Installing shutters on your windows can be a great way to add some personality to your home while also enjoying the benefits that come along with them. These benefits include added privacy, the blocking of direct sunlight, and a cooler living space. If you are looking to install shutters in Greenville, SC, you may be interested in considering their history and how far they have come in both usefulness and design. Legend Has It While not necessarily factual, there is a legend sometimes told that shutters were invented in 17th century France when Louis XIV moved his Court from the Louvre in Paris to Versailles and settled in the country. The tale goes that he enjoyed watching the women of his court bathe in his fountains. However, he noticed that his guards on duty were also getting distracted by this occurrence. In order to remedy this problem, he had movable louvered shutters installed. This allowed him to be able to open them and watch the women bathe at his leisure, but his guards would not be able to see through the windows. Ancient History It is commonly believed that shutters were first used in ancient Greece as a means to improve ventilation, light control, and protection from the tropical environment of the area. They were likely constructed out of marble and the slats were probably fixed. Eventually, the usefulness of shutters caught on and the idea spread throughout the Mediterranean, changing the materials to wood, which is a better material for mass production. Inside Use In more recent times, sometime between the 1400s and the early 1600s, shutters were made of solid boards and were installed on the inside of windows, making them easier to access from inside the home. Because many homes were made of brick and stone, the windows were recessed and it would have been very difficult for homeowners to reach the outside wall to close the shutters. It wasn’t until homes and buildings began to be built out of wood that it became convenient to hang shutters on the outside. Glass was very expensive in the early years, causing windows to be designed with a solid shutter covering the lower half of the opening, and a glass pane covering the top. During the day, the shutter could be opened to let in maximum light and fresh air. However, if desired, the shutter could also be closed and light would be let in through the glass pane above the board. Double-hung windows became more popular in the seventeenth century, so shutters were installed to cover the entire window and were meant to be more decorative than anything. Current Use There are many types of shutters now available on the market, meaning that you can find something to fit any need. Advancements in technology through time have allowed for shutters to become more sophisticated. The louvers can be wide or narrow, and may be movable or fixed. They no longer have to be made of wood, though wood plantation style shutters are still very popular. You can even purchase shutters that use motorized parts to allow for easier opening and closing. As you can see, shutters have come a long way since their inception. While they may perform the same function, it is easier than ever for everyone to enjoy their benefits on either a home or business. If you are in need of something to help you keep your home cool, stay out of the bright sun in the middle of the afternoon, or look more unique, now is a good time to start shopping for shutters in Greenville, SC.
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