Here's Everything You Need to Know About Plantation Shutters

Are you considering plantation shutters for your home but don’t know where to start? This blog post will tell you everything you need to know about plantation shutters, from the different types available to the benefits they offer. By the end, you’ll be able to make an informed decision about whether plantation shutters are right for you.

What Are Plantation Shutters?

Plantation shutters have a long history dating back to the plantations of the Old South. These simple yet effective window coverings were originally used to protect homes from the heat and sun, but today they are popular interior treatments in homes all over the world. Plantation shutters are a more contemporary alternative to traditional window treatments, and they offer homeowners a variety of benefits.

How Do Plantation Shutters Work?

Plantation shutters are a type of window covering that consists of moveable louvers or slats. These slats can be adjusted to regulate how much light enters your home. When opened, plantation shutters provide a good view and let in plenty of light. They give complete privacy and block out sunlight and heat when closed.

They typically have wider louvers than traditional shutters, ranging in width from 1 7/8 to 5 ½ inches. The most common louver widths are 2 ½, 3, or 3 ½ inches. Wider louvers allow for more light and an expansive view, making them ideal for homes with larger windows. The louvers can be either flat or elliptical.

What Are Plantation Shutters Made of?

Different materials used for plantation shutters have distinct pros and cons that make them more or less suitable for certain rooms or purposes. For example, wooden shutters may be more aesthetically pleasing than PVC but require more maintenance.

Real Wood Plantation Shutters

If you’re looking to add a touch of luxury to your home, then wooden shutters are a great option. They come in a variety of warm colors and each one has a unique grain pattern, so they’re sure to add personality to any room. Although they can be more expensive than other types of shutters, they’re very durable and will last for many years.

Advantages

● Wood shutters come in a wide variety of colors and finishes;

● Natural wood maximizes the timeless charm even further;

● Wood is stronger than other types of material yet lighter in weight;

● Wooden shutters can increase home value and make it more appealing to potential buyers.

Drawbacks

● Wood usually costs 10–40% more than other types of material;

● Prolonged exposure to moisture will shorten its service life;

● Wooden shutters require regular care and maintenance to keep them looking their best.

Faux Wood Plantation Shutters

Faux wood plantation shutters are made from PVC and wood composite, offering a great alternative that still gives you the luxury look of real wood without the hefty price tag.

Advantages

● Faux wood shutters are the least expensive of the shutter options;

● In particular, faux-wood shutters are applicable to the moisture environment;

● Faux wood shutters are easy to clean and require little maintenance;

● They are non-toxic, and they are an environmentally friendly option.

Drawbacks

● Faux wood shutters come in a limited variety of colors;

● Faux wood materials are heavier than real wood materials;

● If you need to cover large windows, faux wood may not be the best option.

Pros and Cons of Plantation Shutters

Pros

● They offer great light filtration, also facilitate great airflow;

● They are timeless, with an array of styles and colors to suit any home style;

● Plantation shutters will increase the value of your property;

● They are incredibly durable and built to last for a very long time;

● They offer great insulation to protect your flooring and upholstery from being faded by the sun;

● Shutters can help reduce heat loss by as much as 14% than other types of window treatments.

Cons

● Plantation shutters come with a much higher price tag than other alternatives;

● They require regular preventative maintenance to ensure your shutters always look their best;

The Many Styles of Plantation Shutters

There are a variety of plantation shutters to choose from, each with its unique style. Whether you’re looking for a classic look or something more modern, there’s a plantation shutter for you.

Full-height shutters are a type of window treatment that covers the entire length of the window frame. Full-height shutters are a great option if you’re looking for maximum privacy, as they cover the entire window. They’re also well suited to many different parts of the home, including living rooms, and bedrooms.

Café-style shutters cover only the bottom half of the window, leaving the top exposed. They are perfect for ground-level windows in living areas or kitchens. These shutters are a great way to add privacy to your windows while still allowing natural light to enter the room.

Tier-on-tier shutters are a type of shutter that has two separate panels that can be opened and closed independently. One practical benefit of this design is that you can have the lower panels closed for privacy while still letting in lots of light through the top panels.

Full solid panel shutters are mostly made from a solid piece of wood, they do not have individual slats/louvers, and cover the whole window frame without louvers, making them very durable and low maintenance. They are a great choice for anyone wanting to maintain a traditional Victorian look for their windows.

Half-solid panel shutters with a solid lower half, you get privacy, security, and insulation. Yet the upper half can be easily adjusted to let in more or less light, depending on your preference or time of day. This makes half-solid shutters the perfect choice for those who want the best of both worlds.

Special-shaped shutters can be custom-made to fit any tricky window, enhancing its natural beauty. There is no one-size-fits-all when it comes to shutters. They come in a variety of sizes and shapes to suit any window. If you have a difficult window to cover, shutters are the ideal solution.

Bi-fold shutters are hinged together or placed on a track system, with multiple panels on the track that can fold back to either or both sides at a 90° angle to the track. Whether you want to fully open or just tilt the louvers, bi-folding shutters give you plenty of options. They’re also well suited for flat windows and doors.

By-pass shutters operate on a track, generally located at the top of the frame, and have a small nylon guide at the bottom to keep both panels in line. This allows for a smooth, easy slide when opening and closing the shutters.

Blackout plantation shutters ( room darkening plantation shutters) are a combination of a blind system and louvered shutters that can assist in a blackout of the room as much as possible. It’s a stylish honeycomb blind, sitting between the window and the shutters, with a double layer that can significantly reduce light. And are perfect for darkening your home with style

It's important to consider the aesthetics of your shutters when you’re designing a new home or choosing a new window treatment. Check out our guide below for some inspiration and ideas to help you pick the perfect shutter style for your space.

9 Best Shutter Styles for Different Rooms and Windows

How Much Do Plantation Shutters Cost?

On average, it costs $2,300 to cover the interior windows of a home with plantation shutters. However, this price can range depending on the materials and sizes used. Wood plantation shutters are typically the most expensive option, while composite shutters come in at a close second. Vinyl is usually the most budget-friendly choice.

There is no one-size-fits-all when it comes to choosing shutters for your home — it all depends on your budget and aesthetic preferences. If money is no object, then custom wood shutters are the way to go. These will set your home apart from the rest, but be prepared to fork out anywhere from $200 to $350 per window. If composite shutters are more your style, they usually cost between $80 and $200 each. The price also varies depending on the type of wood used — pine is less expensive than mahogany, for example.

If you’re looking for plantation shutter suppliers in China, it’s a good idea to learn how to purchase from the most reputable, top-quality companies. This article explores the basic tips for dealing with Chinese plantation shutter companies to ensure you get only the best, premium products.

How to Import Plantation Shutters from China

How to Clean Plantation Shutters?

If you’re looking to keep your wood shutters clean, it’s best to ditch the liquids and sprays. Instead, start by dusting with a rag to remove any loose dirt. Then, use a small brush to reach any deeper areas that need cleaning. Finally, take a microfiber cloth and use it to apply furniture polish lightly on the frame. Wipe down the frame and louvers until they shine.

It is important to clean your vinyl shutters regularly to prevent dirt and dust buildup. The best way to clean them is with a microfiber rag, as this will lift off any grime. If you have only sprayed dirt from your plants onto the shutters, regular household cleaners will work great. Just wipe down the frame and louvers with the cleaner and cloth.