Plantation Shutters: The Ultimate Guide to Plantation Shutters for Your Business

Shutters aren’t just for homes anymore. The shuttered look has come to the forefront of interior design and is showing no signs of going away anytime soon. Shutters are perfect for adding a sense of privacy, charm, and even some seasonal flair to any home or commercial space. Having them in your home not only adds character to it but also makes it feel more like an inside rather than an outside space. You can even use shutters on windows that face the street to give passersby a glimpse into your home or business without them knowing exactly what awaits them once they get there. Shutteses have become such a common sight in our homes and offices that most of us take their presence there for granted. They’re so ubiquitous nowadays though that many people have no idea what they truly look like or how much influence plantations have had over their design ever since Europeans first started using them as a means of keeping out intruders, animals, and insects in the 18th century.

What are Plantation Shutters?

Plantation shutters are a type of exterior window covering that are made from wood or aluminum. They are often covered in white paint, while other varieties are stained or painted to match the exterior of your home. Plantation shutters are shut completely, so no light enters the home. They are a great choice for keeping light out while still allowing some natural light to enter the home. Plantation shutters are a popular choice for homeowners who want to maintain the look of an older home, but who are seeking a cleaner, more contemporary style. You can also use plantation shutters if you’re looking to lower the temperature in your home. They block sunlight and can lower the temperature in a room by up to 10 degrees Fahrenheit, making them a great option for climates where summers are hot.

Types of Plantation Shutters

- Double Hung: A double hung shutter is the most common type. These usually feature a bottom track for holding the shutter panel in place and a top track for operating it. As the panels move horizontally on the bottom track, they swing up to reveal the window. Usually, standard double hung shutters are operated from the bottom track and can accommodate windows from 36 inches to 72 inches wide. - Casement: A casement window is a pivoting type of window that is operated with a crank. It is typically round and less rigid than other types. A casement shutter is a type of shutter that is mounted on a track and opened with a crank. These shutters are ideal for windows that are less than 36 inches wide. - Awning: Awning shutters are typically used on awning windows. These are similar to casement shutters in that they are mounted on a track and opened with a crank. However, awning shutters have a canopy or arch-like design, whereas casement shutters are flat. - Double Hung: These are the most commonly used types of shutters.

When should you use plantation shutters?

- If you want to maintain the look and feel of an older home without having to keep up with lawns, gardens, or other upkeep. Like many other decorative styles, this one offers a more natural and less manicured look. - If you want to minimize the use of electricity while also keeping your home cooler during the summer months. - If you want to completely block the rays of the sun and lower the temperature inside your home. - If you have a large window that you’re not sure what to do with.

Drawbacks of Plantation Shutters

- They are usually more expensive than other types of exterior window covering. This cost is usually due to the materials used in their construction such as wood and aluminum and is bound to increase as these materials become scarcer and more expensive in the future. - They can be difficult to install. As they are operated by cranks, they can be difficult to install in some windows. There are special shutters that are designed to take vertical windows, but most plantation shutters are designed for horizontal windows only. - They require more maintenance than other types of window covering. - They are less energy efficient than other types of window covering. - They are more likely to lead to mildew and mold than other types. - Their aesthetic appeal is bound to fade over time.

Shutter Styles for a Plantation Look

- Photo Shutter: This style is best used on the outside of the home as it creates the illusion of an interior shuttered look. It also creates privacy since no one can see in. You can use this style on the outside of the home or inside the home on the roof. - Palladian Shutter: This style has a more decorative look and is best used on the outside of the home. You can use it on the roof or on the outside of the home. - Architectural Shutter: This is another more decorative style that is best used on the outside of the home. You can use it on the roof or on the outside of the home. - Shutter Door: This style is used on the inside of the home and is best suited for internal doors. It creates a more casual look than other styles and is perfect for outdoor rooms that are less formal.

Shutter Installation for a Plantation Look

- When installing plantation shutters, take care to install them in a way that maximizes the amount of light they let in while also blocking the sun's rays. You can do this by installing them perpendicular to the window or orienting them at an angle. - When choosing which shutter panels to use, consider their aesthetic appeal. This can be helpful in determining which shutters to choose since most shutter styles don't match perfectly. However, you also don't want to make the mistake of going too far with the shutter style since you want to maintain the look of the home. You can choose from a variety of shutter styles, including awning, architectural, double hung, double hung with a door, heritage, Palladian, shiplap, shutter door, and many others. Consider the style of the home and how you want the shutters to look when you choose the right shutter style for your home. - When choosing shutters, it is important to choose ones that are compatible with the window they will be mounted on. This can be difficult because you don't want to use shutters that are too wide for the window. You can use a simple rule of thumb: For windows that are no more than 3 inches wide, you can use shutters that are no more than 6 inches wide. For windows that are 3 inches wide or wider, you can use shutters that are no more than 9 inches wide.

Wrapping Up

Plantation shutters are a great choice for homeowners who want to maintain the look of an older home while also minimizing the amount of upkeep that comes with lawns, gardens, and other upkeep. These shutters are perfect for windows that are not too wide, block the sun's rays, and are less maintenance-heavy than other types of exterior window covering.