Last updated on March 8th, 2024
Shutters, whether they are on your kitchen cabinets or your wardrobes, determine the aesthetics of the room that they are in. But aesthetics alone can’t help you decide what material to choose for them. Since cabinets and cupboards see a lot of traffic and shutters especially get subjected to daily handling, they need to be able to stand tough against all use (and abuse!)
Here are a few materials popularly used in shutters. We’ve tried our best to compare all of them in layperson terms, cutting through the industry jargon. If you’re thinking of renovating your wardrobes and cabinets, read on before you make the big decision!
Acrylic Shutters
An excellent choice for kitchens, these high-gloss, waterproof shutters are made by pressing the acrylic surface on an MDF base. The result is an extremely durable and resilient material with a highly reflective surface, a perfect and colorful choice for your kitchen cabinets that’ll never go out of vogue.
Laminate Shutters
Laminates, used in furniture, kitchens, and wardrobes are multi-layered sheets made of high-density fiber, resin, and wood particles, with a protective layer on top. This top layer can have a matte, glossy, or textured finish depending on the design you choose. Available in a wide variety of colors and designs, these are easy to maintain and waterproof and a great choice for kitchen cabinets as well as wardrobes.
The edges of the laminates, however, can be sharp and look unfinished, which is why they need edge banding that also protects the core.
Shutters Made Of Aluminium And Glass
Shutters made of aluminium and glass, although a bit expensive, lend quite a contemporary and modern look to interiors. In fact, they can be the perfect choice for small kitchens and can create the illusion of a larger space.
Here, aluminium is used as a frame for glass shutters and these can enhance the beauty of kitchen cabinets, crockery shelves, TV units, etc. The aluminium frames can be powder coated or anodized to give them the desired finish. Also, the aluminium profiles can be extended to create inbuilt handles, obviating the need for separate handles on the cabinets.
Membrane Shutters
Great for kitchens and wardrobes alike, membrane shutters are made of a thin synthetic foil, heat-sealed, and molded on top of an MDF base. These have perfectly seamless edges and grooves, a definite advantage when used in kitchens that see a lot of spills and inevitably, a lot of cleaning. Membrane shutters with their flawless edges can be an elegant addition to kitchens and bedrooms, adding to them, a quiet, understated beauty.
Have fun doing up your home, folks!
