Plantation or California shutters are the slatted blinds you may have seen on traditional, romantic Southern mansions. There are pros and cons to plantation shutters, just like all types of blinds.
The History of Plantation Shutters
While their name associates them with the American South, plantation shutters, have been around for much longer than that. First designed in Greece, they were carved out of marble and installed in the grand homes of the rich.
Not everyone can have marble home fixtures, and wood is a much better material if you want to open and close your blinds. So, plantation shutters were soon made from wood and eventually made their way to America, where they were more commonly adopted.
In the United States, plantation shutters adorned the opulent mansions of wealthy Southern families. In the 1950s, they became popular in California as well.
The Benefits of Plantation Shutters
Plantation shutters open and close, allowing for ventilation when you wish, as well as privacy. Modern plantation shutters are simple to open and close and have solid construction, so they will last even if you open and close them daily.
- Real wood shutters are great window treatments for living rooms and home offices.
- Vinyl shutters stand up to hot and humid climates, intense sunlight and moisture and are perfect in bathrooms.
- Composite shutters combine the look of genuine wood with the durability of composite materials for shutters that can take wear and tear.
- Palm Beach Shutters are the only ones with the PowerView R Motorization. Adjust your shutters to manage incoming light and energy usage throughout your home.
Beyond function, plantation shutters have much to offer a home. They are available in various finishes, in hardwood, vinyl, or composite, and come in specialty shapes to fit window shapes such as arches, patio doors, and French doors. They bring a romantic, southern style to the exterior and interior of your home. Yet, when made with small slats and painted a crisp white, they can also appear modern and fit in with many different home styles.
Unlike ancient plantation shutters, modern plantation shutters are available in many different styles and colours. You can even adjust the length of the slats, which are called louvres.
The longer the slats, the more traditional the shutters appear, and the better the view when they are left open. Shorter shutters feel more modern and maintain more privacy when opened.
The Drawbacks of Plantation Shutters
Plantation shutters give your home a lovely aesthetic, but they do have drawbacks. While sturdy and will last for years, taking them down is no small task. If you choose these shutters, be sure you want them for the long haul.
If you want window coverings to vanish from sight completely, shutters are not for you. Shutter panels rest on the sides of a window, but they are always visible—unlike a shade which can be raised and hidden.
Plantation shutters go on the interior of your glass. Windows that open by swinging inward will be restricted. You can’t place these shutters on the outside because then you wouldn’t be able to open them. So, they are best for homes with windows that swing outward.
It would be best if you considered the placement of furniture. If you want furniture directly in front of the window, know that you will need at least the space of the width of the shutter before placing the furniture. Consider other options, such as blinds or shades, if space is limited.
Fasada offers free consultations with expert designers. We can discuss your options and how shutters or other window coverings will fit best for the aesthetics of your home.
