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60 | Gazette Life | May 2026GAZETTE | EXTERIORWindows and shutters are not only one of the most charming and recognisable features of Canarian homes, they%u2019re also the key to saving money and controlling your indoor atmosphere.Shutter IslandOne of the main differences between windows in Britain and in Lanzarote is the fact that windows here generally open inward. There are several reasons for this, but perhaps the most important is the fact that most windows have shutters in Spain, and it%u2019s difficult to manage windows and shutters that both open outwards.Inward-opening windows are also far easier to clean, especially those on upper floors. As this was a domestic task it was rare to find professional window cleaners in Spain.Inward opening windows have their own drawbacks, too, of course. It%u2019s harder to manage curtains and blinds when windows open inwards, and you can usually forget about keeping plants or ornaments on your windowsill.The vertically sliding sash windows that were once so popular in Britain are rarely seen in Spain. However, the tilt-and-turn or tilt-andshift styles that permit you to open windows fully inward, or to be tilted for ventilation, are increasingly popular.For many Spanish households, shutters are almost as important as windows, and have become more and more versatile as new materials and designs are developed. Shutters always open outwards, and this means they can also be used to shield windows from the wind %u2013 especially important in the coastal areas where they%u2019re usually painted bright blue.You%u2019ll still see old wooden shutters in towns like