Plantation shutters are popular for homeowners seeking a blend of style and functionality. A common question is whether shutters can effectively block out heat, contributing to a more comfortable indoor environment. Here’s how they work and why they are an excellent investment for temperature control.

Plantation Shutters and Efficiency

Plantation shutters offer a wide range of benefits, from providing privacy and durability to increasing home value; they are also energy efficient. As the intense summer sun beats down, homeowners face the daunting task of keeping their homes cool without compromising on style and price.

Fortunately, plantation shutters offer a solution that increases your home’s aesthetics and provides a cool and comfortable environment with much-needed relief from the heat. But do plantation shutters effectively block out heat?

Let’s explore how these versatile window coverings can help maintain a comfortable indoor temperature during the year’s hottest months and improve curb appeal.

Customization of Plantation Shutters

It’s not just about blocking out heat—plantation shutters offer a range of customizable options to suit your specific needs and preferences. If you prefer the classic charm of hardwood, we have a variety of materials and finishes to complement any decor style.

With the adjustable louvers, you can control the amount of natural light entering your space, creating the perfect environment that suits your comfort and ambiance preferences, putting you in control of your home’s atmosphere and temperature.

Added Benefits of Plantation Shutters

In addition to their heat-blocking capabilities, plantation shutters provide privacy without sacrificing ventilation. Unlike traditional blinds or curtains, which may need to be fully closed for privacy, our shutters allow you to enjoy the benefits of fresh air and natural light while maintaining a sense of seclusion and limiting the amount of sun that comes into the room. This makes them ideal for bedrooms, living rooms, and areas where privacy and comfort are important.

The benefits of plantation shutters extend beyond keeping your home cool—they also contribute to energy efficiency and lower utility bills. By reducing the need for artificial cooling systems, plantation shutters help you create a more sustainable and eco-friendly living environment.

With insulation properties and customizable features, plantation shutters are essential to any home and bring year-round comfort. Experience the difference plantation shutters can make in your home from Shenandoah Shutters.

Crafted with precision and attention to detail, our plantation shutters are designed to provide more than just aesthetic appeal. Made from premium materials, our shutters offer different louver sizes that effectively block out heat when closed. This unique construction creates a barrier against the sun’s rays, preventing them from penetrating your home and causing unwanted heat buildup.

Custom Plantation Shutters in Richmond, VA

At Shenandoah Shutters, we’re dedicated to crafting custom plantation shutters that exceed expectations in both style and performance. With over thirty years of experience, we guarantee unmatched quality, craftsmanship, and service. From precise fitting to lasting durability, our shutters will enhance your home for years to come. Experience the difference—contact us today at (804) 355-9300 or contact us online and discover the many benefits of our plantation shutters.

With warmer temperatures approaching, the excitement for spring begins.  From blooming flowers, chirping birds, and longer days, it makes us want to connect with the outdoors more than ever.  We believe our shutters are the perfect gateway to bridge your indoor and outdoor spaces.

Plantation Shutters have been appreciated for centuries in open, breezy homes of the Caribbean and the stately old south, and they continue to compliment todays more upscale homes.  In the 1700’s, plantation shutters were appreciated for their ability to block the direct heat of the sun while still allowing in the cooling breezes.  Homeowners today still need to block damaging rays of the sun and control privacy without sacrificing the beauty and warmth of natural sunlight.

Plantation shutters unite the past with the present.  They transcend their original setting and lend beauty, ambiance, and simplicity to a wide variety of home decors.  With each hand-finished louver forming, the all-wood, custom plantation shutter provides a unique combination of form and function; a beautiful design either open or closed.  But when slightly tilted, the true beauty of the plantation shutters lies in its ability to capture an atmosphere all its own.

If you are interested in plantation shutters for your windows, French doors, sidelights, or sliding glass doors, give us a call for a free in-home consultation.

Earlier this month Punxsutawney Phil saw his shadow and predicted six more weeks of winter.  For those of you who were disappointed to hear that, I have some good news.  In the last 10 years, Phil has been even less accurate than flipping a coin with his predictions.

The even better news is; whether he is right or wrong, we can help you stay comfortable in your home. Plantation Shutters are the most insulating window treatment and just happens to look elegant and timeless.

When shutters are fully closed, they create a barrier between the window and the interior of your home helping to maintain your desired temperature.  Shenandoah Shutters are made out of solid American hardwood and are custom made to fit your windows.  This “custom fit” is another factor in keeping that air trapped.  The insulating benefits continue on giving with lower energy bills and reducing your homes environmental footprint.

If you’re wondering if this is an option for French door and sliding doors, the answer is yes!  We can fabricate distinctive shapes such as arches, sunburst, and circles, as well.  Shenandoah’s superior product quality is a result of the decades of experience our skilled woodworkers bring to each shutter.  Contact us today for a free in-home consultation.

With Valentine’s Day approaching and this season of love upon us, we wanted to share some of the “love” we’ve received from our customers. We truly appreciate all the calls and cards with such encouraging feedback for our team and our product! Here are just a handful of comments we’ve received in the last few months:

• I love how responsive Marcia is and she walks me thru to process so well. Also, the shutters were ready earlier than expected (yay)! Very flexible scheduling which I appreciated.
  • Liz B., Richmond, VA
• An extremely smooth process from start to finish. We like the fact these are made in Virginia.  All staff contacts exceeded our expectations.
  • Brooke B., Alexandria, VA
• Marcia is always a pleasure to work with. Jodi & Nina at the showroom were friendly and helpful.  The installers are on time, professional and do an excellent job. Our experience with Shenandoah Shutters is always positive and pleasant.
  • Amy G., Manakin Sabot, VA
• We are so pleased with our shutters. Everyone we worked with was wonderful.  Professional, knowledgeable, friendly.  Excellent, Excellent!
  • Julie C., Winchester, VA
• Installers were very polite, organized, efficient and neat. Left the job spotless.  We’ll absolutely recommend you to friends.
  • Jill J., Henrico, VA
• We are very happy with the product. Amy and the installers were a pleasure to deal with and the order to installation time exceeded our expectations.
  • Sharon S., Leesburg, VA
• Amy was excellent to work with. Professional, knowledgeable and met our install timeframe.  Our friends purchased ten shutters from you based on my recommendation.
  • Sheryl U., Herndon, VA
• We are very pleased. The shutters make a great difference in the look of the room.  Always a pleasure to work with Marcia.
  • Becky H., Midlothian, VA
• We have not seen better quality shutters. Customer service is excellent and always glad to see such great workmanship.
  • Melissa B., South Riding, VA
• I have already recommended you to six new homeowners behind me. Marcia, your great workmanship, and turnaround time is top notch. No comparison to your quality! Thank you everyone!  We are so very satisfied!
  • Darlene S., Ruckersville, VA

Now, we would like to take this time to Thank you, our customers, for being our biggest cheerleaders’. We could not be more grateful for you and your referrals. Thank you again for supporting our small business!

With the New Year approaching and thinking of fresh slates and new beginnings, the one area I love to focus on is the home.  There are certain things you can do to make a big impression in one room or throughout the entire home.  Based on my experience the top five would be:

• Paint – This seems to be the most common suggestion. As decorating color trends change, this is a fairly quick and inexpensive way to spruce up your home and make it feel fresh.
• Hardware –   I have changed mine and have been shocked with how the results of this seemingly small item can impact the look of a room.  Replacing the cabinet knobs and pulls in a kitchen or bathroom will definitely give you that stylish update you’re looking for.
• Area Rugs  –  Something as simple as area rugs can also dramatically change the feel of a room.  Natural fiber rugs such as jute and bamboo are popular choices now.  You can also never go wrong with a classic and timeless oriental rug to warm up a room and pull it all together.
• New Lighting – Lighting is another way to get a big bang for your buck. Changing out a chandelier in any room or pendant light replacements in the kitchen can make a big impact, as well.  Natural materials continue to be popular as well as metal finishes.  With the trend of mix and match gold, brass and other finishes, you can give touches of luxury throughout your home.
• Window treatment – Plantation Shutters are a classic and timeless design that blends well with any home style. Our custom hardwood plantation shutters not only transform your rooms’ appearance, but adds value to your home.  If you’re looking for optimal privacy and light control, please contact us for a free in-home consultation.  Our Veteran owned and family run business builds our shutters right here in our Richmond, VA woodshop.  We stand behind our product with a 100 year limited warranty.

There are so many ways to bring life to your windows, yet plantation shutters continue to be extremely popular no matter your home decor style. Vintage, classic, modern, or contemporary looks all go with plantation shutters, and they can even bring out the charm in the rest of your home decor. Here are three ways that plantation shutters can enhance your home decor.

1) Plantation Shutters as a Focal Point

If you love a classic modern, minimalist look, then plantation shutters are for you! When you don’t like a lot of clutter on your walls but still need something to tie the room together, the right pair of shutters can do that for you. Simplicity is key for this decor style, and plantation shutters are bright and simple but unique enough to be a conversation starter. 

For this, plantation shutters can go in any room. Bathrooms are another popular way to show off your style. Placing plantation shutters in the window is the perfect way to get both style and privacy while still getting all the natural lighting you need to make the room comforting. They also look great in bedrooms, dining rooms, and the kitchen. 

2) Bring in a Rustic Quality with Plantation Shutters

While plantation shutters come in various colors and materials, you can use them anywhere, big classic wood plantation shutters can enhance your home’s decor by bringing in a rustic quality. Rustic home decor usually utilizes natural elements like wood and stone for central pieces in the room, such as decorative wooden tables, chairs, cabinets, and even window coverings. Great for a sitting room, home library, or even office, plantation shutters, and some rustic decor elements can make the room feel cozy and glamorous. 

3) Versatility and Uniqueness

If you love the look of plantation shutters, but want to do something a little more unique, consider using them for doors! Plantation shutter sliding glass doors are a perfect way to jazz up your home’s entryways. These doors are custom-built to fit in any space with custom-controlled louvers (blinds). This way, you can have privacy when you need it or open up the shutters when you want to let bright light in. 

You can also vary it up – you don’t have to go for a full-length look. You can do cafe windows or only install plantation shutters on the bottoms or the tops of your windows. You can install them on side windows or only on your largest windows. You may also choose different colors, styles, and finishes so that no matter what, this classic window covering will enhance your home. 

Adding a bright splash of color with your plantation shutters is an easy way to perk up a room, or add an interesting detail to a child’s room. Try adding them to your bay windows for a snug and welcoming look. 

Custom Plantation Shutters

Whatever your style is, plantation shutters are functional as well as beautiful. They’re sleek, modern, and simple to operate. They’re also made to be easy to clean. If you’re ready to see the options, contact Shenandoah Shutters by calling 1-800-733-1549, or schedule a free online consultation. Our services reach all of Virginia, Maryland, Delaware, Washington DC, and North Carolina. For the last 30 years, we’ve created thousands of custom plantation shutters for a variety of homes – let us do the same for you!

There is so much versatility and customization when it comes to plantation shutters, whether it is the type of wood, the selection of louver sizes and shapes, or tilt rod options. Even with traditional plantation shutters, there are still many design possibilities to make each room in your home as you envisioned with bright painted shutters as a focal point or custom fit door shutters to complete a room. We are here to help from consultation to installation, so here are some popular designs when it comes to plantation shutters.

1) Paint Your Shutters

The finish of your plantation shutters does not need to be limited to classic white or natural wood. You can add brightly colored shutters to liven up any room and have them as the focal point or keep it classic with white café shutters that feature decorative fabric valance along the top of the window. If you are looking for a sophisticated yet modern touch, black plantation shutters might be the addition you want for the aesthetic of your room or entire home. All options allow you to personalize your interior to your personality and preference with the flexibility of natural light and privacy that plantation shutters offer. We can also customize pain or stain finishes to match your molding for a seamless room design.

2) Bifold Panels

If you have large windows or plan to frequently open the shutters for more light, bifold plantation shutters might be the right choice for you. Bifold shutters fold up onto either side of the window or door without taking up additional space. This is an ideal option if you want the privacy that shutters offer but the functionality of being able to open and close them at your convenience with ease. Bifold panels can be used for both traditional, full-length shutters and café shutters so you have endless possibilities when designing window treatments for your home!

3) Full-Height with Divider Rail

If you want the privacy of closed lower louvers without sacrificing the natural light coming through the open upper louvers than full-height shutters with a divider rail would be the option for you. A divider rail can be added to a panel so the control of upper and lower sets of louvers moves interpedently. If you prefer a more continuous design, we also offer plantation shutters with split tilt rods, which offers the same independent control without the rail that separates the tiers. While common in living areas and dining rooms, this design is great for any room in your home.

4) Add Plantation Shutters to Your Sunroom

If you want to have more privacy while enjoying your sunroom, consider adding plantation shutters! Plantation shutters will allow you to adjust how much sunlight comes in throughout the day, making it effortless to minimize the hot or cool air that might draft in. It can also help reduce the sunlight to cool down in the summertime. For a seamless appearance, opt for our patented Softedge™ — it offers a sculptured edge profile that gently blends into the window molding to create a harmonious design. This innovative solution allows the hinges to be completely concealed when the shutters are closed so it will create a clean look. 

5) Custom Doors

Extend the privacy to your sidelights, sliding glass or French doors with custom plantation shutters. Whether you want shade to limit sunlight during hot summer days or the ease of use when it comes to those cookouts when people are coming and going from the house, the durability of plantation shutters makes them ideal for any type of door. Our shutters are custom fit specifically to your door and can be modified to accommodate any door handles or knobs.

6) Solid Plantation Shutters

Solid interior plantation shutters have no louvers and offer complete coverage from the top to the bottom of the window when shut. This design is perfect for bedrooms when you want window coverings that bring in elegance but are primarily used for privacy. Solid plantation shutters can also keep drafts from the elements out. Bifold panels allow you to open and close this style of plantation shutter with ease, giving you the ability to control all sunlight shining through the windows. Depending on the style of the solid shutters, this can also add a textured element to the room.

At Shenandoah Shutters our plantation shutters are custom made specifically for your home. You can take a look at our gallery for some inspiration or give us a call at 1-800-733-1549 to schedule a consultation today!

Are you moving into a new home or making home improvement upgrades and considering updating your traditional window coverings? Plantation style shutters are functional, versatile, and enhance the interior design of your home, but there are more benefits to this style of shutters that you should consider before customizing the right style and fit for your own home.

1. Can help with temperature control

Plantation shutters offer additional insulation between the outside and inside of your home, allowing you to manage the amount of hot or cold air coming through by adjusting the parallel slats (louvers) to the position you need. Shutters can be effective in blocking drafts coming in from the windows as they act as a barrier, keeping your home warm in the winter and cool during those hot summer days. You don’t have to be limited to just windows either! Shutters can be custom fit to your French style doors, sidelights, as well as sliding glass doors to optimize energy-efficiency in all areas of your home.

2. Adds value to your home

Adding shutters can increase your home’s market value as they are viewed as a feature that is low-maintenance, durable, and offer a classic touch to the interior design of any home. Shutters are often sought-after by home buyers because they are custom-made for the windows and a permanent fixture. The type of wood used can also be a high selling point as people prefer natural tones that compliment any style – we offer yellow poplar and basswood, but specialty woods such as mahogany, walnut, cherry, or oak are available upon request.

3. Allows you to adjust the light coming in and your privacy

Unlike other window treatments, the louvers on shutters can be adjusted to various positions. You can choose to open or close the shutters for more or less light, or you can adjust the louvers into a tilted angle to have privacy but still have natural light entering the room. This is a great option for bathrooms and bedrooms, where you want privacy without losing all the natural sunlight. The amount of light will vary depending on the style and size of louvers you have but we offer three options for louver size and two options for louver shape so we can customize to fit your home and needs.

4. Shutters have extended longevity

Plantation shutters are low-maintenance, they are easy to clean and need minimal care to continue looking like new. When properly maintained, plantation shutters can last for many years without having to replace or continuously repair. It is also important that the shutters are the correct fit for your windows and installed accurately. Our plantation shutters are handcrafted by skilled craftsmen with high-quality wood to ensure you can enjoy them for years.

At Shenandoah Shutters, we take pride in guaranteeing the best quality and care starting with a free in-home estimate with a sales consultant. Currently we serve Virginia, Maryland, and Washington D.C. but please don’t hesitate to give us a call at 1-800-733-1549 to see if we service your area!