Plantation Shutters vs. Blinds

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Are you embarking on a new home improvement project? If so, there are lots of options to explore when it comes to making the best investment possible for your window treatments. In this article, we will compare two of the most popular options — plantation shutters and blinds —  while advising you on how to make the best choice for your home. 

Benefits of Plantation Shutters 

Plantation shutters offer a classic blend of functionality and elegance to any home window treatment. Our plantation shutters are hand-made and crafted from solid wood that can be customized in style and color to best suit your design needs. Plantation shutters make it easy to control light, privacy, and airflow into your home and are perfect for anyone who wants more autonomy over the function of their windows.

The traditional shutter is most common, often designed to be full-length or single hung, this shutter includes one set of panels that goes from the top to the bottom of a window. Shenandoah Shutters offers custom home installation and creation to provide privacy and protect the furnishings in your home from harmful direct sunlight, while still allowing natural light to pour through. Plantation shutters add uniqueness to any space and are built to last, making them a great long-term investment choice. 

How Blinds Work

Blinds are another common solution used to help with privacy and light control in a home. Usually, blinds are operated by pulling a rod or string that allows you to open and close the panels, depending on your needs. Blinds are placed directly over the window and are a common choice for bathrooms or kitchens, where moisture-resistant window coverings are essential. However, blinds do not provide the blackout effect that plantation shutters do, especially when installed in a bedroom.

The Difference Between Plantations Shutters and Blinds 

There are a few key differences to note when comparing plantation shutters and blinds. The primary difference between the two is the way in which they are built to the window as a treatment. Typically, plantation shutters are built into the window frame itself, while blinds are installed inside or above the window. Plantation shutters also lack the long cords that often come with blinds, which make them safer for a home with children. Since blinds are quite a bit cheaper than plantation shutters, homeowners are more likely to replace blinds on a more frequent basis. 

How To Choose the Best Option for Your Home 

As we mentioned above, there are pros and cons to each! When comparing the two, it’s best to examine the long-term benefits when it comes to your investment. Usually, blinds only last for about 4-5 years after installation. They do however have a lower price tag compared to shutters, due to the lower-quality materials and temporary installation style. Shutters can last 25 years or more with proper care and maintenance.

Many homeowners choose shutters over blinds for heat retention reasons, too. Shutters are more energy-efficient than blinds since they are built to keep heat in and ensure the cold temperatures stay out of your home. This will result in a cost reduction of your energy bill since you won’t need to crank up the heat as often due to lack of insulation. 

Do you think plantation shutters are the right call for your home? Contact Shenandoah Shutters today to learn more about our shutters or to order some of your own!

Why Plantation Shutters Are a Great Investment For Your Home

Why Plantation Shutters Are a Great Investment For Your Home
Why Plantation Shutters Are a Great Investment For Your Home
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At Shenandoah Shutters, we get a lot of different questions about our custom plantation shutters, but one of the most common ones is, “Are custom plantation shutters a good investment to improve home value?” Well, we say “Yes!” and we’re going to tell you all the reasons why.

Plantation shutters have a precise, custom fit, sleek aesthetics, and the best insulation for window coverings. If you’re planning to sell your home, bespoke window treatments are a great value-added perk for buyers.

Benefits of Installing Custom Shutters

Custom plantation shutters are a long-term solution for window covering, lasting much longer than drapes or other types of blinds. Installed correctly, these fitted shutters reduce your energy bills and give you greater control over the lighting in your home. While the initial cost of custom shutters is more than hanging plastic blinds or fabric curtains, the practicality, durability, and longevity of shutters will ensure that they pay for themselves over time.

There are several key benefits of installing custom window shutters in your Virginia home or office.

Privacy

Your home is your castle, and ensuring that you have privacy is essential. While all window coverings provide privacy to one degree or another, the precise fit and closure of plantation shutters leave no doubt that others cannot see inside your home or office. You can adjust the shutters to allow more or less light inside and completely cover the window when you wish privacy.

Increases Your Home’s Value

Custom plantation shutters add value to your home, which improves your appraisal value and makes the house more attractive to buyers. Knowing that they won’t have to invest in window coverings is a perk for buyers. Plantation shutters add a clean, sleek appearance and, when coordinated with the interior design of the house, make each room look complete and comfortable.

Custom shutters made from the premium materials that Shenandoah Shutters uses are far more durable and long-lasting than other types of window coverings. The superior craftsmanship of these window coverings is a valuable architectural detail that increases value in your house.

Tailor-Made For Each Window

Custom shutters are created to fit each individual window and designed for your preferences, from color to finish. Because each window in your home is custom measured for the shutters, there are no gaps that allow light or drafts, unlike curtains or traditional blinds. Plantation shutters can even be fitted to unusually shaped windows, such as semi-circle or fan, or can be fitted in older homes, where the window sizes may not be uniform throughout the house.

Lower Energy Bills

The precision fit of plantation shutters, including measured window sweeps, means that the fit is as close as possible. When closed, the shutters block out glare and direct sunlight, which can make your home uncomfortably hot during a Virginia summer. This reduces your cooling bills and keeps your home at a more consistent temperature.

It’s this exact precision fit that makes plantation shutters more energy efficient in the winter, too. Because they completely cover the glass, shutters reduce drafts from chilly wintertime air and cold air from coming into your home. It prevents warm air from the furnace from escaping through the windows, which keeps your home warmer.

Consistent temperature control means that it will cost you less to heat or cool your home. In fact, plantation shutters may help insulate your home almost 70% better than ordinary window coverings, and this savings on utility bills adds up over time.

Durable and Long-Lasting

Not only are plantation shutters efficient, they’re also durable and easy to maintain. Shenandoah Shutters uses only the highest quality wood, usually basswood and poplar, which accept many kinds of stains and paints. Natural wood, as opposed to presswood, lasts longer and is less likely to chip or flake away. We also seal the ends of the shutters, which reduces the chances that the wood will warp.

Do Custom Shutters Add Home Value?

Yes! The architectural detail makes your home look nicer, and the longevity of plantation shutters indicates that you’ve made a tangible investment in your home’s finishes. The money you’ll save each year on energy costs also improves your home’s value. Privacy and a sophisticated appearance make each room look nicer for buyers, too.

Your Virginia home deserves a personalized touch, and the design team at Shenandoah Shutters is here to help. Our free consultation services ensure that your custom window coverings are made to fit your home and your taste. We offer custom-crafted shutters made in our Richmond woodshop and use only the highest quality wood.

Book Your Appointment Today!

Beautiful, easy to clean, and long-lasting plantation shutters are an attractive architectural investment in your home. They elevate the appearance of every room in the house and give you the benefit of privacy and better insulation. Whatever style of plantation shutter you desire, including our patented Softedge shutters, we can create them. 

We offer everything you need to make a sound investment in your home and increase its resale value. Give us a call today for a personalized consultation, or browse our gallery of completed projects on Facebook to see examples of our work!

The 5 Benefits of Plantation Shutters

Benefits of Plantation Shutters
Benefits of Plantation Shutters
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Window coverings do more than just let light in and out of your Virginia home or office. At Shenandoah Shutters, we know just how popular plantation shutters are, and we often get asked, “Are custom plantation shutters worth it?” 

The answer? Yes, and we’re going to tell you several reasons why plantation shutters are the perfect fit for just about any design, as well as how they fit any budget.

Increased Energy Efficiency

Plantation shutters are extremely efficient at conserving energy, which helps your home feel cooler on hot summer days and snug on a chilly winter’s night. Especially for people in older homes, which may be drafty or have older heating and cooling appliances, plantation shutters can help reduce utility bills to heat or cool the house.

The reason plantation shutters are more energy-efficient than other types of shutters, blinds, or curtains lies in the way that they fit against the window frame. Plantation shutters are placed just inside the window frame, like a seal. This prevents inside air from escaping through the glass and prevents outside air from entering the home. The inherent structure of plantation shutters makes them the best type of window coverings to maintain consistent indoor temperature.

Simple to Maintain

The design of plantation shutters is why they’re so simple to clean and maintain. They’re sturdy, made from durable wood that can handle friction cleaning, such as from a vacuum brush attachment or wiped down with a cleaning cloth. There’s a distinct advantage to cleaning plantation shutters over, say, drapes, which must be taken down and professionally dry cleaned. Even plastic or lighter wood blinds aren’t as sturdy, and over-enthusiastic cleaning could break or bend them. The easier and faster it is to clean the dust and debris from your window coverings, your indoor air quality will be purer.

Durability

Our plantation shutters are made with the best wood materials for their structure. With stained shutters, we use lightweight and low maintenance basswood, while painted shutters are made with the denser yellow poplar. Our custom shutters are made with hardy, weather resistant woods like oak and mahogany. 

Light Control

The design of plantation shutters, flush against the window frame, prevents gaps of light from entering a room. Reducing the light in bedrooms can enhance your sleep quality for families with babies or those who work shift work. The flush design reduces the amount of light around the edges of a window.

You can also adjust the overall amount of light in each room, depending on the time of day and your personal preference. You won’t have to worry about a glare on your TV set and can watch a movie even at sunset. Simply adjust the plantation shutters to the desired degree and pop some popcorn!

Safe for Children

Any parent with a toddler knows that child safety is of the utmost importance. In fact, many traditional styles of blinds and shades have warnings about keeping the cords out of reach of children and pets. Curtains, too, can be a danger to pets and children, from cats climbing up them and getting stuck to a child or dog playing tug-of-war with the fabric and pulling the rod off the wall.

Plantation shutters, however, are created with levers attached to the shutters themselves, without a hanging cord that can tempt a curious child. Cordless plantation shutters can help you feel more secure when your children play.

Shenandoah Shutters Can Help You Find the Perfect Plantation Shutters

Each home or office is different, with different needs, styles, and of course, window sizes! The beauty of plantation shutters is that they can be completely customized, allowing everyone to take advantage of the wide range of benefits that they offer.

The durability and practicality of plantation shutters, along with their timeless aesthetic, make them a flexible window covering choice for just about everyone. If you’re considering installing plantation shutters in your home, give the team at Shenandoah Shutters a call. Our design specialists can help you find the right materials and finish for your needs, including our custom Softedge Shutters. Plus, check out our Facebook page for a gallery of some of our favorite projects! 

If you’d like to learn more about the benefits of plantation shutters and request a quote, give us a call or visit us online. We look forward to helping you find the perfect window coverings for your home.

What Is Our Process For Your Plantation Shutters?

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Congratulations – you’ve decided to install plantation shutters in your Virginia house! Plantation shutters add a striking architectural detail to your home or office. These window coverings also provide the best insulation since they’re custom-fitted into the window frame. At Shenandoah Shutters, we’re experts at installing plantation shutters, and we often get questions about what to expect from the process. 

Custom Consultation

You benefit from personalized service and design when selecting Shenandoah Shutters. We visit you to discuss in person your windows and the finish and design aesthetic you desire. We bring samples of our shutter panels to help you decide which one you like best. This consultation is a complementary part of your installation service.

Our design specialist measures each window you want to cover. Each shutter is created specifically for your windows, and we hand-cut and sand each shutter component. We give you a transparent quote for your options, including our estimated timeline for completion. Once you’ve made your selection, we take your deposit and get to work!

How Are Plantation Shutters Manufactured?

Part of the reason that Shenandoah Shutters plantation shutters look so lovely is the care and craftsmanship that goes into everything we make. It’s a complex, time-consuming process since each piece is hand-cut and sanded for a custom appearance based on precise measurements.

Great plantation shutters start with high-quality wood, and we only use the best materials for our custom window coverings. We use solid, paint-grade yellow poplar and stain-grade basswood so that the paint or stain has a consistent finish. Specialty woods such as mahogany, walnut, cherry, or oak are available upon request.

Poplar and basswood are excellent materials because they’re lightweight yet strong and have superb characteristics for woodworking. Plus, these types of wood accept many kinds of paint, stain, and finishes, which results in longer-lasting shutters.

Once you’ve approved the finish sample, we get to work on your project! We use proprietary software to create the order and sizing, no matter how complex the project is. The state-of-the-art software we use is part of why Shenandoah Shutters are so unique. Another thing that sets our shutters apart is our patented Softedge™ Shutter design, which hides the hinges completely when the shutter is closed resulting in a cleaner look and softens the appearance of the installation. This innovative solution is unlike any other shutter installation.

Before we paint or stain the shutters, we prime each piece twice and hand-sand it for a smooth, even finish. We seal the ends of the shutters, not just paint them, which prevents water damage that can cause warping. Each shutter is crafted with premium dowel construction, with all joined ends connected by wooden dowels, which are also hand-measured and finished. This means that all the joints of the shutter frame won’t separate and that each shutter functions smoothly for years.

Before the Installation Day

Our shutters are created in our Richmond woodshop, in the same location as our showroom. Production typically takes about four to eight weeks, depending on how many window coverings you’ve ordered and the kind of finish you prefer. We create a sample of your shutters, either paint-dipped or stained, depending on what you ordered. Stain blends can be more challenging to match, so we’ll submit a couple of samples for your approval. Our design support team will help you determine which stain blend is best for your interior. Once you’ve approved the sample, then we get to work preparing your window coverings!

Before we install your plantation shutters, we ask you to remove any existing window treatments and move furnishings out of the way of the windows, so our installation crew has easy access to do the work. We’ll give you an installation date so that you have time to accomplish this.

How Are Plantation Shutters Installed?

Plantation shutters are installed with a window sweep, a glass-sealing strip that ensures a snug fit. We measure each sweep for precision fit when installing your shutters, then install the shutter block, or frame, inside the window. The block is installed first so that it gives each piece complete support while installing the rest of the shutters.

The casing frames are crafted to complement your existing trip or crown molding and are the first step of installation. Then, the shutters themselves are installed, affixed inside the frame. Once we’re finished with each window, we test the shutters to ensure that they work properly. Finally, we clean up the mess and complete the big reveal!

Do You Want Plantation Shutters in Your Home?

Are you ready for lovely window coverings that add value to your Virginia home? The team at Shenandoah Shutters is ready to work with you. We pride ourselves on exceptional products made with superior products and expert craftsmanship. Call us today for a personalized consultation or visit our Facebook online showroom for design inspiration.

Everything You Need To Know About Our Patented Softedge Shutters

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If you are looking to install shutters into your home but want a more modern feel, check out our patented Softedge shutters from Shenandoah! This design offers the perfect solution for those who want to add a classic yet chic look to any room in their home, while perfectly complementing the window treatments they already have. In this article, we will explore everything you need to know about our Softedge shutters. 

A Tilted Look

Our Softedge shutters feature a “tilt in” style and casements. This design offers a beautiful solution to installing shutters on a variety of versatile windows. The unique sculpted edge blends the shutters into your window molding allowing your windows to look as though they were designed specifically for the treatments around them.

Concealed Hinges

If you are looking to incorporate a seamless look into your window treatments, you know that concealing your window hinges is an essential part of tying the look together. The Softedge shutter offers an innovative solution that hides metal hinges when the shutters are closed, so they do not distract from the layout and design of your home. 

A Beautiful Blend 

Our Softedge shutters do not require a hanging strip for installation and do not have a boxy frame, either. This design created a beautiful blend so that the panel can melt into your existing molding. The Softedge shutters have double rollover edges to help your home achieve this look.

Why Choose Plantation Shutters?

If you are looking to bring some classic traditional charm into your home, plantation shutters are the ideal solution. Our unique, all-wood shutters serve style and function. They offer a beautiful design whether they are open or closed, the choice is yours! Perfect for light control and an extra layer of privacy, plantation shutters can be installed in any room in your house. 

Blocking the direct heat and sunlight from your furniture indoors such as couches, bedding, tables, and hardwood is the key to ensuring that your decor reaches its full longevity. If you want to enjoy the beauty of natural light in your home while controlling overexposure, you’ll find plantation shutters to be the ideal solution. 

Say Goodbye To Hanging Strips 

Softedge shutters have hinges that are hidden behind the panels for a seamless and clean decorative look. This presentation helps to eliminate the need for hanging strips to accommodate visible hinges. If you are worried about attachments, metals, or extra pieces ruining the look of your living space, this is the perfect solution. 

Confidence in Shenandoah 

Our shutters are hand-crafted in Richmond, Virginia, and we have been proudly in business since 1990. We pride ourselves on our dedication to crafting high-quality, luxury pieces your family will enjoy in their home for years to come. We are Veteran owned and operated, and proudly employ the best of the best when it comes to Salespeople that will help you craft your dream living space. 

Want an In-Person Look?

If you want to browse the different styles, colors, and shades of shutters we create, check out our online showroom to get a glimpse of our offerings. We also have an in-person showroom you can explore five days a week at our location in Virginia. Of course, if you prefer to stay home, we are happy to bring styles of interest to you so that you can see our product from the comfort of your own house, accompanied by one of our sales professionals. 

Service Promises 

When you work with Shenandoah, you can have confidence in knowing that your project is in the right hands. Our professional team will help support you in finding the best window solutions for your home that will be the most practical and exciting choice for your family. Personal attention is given to each and every customer, and we promise to treat all of our clients like family. We know our service practices have been proven, as over two-thirds of our sales come from repeat customers!

We are excited to work with your family and continue our collaboration for years to come. Let’s get started!

5 Things To Do Before Your Plantation Shutter Installation

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Are you gearing up for your plantation shutter installation? There are a few things you need to make sure of before our team arrives at your doorstep. In this article, we will explore 5 things you need to do prior to your installation date! 

#1: Decide on a Design & Meet with a Sales Specialist 

Before your shutter installation can commence, you’ll need to decide on the right style, material, and color that will best suit your home. You are welcome to come to our in-person showroom where you can experience everything we have to offer, open 5 days a week. Or you can explore our website online to have a virtual glance at everything we create in-house. 

If you want a sales specialist to come to your home so that you can get a personalized look at how our treatments will bend with your current home decor, that is also an option! Stay in the comfort of your own home and allow one of our sales consultants to arrive with sample panels to discuss design options and provide a free estimate on the spot. Our shutters are priced based on the size of your window opening, with measuring, manufacturing, installation, and our 100-year limited warranty included in the price. If you are a Virginia customer, you will enjoy your new shutters tax-free! 

#2: Know What To Expect From Installation

The installation will be a very quick and painless process. Production time varies based on our backlog at the time your order is placed with us. However, your shutters can be installed four to seven weeks after order placement. If you decide on specialty shutters such as our sunburst design, this process might be extended by a few weeks. Let us know if you are working on a tight schedule and we will do our very best to make your desired date become a reality! 

#3: Do a Deep Clean

Before installation, we highly recommend our customers do a deep clean on their homes. It is important to be cautious that all dust, oils, spills, and previous construction reminisce are removed. There is no better time to do a deep clean than after the removal of your current treatments and before your new ones are installed. Wiping everything down with a gentle cleanser and vacuuming the area will ensure your installers have a clean space to work and do their best on the project at hand. 

#4: Remove Furniture & Delicates 

Removing all furniture and delicate items from the area prior to installation is a great way to make the process easier and for the likelihood of accidental damage to be reduced. By removing furniture from the area, you will create a clear pathway for your installers to move in your new shutters and get to work without having to maneuver around large objects. Placing delicates in a secure place is also advised. When doing construction, any valuables that are on shelves or walls should be removed until after the project is complete. 

#5: Make Sure Your Driveway is Accessible 

Making sure your driveway is accessible to your installers is a key factor many forget. If you have snow or any other substance blocking the entryway to your home, it is important that you remove it so that our truck and workers can easily access your living space. Parking any cars in a garage or off to the side is also appreciated so that our truck is able to get as close as possible to your doorway. 

Enjoy Your New Plantation Shutters 

Once your shutters have been installed, all that’s left to do is enjoy! Shenandoah Shutters provides a 100-year limited warranty on each shutter installed, along with a 25-year warranty on the finish. 

Working with us does not stop after installation. Our team works with clients until they are fully satisfied! This has been proven in our retention numbers when it comes to projects. Over 70% of our business is either from repeat customers or referrals from family and friends! Ready to get started with your plantation shutter installation? Contact Shenandoah Shutters today!

4 Reasons Not To DIY Plantation Shutters

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Plantation shutters are certainly making a comeback! They are a classic addition to any home and a timeless piece that can be decorated in many different ways. If you are looking for a home improvement project and want to renovate your window treatments, you’ve likely considered installing plantation shutters. Some projects can certainly be done at home to save time and money, but it’s important to understand your expectations for the outcome. 

You’ll have to prepare yourself for a product that will not last very long and will be extremely difficult to install. After purchasing the materials needed to create the window treatments, buying the special non-fading paints, and removing your old windows, you will be surprised to learn that you won’t be saving as much money as you thought. 

In this article, we will explore 4 reasons why you should not create a DIY project out of your plantation shutter goals, and leave this work to the professionals. 

You Won’t Be Able To Perfect The Style 

If you decide to try and DIY your own plantation shutters, you won’t be able to perfect the style of the window treatment. Shenandoah Shutters offered an all-wood plantation shutter and it is the only window treatment manufactured by the brand. Since this is the only product offered, each window treatment is crafted to perfection based on years of experience and practice. Every piece of the product has been carefully designed, throughout, and produced. 

There is No Warranty For DIY Projects 

If you decide to try and create your own plantation shutters, you won’t be able to ensure the longevity of your creation. There is no guarantee that your hard work and efforts to create a product for your home will last, and this can be a tough pill to swallow! This is because finding the best of the best material and crafting your window treatment to perfection will be nearly impossible unless you are a trained professional. Shenandoah offers a 100-year transferable warranty and a 25-year warranty on panel color. Promises like those cannot be found with a DIY project! 

Creation Is One Thing, Installation Is Another 

Creation is one thing, but installation is entirely different. When creating your own shutters for your home, you have the ability to design them however you want and take time to explore tutorials on craftsmanship and learn other tips along the way. Once you have created your masterpiece, however, it’s time to take out your old window treatments and install your newly created ones. This is an entirely different ballgame. 

Removing old treatments without damaging walls, flooring, and furniture can be a big burden. You also risk ruining your newly created masterpiece that you spent a long time crafting. To avoid causing damages to your home and risking ruining your shutters, it’s best to leave this work to the professionals. 

You Won’t Be Able To Compare Samples Beforehand 

When you work with a professional company such as Shenandoah Shutters, you’ll be able to meet with a sales representative who will bring samples of product offerings to your home so that you can compare colors and textures in real-time before committing to purchasing a product. You can also explore Shednandoah’s offering in the in-person showroom, open five days a week. When it comes to your DIY project, you won’t truly know how the final product will look in your home until it’s completed and installed. 

We hope you take these points into consideration and contact us when it’s time for you to start your next home improvement project! We can’t wait to work with you.

Why Plantation Shutters Are the Perfect Window Treatment For Winter

Why Plantation Shutters Are the Perfect Window Treatment For Winter
Why Plantation Shutters Are the Perfect Window Treatment For Winter
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Wintertime is here and so is the cold weather, harsh winds, and abundance of snowfall. The dropping temperatures may require you to make some home renovations in order to keep out the cold and stay warm. In this article, we will explore why plantation shutters are the perfect window treatment for winter. 

What Are Plantation Shutters?

You might be asking yourself, “What exactly are plantation shutters?” 

Plantation shutters are a classic design that is measured to fit around your windows and help with light control, temperature control, privacy, and so much more. These shutters are extremely versatile and can work with virtually any type of window. They can be crafted to fit the style and decor of your home with different wood types, textures, and colors. If you want to avoid having to use heavy traditional curtains at your windows, consider upgrading to plantation shutters for a classic yet modern look. 

Plantation Shutters Help With Heat Retention

One of the most important reasons as to why plantation shutters work so well during the wintertime is due to their heat retention abilities. They keep the inside of your home warm and block out cold weather and harsh winds. If you live in a colder climate, you know just how costly it can be to heat the inside of your home. 

Even when you do decide to crank up the heat, a lot of this warmth will escape through your windows. In fact, studies show that 25-50% of the energy that heats your home with can escape through your windows. Plantation shutters help to add a protective layer between your windows and the rest of your house. Blinds and shades can let air get through gaps, but plantation shutters do not have this problem. 

They Are Easy to Clean

The cold weather can make your house accumulate with salt, snow, dust, and more. Plantation shutters are loved by many due to how easy they are to clean! Simply give your shutters a quick wipe down with a feather duster or gentle cloth. There are no strings or rods attached to plantation shutters, making the cleaning process a breeze. 

Plantation Shutters Provide a Moisture Barrier 

Plantation shutters also provide a moisture barrier during the winter when the outside of your home is cold but the inside is hot. You can have your shutters made of water-resistant wood which eliminates moisture build-up helping to keep your home at a comfortable temperature. 

These Shutters Can Be Custom Made

Plantation shutters are perfect for the winter because they can be custom-made to fit your home perfectly. Instead of buying a standard size shutter, we will come into your home and install your new shutters to perfection, allowing you to breathe easy knowing that less air will be escaping through cracks and crevices. Whatever style you choose, you can be confident that your shutters will be custom-made to fit the shape of your windows without leaving any gaps. 
Thinking about having plantation shutters installed for your home? Shenandoah Shutters can help.

Contact us today to learn more about our shutters or come by our workshop and showroom to see them for yourself.

3 Tips For Pairing Plantation Shutters With Curtains

Plantation Shutters With Curtains
Plantation Shutters With Curtains
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Plantation shutters give you privacy, extra insulation for the home, and a beautiful, classic aesthetic. They’re so lovely that many “window purists” may argue that pairing these elegant, timeless window coverings with curtains may be “too much.”

Not so! Just because you’ve installed plantation shutters doesn’t mean that you can’t enjoy the soft drape of fabric accenting the interior of your room. Plantation shutters and curtains aren’t mutually exclusive – and here are three tips for pairing these two window coverings. 

Opt For Sheers

Use panel curtains instead of roman shades or roller shades to more easily move the curtains completely out of the way when you need to. You can also incorporate the material of the curtain rod (such as a dark metal or wood) to accent wood or iron decor in the room, tying the look together. 

Using sheers (sheer fabric curtains) instead of heavier drapery allows you to enjoy muted sunlight in your home without sacrificing your privacy. Plus, when you open your shutters, the sunlight gently beams through the sheers, creating a soft, romantic look for a bedroom, sitting room, or formal living space.

Mount the Curtain Rod Higher

Mounting the curtains a few inches higher than the shutters allows the shutters to be fully visible. Make sure that your curtain rod is long enough to extend several inches past each side of the window, too, fully facing the window and shutters. Interior designers recommend the “six-inch rule”: the curtains should hang six inches above the window and extend six inches past the sides. 

A bonus for this layout is to make your windows look taller than they actually are and thus add visual height to the room overall. Plus, it’s easier to push the curtains out of the way to fully open the shutters when you want more light if they aren’t obscuring the window.

Use Tie-Backs For a More Formal Look

You can couple plantation shutters and heavier drapes for a more formal look, opting for thicker, more luxurious fabric and complementing valances. Tiebacks are made of a strip of fabric, decorative rope, or similar material to draw the curtains back on the sides, affixing to hangers on either side of the curtains. 

It’s a lovely look if you have a line of windows and use the curtains on the ends to frame the windows and a window seat. Another advantage of pairing heavier drapes and plantation shutters is extra insulation. Homeowners in climates with sunny days and chilly nights may especially appreciate this.

Takeaway

Do you have questions about how to style your plantation shutters, or are you wondering if plantation shutters are the right look for your home? Contact Shenandoah Shutters today online or browse our Gallergy page for lovely, custom looks for your Virginia home.

5 Room Ideas For Plantation Shutters

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Installing plantation shutters into your home is a great way to add an extra sense of style and customization. Plantation shutters are known for enhancing any room, whether it be a bedroom, living room, or dining space in your home. There are a variety of different ways you can customize and decorate around your plantation shutters to make them fit your taste. In this blog, we will explore 5 different room ideas that could benefit from plantation shutters.

Perfectly Lit Workspace

We are in the age of remote work and many of us do not have plans to return to the office anytime soon. If you are hoping to revamp your at-home workspace, plantation shutters can be a great addition to your office or study room. 

Since plantation shutters can be opened and closed at different angles, you have the ability to decide exactly how much light you want to shine into your home. This is especially useful for people who work on laptops or monitors, as natural light can often create a glare effect making it hard to be productive. 

Dressing Table or Makeup Room

Have you ever finished getting ready for the day only to step outside and realize that your makeup/outfit looks completely different in natural light? Setting up a dressing table or makeup space near your plantation shutters can help stop this from happening. Since they let in natural light while still providing privacy, setting up a table near your plantation shutters can be a unique and effective way to make your home more practical. 

Breakfast Room

Starting your day off by eating breakfast and glancing over a book or paper is the perfect way to begin the morning. Creating a breakfast room that you and your family can enjoy around your plantation shutters is a great way to make the space more appealing and practical for everyday use. Light fixtures can produce harsh rays that can be tough on the eyes first thing in the morning, so allow the sunlight to drip through your plantation shutters in a romantic breakfast room. 

Playroom or Childcare Space

It is very important to make sure children have access to natural light when playing or completing school work. Creating a playroom or childcare space where you can complete activities with your child is a wonderful way to make sure they have a dedicated space to be creative. Plus, plantation shutters add an extra layer of privacy, so you can care for your child comfortably. 

Exercise Space

Exercising is a great way to deal with overcoming stress and anxiety, especially in times like these. Having natural light illuminate your yoga or meditation room can help set the tone for a very productive and calming workout. If you are someone who prefers to work out at home rather than a public gym for privacy reasons, plantation shutters are able to adjust to your liking so that you can get the perfect amount of privacy. 

We hope this article will help give you some inspiration when it comes to utilizing plantation shutters. For quality, hand-crafted plantation shutters, contact Shenandoah Shutters today to learn more or come by our workshop!