Plantation shutters are a unique window treatment with benefits that aren’t seen in other window choices. As beautiful as they are functional, plantation shutters have existed in some form for hundreds of years. If you’re planning to update your home with plantation shutters, you’re probably already familiar with the basics, but plantation shutters still have some secrets. Here are 6 fun facts about this popular window treatment:
Plantation Shutters are Energy-Efficient
An unexpected perk of choosing plantations shutters for your home is increased energy-efficiency. Because of the way that plantation shutters are built and installed, they allow less air to pass in or out of your windows. As a result, you’ll be able to insulate more cool air in the summer and more heat in the winter. This could result in potentially lowered heating and cooling bills.
Plantation Shutters Can Increase the Resale Value of Your Home
Plantation shutters are one of the most popular window treatments for homebuyers. When a home has been outfitted with custom plantation shutters, this is a huge selling point. Unlike blinds, curtains, and other treatments, custom made plantation shutters stay with the house for the sale. Plus, this window treatment is timeless. Wooden plantation shutters, in particular, are appreciated for their authenticity and character.
A special bonus for homebuyers with young families? Plantation shutters are a much safer window treatment choice than blinds for homes with small children. Plantation shutters don’t have cords that could potentially endanger young kids. Many families prefer this peace of mind.
Plantation Shutters are Valued for their Privacy
Hundreds of years ago, plantation shutters were especially valued for their privacy. In fact, one legend says that King Louis XIV of France actually used the privacy of plantation shutters to sneak a peek at the women of his court!
While spying isn’t exactly recommended, homeowners still love the privacy provided by plantation shutters. Because of the way the louvers tilt, you can filter sunlight in or out of your home without jeopardizing your view and without being seen from others outside of the home. This is especially exciting for the many scenic towns throughout Virginia, Maryland, and Washington, D.C.
Plantation Shutters Come in Many Different Materials
Plantation shutters are available in materials like composite, plastic, pvc, foamed synthetics, and beautiful wooden varieties. While each material has its pros and cons, Shenandoah Shutters is proud to manufacture only wooden plantation shutters. The truth is that all other plantation shutter types are made with the goal of trying to make the product as much like wood as possible. Wooden plantation shutters are the most aesthetically pleasing type of plantation shutter. They are natural in every sense of the word, making them tough and long lasting. They also go right alongside your own wooden furniture and home elements.
At Shenandoah Shutters, we take our wood a step further than the rest. We use only American woods of the highest quality, such as basswood, yellow poplar, cherry, oak, and mahogany. These woods lend themselves to stunning, rich stains and refreshing creams that simply can’t be imitated by other plantation shutter materials. We can even do custom color requests.
You Can Install Plantation Shutters On Doors and Oddly Shaped Windows
Plantation shutters aren’t just meant for bay windows. You can install plantation shutters on French and sliding glass doors. You can even have plantation shutters customized for circle of life windows, sidelights, triangle panels, and sunbursts. If you have a window, then Shenandoah Shutters has a plantation shutter to fit it.
Plantation Shutters are Low-Maintenance and Versatile
Wood is naturally durable, but it’s also easy to clean, too. You can clean your plantation shutters with a gentle wood polish, cloth duster, and vacuum attachment. You don’t have to worry about dry cleaning trips or expensive, time-consuming products.
Plantation shutters are also known for their versatility. While traditional plantation shutters have lasted generations because of their beauty, there are now even more incredible design choices for homeowners. You can select a contemporary design, like our patented Softedge design that neatly hides the hinges, or you can choose café shutters to only cover part of your window. You can even choose your louver size and shape, as well as your tilt rod.
At Shenandoah Shutters, we offer a single tilt rod, divider rail, split tilt rod, or a hidden tilt rod. You can also choose from 2.5”, 3.5”, or 4.5” louvers (the horizontal slats) and a flat or contoured louver. Your choices will reflect your own individual taste, truly making the plantation shutters your own. Larger louver sizes result in a larger viewing space, while certain tilt rods (like the hidden tilt rod) offer a more contemporary style or privacy advantages (the divider rail).
Flat louvers are exactly as they sound, while contoured louvers resemble airplane wings. Both are a matter of personal preference and are equally lovely. You may end up wanting different styles depending on each room of your home. Your design consultant can help you plan the right custom shutters for your house. We’ll measure your windows, bring samples, and get an idea of your home goals.
Plantation Shutters for the 21st Century
Plantation shutters are still prized window treatments for homeowners. If you’re ready to upgrade your window treatment or add plantation shutters to your new home in one of our service areas, contact Shenandoah Shutters today. Our design consultants will work with you to create the perfect custom, all wood plantation shutters for your home.
Shenandoah Shutters has been handcrafting custom, hardwood plantation shutters since the 1990s. We’re local to Richmond, Virginia, and within a day’s drive of our service areas. All work on your plantation shutters is completed at our woodshop and showroom on Cofer Road. We even offer a 100-year limited transferable warranty on your plantation shutters, as well as a 25-year warranty on the silken lacquer finish that completes each shutter.
Take a look at our gallery for more insight into our designs and installations.
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