Decorating Guides
Why Consider Plantation Shutters for Your Windows?
Looking for a window treatment with more character than drapes or blinds? Plantation shutters may be the answer
One of my favourite choices for window treatments is the plantation shutter. They are versatile, less expensive than custom draperies, and can increase the value of your home. They are the only window treatment that can be financed into the purchase of your home. Why? Because they are highly desirable and usually stay with the home when it’s sold. Let’s take a look at how Houzz members are using them in their homes.
The Spanish introduced shutters to the Americas, where they gained popularity before spreading to the rest of the world. Large plantation homes in the Southern states of the US often used the wider louvred style shutters, giving them their name.
Shutters with a narrow divider rail allow for separate control of the top and bottom louvres, a feature that comes in handy when evening arrives and you would like some privacy.
Shutters with a narrow divider rail allow for separate control of the top and bottom louvres, a feature that comes in handy when evening arrives and you would like some privacy.
Today’s plantation shutters come in many different styles and louvre sizes. One of the most popular louvre sizes is 64 millimetres, although they are often also available in 89 and 114 millimetres.
What size louvre you choose is a personal decision. The 64 millimetre louvre is more traditional and is a great choice for average sized rooms with normal ceiling heights. If you have huge rooms with soaring ceilings, the 89 millimetre louvre may be a better fit.
What size louvre you choose is a personal decision. The 64 millimetre louvre is more traditional and is a great choice for average sized rooms with normal ceiling heights. If you have huge rooms with soaring ceilings, the 89 millimetre louvre may be a better fit.
When shopping for plantation shutters, there are important features to look for. A custom shutter company will measure your window exactly and build your shutters to fit.
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Shutters designed with a divider rail or in the double-hung fashion are a popular choice in bathrooms. They allow for closure of the bottom louvres for privacy, while the top louvres can be left opened for a view and light. It’s harder to get that kind of function with curtains, drapes or wood blinds.
Sometimes a half shutter is all you need, but I would caution you on buying half shutters. They cost almost as much as full length shutters. You won’t get as much insulation or sunlight control. Full window shutters beautifully let in lots of light and view while protecting your furniture and rugs from sun damage. So weigh the advantages and disadvantages before making the decision to go with half shutters.
Sometimes a half shutter is all you need, but I would caution you on buying half shutters. They cost almost as much as full length shutters. You won’t get as much insulation or sunlight control. Full window shutters beautifully let in lots of light and view while protecting your furniture and rugs from sun damage. So weigh the advantages and disadvantages before making the decision to go with half shutters.
When shutters are built specifically for your windows, you will have lots of choices regarding how they are designed. For a window such as this, the two panels could open from the centre or bi-fold to one side.
If you never plan to actually open the panels back against the wall, having them open from the centre is fine. But if you plan to throw open the panels and there is something in the way on one side (like the pipe running up the left side of this window) then bi-fold is the way to go. They work similarly to bi-fold doors, folding one on top of the other, off to the side.
If you never plan to actually open the panels back against the wall, having them open from the centre is fine. But if you plan to throw open the panels and there is something in the way on one side (like the pipe running up the left side of this window) then bi-fold is the way to go. They work similarly to bi-fold doors, folding one on top of the other, off to the side.
This window is designed to offer the homeowner many options for controlling the view and the light. First of all they are designed in a double-hung fashion. This will allow opening of the top louvres while the bottom louvres are closed. And because they are double-hung, the top panels could actually fold all the way back against the wall leaving the bottom panels in place. The homeowner also could throw all the panels back opening up the entire window.
How your shutters are designed will depend on your needs/wants and the style of your windows. This window seat has three windows across the back. Since they are narrow, one large panel was designed for each window, as opposed to two skinny ones. This allows for lots of light and view. Also, they are designed with a divider rail for separate control of the top and bottom louvres.
When shopping for shutters, ask about:
- Tension adjustment screws (to prevent issues with drooping louvres later)
- Mortised hinges (looks better in a frame install and from the outside on bi-fold panels)
- The wood from which they are made (never buy pine shutters, which can be bad to bleed sap)
- Rabbeted edges (prevents light gaps through the centre where panels meet)
- Side rails at least 38 millimetres in thickness (prevents warping of panel)
- References. All shutter companies are not created equal
I love the uniform look when all the windows on the front of a home have plantation shutters. Great kerb appeal.
If you want to soften the look of your shutters in some rooms, such as bedrooms, feel free to add drapes or a valance on top of your shutters. They’ll give you all the sun control and privacy you need and leave you free to add whatever decorative treatments you like.
Read more:
12 Ways To Screen Your Glass Doors
Tell us:
Do you have plantation shutters in your home? If so, have you added fabric treatments on top or do you like the look of shutters alone?
If you want to soften the look of your shutters in some rooms, such as bedrooms, feel free to add drapes or a valance on top of your shutters. They’ll give you all the sun control and privacy you need and leave you free to add whatever decorative treatments you like.
Read more:
12 Ways To Screen Your Glass Doors
Tell us:
Do you have plantation shutters in your home? If so, have you added fabric treatments on top or do you like the look of shutters alone?
Browse through more images of plantation shutters