Think you need blackout blinds? A forgotten feature hidden in many period homes could be the answer.
Original internal shutters concealed within the window recesses of many Victorian and Georgian homes can block early morning light like blackout blinds and even help keep bedrooms cooler during hot weather. Yet many have been painted over or forgotten.
'Original shutters were designed long before modern blinds, yet they're remarkably effective by today's standards. When they fit snugly into the window reveal, they block far more light than many curtains because there are fewer gaps around the edges,' says Kunal Trehan, interior designer & founder of Touched Interiors.
During the Georgian period, window shutters experienced a boom in popularity in the UK. These shutters served a practical purpose, providing privacy, security and light control in a pre-technological age.
It's the reason why you'll sometimes find these shutters in Georgian or Victorian houses. 'Many homeowners are surprised to discover they have original window shutters hidden within the recesses of their windows,' says Lisa Cooper, product expert at Hillarys.
'In period properties, particularly Georgian and Victorian homes, it's not uncommon for shutters to have been painted shut, covered during renovations or concealed behind built-in window dressings over the years,' she says.
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How to identify hidden window shutters
Wondering if you have hidden shutters? The first thing to do is to look out for recessed windows. 'Look for unusually deep window recesses, thick timber frames or faint panel lines around the window. These are all good signs that original shutters may still be there, just painted or sealed shut,' says Robin Edwards, a property buying agent at Curetons.
'If you notice unusually deep recesses, narrow vertical panels on either side of the window, visible hinges, or faint outlines beneath layers of paint, these can all be signs that original shutters are hiding in plain sight. Tapping the wall gently can sometimes reveal a hollow cavity where the shutter panels fold away when not in use,' Lisa says.
How to restore your shutters
'If you've discovered shutters that have been sealed shut with paint, patience is key,' says Lisa. Robin agrees: 'If your shutters have been painted shut, resist the temptation to force them open, as this can split the timber or damage the original joinery.'
Next, it's time to get your craft knife out and gently prize the shutters open. 'I would always recommend carefully scoring along the paint lines with a craft knife before attempting to move them, as forcing them open can damage the woodwork,' Lisa explains.
Once the shutters have been opened, you can begin removing any remaining paint. However, if they're fragile or have been coated with multiple layers over the years, both Lisa and Robin recommend leaving the restoration to a professional to help preserve the original timber and joinery.
