MDF or Wood Shutters Whilst doing your initial research into choosing the best shutters for your home, you will have no doubt there is a debate between two types of commonly used materials. Wood or MDF shutters? The differences between the two may not immediately be apparent and before making a financial commitment, you will need to find out which one is more suitable for you. To give you a helping hand, we have put together a list covering common questions we address on a day-to-day basis. From aesthetics to price, we hope you find this useful in your research for the perfect shutters. Appearance The vast majority of customers are unable to distinguish the difference between MDF and wooden shutters due to their similar appearance. Therefore, quality of finish is generally not a deciding factor. Wooden shutters can be painted in any colour. Wooden shutters can be finished to colour match major paint brands including Farrow and Ball, Dulux and any RAL colour code provided. MDF is available in 5 shades of white and wooden shutters are available in any colour. Price Budget will no doubt play a key role in choosing shutters. MDF is highly popular due to its quality of finish, price and durability. MDF is generally 25% cheaper than wood. Wood will cost more due to the quality of the material itself, however at London Interior Shutters we advise what material is best suited for your size windows. Durability MDF shutters are finished with a polymer coating which makes them extremely hard-wearing and resistant to superficial damage such as scratches, chips and scrapes. MDF shall look great for many years with no need of re-painting. Wooden shutters, which are always painted (no polymer coating) will appear worn sooner than their MDF counterparts. The finish is fragile and is less resistant to its exposure to the surrounding elements such as UV rays, heat and moisture. MDF is more durable and hard-wearing. Highly recommended for high traffic areas. Is weight an issue? Wood shutters are considerably lighter than MDF. This is why they are better for larger windows. If MDF shutters are the preference due to budget then extra support shall need to be added. There may also be limitations on the design to ensure longevity. This includes bi-folding panels, the width or the height of panels. What do you actually need? As a simple rule:- Small windows are suitable for MDF. Large or shaped windows should be wooden shutters. Your selected shutter company shall advise what they recommend for your windows based upon size and design.

Hi all, Just wanted to thank you all for your advices. In the end, we painted the recess white and put a frame (made out of MDF cut to size) around the mirror. I painted the frame the same colour as the painted walls. We then wallpaper the wall (but not the recess) I am very pleased with the results (even if it took us about 3 months to finish a tiny toilet ahah!) Hope you will like it too :)

Ohh the picture... yeah a traditionalist for one so young. Seems he like cosy and to be hugged. These days anything goes, mix and match so a modern trad. Re: cool lights you can get varying tonal ranges, so maybe dimmable LED lights, so he has the choice. You can mix, match and even from cool to warm and with warm to cool LEDs. Or placing cooler ones nearer the dark areas and warmer to the light areas. And panels are great, MDF, cut to size and glue them on. And a mantle/shelf below the TV's to get that look in the main living area and the bedrooms. Rail and Dado rails around the room, to cut costs only on the walls you can see. Then you can hang pictures from them. As the wardrobes are wood it will be fine. It all seems like alot but if you have a scap bank in your area you can get paints, wall paper and charity shops sell furniture not forgetting the auction websites. Some charities are on the auction sites too. And I just remembered, soldiers do get discounts in a lot of places, and as there is not a lot of things we get free these days... As the room is dark, Sonia's lighter greys, blue rather than the darker shades, it will appear to be darker anyway as the basement flat is dark, as the colour will change throughout the day. Please post a picture when you have completed. It is sounding so exciting.

Hi Hannah, The laminate units are relatively easy to paint. Preparation is key! Cleaning, sanding and priming.I installed self adhesive vinyl tiles in my hallway and WC after we moved in a few years ago as a temporary solution (it had cream carpet in both!). It was only supposed to be a temporary fix, but it looks really good and it's never managed to make it back on to the to-do list. Vinyl has come a long way!If your original vinyl is stuck down properly and the floor is flat, self adhesive tiles will be the perfect budget option. There is a huge variety out there.I would also suggest adding cornice above the wall units and a pelmet below. That plus new handles could make the units look much more expensive. Again another easy DIY. No reason why it couldn't end up looking like this The laminate units are relatively easy to paint. Preparation is key! Cleaning, sanding and priming. I installed self adhesive vinyl tiles in my hallway and WC after we moved in a few years ago as a temporary solution (it had cream carpet in both!). It was only supposed to be a temporary fix, but it looks really good and it's never managed to make it back on to the to-do list. Vinyl has come a long way! If your original vinyl is stuck down properly and the floor is flat, self adhesive tiles will be the perfect budget option. There is a huge variety out there. I would also suggest adding cornice above the wall units and a pelmet below. That plus new handles could make the units look much more expensive. Again another easy DIY. Marble effect adhesive for the work tops? No reason why it couldn't end up looking like this...