The practice of using shutters to cover windows actually traces back to antiquity, as the ancient Greeks were known to do it. Back then, shutters were made using marble. As such, they were permanently fixed into position. This concept spread around the Mediterranean, although timber shutters started replacing the older marble versions. The terminology of ‘plantation shutters’ started with the American South, as they were used a lot in the sprawling mansions of cotton plantations. Given how they were both functional and fashionable, they really never fell out of style. However, there are more options than ever in today’s market. Keep reading our brief guide below.

What Are They?

Traditionally speaking, plantation shutters are typically made out of timber. They’re called ‘louvres’ by some, but there are technically differences between the two. Louvres are by tradition not something that moves, whereas the blades on shutters are adjustable so a user can decrease or increase how much light is coming into a room. These days, they get made out of many different materials. Timber is very popular, to this day, but there are also fashionable shutters made using other materials, including PVC and aluminium.

If you are looking to install these types of window furnishings – contact Design Plantation Shutters for a quote on Basswood or Aluminum plantation shutters.

Plantation shutters are also used for more things than just window coverings. Use them outdoors or indoors with various hanging methods. Some users even make doors out of them.

Why Do People Pick Them?

Given how many other possible window treatments are on the market, why does anyone pick plantation shutters? Style is often the driving motivation. Plantation shutters can feature a formal aesthetic or even a casual, singular elegance. Some of them take people back in time to the periods of grand mansions. Other styles are more fitted for modern minimalism. There are plantation shutters perfect for huge residences to humble homes.

Practicality is also a big draw. They have adjustable slats which let you control how much light comes into a room. When they are fully open, you can let your room dance in bright light and fresh air. When they’re closed, you can block out light, keeping your home cooler because it doesn’t get overheated. The delightful playfulness that shutters create is also very pleasing. You can let natural sunlight into a room, but it’s dappled instead of harsh and brazen.

What Material Would Work For You?

The traditional choice is going with timber. However, PVC and aluminium shutters have come a long way. Timber does offer natural insulation, but PVC and aluminium are both good insulators at keeping heat out of a room.

Every material has benefits in the right situations:

• Timber has the natural look many consumers enjoy.
• Aluminium can be an effective option. They’re also durable and simple to keep clean.
• PVC shutters are usually a good budget option, but there’s more to it than just that. They can actually look nearly identical to traditional painted timber models, even though they’re cheaper and don’t need as much upkeep.

Do you like how natural timber looks? If so, you can pick plantation shutters made out of several different timbers. Reputable and trustworthy shutter makers only use durable timbers in their manufacturing. If you’re going to install them on the exterior of your home, then you need to pick a timber that will put up with your local climate. You have more leeway for interior timbers, meaning you can pick them more for their appearance than anything else.

Aluminium shutter blades are slimmer than timber models. They have powder-coated colours that can suit any interior or exterior decor and aesthetic. They’re great options for wet areas, like patios, kitchens, and mudrooms. Simply wipe them clean using a wet cloth or just rinse them off outdoors with a hose.

PVC shutters are good for homes with lots of windows needing covering up but within a limited budget. Modern PVC models look fashionable and are both fade- and UV-resistant. They are available in many different styles and colours, which does include the traditional plantation styles. PVC, like aluminium, is great for wet areas and spaces.

Kinds Of Plantation Shutters

These versatile shutters are now well-past their traditional use as timber window coverings. They know include windows and have many different opening mechanisms. Get shutters with traditional hinges, or buy bifold and sliding shutters. You can even get plantation-style doors for every room in your home.

Blade widths also have many different options. The most common is 90mm, but shutter makers offer more sizes than this, and you can always have one customised just for you and your own home.