7 Tips For Decorating and Enjoying Your Home This Fall

Tips For Decorating and Enjoying Your Home This Fall
Tips For Decorating and Enjoying Your Home This Fall
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Fall certainly looks different this year, but the coronavirus pandemic doesn’t mean that you can’t enjoy all that autumn has to offer. In fact, this is the perfect time to make your home as inviting and cozy as possible. Take a look at these tips for fun fall decorating and holiday celebrating this year:

Decorate Your Yard with Fall Favorites

Since most hayrides and special events are out of the picture this year, bring the fall fun to your own yard. Outfit your front porch or yard with pumpkins, gourds, and scarecrows. Hoping to sell your home in the next few months? A beautiful set of mums or a stylish seasonal wreath will do more than just bring you joy — it will also boost your curb appeal, which will attract more potential buyers. 

Build a Fall Photo Backdrop

The loss of the family photo opportunities that go along with fall traditions can feel disappointing. Snap a fresh Instagram picture by building an autumn photo op right in your yard! You can use straw bales, corn stalks, DIY signs with your last name painted on them, and other ideas to create the perfect setting for a beautiful photograph. You could even make your own mini pumpkin patch by scattering pumpkins around the set-up! Maximize the experience by having everyone dress up in their Halloween costumes. 

Make Your Home Into a Haunted House

The CDC has issued strict guidelines for Halloween this year, but you can still experience the spooky holiday at home. Encourage the kids to help you add ghoulish decorations to the yard and porch, as well as indoors. Giant inflatable characters or a fake graveyard on the front lawn can make this year feel a little more normal. The best thing about Halloween is that you can get as creative as you’d like with the decor. Wondering what the hottest trend is this year? Halloween trees! Artificial trees in colors like orange and black are all the rage in stores and on social media right now. Pick up some Halloween ornaments, pumpkin lights, or knick-knacks and have a blast decorating a Halloween tree with your family. 

Another favorite Halloween concept this year is the candy chute. This unique idea involves decorating a long cardboard tube or PVC pipe and safely attaching it to something in your front yard, like the handrail of your front steps. You can then use tongs or consistently sanitized hands to drop pieces of candy through the makeshift chute and into the bags of excited (and socially distant!) trick-or-treaters. 

Have Fun with Your Windows

Windows easily lend themselves to decorating ideas. Kids will love adding pumpkin decals, creepy fake boards, and scary posters to the windows. Just make sure that none of the decorations will hurt the glass or your plantation shutters. Window projectors, themed garlands, and terrifying spider webs are other exciting ideas for fall decor. 

Enjoy the Details

There are so many little ways to add fall and Halloween decor to your home. Themed throw pillows and blankets will liven up your sofa, while a cheerful autumn display on the mantle is a gorgeous way to celebrate the season. Creative letter boards with fun fall expressions are popular home decor pieces and can be part of your display table or hung up on their own. Letter boards and display tables look especially beautiful in the entryway. 

Spice Up Your House 

A longtime fall favorite, simmer pots are an all-natural way to make your home smell like fall. While there are many ways to make a simmer pot, one of the most common ways is to fill a pot a little less than halfway with water, and then let it heat on your stove. As it’s heating, you can add enjoyable autumn scents and spices, including cinnamon, fall fruit slices, and drops of vanilla. The delicious fall smells will soon begin wafting through your house. Just be sure to watch that pot — you don’t want the water to evaporate!

Looking for a smell that lasts a little longer? Most stores sell cinnamon or pumpkin scented brooms this time of year! Not only do they smell great, but they fit right in with your other decorations. 

Invest in a Fire Pit

If you’re going to host a small gathering this fall, then having that gathering outdoors is a recommended way to reduce the spread of COVID-19. A fire pit will let small groups of family and friends enjoy the fall season as they warm by the fire, make s’mores, and enjoy conversation. Of course, safety precautions such as masks are still recommended by the CDC. 

Upgrade Your Window Treatment This Fall with Plantation Shutters

Fall is one of the best times of year for upgrading your existing window treatments. Just bought a home or planning on selling one? Plantation shutters are beautiful options for your windows that will actually increase the resale value of your home. With plantation shutters, you are able to control the amount of sunlight that comes into your home. The result is just the right ambiance no matter the season. Plantation shutters are also safer for families with young children than blinds or curtains, as there are no dangerous cords or tempting materials to pull down. 

At Shenandoah Shutters, we build custom plantation shutters by hand in Richmond, Virginia. Our plantation shutters are crafted using only the finest American woods. Nothing is made with faux wood, vinyl, or other imitations. We finish each piece with a high-quality, silken lacquer finish. 

We’ve been in business for 30 years and pride ourselves on providing elegant plantation shutters to Virginia, Maryland, and Washington, D.C residents. Customers choose from rich stains, vibrant whites, or custom colors for their plantation shutters. They can also explore certain details and innovations, like louver size or our original, patented Softedge design.

Shenandoah Shutters remains open during the COVID-19 pandemic and continues to install plantation shutters while taking precautions. Contact us today to ask questions or schedule an appointment with one of our design consultants.  

What To Look For In Virginia Plantation Shutters

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In the market for plantation shutters? The kind of shutters you choose for your Virginia home will depend on your personal sense of style. You can opt for traditional plantation shutters, cafe shutters, or even our patented Softedge shutters. But whatever style of shutter you want, there are certain quality standards you should always keep in mind. 

Craftsmanship

A better made product will always outlast its competitors. When looking for wooden window treatments for your home, like Virginia plantation shutters, a high-level of quality is very important. Quality craftsmanship comes from experience and dedication. Places that offer custom made solutions usually feature custom wood shops that source high-quality woods and specialty woods and offer custom color matching, furniture quality finishes, and more. The folks involved in making your shutters should be long-term, dedicated master craftsmen that really understand that quality of work will always show in the details. 

One way to spot quality work is by feeling it! A well-crafted shutter will be pleasing to the eye as well as to the touch. Skilled craftsmen know the importance of carefully sanding each and every part to remove sharp edges and keep the product smooth to the touch and finished evenly – no thick or thin spots. These smooth edges not only look and feel better, but will hold up much better over time resisting dings and chips. Another thing to consider is the type of material. Nothing says quality better than American hardwoods. Don’t fall for plastic or vinyl lookalikes!  You look for quality craftsmanship when it comes to your flooring, furniture, and cabinetry; your shutters should be no different. 

Locally Made

We all understand the importance of sourcing locally produced goods whenever possible –  and what a wonderful and satisfying experience it is when we can utilize local craftspeople and business owners! Having items custom made locally and carefully created by folks who care about you and your home is a great way to ensure a quality product while also supporting your community. Locally made products usually come with knowledge: the employees and craftsmen will know the area, the homes in the area, the resources in the area, and can offer quality expertise when creating custom products for your home. 

At Shenandoah Shutters, we are a veteran owned, and family operated hand-crafted business in Richmond, Virginia since 1990 and have dedicated craftsmen with years of experience, and professional guidance provided by experienced sales consultants. 

Another perk of working with small, local companies is the amount of services that they provide. For example, offering a turnkey, full circle process of not only being the ones to make your shutters, but are also the ones who come to your home to install. No need to worry about and wait on subcontractors or third parties. Local companies will also usually offer warranties and specials, and work to maintain a relationship with you in hopes of repeat business. These are things that you won’t always find at big-box stores and operations. 

Innovation

While window shutters may not seem like a cutting-edge product, it’s easy to tell when you work with a large retailer who is “just selling what they’re given to sell” vs. a local company who cares about the quality of their work and their product. These companies will always be innovating and looking for improvement and know that there’s always a way to do it better. 

Shenandoah Shutters has patented Softedge™ technology – which brings innovation into the world of shutters! The hinges are fully concealed when the shutters are closed, creating a clean and uncluttered look. With no boxy frame or hanging strip required for its installation, the Softedge™ Shutter double rollover edge softens the look of the shutter while gracefully blending the panel into your molding. The end result is a look that is simple, but elegant. The patented Softedge™ is available only at Shenandoah Shutters. 

If you’re looking for locally sourced and crafted shutters from a company known for its craftsmanship and innovation, reach out to us at Shenandoah Shutters. We’d love to help guide your journey in creating a custom, sophisticated window treatment option for your home.  

How To Choose the Best Plantation Shutters For Your Home’s Style

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Every home is unique; the outside tells the architectural story set out by the builder, while the inside is an ongoing narrative of styles and trends. Your home’s windows are a meeting point of architectural style and interior design. Do you have a cape cod home with symmetrical double hung windows? A traditional home with bay windows? A modern home with angled or slanted windows? Or even a victorian with round and half-radius windows? No matter the style – your windows are truly the ‘window’ to your home’s soul. And, just as importantly, your interior window treatments should reflect your home’s style, your personal style, and – hopefully – lots of light! 

Why Plantation Shutters

One great option for interior window treatments are plantation shutters. They originated in the open, breezy homes of the Caribbean and the stately Old South, and were appreciated for their ability to block the direct heat of the sun while still allowing in cooling breezes. Homeowners today still want to block the sun and control privacy without sacrificing the beauty and warmth of natural sunlight. These types of shutters come in different styles and finishes and bring a simple, sophisticated beauty to any space. 

First, it’s important to understand the architectural style of your home and really take inventory as to what types of windows you have. Plantation shutters can be single panel, double panel, have dividers in the middle, can open out like a door, can be curved, have a natural wood stain or a sleek white finish, and so much more. No matter the shape of your window, plantation shutters can be a good option. 

Style and Architecture

Some common home and window styles include:

  • Cape Cod: A traditional style of home with double hung windows with different sash heights and dormer windows
  • Tudor: A stucco exterior with contrasting trim, featuring dormer windows, 2 or 3 windows grouped together, and small half-radius windows. 
  • Victorian: A historic style of home with round windows, half radius windows, tall/narrow windows, and French doors. 
  • Craftsman bungalow: Double hung and single hung windows combined, sliding patio doors, and trim overhang. 

While the outside of your home tells its architectural style, the inside of your home is where your personal style gets to shine. From your wall colors to your furniture, textiles, and art selections – your home is you! Window treatments are just another element to add style, charm, and YOU to your home. Whether you’re going for mid-century modern with clean lines, or the ever-popular farmhouse rustic look, one thing a lot of homeowners want is more natural light. Plantation shutters offer charm and sophistication to your home while being able to control the amount of light coming in.

Types of Shutters

For a home with lots of craftsman character – maybe for those working the boho look- consider plantation shutters with transoms exposed or even double hung shutters which can be opened from the top or the bottom. They can look great around arched doorways, and those oddly sized stained glass windows that come in craftsman and Victorian style homes.

For styles like mid-century modern that go for clean lines with a hint of retro – cafe shutters can add that diner feel, with sophistication. They only cover the bottom half to ⅔ of the window to allow lots of light to come in, but not directly on you while sitting down, like in a diner. While these shutters are traditionally used in kitchens and dining rooms, they add light and texture to living rooms and bedrooms as well. 

For just an overall traditional look, single hung shutters can’t be beat. They add elegance and, since they aren’t broken up by a divider, will heighten the room. 

Not sure what your interior design style is? 

Your Interior Design

Here are some popular Interior Styles:

  • Mid-Century Modern: Clean lines, natural wood stains, design styles that reflect that from the mid 20th century.
  • Boho: Often incorporating bright colors, mixed textiles, lots of plants, and worldly-inspired art.
  • Traditional
  • Contemporary: Clean, sleek, modern.
  • Minimalist: Focuses on minimizing clutter and stuff
  • Farmhouse: Rustic country elements, natural woods mixed with metal/industrial accents. 

Color

Other than the shape and functionality of your shutters, the final question to ask yourself is…Stained vs. White – Which Should I Choose?

Our advice? Match the rest of the trim in your house. Oftentimes in older, even historic, homes, the trim will be the original dark, wood stain. By maintaining this original trim work, you are maintaining the integrity of the craftsmanship that went into the home. Adding stained plantation shutters to match the trim will make the shutters appear that they’ve been there as long as your home has. 

No matter your home’s style, plantation shutters add an element of sophistication while also providing shade, privacy, and charm to your home. A window treatment expert can talk you through the style you’re going for, and the options to fit your project, budget, and style. Contact Shenandoah Shutters today to learn more about our plantation shutters or to order some of your own.

12 Trendy Farmhouse Decorating Ideas For Fall

12 Trendy Farmhouse Decorating Ideas For Fall
12 Trendy Farmhouse Decorating Ideas For Fall
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The farmhouse look has been a favorite style for years, largely thanks to the popularity of the HGTV show, Fixer Upper. Whether you like the more traditional, cozy look of the modern farmhouse trend or the rugged, warmer designs found in the industrial farmhouse style, there are many ways that you can decorate for fall while keeping your farmhouse aesthetic gorgeously intact. 

Here are some of our favorite farmhouse decorating ideas this season: 

Fall Letterboard

Letterboards are a fun, Instagrammable way for the whole family to usher in autumn. Letterboards are typically made of felt and come with interchangeable letters that you can use to spell out everything from your favorite quotes to household reminders. Pick up one that comes with an easel for tabletop display, or hang yours on the wall. Need some clever sign options for fall? Try spelling out “Pumpkin Spice and Everything Nice” or “Happy Fall, Y’all.” 

DIY Pumpkins

Fall is a great time to get crafty, especially with all of us spending more time at home this season. Make your pumpkin decor look farmhouse chic by crafting your own fabric or felt pumpkins. These decorations look especially stylish alongside a fall letter board. If you prefer, you can also paint a pumpkin white and include a black name initial in the center, or simply paint the entire pumpkin in chalk paint. Both looks are classic choices for a farmhouse fall.

Decorative Fall Signs

Catchy quotes are a key part of farmhouse decor, and fall gives you a plethora of choices that are perfect for rustic, wooden signs. Explore handmade sites like Etsy for decorative autumn signage, find printables online, or create your own wall art. 

Fall Pillows

Neutral pillows decorated in fall themes blend well with cottage style sofas and chairs. You might also include a neutral colored, fall throw blanket for maximum effect. Store the blanket in a metal basket under your entryway or console table. 

Metal Art

Last year, it was all about the modern farmhouse, but 2020 has been focused on the growing industrial farmhouse trend. Metal art and rugged, 3-D pieces are ideal wall decorations for an industrial farmhouse look. Brass or metal leaf art fit right in for fall. 

Geometric Lights

Another industrial farmhouse favorite, fall is the perfect time to hang geometric ceiling lights. These lights look beautiful year round, but they especially shine alongside warm fall decor. You can choose from a wide variety of geometric lights for your farmhouse theme, including pendants, chandeliers, and flush-mount ceiling lighting. 

Chalkboard Signs

You can easily find printable chalkboard signs in fall themes online, but you can also paint and design your own. Like the letter board, this is another project that the kids will love, and a fantastic way to exercise everyone’s creativity during long days at home. 

Dried Wheat or Grain Decor

Bundles of dried wheat make gorgeous and unique bouquets for fall centerpieces. You can also hang a grain wreath, or place grain and wheat in vases or metal buckets as accent pieces around the home. These quintessentially fall materials are versatile enough for any fall display. 

Outdoor Ladder Display

Take your farmhouse style outdoors with an elaborate ladder display. Set up a storage ladder on your front porch and fill it with pumpkins, leaves, wheat, hay, chalkboard or wooden signs, mums, and other fall favorites. You could even include a basket of apples or twinkling lights near your display. Wagons and wheelbarrows can also be a nice touch. 

DIY Mason Jars

Mason jars have been used in home decor for a long time, but they’re still effortlessly stylish in farmhouse themes. Fill your mason jars with dried flowers or wheat to use as an extra accent piece. Mason jar lights are also  elegant choices.

Burlap Decorations

Burlap is another material that is instantly associated with fall. There is so much that you can do with burlap, and all of it looks terrific in a farmhouse style home. You can use burlap to craft pumpkins, make table runners, or even serve as a planter for fall flowers. 

Gingham or Buffalo Plaid Decor

Gingham and buffalo plaid fabrics seem tailor made for farmhouse looks. This is especially true when the colors are black and white or gray and white. Hang a buffalo plaid wreath above your entryway table, use the fabric as a place mat, or lay a gingham rug by your front door. The result is a sophisticated design that is perfect for fall. 

Plantation Shutters Just In Time for Fall

As you decorate your home for the new season, you might find yourself noticing that your windows could also use some attention. Plantation shutters are a timeless and stylish choice for all home designs. With plantation shutters, you’ll be able to filter sunlight in and out of your home, creating a beautiful ambiance that can’t be matched by blinds or curtains. 

Shenandoah Shutters has been installing plantation shutters in Virginia, Maryland, and Washington, D.C since the 1990s. We’re located in Richmond, within a day’s drive of all of our service areas. Our skilled woodworking employees proudly craft each plantation shutter using fine American hardwoods, like yellow poplar and basswood, and our silken lacquer finish. At Shenandoah Shutters, you can choose from stained or white shutters, as well as custom colors. You can even request a custom wood if you’d prefer. 

We build plantation shutters for windows of any size or shape, including French doors, sliding glass doors, arches, sunbursts, casements, and tilt-ins. We offer a variety of contemporary and modern design choices, so that you can choose the plantation shutter style that is right for your home. In fact, we even invented our own, patented plantation shutter design that is known as the Softedge. 

Schedule Your Plantation Shutters Consultation Today

Shenandoah Shutters remains open and ready to provide safe plantation shutter installations and consultations. Call us today at 1-800-733-1549 or contact us online for more information about our COVID-19 safety procedures, and to set-up your plantation shutters appointment. Our consultations are completely free. 

Learn more about plantation shutters at Shenandoah Shutters by reviewing our online photo gallery.

How To Avoid Light Leakage So You Can Get a Full Night’s Sleep

How To Avoid Light Leakage So You Can Get a Full Night’s Sleep
How To Avoid Light Leakage So You Can Get a Full Night’s Sleep
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A darkened room is essential to quality sleep, but finding the right window treatment that completely blocks out sunlight can be tricky. Many people choose to use tints and films, but these options don’t always fully block out the light. They also aren’t usually as long-lasting as other selections. 

So, what are your choices for a better night’s sleep? How can you block out sunlight when necessary, without sacrificing a warm, sunny ambiance at other times? Here’s a quick guide to better sunlight control for a more refreshing sleep: 

Window Treatment Choices for Less Light

Blackout drapes or curtains are common options for bedrooms. The idea behind these soft window treatments is to block out the sun using heavy, layered fabric materials. A blackout curtain liner or thermal liner is also a popular choice. Many people enjoy curtains for the way that they impact a room’s design. Most blackout curtains are solid-colored, so a curtain liner is one way to block out light while still having curtains in patterns and designs that you enjoy. 

However, curtains and curtain liners also require regular maintenance. They may have to be dry-cleaned, for instance. They are also subject to eventual fading and tearing. If you’re hoping to darken a child’s room, curtains might pose a safety concern. It is extremely easy for a small child to tug on the curtains and collapse the curtain rod, or for the child to become twisted in the curtains. 

On their own, curtains are also usually not as aesthetically pleasing as they are when paired with a solid window treatment, like shutters. Blackout shades are another possible option, but they also aren’t usually very stylish. 

When choosing blackout materials, you often have to go through a trial-and-error type of process where you try out different brands and types of materials to see which product results in less light. This can be tremendously frustrating, especially when you’re missing out on restful sleep. Plus, all of these options — from curtains and drapes to shades — make it difficult to ever really enjoy sunlight. When you’re awake and ready to start the day, you must pull your curtains or shades completely out of the way in order to have a warm ambiance in your home. This usually results in too much sunlight. 

Ideally, you’d have a window treatment that allows you more control and the ability to filter sunlight in and out of your home. This is where plantation shutters really shine. 

Plantation Shutters: The Ideal Choice to Avoid Light Leakage

Plantation shutters are designed with light control in mind. With plantation shutters, you are able to completely control how much light enters each room of your home. Unlike other window treatments, it isn’t all or nothing when it comes to light control. You can close the shutters to block out the sunlight, or tilt them open to allow beautiful, filtered light in just the right amount. The result is the perfect ambiance, whether it’s for sleep or daytime. 

Plantation Shutters are also safer choices for children’s bedrooms. They do not have cords or other dangling materials that could pose a hazard to a young child. 

While you may have to do some searching to find blackout curtains that fit your home’s decor, plantation shutters are effortlessly stylish. Custom made, hardwood plantation shutters seem more like fine furniture than a window treatment. The natural wood gives each room elegance and character. Of course, you can still enjoy curtains alongside plantation shutters if you prefer, but you certainly don’t have to add any other treatment at all. Plus, plantation shutters are easy to clean and maintain. 

Light Control Means Better Energy Control, Too

Another reason people love blackout curtains? These materials can help hold in heat during the winter. Luckily, plantation shutters are also energy-efficient and offer this same benefit. By design, plantation shutters are able to keep your house cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter. The result is usually a reduced heating and air bill. 

In fact, there are several ways that plantation shutters can save you money. They are not only energy saving, but they also increase the resale value of your home. When it comes time to sell, you might find that your home sells faster and for a better price thanks to the appeal of plantation shutters on the windows. 

Plantation Shutters from Shenandoah Shutters

Shenandoah Shutters has been handcrafting wooden plantation shutters since the 1990s. We serve Virginia, Maryland, and Washington, D.C. At Shenandoah Shutters, each plantation shutter is custom made by the experienced woodworking employees at our woodshop in Richmond, Virginia. We use high-quality, all American woods, including yellow poplar and basswood, to craft our plantation shutters. Plantation shutters can be installed on windows of any size or shape. You can even add plantation shutters to French doors, sunbursts, sliding glass doors, and sidelights. 

Plantation shutters provide windows with the perfect combination of style and function. Choose from stained or cream colored shutters, as well as our many custom colors. If you’d like, you can even select a custom wood, like mahogany or cherry, to match your moulding or room furniture. 

You can also choose from a variety of traditional and contemporary design choices, including tilt rod varieties, louver size,  and our original, patented Softedge design. The Softedge is a popular option for all window types, but it is an especially good choice for casement and tilt-in windows. With the Softedge, the hinges are hidden when the shutter is closed. The result is more clean and visually appealing than traditional options. You can also retain your window’s functionality with our plantation shutters. 

Installing Plantation Shutters in Your Home

Shenandoah Shutters remains open during the Covid-19 pandemic. We are  ready to safely schedule an appointment for your plantation shutters. We offer free estimates and design consultations. Contact us today at 1-800-733-1549 or send us a message online. 

You can also explore our gallery of images or get to know our plantation shutter products. Looking for more ideas? Check out our Pinterest board! 

Can You Combine Plantation Shutters and Curtains

Plantation Shutters with Curtains
Plantation Shutters with Curtains
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Plantation shutters are a complete window treatment all on their own, providing style and function. You don’t have to worry about blackout curtains or any other type of fabric when you install plantation shutters. Instead, you control the louvers (horizontal slats) using a tilt rod. This allows you to let as much sunlight as you’d like into your home. 

However, many homeowners appreciate curtains for their various patterns, colors, and design versatility. If you’d like to incorporate curtains into your window aesthetic, you can absolutely pair them with plantation shutters.  Long, flowing curtains can make a dramatic room statement alongside traditional and modern plantation shutters. Certain shutter types, like cafe shutters, are even ideally suited to fabric treatments. Valances, for example, are commonly paired with cafe shutters. 

Choosing Curtains for Plantation Shutters

When you choose to pair curtains with plantation shutters, there are some key features of curtains that you need to consider. These include the height or length of the curtains, as well as the type of fabric, and even maintenance considerations. For plantation shutters, you only need to gently clean them using a soft, barely damp (not wet) cloth or lamb wool wand. For curtains, you may need to set aside time to regularly have them dry cleaned. You should also consider the colors and patterns of the curtains, as well as how the curtains match the decor of the room. 

Which Rooms Should Have Curtains?

When homeowners use curtains with plantation shutters, they most commonly install the curtains in the living room or the bedroom. This is understandable, since curtains can make a room feel cozy. Valances in the kitchen or dining area are also common. Many curtain enthusiasts still decide against using curtains in every room of the home. For example, plantation shutters are considered a much safer window treatment than blinds or curtains when it comes to children’s bedrooms. There are no dangling materials on plantation shutters, while curious young children often like to wrap themselves in curtains or tug on the fabric. This could easily cause the curtain rod to collapse. If you do choose to use curtains in your child’s nursery, opt instead for valances or other fabrics that don’t reach the ground. You should also move your child’s bed or favorite belongings, like the toy box, away from the window. 

Hanging Curtains with Plantation Shutters

Hanging curtains in general can be tricky, but when you’re hanging curtains over plantation shutters, there are some extra rules to keep in mind. It is usually suggested to mount your curtain rod either several inches above your windows or close to the ceiling. This is a design practice that enhances the look of your windows, making them look longer and the ceilings look taller. You’ll also want to make sure that your curtain rod is long enough to allow you full and easy access to the plantation shutters while the curtains are hanging. 

Depending on your window type, you might choose short or long curtains. If you have traditional windows and need long curtains, designers typically recommend that they touch the floor. 

Deciding on the Type of Fabric for Your Curtains

Your choice in curtain fabric will likely be impacted by the look of your shutters? Are they stained or white? Did you select a custom color? You should also take into account the ambiance and overall theme of the room. Sheer curtains or silk are beautiful choices for airy rooms and milky shutters, while wool fabrics and even linen materials look great alongside stained wood. 

Choosing Colors and Patterns for Your Curtains

Just like with your fabric type, you can coordinate your curtain patterns or colors with your plantation shutters. You’ll also want to match your curtains with the design scheme of the room. Many designers recommend selecting curtains that share colors with your walls, especially if the colors are a shade lighter or darker than the walls. 

This can also be a good tactic when pairing curtains with plantation shutters. For instance, stained shutters would pair well with equally warm curtains, while white shutters would look great alongside light-colored or patterned fabrics. If you choose a custom color for your plantation shutters, then you might want to try looking at a color wheel before making a decision. A color wheel is an art tool that can help you select colors and shades that naturally go well together. 

Plantation Shutters from Shenandoah Shutters

Deciding to pair your plantation shutters with curtains or another fabric window treatment is a personal preference. The consultants at Shenandoah Shutters will help you select plantation shutters that fit your style and plans, from cafe shutters to traditional and contemporary designs. 

Shenandoah Shutters is located in Richmond, Virginia, within a day’s drive of all of our service areas. In fact, we’ve been serving Virginia, Maryland, and Washington, D.C for decades. 

At Shenandoah Shutters, our woodworking employees handcraft each shutter using authentic American hardwood and materials. Each of our plantation shutters is finished with a soft, silken lacquer that is similar to fine wooden furniture. You can choose from stains, whites, and custom colors, as well as a variety of plantation shutter options. 

Shenandoah Shutters can install plantation shutters on even the most difficult or oddly shaped windows. In fact, we even patented our own design, the Softedge solution, especially for today’s modern windows. Tilt-ins and casements especially benefit from the Softedge design, which conceals the hinges of the windows when the shutters are closed. 

Each of our plantation shutters are custom made for your home. You can even install plantation shutters on French and sliding glass doors. 

Schedule Your Appointment Today

Shenandoah Shutters remains open during the COVID-19 pandemic. Call us today at 1-800-733-1549 for more information on our safety procedures and to schedule an appointment for your home. You can also contact us online with appointment requests and questions. 

We offer free consultations to measure your windows and review your plantation shutter options. Not sure where to begin? Explore our online photo gallery or take a look at our products!

How To Choose Your Window Treatments

How To Choose Your Window Treatments
How To Choose Your Window Treatments
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When you move into a new house, it feels as though every step you take shows a new choice to make. What color do you want for the walls? How do you want to arrange your furniture? What kind of kitchen countertops do you want? It’s part of the fun of making a home your own, putting your own stamp on it. And this applies to your window treatments, as well. 

You have a number of options: blinds, curtains, shades, and of course, plantation shutters. But what’s the right choice for your home? Let’s go over some of the things to consider when choosing your window treatments.

Types of Window Treatments

Before we discuss things to consider when searching for window treatments, let’s talk about the different window treatments available to you. Here are the different types of window treatments that you’re likely to find:

  • Blinds – Blinds are a budget friendly option typically. They attach to the top of the window frame with a cord that’s used to lift them up and draw them down. Blinds can be made in a number of materials, including plastic, aluminium, and vinyl. A tilt rod is used to adjust the louvers. 
  • Curtains – Curtains are attached near the top of the window frame with a curtain rod and drop to the window sill or lower. They are easy to operate, simply being pushed from one side to the other, but also very all-or-nothing, as there’s no way to let in filtered sunlight.
  • Drapes – Drapes are exactly like curtains, but typically reach to the floor for more dramatic effect. 
  • Shades – Shades are somewhere in between the two. Shades are made with fabric, but they’re lifted and lowered through use of a cord. Some are rolled at the top, while others are bunched. 
  • Shutters – Plantation shutters are wooden and open and close like doors, though they come in a number of styles and varieties. Like blinds, they include a tilt rod that allows you to customize the tilt of the louvers, letting in as much or as little filtered sunlight as you’d like.

With all that established, here are a few considerations that will help you choose your window treatments.

Function and Operation

Of all of the window treatments available, they seem to all have different functions. Blinds are operated by a string cord and a tilt wand. Pull the cord down to lift the blinds, and pull it to the side to lower them again. The tilt wand determines whether the blinds are open or closed. Curtains on the other hand are pushed from side to side, but don’t offer the filtered appearance of blinds or plantation shutters. Plantation shutters stay in place, fitting within the frame of your windows, but are opened or closed with a tilt wand, or can be opened like a door. 

Style

The window treatments you choose for your home will also impact the style of the room. Blinds, while affordable, are often the least attractive, and can become tangled or uneven. Curtains make an elegant statement, if the material is right. Curtains with deep colors or intricate patterns can look stately and classic, while white sheer curtains will look more airy and modern. 

Plantation shutters excel here because there are a variety of shutter styles to choose from. The traditional plantation style appearance is perfect for a more classic looking house. If you want something more modern, you might opt for our patented Softedge shutters, encased completely within the frame of the window. There are also cafe shutters, which cover only half of the window, for a quirky or rustic appearance that is quite literally in the middle. We offer plantation shutters in both stained wood or cream painted shutters.

Architecture and Design

This has more to do with the style of the room, as well as the architectural function of the space. In some cases, you may not be able to install a rod that goes along the wall above the window. This may be the case with slanted walls and ceilings, for instance. In these cases, you’ll want to rule out curtains and go for something more like blinds or shutters. Softedge shutters work particularly well in this case as they’re designed to fit perfectly within the window frame, for a sleek and subtle appearance.

Lighting

One of the most important considerations when it comes to anything to do with your window is lighting. After all, that’s the reason your window exists in the room. Curtains, drapes, and shades have a very all-or-nothing element to the light allowed in through the window. When closed, they allow very little light to filter through. When open, light floods in unobscured. But there’s really no middle ground. Some of these window treatments might have sheer fabrics that are designed to let in filtered light when closed. However, this fails to allow for completely shutting out outside light when needed, as with blinds or plantation shutters.

Cost

When you think of the cost of the window treatments you choose, keep in mind the long-term cost and energy efficiency as well as immediate cost. For instance, plastic or vinyl blinds may be cheap but they are often easy to break and need to be replaced. Plantation shutters may be more expensive, as they are more expensive to make, but they’re made to last and thus the long-term cost is much lower. Plantation shutters are also much more energy efficient, offering a sturdy wooden barrier to help seal heat in during the winter. 

Ultimately, there’s a reason that our customers keep coming back for plantation shutters when it comes to window treatments. Not only are they beautiful, but they’re durable, energy efficient, and able to fit within just about any design or function. But why not see for yourself? On any weekday, visit our showroom/woodshop in Richmond, Virginia where all of our shutters are made, stained, and painted. Want to learn more? Contact Shenandoah Shutters today for more information or to order your plantation shutters.

Plantation Shutters For Your Living Room

Plantation Shutters For Your Living Room
Plantation Shutters For Your Living Room
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The living room is typically the main part of the house, with friends and family gathering for conversation and relaxation. Deciding on the right window treatment for your living room can be a tough choice. You want a window covering that will let in just the right amount of light, but also provide an attractive addition to your home decor. 

Plantation shutters are excellent choices for any area of your house, but the living room is where they can really shine. When you install plantation shutters in your living room, you are able to use the louvers (horizontal slats) of the shutters to filter sunlight in and out of the room. This gives your room the perfect ambiance for everything from entertaining to quiet nights at home with your family. 

The Living Room Perks of Plantation Shutters

Window treatments are essential not only for style and function, but for home privacy and security. While you can always close the louvers altogether for maximum privacy, you can also tilt the louvers in such a way that light is still filtering into the room, but neighbors or people driving by can’t see directly into your home. With blinds, shades, or other treatments, the ability to have both a view and privacy is limited or impossible.  

Many people wonder if they can have both curtains and plantation shutters, especially in the living room. Curtains come with patterns and designs that make them a favorite of living room decor. While plantation shutters look elegant and stylish all by themselves, you can absolutely layer curtains or draperies over plantation shutters for a unique living room look. 

Plantation Shutters for Living Room Windows

Custom plantation shutters can be measured and installed on living room windows of all shapes and sizes. The front door usually isn’t far from the living room, and the sidelights on an entryway door are particularly difficult to cover. Sheer curtains and other styles can look beautiful, but they never seem to provide the same security as hard window treatments. Luckily, custom made plantation shutters are ideal for sidelights, stylishly tying your front entryway and living room together. 

If you have tilt-ins or casements in your living room, you might wonder if you can install plantation shutters on them, as well. In fact, custom, hardwood plantation shutters can absolutely be applied to these windows without losing the window’s functionality. This is all thanks to the unique Softedge design at Shenandoah Shutters. 

The Softedge Design: An Original Choice for All Windows

The one-of-a-kind, patented Softedge design at Shenandoah Shutters is ideal for windows like tilt-ins and casements. The Softedge is a long-awaited solution to these types of windows. With this design option, there is no hanging strip or boxy frame required for proper installation. At Shenandoah Shutters, we don’t even need to use a tension system. 

The Softedge is exactly how it sounds, a harmonious blending of the shutters into your window moulding. When the plantation shutters are closed, the hinges are fully concealed with the Softedge design. While this is definitely a favorite of tilt-in and casement window owners, the Softedge is also a popular design choice for all window types. 

Your Plantation Shutter Design Options

Plantation shutters have a long and rich history across the country, so you might think of them as being overly traditional with limited design selections. Nothing could be further from the truth! You can choose from louver sizes and shapes, as well as tilt rod types. 

Color is a major factor when decorating a living room, and it’s also another key design choice when planning for your plantation shutters. Plantation shutters from Shenandoah Shutters are available in rich stains, vibrant whites, and custom colors that will give you versatility in your living room design. 

Hardwood plantation shutters will also pair perfectly with your fine living room furniture. Wooden plantation shutters add to the character of living rooms in the same way that wooden furniture elevates the look and feel of the room. Shenandoah Shutters seals each shutter with a silken, lacquer finish that further completes the aesthetics of the living room. 

Plantation Shutters Impress

If you’re planning to sell your home at some point, installing plantation shutters in the living room could potentially increase the resale value of your home. Since plantation shutters are made to stay with the home permanently, they increase the resale value of your house. They also boost your curb appeal (how your house looks from the street) when interested homebuyers drive by and see the shutters in your windows. 

Living Room Trends in 2020

Plantation shutters fit right in with the living room trends of 2020. Rustic, farmhouse decor is an especially popular trend right now. Plantation shutters look gorgeous alongside rustic decor. You’ve also probably noticed that the decor of the 70s and 80s has come back around, and plantation shutters provide a wonderful balance to the unique colors and patterns that are reminiscent of those decades. 

Schedule an Appointment for Plantation Shutters Today

Shenandoah Shutters has been serving Virginia, Maryland, and Washington, D.C for decades. Plantation shutters are ideal for this region. The DMV area has some of the most beautiful, historical architecture in the country. Visitors also marvel at the gorgeous scenery in this region, with rolling hills, mountains, and even seaside communities all within reach. Plantation shutters fit right in with this landscape. 

We’re located right in Richmond, Virginia, where each of our plantation shutters is handcrafted by skilled woodworking employees with years of experience. We use only fine American hardwoods for our plantation shutters. No vinyl or faux wood materials here. You are even welcome to request a custom hardwood, like mahogany or cherry, to match your existing moulding or simply as a personal preference. 

Shenandoah Shutters remains open and ready to schedule your appointment for custom made, hardwood plantation shutters. Contact us today at 1-800-733-1549 or message us online. Our consultants will help you select the best plantation shutter options for any room in your home.

Can You Find Plantation Shutters For Your Window’s Shape?

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There’s a common misconception that only windows of certain shapes or sizes can be outfitted with plantation shutters. Luckily, custom made, hardwood plantation shutters can be crafted to fit windows of any size, shape, or unique type. Here’s a closer look at your plantation shutter options based on your windows:

Sunbursts and Arches

Plantation shutters look beautiful on sunburst windows. Because this is such a unique style of window, it can be difficult to use most other window treatments on a sunburst or arch window. Even fabric window treatments don’t seem to look quite right hanging over a sunburst. Plus, you want to show-off these naturally gorgeous windows in your home. 

The team at Shenandoah Shutters will cut our plantation shutters to perfectly fit your sunburst window for a treatment that is both functional and stylish. 

Sidelights

Like sunbursts, sidelights are both naturally beautiful and difficult to dress. The woodworking team at Shenandoah Shutters will measure your sidelights and craft a one-of-a-kind plantation shutter to outfit your sidelight  windows.  

Casement or Tilt-In Windows

Casement and tilt-in windows have long been notoriously difficult window types to dress. In the past, plantation shutters weren’t even considered acceptable options for these windows. At Shenandoah Shutters, we outfit casement and tilt-in windows with plantation shutters everyday! In fact, we created our original, patented Softedge design especially with these window types in mind. 

With our Softedge design, the shutter mounts onto your existing moulding, allowing you to retain the tilt-in feature of your windows. Whether for tilt-ins or casements, the result is a clean look with concealed hinges and no heavy boxing or hanging strip required. Of course, you can also use our Softedge design for other window types, sizes, and shapes. It’s one of our most popular choices! 

Triangles, Ovals, and Oddly-Shaped Windows

Many houses have triangle-shaped or trapezoid-shaped windows. These are gorgeous architectural designs that offer warm, natural light, but you may feel stumped when it comes to dressing these windows. Luckily, because plantation shutters are custom measured and cut, you can easily install these hardwood shutters on your triangular windows. Take a look at this stunning photograph of triangular panels around a circle of life window. 

Other speciality window shapes, like oval or octagon, can also be specially measured and cut by Shenandoah Shutters. No window size or shape is too unusual for our woodworkers. 

Your Design Choices Aren’t Limited by Your Window’s Shape

No matter the size or shape of your window, you can still choose your plantation shutter’s design elements. Do you want flat or contoured louvers? What about small, medium, or large louvers? You should also consider your choice of tilt rod. You can select a hidden tilt rod for a more modern look or a divider rail for maximum privacy. There is also the traditional, single tilt rod or the split tilt rod. 

What about color? Shenandoah Shutters provides rich stains and vibrant  whites, as well as custom colors that are perfect for every window style. 

The Benefits of Plantation Shutters for all Windows

Custom plantation shutters are a uniquely beneficial window treatment for all window shapes. Plantation shutters provide your home with an added layer of privacy. This is especially helpful when you can’t easily fit another window treatment, like curtains or blinds, to your oddly shaped window. Plantation shutters also block out light when needed, or let in just the right amount of light for the ideal home ambiance. 

While being able to effectively control the light that comes in and out of your home is the main job of plantation shutters, there are other perks that come with this window treatment, too. 

Plantation shutters are elegant and stylish, pairing well with any design scheme. Plantation shutters are appropriate for any room in your house, including on doors. They are easy to clean and maintain. Plus, plantation shutters are energy-efficient. They keep cool air inside during the summer months and warm air inside during the winter months. This could potentially lower your heating and cooling bills. 

If you plan on eventually selling your home, plantation shutters are also one of the few home enhancements that actually increase the resale value of your house. Because plantation shutters are customized and usually stay with your home for the life of the home, they are extremely attractive to potential buyers.

Plantation Shutters Are Family-Friendly, Too

Plantation shutters are a terrific option for families. They are safer for young children than window treatments with dangling cords or fabrics. There are no dangling cords on plantation shutters. They also make an excellent addition to a child’s nursery, as they remain stylish through every age of your child. You don’t have to worry about replacing outdated curtain designs or worn-down blinds when you have a set of plantation shutters in your child’s bedroom.  

Making an Appointment for Your Plantation Shutters

If you’re ready to upgrade your windows to plantation shutters, contact Shenandoah Shutters today. Our consultants will guide you through finding the right design option for your window shape. Need plantation shutters on a French or sliding glass door? We can do that, too! Our team will walk you through the process of installing custom made, hardwood plantation shutters on any window in your home. 

Shenandoah Shutters has been serving Virginia, Maryland, and D.C for decades. We are local to Richmond, Virginia, where we handcraft and hand-sand each of our products using only the finest American woods. Our main woods are basswood for stains and yellow poplar for cream colors, but feel free to request a specialty wood like mahogany, oak, or cherry to match your existing moulding or home furnishings. 

We seal all of our plantation shutters with a smooth, lacquer finish that really elevates the look and feel of the hardwood. In fact, we even offer a warranty on both the work of our shutters and the silken lacquer finish. 

Shenandoah Shutters Remains Open for Business

Shenandoah Shutters is still safely conducting plantation shutter appointments during the COVID-19 pandemic. Contact us at 1-800-733-1549 for more information about our safety process and to schedule your appointment.

On a Budget? How Plantation Shutters Can Save Your Home Money

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When you think of investing in a custom window treatment, your first thought is probably about the expense. In reality, custom plantation shutters are a unique window treatment in that they can actually help save you money over time. Comparable in price to custom draperies, plantation shutters offer many money-saving benefits:

Plantation Shutters Can Lower Your Home’s Energy Bills

We all install window treatments to better control sunlight and add to our home’s aesthetics, but plantation shutters also help insulate your house. Because of the way that plantation shutters are installed, they form a kind of seal against your window frame. Wooden plantation shutters are also thick and solid, with louvers that effectively block out sunlight when closed. 

The result is a warmer home in the winter and a cooler home in the summer without making drastic adjustments to your thermostat. This is why many homeowners report reduced heating and air bills after installing plantation shutters. In fact, energy-efficiency is one of the most well-known perks of having plantation shutters. 

Of course, none of this is surprising when you consider the history of plantation shutters. When these shutters were originally introduced into homes centuries ago, they were most appreciated for their ability to allow cool breezes into the home while blocking the harsh rays of the sun. 

Plantation Shutters Make It More Likely That Your Home Will Sell

First impressions are an essential part of selling your home. To make it more likely that your home will catch the eye of a buyer, real estate agents usually encourage you to boost your curb appeal and stage the inside of your house. 

Curb appeal is how your home looks to buyers from the street. When they see your carefully hung wreath, beautifully potted plants, and expertly paved driveway, your curb appeal goes up and your chances of selling are high. Staging is the inside version of curb appeal. When you stage your home, you make it look like something that you’d see in a catalog. You use pared down decorations, clean the house thoroughly, and maybe even bake some cookies for a welcoming scent. It’s all to help buyers really imagine themselves living in your home. 

Plantation shutters boost curb appeal and look great when you stage your home. Since plantation shutters are custom made, they usually stay with the home even after it is sold. Because of this, when potential buyers see plantation shutters, they are more likely to express interest in buying your home. 

Plantation Shutters Increase the Resale Value of Your Home

For the same reason that plantation shutters boost your curb appeal and staging ability, these shutters also tend to increase the resale value of your home. Potential buyers love that plantation shutters are already part of the house. There aren’t many other upgrades that can actually increase the resale value of your home.  

Plantation Shutters Are Long-Lasting 

Other window treatments, like curtains or blinds, will need to be replaced long before your plantation shutters will ever need any care. If you have pets or young children, you’ve probably already noticed how easily bent and destroyed blinds and similar hard window treatments can become. Curtains, too, can become faded, ripped, and worn. 

With strong, beautiful wood and carefully structured materials, wooden plantation shutters are designed to last for a long time. At Shenandoah Shutters, we even offer a warranty on the plantation shutters. This saves you significant money in the long run.  

Plantation shutters are easy to maintain, too. You don’t have to worry about expensive cleaning products or dry cleaning services. Many fabric window treatment options have strict cleaning requirements with costs that can quickly add up. 

Plantation Shutters Are Versatile Enough for Any Room Design

When you want to change a room’s color scheme or design theme, you don’t have to worry about buying a new window treatment that matches. While you might want roman shades of a different color or curtains of a different pattern, plantation shutters look great alongside any design plan. Plantation shutters never feel outdated or out of style. This is especially true if you choose a popular, neutral option like stained or white shutters. Plus, the wooden look blends well with your home’s wooden furnishings. 

Playing around with design trends is so much cheaper and easier when you already have high-quality plantation shutters dressing the windows. 

Plantation Shutters in Virginia, Maryland, and Washington, D.C

The summer months are the most popular times for home buying and selling. Shenandoah Shutters remains open for business, and ready to install completely wooden, custom made plantation shutters in your DMV-area home this summer. With so many of us spending more time in our homes during the coronavirus pandemic, there is no better time to improve the look and feel of your house. 

The skilled employees of Shenandoah Shutters handcraft each plantation shutter right at our woodshop in Richmond, Virginia. We offer stained and white shutters, as well as custom color options. We use fine American woods and complete each shutter with a silken lacquer finish. We also have many types of plantation shutter designs, from the traditional look to contemporary selections. 

In fact, Shenandoah Shutters created its own, patented Softedge design to give our customers maximum control over their plantation shutter aesthetics. This design hides the hinges when the shutters are closed and is one of our most popular choices, especially for tilt-in and casement windows.

At Shenandoah Shutters, we can custom build plantation shutters for windows of any size or shape, from arches and sunbursts to sliding glass and French doors. 

Schedule an Appointment with Shenandoah Shutters Today

Contact Shenandoah Shutters today to schedule a free consultation or installation appointment for your plantation shutters. You can also explore our online photo gallery to see our many plantation shutter  options and get to know our products.