to Improve Your Windows In the New Year

The windows in your home can often be forgotten behind years of blinds and curtains. As we are coming up on the end of this year, let’s put improving the look of your windows on the to-do list for the new year! There are several things you can do to improve the look, feel, and function of your windows – both interior and exterior. Here are our top five: 

1. A Good Cleaning

The windows in your home will already look vastly improved by just using a little elbow grease! Are there kid or dog smudges on the glass? Have all the bugs from this year died and settled in the windowsill? Get some good glass and multi-purpose cleaner, an old rag and watch them come back to life. Be sure to get in all the nooks and crannies. A lot of the newer vinyl windows open in towards you for easier cleaning, but if your windows are older and don’t support this feature, the screens should be easily removable to be able to clean the outside of the glass. 

Use products such as dish soap, Murphy’s oil, vinegar, Windex and Lysol; be sure to stay clear from aggressive cleaners and solvents such as bleach or nail polish remover. Different types of windows lend themselves to different types of cleaning and what products will work best. Do a bit of research before you begin to make sure you’re using what’s best for your windows. Once your windows are clean – inside and out – stand back and look at what a little soap and water can do!

2. A Fresh Coat of Paint

We all know that paint can be a magician – covering up blemishes in just about any surface. Paint can be a great option for both an internal and an external window improvement. The trim around your windows on the inside is typically made of wood which can be stained or painted. If your wooden window trim has already been painted over, do a light sanding first to get any loose or chipping paint off. If the trim is stained, chances are it’s in good shape and maybe just needs to be cleaned…refer to number 1! Restaining your wood trim is a bit more labor intensive – but is possible. It will mean sanding all of the current stain off the trim and re-staining. If you’re thinking of going with this option, reach out to a professional first for some guidance. 

You can paint over stain, and we think you’ll be surprised at the change you’ll see by simply painting your old – maybe with that 70s orange tint? – stained wood trim with a fresh white coat of paint. It will instantly modernize your room and your whole home. A good paint job on the exterior of your home can also give your whole house a refresh and instant upgrade. Outdoor wooden window trim often gets worn down over the years due to weather and regular damage. Do some light sanding or scraping to get the old, chipping paint off and choose a color that compliments – or maybe contrasts! – your home’s exterior color. 

3. Reglazing 

The glazing on a window refers to the panes of glass and how they are attached to the frame. They are fit to set inside the wood muntins – a strip of wood or metal separating and holding panes of glass in a window – and then there needs to be a substance, called glazing putty, that holds them together. Overtime, the putty can wear away and leave your window panes vulnerable to damage and allowing more unwanted air flow into your home. 

Reglazing is a relatively easy task, though fairly time consuming. The process is simply taking a putty knife to remove the old putty and then reputtying the panes. Putty simple, right? It’s important to know what kind of materials to use and not to use – for example, a putty compound glaze can be applied smoothly and is paintable while a silicone is often uneven and messy and is often not paintable. There are lots of sources of information, tips and tricks out there on how to reglaze your windows. But, when done well, it will not only improve the look of your windows, but also the structure and efficiency. 

4. Fix Any Cracks or Broken Glass

At the end of the day, windows are made of glass which can crack and break from damage. If it’s just a small crack, maybe you left it until you could find the time and money to replace the glass. Now is the time! If it’s a large, tricky crack then it’s probably best to call a window professional to have them replace the glass for you. 

But it is possible to do it yourself! Just about any home improvement store can cut glass for you in the exact size that you need. Do some research on how to repair your particular type of windows before you get started. It will end up being a similar process to the reglazing that we mentioned before, but different products and steps will be needed for different types of windows. Here is a guide with steps and tips on how to fix your broken windows on your own. 

5. Window Treatments

Once your windows are thoroughly cleaned and freshly painted, the most classic way to improve the look of your window are new treatments! This can come in the form of blinds, curtains, shutters, drapes, or a combination. Treatments can be interior and exterior as well. For the exterior of your home, consider some new window boxes and contrasting shutters. For the interior of your home, window treatments options are almost endless. The most popular options include blinds, curtains, and shutters. 

Interior shutters are particularly popular, specifically plantation shutters. Originally made for open air houses in the Caribbean, they are great for letting in light while giving your home a traditional high-end feel. Plantation shutters lend beauty, ambiance, and simplicity to a wide variety of home decors. when slightly tilted, the true beauty of the plantation shutter lies in its ability to capture an atmosphere all its own. Once the natural light reflects up from the louvers, it gently bounces off the ceiling and creates a tranquil place to relax. Today’s homes are designed to offer the benefits of natural light, and plantation shutters are more appealing than ever. If you’re interested in exploring plantation shutters for your home, reach out to a window professional for insight and recommendations! 

As we head into a new year, be sure to include your windows on your house to-do list. They are the light entry points into your home and a strong source of style and character. Give them a clean, a fresh coat of paint, or maybe it’s just time to update your treatments. 

Here at Shenandoah Shutters, we specialize in high quality window treatments and are ready to help you with your vision! Reach out to us for some guidance, simple inspiration, or a whole home window transformation. Our plantation shutters are made regionally in Richmond, VA and come in a variety of styles, can be stained or painted, and even come in custom woods such as cherry or mahogany. Sure to improve the look of your windows and, in turn, your home.

When It’s Time For New Window Treatments

If you are looking around your house and you’re missing something from your current window treatments, then it’s time to update. Virtually any room-refresh, makeover, or remodel  requires updating the window coverings. Changes in wall or accent color, flooring material or style, or simply because you don’t particularly care for your current drapes or blinds are all good reasons to explore your options for new window treatments. Windows are such an important part of any home and the treatments can add style, sophistication, a pop of color, a bold statement, or a simple homely softness.

So, once you’ve decided you’re set for new window treatments, how do you decide what to get? 

There are several options when it comes to window treatments, but the most popular include:

  • Blinds
  • Curtains
  • Interior Shutters

Let’s consider the look and style of your home and decor: modern, classic, mid-century, country, craftsman bungalow, beach house, etc. This plays into how you adorn your windows. Before jumping into your new treatments, ask yourself what you’re missing from your current room aesthetic and what kind of treatments will correct that for you!

Blinds 

Blinds can be a low-cost solution if you’re looking for a solution to harsh lighting and privacy. Blinds are easy to operate and come in all varieties of styles and colors. You can even get blinds custom made for your windows. Nowadays, you can even get blinds INSIDE your window! But, the downside of blinds is how easy they tear up. Do you have active cats, dogs, or kids? Then you may see your blinds tangled, broken, or in a pile on the floor. 

Curtains 

Curtains are a very stylish window treatment option that can transform any space. Coming in all varieties of colors and fabrics, curtains can add a statement or a softness to your room. Sheer curtains let it light while maintaining privacy, while black-out curtains leave the room, well, black! Perfect for sleeping in. Curtains, like most home furnishings, can range in price from the bottom of the barrel to very high-end. You can even get curtains custom made for your home. But no matter your budget, you are sure to find curtains that match any interior style you are going for. You can even use curtains in conjunction with other window treatments, such as shutters. 

Shutters

Interior plantation shutters provide the home with an architectural style and timeless elegance which undeniably brightens and elevates any room. Similar in aesthetic to blinds, plantation shutters are made of wood and fare much better than simple blinds. They can be white or wood stained, and custom made to match your windows. Entering a room adorned with high quality plantation shutters adds a sophistication and an awe-gasping experience for anyone walking in. While they can be a bit of an investment upfront, these shutters offer a timeless look and quality that lasts. 

If you’re still stuck, there are professionals that can help! Stop in to any of your local interior stores for advice and ideas on what would look best in your home. You can also try making a Pinterest board for inspiration!

But if you’re settled on plantation shutters for your home, Shenandoah Shutters is the answer. We offer beautiful plantation shutters made regionally in Richmond, VA. Our shutters come in a variety of styles — from café to traditional to our patented Softedge shutters. They can be stained or painted and even come in custom woods such as cherry or mahogany. Contact Shenandoah Shutters today for more information or to order shutters of your own.

Awesome Client Review

We love hearing your feedback! Check out this message we received from Tempy in D.C.:
“I’m writing to tell you how happy I am with the shutters you installed for me here in Washington last year. A big thank you for the can of peanuts you sent celebrating our shutter anniversary! I only wish that every company was as professional in every way as your company is. Good luck for the future!”

Client Rave

Anthony and Jennifer, clients of Marcia, had some kind words to share about our product, check it out:
“Fantastic customer service; beautiful product! I love my front door shutter, we’ve had many compliments. Installation was quick and professional. Thank you! A+”

Client Rave

Another great review for our representative Amy from client Mary Jane:
“Amy was terrific explaining all of the options. The installers were efficient, careful and polite. Very happy with the shutters and the entire process!”

Did You Know….

Our patented plantation shutters are handcrafted in our custom woodshop here in Richmond, VA? Our shop has been in operation since 1990, that’s over nearly 27 years of providing quality, custom service to the DMV, Richmond, and surrounding areas. Check out some interesting peeks into our wood shop!

Meet our Administration Team: Jodi

Jodi Hickman has been the Customer Service Manager at Shenandoah Shutters since August 2012. Her background has been office administrative positions. Starting at an administrative assistant level and growing to office and customer service management positions. She grew up in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, but has called Richmond her home for the last 13 years. She currently resides in Midlothian with her husband Ron of nine years. Together they have a blended family with six children ranging in ages from 17-22 years old. They have two dogs Patch, a beagle who is 15 and Jax, a Chihuahua/Westie mix who is 2. In her free time she enjoys being with family, exploring quaint towns and vacationing in the Outer Banks.

We love hearing from our customers!

Check out this amazing comment from Carol K. in Northern VA

“Amy, was very helpful! I have had my shutters for over 1 1/2 years. I really like them. They look good and are so easy to open and close. Much easier and nicer than looking at my previous blinds. Thanks also for the peanuts!”

Shutters for the holidays

Plantation Shutters During The HolidaysAs the holiday season quickly approaches, you may be trying to find ways to spruce up your home to impress your holiday guests. The good news is there’s no reason to spend lots of money on renovations like exterior painting or replacing your roof when you can achieve even better results by simply installing plantation shutters.

Plantation shutters are very functional and give your guests to opportunity to close out the sun when they want to sleep in on long, cold winter mornings, or even let in the sunshine and take in the beautiful view of a snow-covered yard.

 

The Benefits of Plantation Shutters

Besides being beautiful additions to any home, plantation shutters offer many benefits. One major benefit is plantation shutters help to keep in cool air during the summer and warm air during the winter, which makes them great for energy savings.

Don’t wait to get started decorating for the holidays, give us a call today and schedule an appointment to get your new plantation shutters.  Call us at 804-355-9300…don’t delay!

We look forward to servicing your shutter needs!!!