"Made in the Shade took me through the process of selecting the product for what we needed. By the end of the process we felt like we had selected the right company for our investment. Quality and service was exceptional. I would make Made in the Shade your first and only choice for window treatments"
"Needed custom blinds installed on two bedroom windows, and the job was completed right on time and turned out perfect. We will use 3 Day Blinds for all of our future window projects. Process was easy-peasy from start to finish."
"I hired Bob for several exterior projects on my home, including replacing rotting window trim, building custom window headers to match the originals, and sealing, sanding, and painting the trim. He’s a highly skilled carpenter and a hard worker who takes pride in his craft. He’s also friendly and great at communicating, always letting me know when to expect him. I’m very happy with his work and would gladly hire him again. Highly recommended!"
"I have worked with Carlos and his team on restoring our 1950's era ranch house. After seeing the quality of their exterior painting work I hired his company to update many areas of our house. This included repairing and painting primary living space walls, a living room wall which was redesigned with a entranceway shelf enclosure with a black granite top, replacing 2 bedroom windows facing the backyard with a beautiful glass and oak french door set, installing new recessed LED lighting in the ceilings and mounting our large screen plasma TV on an articulating wall support. We wanted to replace the other exterior doors with mid century modern designs. Carlos found authentic looking doors that are fiberglass insulated. They look like wood but have saved us $$ on our heating/cooling bills. I've never worked with a more responsible group of people. Everything is cleaned and put back in order at the end of each day's work. When they sand a wall they hold a shop vac in the other hand so no dust settles. I highly recommend Carlos, his team, and his advice. All work is done on time, at very competitive costs, and of the highest quality. An important reason for me to continue using the services of any company is having a level of trust, and easy communications. Carlos always answer his phone and is responsive immediately to every need. This is a huge plus. "
"Rob was fantastic. Rob and his brother Frank put in new doors and windows throughout the house.
Rob really knows everything about a house, as he was a builder of homes."
"Brian is great. Came down to assess the damage and was back in 2 days with a new window. He also fixed a broken screen at no charge. Definitely would recommend."
"I hired Marco Polo Construction to update and renovate my condo in the Back Bay. This included a full kitchen remodel, bathroom update, refinishing floors, and painting the entire condo. I have nothing but positive things to say about the contractors - they were friendly, professional, kept the place clean, and very responsive to my requests. The workmanship was exceptional. The only downside was that the project took far longer than originally quoted."
Estate shutters offer more energy efficiency, privacy, and light control than blinds. They provide better insulation against heat and cold, lowering your energy bills. They’re also sturdy, durable, and last much longer than blinds (up to 50 years or longer). They’re also low-maintenance and can add curb appeal to your home. The return on investment (ROI) for estate shutters is around 75%.
The average shutter is designed to last 20 to 25 years. Proper maintenance for the type of shutters you have is essential for helping them reach their full potential.
Not all windows are suitable for shutters, as certain styles can prevent them from functioning correctly. It's best to avoid installing shutters on bay windows, picture windows, dormer windows, and double-mulled windows. Shutters are better suited for large, full-size standard windows or French doors.
Additionally, consider the room's lighting needs. Since shutters effectively block light, they are an excellent choice for rooms where you want more darkness and privacy, such as a master bedroom or a main living room. For window types that are not ideal for functional shutters, some homeowners choose to install fixed (non-functional) shutters to maintain a consistent look across the home.
The most popular estate shutter brands include Hunter Douglas, Budget Blinds®, and Graber®. Hunter Douglas shutters cost $20 to $26 per square foot and include high-quality hardwood and faux wood options. Budget Blinds shutters cost $20 to $24 per square foot, depending on if you choose natural wood or another material. Depending on the material, Graber shutters range from $18 to $24 per square foot.
Wood is the most classic shutter material. Common options include pine, cedar, or brasswood. MDF shutters are also a more affordable option that retains the timeless, classic look. Composite shutters, mainly vinyl and aluminum shutters, have also become more popular over the years. You may also find steel shutters, sometimes referred to as security shutters, used on the exterior. Shutters also come in various colors and finishes, adding another layer of design flexibility.
The Peabody, MA homeowners’ guide to window shutter services
From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.
Estate shutters can add a stately appearance to your home and block out light. Learn how much estate shutters cost, depending on window size and material.
Discover exterior shutters cost, including average prices, installation factors, and ways to save. Get expert tips to plan your exterior shutter project.
Looking for exterior window treatments for safety and curb appeal? Learn about standard shutter sizes to see what size you need and how to nail the proportions.
Learn which shutters you should install based on where you live and how much natural light you enjoy. This guide shares all the need-to-know information about indoor shutter styles and materials to help you make the best choice for your home.
Impact-resistant windows and hurricane shutters protect a home’s exterior in severe weather. This guide covers the differences so you can choose the right one.
