If you have a small room or limited space, interior design options can help create a sense of openness and make a room feel more spacious. One of the most effective ways to achieve this is through your window treatments.
Plantation shutters, especially custom-made ones, can visually expand a room by maximizing space and providing functionality, durability, and aesthetics. Here’s how to make a small room feel larger with plantation shutters.
Use Plantation Shutters to Maximize Natural Light
Natural light instantly opens up a room. When sunlight floods in, walls feel farther apart and ceilings seem higher. Plantation shutters let you control the amount of light that enters without heavy fabrics or bulky blinds that block the window frame.
When open, their wide louvers allow more light to filter in. They offer full privacy without making the room feel boxed in, even when closed. Opting for white or light-colored shutters helps reflect light, making the space feel brighter and more open.
Choose Custom Fit Over Store-Bought
There are many benefits to choosing custom shutters over store-bought options. Standard window treatments can feel awkward in smaller spaces and require more upkeep. Custom plantation shutters, on the other hand, are designed to fit your window to appear as one with minimal maintenance. This seamless fit adds structure and a finished look, giving the illusion of more space. Clean lines and tailored installation reduce visual noise and help make the room feel organized and less crowded. If you have a more modern or contemporary style, hidden tilt rods offer a cleaner look. Central tilt rods have a classic appearance if you have a more traditional interior design.
Go with White or Light Finishes
Lighter finishes give the impression of more space. White, soft beige, and light gray shutters can match or blend with walls to create a unified appearance. When the eye isn’t stopped by contrast, it moves more freely through the room.
At Shenandoah Shutters, we offer a range of custom finishes with our real wood, American-made, custom-crafted plantation shutters. You can choose from various solid wood options and finishes to complement your space.
Use Mirrors to Reflect Light and Space
Mirrors are a tried-and-true way to visually double the size of a room. Place a mirror across from your plantation shutters to reflect natural light and add depth. This simple technique can make a narrow room feel wider or a short wall appear longer. Even a small mirror on an accent wall can change how a room is perceived.
Keep Furniture Low and Off the Floor
When furniture legs are visible and pieces sit low to the ground, more floor and wall space stays in view. This creates a lighter look and helps a room feel more open. Pairing light fabric furniture with plantation shutters, which don’t require rods or hanging fabric, keeps the overall layout minimal and functional.
Use Color Consistently
Sticking to a simple color palette makes a room feel larger. When plantation shutters match your trim or walls, the space flows naturally. Limit the number of bold accent colors and maintain a cohesive décor. The fewer visual breaks, the more expansive a room can feel
Shutters Add More Than Style
Plantation shutters reflect light, reduce clutter, and add visual balance, making them an ideal choice for compact rooms in need of a more open feel. We offer custom, handcrafted shutters designed to enhance your space. Whether you’re decorating a guest room, home office, or cozy living area, the right window treatment can help your space feel open, bright, and well-designed.
Custom Plantation Shutters Made in the USA
At Shenandoah Shutters, we make and install custom plantation shutters throughout Virginia, Maryland, and Washington, D.C. Our shutters are precisely fitted and built to last, improving your home’s style and function. Contact us today at (804) 355-9300 or schedule a consultation online to learn more about our plantation shutters.
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