4 Mistakes To Avoid When Choosing Plantation Shutters

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Whether you’re looking for beauty, durability, or ease of operation, plantation shutters are often the best shutters you can choose for your home. So the choice to go with plantation shutters is one easily made. However, there are still mistakes that can occur when choosing the right plantation shutters for your home. Not all plantation shutters are made with equal quality, and if you choose wrongly, you might find that your money was wasted and that you need new plantation shutters, anyway. Here are a few mistakes you’ll want to avoid when choosing plantation shutters:

Assuming That Cheapest Is Best

Consumers have a tendency to assume that the cheapest products will be the best option for them. After all, it saves them the most money, so they’ll be able to put the rest of that budget towards other things. However, this isn’t always the case, especially if you’re looking for a lasting solution. 

While the most expensive option is often overcharged, you do want window treatments that are both beautiful and crafted to last for years. The last thing you want is to have to spend untold money repairing your damaged window treatments, or replacing them every few years. Handcrafted, beautiful plantation shutters that are built to last are typically worth the added cost.

Defaulting To Basswood

Basswood is the most common type of plantation shutter wood, typically. We even use it here at Shenandoah Shutters…for our stained plantation shutters. But basswood is particularly porous, which makes it less than ideal if you intend to go with white or cream painted shutters. If you choose basswood for painted shutters, it may require more than average paint in order to get the job done, and that paint may begin to fade over time. That’s why for painted shutters, we tend to go for yellow poplar wood.

Not Knowing the Different Types of Plantation Shutters

Don’t assume that buying plantation shutters only means one kind of style for one type of window. While the most popular types of plantation shutters are grand traditional plantation shutters, there are a few options to choose from. Cafe shutters, for instance, only cover half of the window, leaving the other half open and exposed to sunlight. There are also our patented Softedge shutters, with hidden hinges and subtle frames so that they seem to blend seamlessly into the window. 

Buying Plantation Shutters From a Box of a Major Franchise Company

Just because a company is a big name doesn’t mean you should trust them with all of your home decor or window treatment needs. The truth is, companies like Home Depot or Menards just have products shipped into the stores without much thought to the location. On the other hand, our shutters are handcrafted in Richmond, Virginia and shipped throughout the nearby regions. We know the climate, the homes, the people. And you know that your money is going to a local company that puts their heart into their work.

Choosing plantation shutters for your home is great, but it comes down to choosing the right plantation shutters from a manufacturer you know you can trust. For that, there’s Shenandoah Shutters in Richmond, Virginia. Want to learn more? Contact us today for more information about our shutters or come by our showroom to see them for yourself.

How to Adjust and Operate Plantation Shutters

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Plantation shutters can add beauty, efficiency, and durability to your windows in a way that you simply can’t experience with any other window treatment. However, if you’re interested in plantation shutters, you have to keep in mind that they don’t function the same way other window treatments do. You might not adjust plantation shutters in the same way you would blinds; you can’t open and close them in the same way you would open curtains. Plantation shutters are something different and should be treated as such. With that said, in today’s blog let’s discuss how to adjust and operate plantation shutters.

Opening and Closing

Plantation shutters are hinged at the side of your windows, so they function somewhat like a door. Often, there are two plantation shutters that meet in the middle. These both open towards yourself and close just as easily. Plantation shutters can also include a latch in the middle in order to stay closed or locked for added security or they include knobs for ease of opening and closing.

Adjusting Your Shutters

Plantation shutters have the same sort of mechanism for adjusting the louvers that blinds have: a tilt rod. The general purpose of a tilt rod is to turn the rod, which will then tilt the louvers up or down to adjust the amount of sunlight that comes into the room. Shenandoah Shutters offers a range of tilt rod options for your plantation shutters:

  • Single tilt rod – which adjust all the louvers at once
  • Divider rail – separating the top louvers from the bottom louvers so they can be adjusted independently
  • Split tilt rod – which adjusts the top and bottom louvers separately
  • Hidden tilt rod – hidden discreetly behind a panel for a sleeker look

Differences Between Different Types of Shutters

There are a few different types of plantation shutters, and each look a little different. Operation is generally the same, but they may offer different levels of coverage or sunlight filtration. The first and most common is the traditional plantation shutter. Full-length and stately, this is the “grandfather” of plantation shutters. There are also cafe shutters, however, that only cover the lower half of the window, leaving the top half open or to be covered with a short cafe curtain. We also offer our subtle, patented Softedge shutters. They blend in to the window frame by excluding a boxy frame and concealing their hinges and tilt rod. Otherwise, however, operation is largely the same.

Plantation shutters are easy to adjust and easy to operate, especially when well-made by Shenandoah Shutters. Interested in plantation shutters of your own? Contact Shenandoah Shutters today to learn more about our plantation shutters or to order your own.

Will Plantation Shutters Fade? And Other Interior Shutters Questions Answered

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If you want interior window treatments you can trust that make an elegant statement, plantation shutters are the way to go. They help to insulate your home, protect your windows, and add style to any room where you have plantation shutters installed. But plantation shutters are not interchangeable with blinds or drapes or sheer curtains. If you’re installing plantation shutters for the first time, you may find yourself full of questions. In today’s blog, let’s answer some of those questions, beginning with…

Will Plantation Shutters Fade?

Plantation shutters are typically made of hand-crafted wood, usually either stained or painted white or cream. But wood materials can begin to fade and typically need to be stained every few years in order to keep looking fresh. Interior plantation shutters are likely to last longer without needing to be refreshed, as they’re not exposed to the elements the way exterior shutters are. But in time, they may still need to be repainted or stained in order to retain their fresh look.

Shenandoah Shutters ensures that the vibrancy of our shutters lasts for as long as possible with our quality crafting. For instance, it often comes down to the type of wood we use. Basswood is porous, so while it makes for perfect wood stained shutters, it’s not ideal for white or cream shutters. For these, we use a denser wood such as yellow poplar. This helps to make the color of painted shutters pop so they stay vibrant for longer. We also help enhance the color of your shutters by offering custom woods such as cherry or mahogany.

Why Wood Shutters?

Though plantation shutters are typically made of wood, they are also sometimes made with a man-made composite material. Though this may be lauded by manufacturers, there’s really no replacing the look and feel of genuine wood shutters. On top of their classic beauty and genuine feel, wood plantation shutters are lighter than poly, composite shutters. They can also be painted or stained to suit your preferences, while composite shutters typically come in a limited, preset color. While wood can be high maintenance on the exterior, it makes for perfect interior plantation shutters.

Where Should Plantation Shutters Be Mounted?

When mounting plantation shutters, you can either go for an inside mount or an outside mount. This is not referring to interior or exterior shutters, but rather whether or not the shutters are within the window frame. For an inside mount, the window must first be measured to ensure that it is square and the shutters will fit. Our patented Softedge shutters are perfect for this kind of mount, because of their subtle frames and hidden tilt wands. They’re designed to fit within the window frame perfectly. An outside mount will allow the window to look fuller, especially when the shutters are closed, so this can be ideal for small windows. 

Can Plantation Shutters Be Customized?

It really comes down to the plantation shutter manufacturer. A quality crafter of plantation shutters will put your vision for your plantation shutters first. We offer multiple styles of plantation shutters, from full height to cafe style shutters, stained or painted shutters, and we also offer shutters that come in custom woods, such as mahogany, oak, or cherry. Because we have so many options — including customization options — you’re more likely to find the plantation shutters you truly want for your home.

Are Plantation Shutters Still in Style?

Plantation shutters have been around in some form or another since the days of ancient Greece. One might have thought that in all that time, they would have become old-fashioned. The truth is, however, that plantation shutters never go out of style. Part of that is being able to adjust to the times. While traditional plantation shutters are still a classic, our Softedge shutters fit perfectly with minimalist home designs, and cafe shutters have a versatility that suits a number of styles. Plantation shutters remain very much in style today and don’t seem likely to go out of it any time soon.

Can Plantation Shutters Suit Windows With Unique Shapes?

Vinyl blinds and drapes can come in a variety of sizes, but only really one shape, which doesn’t particularly showcase your unique window shapes. Plantation shutters, on the other hand, are made to fit to your windows. This is again where custom plantation shutters can come in handy. They can be made for curved windows, circular windows, and more, offering that same lighting filtration while enhancing the style of your windows. 

What Is a “Hidden Tilt Bar”?

Plantation shutters need tilt bars in order to adjust the louvers and let in the proper amount of sunlight. When we talk about our Softedge shutters, one of the perks we discuss is the hidden tilt bar. This means that the tilt bar will not be in the center of the shutters as it often is. Instead, it’s in a panel off to one side of the shutters where it is less obtrusive to the sunlight that filters into the room. 

Still looking for the perfect plantation shutters for your home? Shenandoah Shutters makes beautiful, handcrafted plantation shutters in Richmond, Virginia. Contact us today to learn more or come by our woodshop to see the shutters for yourself.

How Plantation Shutters Can Benefit Every Room Of Your Home

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Plantation shutters are a wonderfully versatile window treatment. With their easy light control and elegant style, plantation shutters are a terrific choice for every room of your home. Here’s a closer look at how plantation shutters can improve the look and feel of your home:

Plantation Shutters for the Living Room

The living room, or family room, tends to be the place where the household gathers to relax and enjoy one another’s company. Living rooms are ideal spaces for entertaining guests, too. Plantation shutters, particularly wooden plantation shutters, look beautiful alongside your home furnishings. They give the living room character while filtering sunlight in and out of the room. 

You’ll also appreciate the privacy that plantation shutters provide living room windows. Stylistically, you can choose from stains and colors for your plantation shutters, but you can also hang curtains above the shutters for an especially unique living room look. Since plantation shutters are so versatile, it’s incredibly easy to decorate around your shutters. Just hang your favorite art pieces and decor without concern about clashing patterns or designs. 

Plantation Shutters for the Kitchen

The café shutter is a favorite choice for kitchens and dining rooms. With the  café shutter, only the lower part of the window is covered by the shutter. The top half is usually covered by a valance. This gives your kitchen the look of an elegant café. 

Other options for plantation shutters in your kitchen include any of a variety of traditional and contemporary looks. Best of all, plantation shutters are easy to clean, so you don’t have to worry about polishing your plantation shutters alongside the dishes. Plantation shutters simply require a light, gentle dusting every so often.

Plantation Shutters for the Bedrooms

Bedroom window treatments are of particular importance in the home. Blackout curtains and shades are favored by homeowners for their ability to block out excess sunlight and promote a better sleep. Luckily, you can get this exact same effect with plantation shutters. In fact, because you use the tilt rod to control the louvers (horizontal slats) of the louvers yourself, you’ll likely get better light control with your plantation shutters. When you do want extra light, you can easily adjust your shutters for just the right amount of natural sunlight. Plus, authentically wooden plantation shutters offer a level of sophistication that simply can’t be matched by blackout curtains. 

Plantation Shutters for the Bathrooms

As long as your hardwood plantation shutters aren’t in direct contact with water in your bathroom, they will both look beautiful and offer many benefits for the bathroom. Since plantation shutters are so easy to clean, they’re a healthy choice for home bathrooms. Wood also tends to have some antibacterial properties, which is why it is such a common choice for food cutting boards. You’ll also love how the functionality of plantation shutters allows you privacy while still offering a relaxing, spa-like oasis thanks to the light control of the shutters. 

Plantation Shutters for the Nursery or Playroom

When designing a space for your child to play in and grow, safety is key. Window treatments with loose cords can pose a strangulation hazard to curious young children. Plantation shutters do not have cords. Other window treatments can also bounce back and hit a child if they attempt to look out of the window. This is common with blinds. Plantation shutters are designed to be opened and adjusted by hand for light control. They are wooden and sturdy. Many parents select plantation shutters for their children’s rooms and play areas for these benefits. 

When it comes to their impact on the design of a child’s room, plantation shutters are also appreciated for the refined appearance that allows them to grow with your child through babyhood to the young adult years. Plantation shutters will look just as fitting on your windows whether they’re surrounded by teddy bears or cutouts from teen magazines. 

Plantation Shutters for Your Home Office

Since the COVID-19 pandemic, home offices have become less of a luxury and more of a home necessity. Proper lighting and privacy is essential for virtual meetings and conference calls. Plantation shutters offers both of these choices, with the added benefit of making your office look polished for when visitors do need to arrive in person. 

The Many Benefits of Plantation Shutters

Plantation shutters have benefits that extend beyond light control and design. This window treatment is also one of the only home upgrades that can actually increase the resale value of your home and boost your curb appeal. Plantation shutters are also energy-efficient, potentially saving you money on heating and air bills throughout the year. 

Plantation Shutters at Shenandoah Shutters

Shenandoah Shutters has been handcrafting custom made, hardwood plantation shutters for more than 30 years. We’re located in Richmond, Virginia, and proudly serve Virginia, Maryland, and Washington, D.C. We have also done work in Delaware and North Carolina.

At Shenandoah Shutters, we can install plantation shutters to fit windows of any size or shape. Beyond the rooms of your home, you may also want to install plantation shutters on a sliding glass door or French door. We know all of the tricks for uncluttered installations that enhance the look and feel of your house. We even invented our own, patented Softedge design. The Softedge is popular for all types of windows, but it is an especially fantastic solution for tilt-ins and casements.

Schedule an Appointment for Your Plantation Shutters

Shenandoah Shutters continues to serve customers during the COVID-19 pandemic. Contact us today for more information on our safety practices and to discuss adding plantation shutters to your home.

The Problem With Blinds – And Why You Should Avoid Them

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Choosing a window treatment is one of the first major design decisions that you make as a homeowner. More than just home decor, window treatments help control sunlight and offer an essential layer of privacy. Since blinds are some of the most popular window treatments to install in a home, you might be surprised to learn that there are actually several disadvantages when it comes to choosing blinds as a window treatment. Take a look at these 5 reasons why blinds should be avoided: 

Blinds Are Less Durable Than Plantation Shutters

Blinds are easily broken and frequently need to be replaced. It’s common for blinds to tear or for the slats to bend. Blind cords, too, often become tangled or damaged, making it difficult to open and close the slats. If you have children or pets, then the risk of accidental damage to your blinds is even higher. Even just pulling too hard on a blind can cause it to snap. 

When it comes to durability, hardwood plantation shutters are an ideal choice. Wood is one of the strongest available materials, and even faux wood blinds never last as long as hardwood plantation shutters.

Blinds Are Not Long-Lasting

Since the typical materials used for blinds, including PVC and aluminium materials, don’t last as long as wood, they’re not the best long-term choice for a home. Plantation shutters, meanwhile, are designed to last decades. While you can purchase wooden blinds, plantation shutters allow you greater light control and energy-efficiency. Plus, unlike blinds or other window treatments, such as curtains, plantation shutters are considered to be a permanent fixture of the home. This is why plantation shutters are one of the few home upgrades that can potentially increase the resale value of your house. 

Blinds Are Not the Best Choice for Children’s Rooms

Sturdy window treatments are especially important for children’s bedrooms and play areas. Not only are blinds easily damaged by young children, but the dangling cords can actually be hazardous. Plantation shutters do not have cords or other dangling materials that could pose a risk to kids. This is why plantation shutters are a favorite of nurseries and children’s bedrooms. Plantation shutters are also sophisticated enough to grow with your child’s changing decor preferences. You can choose neutral or colorful plantation shutters. You could also pair plantation shutters with a decorative valance. 

Plantation Shutters Are More Aesthetically Pleasing Than Blinds

Hardwood plantation shutters give character to the rooms in your home. Wooden furniture has been a staple of home decor for centuries, and wooden plantation shutters easily blend in with wooden furnishings. Stains or cream-colored plantation shutters are stylish options for home decor, but many people also choose from a selection of custom colors. 

The versatility of plantation shutters is unique from blinds in that they are a subtle enhancement to a home. You can certainly make a dramatic statement with plantation shutters through the use of color, surrounding art work, or even layering fabric window treatments, like curtains, over plantation shutters. However, many homeowners enjoy the neutral look of plantation shutters, and this is an elegant look that is really achieved only through the shutters. You can install colorful blinds or wooden blinds, but they never seem to hold the same aesthetic appeal as plantation shutters. 

Blinds Attract Dust and Odors

Certain types of blinds attract more dust than others. Pet hair, too, can gather on blinds and make frequent dustings a necessity. Some people complain of odors seeping into their blinds. Luckily, plantation shutters are easy to maintain, and wood is naturally antibacterial, so cleanliness is a breeze. You don’t have to worry about furniture polishes or dusting sprays to clean your plantation shutters. In fact, these cleaning supplies can actually be extremely damaging to your plantation shutters. Instead, you only need to use a soft cloth or lamb’s wool wand to gently wipe the louvers (horizontal slats) clean. 

Plantation Shutters at Shenandoah Shutters 

Shenandoah Shutters has been manufacturing custom made, hardwood plantation shutters in Richmond, Virginia since the 1990s. We provide handcrafted plantation shutters within our service areas of Virginia, Maryland, and Washington, D.C. 

We use American wood of the highest quality, strength, and durability to craft our plantation shutters. We typically use tough basswood for our stained shutters and the softer hardwood yellow poplar for our cream-colored varieties. Some customers choose to request a specialty wood, such as oak, mahogany, or cherry, in order to have their shutters match existing moulding or furniture. You can also request a certain type of tilt rod, as well as choose your desired louver size and shape. 

With plantation shutters, you are able to precisely filter sunlight in and out of your home using the tilt rod. This gives each room of your home the perfect mood or ambiance. 

Shenandoah Shutters can place plantation shutters on French doors, sliding glass doors, arches, and sunbursts. Even if you have an oddly-shaped or unusual window, we can install plantation shutters to fit your needs. Our original, patented Softedge design is a popular choice for contemporary looks, but especially tilt-ins and casements. 

Schedule an Appointment with Shenandoah Shutters

Shenandoah Shutters remains open throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. If you’ve recently bought a new home or are looking to upgrade your home to an existing window treatment, then give Shenandoah Shutters a call today at 1-800-733-1549. You can also contact us online to learn more about our services and to schedule a consultation for plantation shutters.

The Problem With Blinds – And Why You Should Avoid Them

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Choosing a window treatment is one of the first major design decisions that you make as a homeowner. More than just home decor, window treatments help control sunlight and offer an essential layer of privacy. Since blinds are some of the most popular window treatments to install in a home, you might be surprised to learn that there are actually several disadvantages when it comes to choosing blinds as a window treatment. Take a look at these 5 reasons why blinds should be avoided: 

Blinds Are Less Durable Than Plantation Shutters

Blinds are easily broken and frequently need to be replaced. It’s common for blinds to tear or for the slats to bend. Blind cords, too, often become tangled or damaged, making it difficult to open and close the slats. If you have children or pets, then the risk of accidental damage to your blinds is even higher. Even just pulling too hard on a blind can cause it to snap. 

When it comes to durability, hardwood plantation shutters are an ideal choice. Wood is one of the strongest available materials, and even faux wood blinds never last as long as hardwood plantation shutters.

Blinds Are Not Long-Lasting

Since the typical materials used for blinds, including PVC and aluminium materials, don’t last as long as wood, they’re not the best long-term choice for a home. Plantation shutters, meanwhile, are designed to last decades. While you can purchase wooden blinds, plantation shutters allow you greater light control and energy-efficiency. Plus, unlike blinds or other window treatments, such as curtains, plantation shutters are considered to be a permanent fixture of the home. This is why plantation shutters are one of the few home upgrades that can potentially increase the resale value of your house. 

Blinds Are Not the Best Choice for Children’s Rooms

Sturdy window treatments are especially important for children’s bedrooms and play areas. Not only are blinds easily damaged by young children, but the dangling cords can actually be hazardous. Plantation shutters do not have cords or other dangling materials that could pose a risk to kids. This is why plantation shutters are a favorite of nurseries and children’s bedrooms. Plantation shutters are also sophisticated enough to grow with your child’s changing decor preferences. You can choose neutral or colorful plantation shutters. You could also pair plantation shutters with a decorative valance. 

Plantation Shutters Are More Aesthetically Pleasing Than Blinds

Hardwood plantation shutters give character to the rooms in your home. Wooden furniture has been a staple of home decor for centuries, and wooden plantation shutters easily blend in with wooden furnishings. Stains or cream-colored plantation shutters are stylish options for home decor, but many people also choose from a selection of custom colors. 

The versatility of plantation shutters is unique from blinds in that they are a subtle enhancement to a home. You can certainly make a dramatic statement with plantation shutters through the use of color, surrounding art work, or even layering fabric window treatments, like curtains, over plantation shutters. However, many homeowners enjoy the neutral look of plantation shutters, and this is an elegant look that is really achieved only through the shutters. You can install colorful blinds or wooden blinds, but they never seem to hold the same aesthetic appeal as plantation shutters. 

Blinds Attract Dust and Odors

Certain types of blinds attract more dust than others. Pet hair, too, can gather on blinds and make frequent dustings a necessity. Some people complain of odors seeping into their blinds. Luckily, plantation shutters are easy to maintain, and wood is naturally antibacterial, so cleanliness is a breeze. You don’t have to worry about furniture polishes or dusting sprays to clean your plantation shutters. In fact, these cleaning supplies can actually be extremely damaging to your plantation shutters. Instead, you only need to use a soft cloth or lamb’s wool wand to gently wipe the louvers (horizontal slats) clean. 

Plantation Shutters at Shenandoah Shutters 

Shenandoah Shutters has been manufacturing custom made, hardwood plantation shutters in Richmond, Virginia since the 1990s. We provide handcrafted plantation shutters within our service areas of Virginia, Maryland, and Washington, D.C. 

We use American wood of the highest quality, strength, and durability to craft our plantation shutters. We typically use tough basswood for our stained shutters and the softer hardwood yellow poplar for our cream-colored varieties. Some customers choose to request a specialty wood, such as oak, mahogany, or cherry, in order to have their shutters match existing moulding or furniture. You can also request a certain type of tilt rod, as well as choose your desired louver size and shape. 

With plantation shutters, you are able to precisely filter sunlight in and out of your home using the tilt rod. This gives each room of your home the perfect mood or ambiance. 

Shenandoah Shutters can place plantation shutters on French doors, sliding glass doors, arches, and sunbursts. Even if you have an oddly-shaped or unusual window, we can install plantation shutters to fit your needs. Our original, patented Softedge design is a popular choice for contemporary looks, but especially tilt-ins and casements. 

Schedule an Appointment with Shenandoah Shutters

Shenandoah Shutters remains open throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. If you’ve recently bought a new home or are looking to upgrade your home to an existing window treatment, then give Shenandoah Shutters a call today at 1-800-733-1549. You can also contact us online to learn more about our services and to schedule a consultation for plantation shutters.

4 Tips For Enhancing Your Home With Privacy As Well As Beauty

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Privacy has always been a concern for homeowners, but the COVID-19 pandemic has made the quest for privacy even more crucial. When adding important security and privacy features to your home, you want the additions to be as beautiful as they are functional. Using effective landscaping, installing fences or gates, and incorporating high-quality window treatments are all essential for a comfortable and attractive living space. Here are some ideas for enhancing your home’s privacy without sacrificing aesthetics:

Add a Fence or Gate to the Outside of Your Home

Fences and gates are well-established tools to make homes more private and secure. Best of all, these structures are designed with both beauty and security in mind. You can find fence options in a variety of materials and designs, including geometric patterns, lattice screens, rustic wood constructions, chic slatted designs, and, of course, the dreamy white picket fence. Many people even choose to simply DIY a privacy fence or garden gate. If you’d prefer something other than a fence, you could install outdoor deck curtains or a sophisticated wall. 

Consider Your Landscaping Options 

Landscaping is a unique way to make your home more private. Strategically placed hedges, screen plants, trees, and even topiaries are popular choices to create a living, backyard oasis that feels secure. You can also use hedges and shrubs to surround your front yard, as well. Garden boxes, flowers, and tall plants can combine with shrubbery to further enhance the beauty and privacy of the space. Best of all, this kind of detailed, attractive landscaping boosts your curb appeal. Your curb appeal is the impression that potential buyers have of your home when noticing it from the street. A better curb appeal could mean a more successful home sale later. Landscaping could even increase the value of your home. 

While landscaping is a popular and effective choice for better privacy, it’s important to keep your hedges, shrubs, and other plants neatly trimmed and well-maintained. Properly maintained landscaping will deter trespassers from sneaking onto your property and hiding in any overgrown shrubbery. Some plants grow faster than others and require more frequent maintenance. Consult with your landscaping or lawn care  provider on best practices. 

Install Sleek Security Devices

With the rise in smart technology for homes, there is no shortage of subtle, appealing security devices available for use. Video doorbells and newer security cameras can give you added peace of mind without detracting from the aesthetics of your house. Plus, you can also use them to safely monitor kids and pets.

Pay Attention to Your Windows

Choosing the right window treatment can make the difference when it comes to enhancing your home with privacy. Of course, you want to use window treatments that are as beautiful as they are private. There are many options for blocking windows from prying eyes, including window films, shades, and blinds, but the best choice is one that combines privacy with quality.  

Plantation shutters are one of the most secure options for private window treatments. This is because plantation shutters are sturdy and long-lasting. They are designed to allow the homeowner complete control over the outside view and natural light entering the home without sacrificing privacy. Amazingly, these historic shutters are so well-designed for privacy that, as the legend goes, King Louis XIV of France would often peek, unnoticed, out of his plantation shutters to admire the women of his court swimming in the ponds of his palatial garden! 

Plantation shutters have long been appreciated for their timeless beauty. Some varieties of plantation shutters are plastic or faux wood, but these varieties are designed to look like traditional, wooden plantation shutters without the same character and durability of authentically wooden shutters. Custom made, hardwood plantation shutters are, like landscaping, known to often increase the value of a home. Wood is the best option for your plantation shutters. 

You can purchase plantation shutters in a variety of styles and colors, including stains. You can even pair curtains with plantation shutters for a dramatic home design  statement. 

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

Shenandoah Shutters is located in Richmond, Virginia, within a day’s drive of all of our service areas. We install custom-fitted, hardwood plantation shutters that are handcrafted by skilled woodworking employees. Our plantation shutters are made using high-quality American woods, including yellow poplar and basswood, as well as requested specialty woods that match your moulding or furniture. 

We can build plantation shutters to fit windows of any size or shape. Popular past choices have included plantation shutter installations on French doors, sliding glass doors, arches, triangular panels, sidelights, and sunbursts. We even have our own, patented Softedge design for a more contemporary look and feel. This design conceals the hinges of your plantation shutters when closed and is particularly ideal for tilt-in or casement windows.

Schedule Your Plantation Shutter Appointment with Shenandoah Shutters 

If you’ve recently purchased a new home, or if you’re looking to upgrade your existing window treatment, contact Shenandoah Shutters today. Our plantation shutters are the perfect solution for an elegant window treatment that offers privacy and comfort. We even offer a 100-year limited transferable warranty on the work of our plantation shutters, as well as a 25-year warranty on the silken lacquer finish that is applied to each shutter upon completion. 

Shenandoah Shutters remains open and is carefully providing services throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. Explore our online photo gallery for a glimpse at some of our past projects.

4 Eco-Friendly Reasons To Order Plantation Shutters

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Choosing the right window treatment can make a big difference when it comes to having an eco-friendly home. Plantation shutters are an ideal choice for energy-efficiency and environmental conscientiousness. Are you wondering how to make your home more eco-friendly? Here are a few ways that natural, hardwood plantation shutters can make the difference:

Wood Is a Renewable and Longlasting Resource 

If you’re concerned about the environmental impact of your home, then seeking out a window treatment that is made of wood is essential. Wood, unlike plastic-based materials, is a renewable resource. This means that it can be easily replenished in nature. Wood is also one of the strongest available materials, with a long lifespan and durability. After 100 years or so, when it’s finally time to replace wooden materials, you can be reassured that wood is biodegradable. 

This means that it can break down back into the environment, as opposed to plastic and PVC materials, which cannot. Plastic has its purpose, but this material has negative effects on the environment, as it clogs landfills. If at all possible, it’s more eco-friendly to choose a material like wood. Natural wood also doesn’t release harmful toxins or chemicals, another frequently cited concern surrounding plastics. 

While wood types are sustainable resources, some trees grow faster than others. At Shenandoah Shutters, we prefer to use basswood when crafting richly stained plantation shutters. For our cream-colored plantation shutters, we tend to use yellow poplar wood. Both of these wood types are readily available in nature and come from trees that tend to grow quickly. We often manufacture plantation shutters with requested specialty woods, as well, including well-known hardwoods like oak and cherry. You’ll find that many of these varieties are also easily available and sustainable. In fact, there has even been a recent increase in replacing building materials, like steel, with wood. This is all thanks to its incredible sustainability. 

Plantation Shutters are Energy-Efficient

It is common knowledge that windows and doors are the most common sources of energy loss in a house. Plantation shutters are designed to insulate your home. They naturally keep your house cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter. This effect reduces your need for air conditioning or heaters, while leaving a valuable impact on the environment, as well. Because of their strength, hardwood plantation shutters, in particular, are likely more effective at maximizing temperature control. 

Plus, at Shenandoah Shutters, we custom fit every plantation shutter to your window, so you know that your shutters are appropriately fitted. A properly fitted plantation shutter is another way to reduce your energy consumption and boost the energy-efficiency of your plantation shutters. The end result is often lower heating and air bills. 

Plantation Shutters Allow You to Control Natural Light

Plantation shutters are extremely unique. Instead of fumbling with the light switch, you can use the tilt rod on your shutters to filter sunlight in and out of your home. Plantation shutters allow you to create the perfect mood for any room in your house. With this kind of access to natural sunlight, you might find yourself relying a little less on electric sources of artificial lighting and a little more on the beauty of natural light. Of course, you can also adjust the plantation shutters for less light, too. 

Plantation Shutters Are Low-Maintenance

Most window treatments require some sort of frequent maintenance. For instance, it’s usually suggested to wash curtains every few months, or even sooner if someone in your home suffers from allergies. Curtains are also easy to tear or wear down, which leads to them needing to be replaced. The same is true for blinds, which are easily broken. Shades can tear or need to be spot-cleaned. All of this washing and replacing uses up a lot of energy and resources. 

While curtains can absolutely be paired with plantation shutters if desired, you’ll find that the shutters themselves are extremely low-maintenance. A simple, gentle dusting when needed (and without products) keeps plantation shutters as clean as they are eco-friendly. 

Upgrade Your Home with Plantation Shutters

Shenandoah Shutters has served Virginia, Maryland, and Washington, D.C for more than 30 years. We even have shutters in Delaware and North Carolina. We’re located in Richmond and are within a day’s drive of all of our service areas. When you buy from Shenandoah Shutters, you’re supporting a local business that prides itself on quality and customer service. 

Plantation shutters are timeless and stylish. We handcraft each of our plantation shutters and apply a fine lacquer finish, so that your beautiful wooden shutters can easily blend in with your wooden furniture and mouldings. We offer a 100-year limited, transferable warranty on our plantation shutters, and a 25-year warranty on our silken lacquer finish. 

When planning for your plantation shutters, you can choose from modern or traditional shutter designs, as well as custom colors, stains, and cream-colored options. You choose the size and shape of your louvers (the horizontal slats) and your tilt rod design. We can craft plantation shutters to fit any window shape or size, including oddly-shaped windows, French doors, sliding glass doors, and sunbursts. 

We can even install your plantation shutters using our original, patented Softedge design that conceals the hinges when closed. This is a popular option for all window types, but it is especially a favorite choice for tilt-ins and casements. You don’t have to worry about hanging strips or boxy frames. In fact, at Shenandoah Shutters, we don’t even use a tensioning system! 

Order Plantation Shutters from Shenandoah Shutters Today 

We have remained open throughout the COVID-19 pandemic and continue to carefully provide services. Are you ready to upgrade your home? Contact Shenandoah Shutters today to learn more about installing our hardwood, interior plantation shutters in your home. You can also explore our online photo gallery for a closer look at our work.

Plantation Shutters Are a Boon During the Age of Social Distancing

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The COVID-19 pandemic has changed the way that we view and use our homes. The biggest change might just be the increased demand for a home office. With everything from conference calls and meetings to actual job interviews taking place from home these days, having an appropriate place in the home from which to conduct business is essential. Of course, many of us are also craving a way to bring more of the outdoors to the inside of our homes. Live plants and window treatments that offer controlled sunlight provide a touch of normalcy during a decidedly abnormal time.

A Home for the Social Distancing Era

Plantation shutters are an ideal window treatment during this time of social distancing. These window treatments are timeless and sophisticated, giving your home an updated look during a moment in our lives when we are spending more time at home than ever before. Many of us have chosen to take on home improvement projects during lockdowns and quarantines, and plantation shutters are an added enhancement to the home. 

Beauty aside, plantation shutters are fully functional and allow homeowners to easily filter sunlight in and out of each room in the house. This allows you to create the perfect ambiance for work days, family movie nights, and everything in between. You can also count on plantation shutters to give you an added layer of privacy without sacrificing your view. 

Plantation Shutters Add Value to Your Home

While there are endless upgrades that you can make to your home, plantation shutters are especially unique in that they are one of the few improvements that actually increases the resale value of your home. Throughout the pandemic, the increased time at home has led many people to realize that it is time to downsize or upgrade their living spaces. If you want to add value to your house before you sell, then plantation shutters are the perfect solution. 

Wooden Plantation Shutters Are the Plantation Shutters Of Choice

There are many varieties of plantation shutters on the market today. You’ve likely heard of faux wood, composite, plastic, and other types of plantation shutters. However, each of these plantation shutter types are only designed to imitate the real, natural look of wooden plantation shutters. 

Natural wood is full of character and commonly used in home furnishings. That’s why Shenandoah Shutters only uses authentic, American wood when handcrafting plantation shutters. We believe that plantation shutters should be as gorgeous as they are functional. At Shenandoah Shutters, every plantation shutter is custom made for the windows of your home. You can choose stained or white shutters, or you can even request a custom color. 

Selecting the Wood for Your Plantation Shutters

For stained plantation shutters, we prefer to use basswood. It’s a strong, durable wood that remains lightweight. It is also uniform in color, a rarity among woods. Stained basswood plantation shutters continue to grow richer in color over time, an added bonus of this choice. Plus, basswood trees are fast-growing, making their wood a better option for the environment. 

For cream-colored plantation shutters, yellow poplar is our wood of choice. Like basswood, it’s durable and light, but its color isn’t uniform. Instead, you’ll find a variety of colors in yellow poplar wood, including yellow and white. The result is a vibrant, cream-colored plantation shutter. 

Of course, you’re welcome to request a custom wood for your plantation shutters. Mahogany, cherry, and oak are all equally stunning, popular selections. 

Building a Home Office During COVID-19

Plantation shutters are especially ideal for your home office. When you spend all day in one room of your home, you want and need controlled, natural light. Solid lighting is also essential for high-quality video chats and Zoom meetings. 

Are you wondering what else to include in your home office? A strong, sturdy desk and a comfortable, ergonomic chair are probably the first purchases that you’ll need to make. However, there are other additions that can make your office space more enjoyable. For instance, you might want to include a bookcase, art piece, or live plants. When taking video calls, you’ll also want a clean, respectable background for clients to see. If you have certain posters or graphics related to your work, then you might want to hang those behind you, as well. 

Choosing the Right Plantation Shutters for Your Home

Plantation shutters can be traditional or contemporary. For instance, at Shenandoah Shutters, we offer our original, patented Softedge design to conceal hinges for a more harmonious look to plantation shutters. Our Softedge option is popular for windows of all shapes and sizes, but tilt-ins and casements really benefit from the Softedge. You can also choose other solutions, like a shadowbox for your French door, or a slider for your sliding glass door. 

You can even customize your tilt rod (the rod that controls the movement of your plantation shutters), as well as your louver (the horizontal slats that open and close) size and shape. Shenandoah Shutters offers louvers that are 2.5”, 3.5”, and 4.5”. The difference is in how large of a space you’d like there to be between your louvers when opened. 

Plantation Shutters Are Easy to Clean

The pandemic has led us all to focus intensely on keeping our homes clean and tidy. We want to feel comfortable and safe in our homes. Unlike curtains, plantation shutters do not have to be washed regularly. They also do not collect as much dust as blinds or other window treatments. Wood has even been shown to have antibacterial and antimicrobial properties, which is why it’s a common choice for food cutting boards. 

Because of the fine, lacquer finish that is applied to the wooden plantation shutters from Shenandoah Shutters, you shouldn’t use cleaning solutions on your shutters. This could damage your shutters. Instead, you simply use a lightly damp (not wet) cloth to gently dust your plantation shutters when needed. Plantation shutters are easily cleaned, low-maintenance choices during the era of COVID-19. 

Contact Shenandoah Shutters Today

Shenandoah Shutters remains open for business during the COVID-19 pandemic. Contact Shenandoah Shutters today to speak with one of our consultants about adding plantation shutters to your home in Virginia, Maryland, or Washington, D.C. You can also call us at 1-800-733-1549.

20 Of Our Favorite Farmhouse Design Ideas

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For years, the farmhouse design trend has been a favorite choice of homeowners everywhere. This trend has continued into 2021, with an exciting number of farmhouse decor options for every style. Is the farmhouse look your design theme of choice? Check out our 20 favorite farmhouse design ideas below:

Gingham and Burlap Fabrics

Gingham and burlap are two fabrics that are essential for a farmhouse design. Black checkered patterns, or buffalo plaid, are also excellent choices for your home. Think valances, rugs, kitchen towels, and more! 

Shiplap Decor

Shiplap looks terrific on the walls of farmhouses, but you can also decorate with shiplap in a variety of unique ways. From headboards to fireplaces and even doors, shiplap is extremely versatile.

Rustic Choices

Natural wood, distressed picture frames, wagon wheels, and farmhouse ladders are all beautiful, rustic elements that will elevate your farmhouse design theme. Looking for a DIY project? Add flowers or succulents to a wagon wheel for that perfect farmhouse touch. 

Open Shelving

Open shelving is popular in a variety of home designs, but it’s an especially common trait of farmhouses. Rustic, open shelving allows for easy display of your farmhouse knick knacks, plants, and antiques. 

Fresh Paint

It’s amazing what a fresh coat of paint can do for your home. Wondering what colors are best for your farmhouse design scheme? Choose soft, neutral colors, like whites, grays, and beiges, along with light greens, silvers, and shades of blue. For a pop of color, add in a bright red, light pink, or even a sunshine yellow. You don’t have to worry about your color choices being dated, either — the 2021 colors of the year are gray and yellow! 

Antique Finds

Antiques make gorgeous decorations in a farmhouse theme. Beautiful wooden or metal signs, vintage farmhouse art, antique tables, worn books, and repurposed pieces are all ideal for this design plan. 

Exposed Ceiling Beams

If you’re trying to create the quintessential farmhouse look, then you’ll definitely want to either leave in place the exposed, wooden beams that are already in your home, or install some if you don’t have any. 

Farmhouse Sinks

Like exposed beams, farmhouse sinks immediately let visitors know the theme of your home. You can choose from a variety of options and even add to the look by incorporating a backsplash or selecting a unique material, like industrial iron. 

Shaker-Style Cabinets

The minimalist look of shaker-style cabinets makes for a chic and popular choice in farmhouse designs. While any color looks great on these cabinets, white is always an elegant option for farmhouse cabinetry. 

Kitchen Islands

Rustic kitchen islands are as charming as they are practical for your farmhouse design scheme. Not a fan of the kitchen island? Try a rolling cart! 

Live Plants

Live plants and succulents always make such a difference in the home. For your farmhouse design, get creative by placing country flowers in watering cans, mason jars, and even metal caddies and containers. Don’t forget to include a gorgeous farmhouse wreath for the front door! 

Wicker Storage

Wicker baskets look stunning alongside a farmhouse design theme. You might also incorporate wicker chairs into your home for a beautiful, nostalgic look. 

Reclaimed Wood

Reclaimed wood is a clear choice for farmhouses. Even something as simple as shelves made from reclaimed wood makes a design statement. 

Mismatched Furniture and Bedding

Mismatched pillows and bedding are the usual design tricks when creating a farmhouse design in the home, but you can also mismatch chairs and couches. 

Vintage Pieces

Vintage mirrors, wall clocks, chandeliers, and trinkets fit into a farmhouse design beautifully. This is a fun way to really let the personality of you and your family shine through your farmhouse design. It’s also a way to make use of that open shelving! 

Floral Quilts

Florals provide a pop of warmth and color to your farmhouse aesthetic. While there are many ways to incorporate florals into your farmhouse design, a floral quilt is a sophisticated choice. It’s also a wonderful way to mix up the patterns of your bedding. 

Creative Wall Art

Meaningful quotes, chalkboard pieces, distressed looks, wooden framing, and colorful farm animal pictures are all fun choices for a farmhouse theme. You could also craft an elegant gallery wall with your favorite farmhouse-themed photographs. 

Cozy Rocking Chairs

Rocking chairs are a given for a farmhouse theme. These are especially cheerful on the front or back porch. Add an old, wooden table and a table game, like Checkers, for an added element of country chic. 

Barn Doors

Barn doors are creative and unique options for inside of the home. If you’d prefer, you could even have a mini barn door, instead. 

Plantation Shutters

Plantation shutters are the perfect window treatment for farmhouse designs. Plantation shutters are timeless and sophisticated, while also being cozy and comforting. The light control that they provide is simply unparalleled. At Shenandoah Shutters, we craft only custom made, completely hardwood plantation shutters. These gorgeous wooden shutters will fit right in with your rustic farmhouse tables, vintage furniture, and exposed beams. Install a buffalo plaid valance or burlap curtains over the plantation shutters for a bold room design. 

Choose from vibrant whites, rich stains, custom colors, and specialty woods for your shutters. You can even install plantation shutters on sliding glass doors, French doors, sidelights, and arches. Shenandoah Shutters can provide unique installation options and contemporary looks, including installation that uses magnets, as well as our own, patented Softedge design. 

Contact Shenandoah Shutters for Your Plantation Shutters

Shenandoah Shutters is open and ready to serve you throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. We serve the residents of Maryland, Virginia, and Washington, D.C. In fact, we’re located in Richmond, Virginia, so you can feel good about buying from a local business. Each of our plantation shutters are handcrafted and finished with a gorgeous silken lacquer. We offer a 100-year limited, transferable warranty on the plantation shutters, and a 25-year warranty on the lacquer finish. 

Contact Shenandoah Shutters today to learn more about adding plantation shutters to your home.