12 Trendy Farmhouse Decorating Ideas For Fall

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

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

Fall Letterboard

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

DIY Pumpkins

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

Decorative Fall Signs

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

Fall Pillows

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

Metal Art

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

Geometric Lights

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

Chalkboard Signs

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

Dried Wheat or Grain Decor

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

Outdoor Ladder Display

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

DIY Mason Jars

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

Burlap Decorations

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

Gingham or Buffalo Plaid Decor

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

Plantation Shutters Just In Time for Fall

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

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

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

Schedule Your Plantation Shutters Consultation Today

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

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

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

A darkened room is essential to quality sleep, but finding the right window treatment that completely blocks out sunlight can be tricky. Many people choose to use tints and films, but these options don’t always fully block out the light. They also aren’t usually as long-lasting as other selections. 

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

Window Treatment Choices for Less Light

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

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

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

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

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

Plantation Shutters: The Ideal Choice to Avoid Light Leakage

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

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

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

Light Control Means Better Energy Control, Too

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

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

Plantation Shutters from Shenandoah Shutters

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

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

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

Installing Plantation Shutters in Your Home

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

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

Can You Combine Plantation Shutters and Curtains

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

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

Choosing Curtains for Plantation Shutters

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

Which Rooms Should Have Curtains?

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

Hanging Curtains with Plantation Shutters

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

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

Deciding on the Type of Fabric for Your Curtains

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

Choosing Colors and Patterns for Your Curtains

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

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

Plantation Shutters from Shenandoah Shutters

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

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

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

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

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

Schedule Your Appointment Today

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

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

How To Choose Your Window Treatments

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

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

Types of Window Treatments

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

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

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

Function and Operation

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

Style

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

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

Architecture and Design

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

Lighting

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

Cost

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

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

Plantation Shutters For Your Living Room

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

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

The Living Room Perks of Plantation Shutters

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

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

Plantation Shutters for Living Room Windows

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

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

The Softedge Design: An Original Choice for All Windows

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

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

Your Plantation Shutter Design Options

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

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

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

Plantation Shutters Impress

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

Living Room Trends in 2020

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

Schedule an Appointment for Plantation Shutters Today

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

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

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

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

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

Sunbursts and Arches

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

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

Sidelights

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

Casement or Tilt-In Windows

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

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

Triangles, Ovals, and Oddly-Shaped Windows

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

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

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

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

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

The Benefits of Plantation Shutters for all Windows

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

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

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

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

Plantation Shutters Are Family-Friendly, Too

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

Making an Appointment for Your Plantation Shutters

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

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

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

Shenandoah Shutters Remains Open for Business

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

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

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

Plantation Shutters Can Lower Your Home’s Energy Bills

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

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

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

Plantation Shutters Make It More Likely That Your Home Will Sell

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

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

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

Plantation Shutters Increase the Resale Value of Your Home

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

Plantation Shutters Are Long-Lasting 

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

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

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

Plantation Shutters Are Versatile Enough for Any Room Design

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Schedule an Appointment with Shenandoah Shutters Today

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

6 Reasons Plantation Shutters Will Never Go Out of Style

Plantation shutters outfit the homes of everyone from your favorite movie character to the neighbors on your street. In fact, these shutters were designed centuries ago as a way to block out heat, control sunlight, and provide a layer of home privacy. If you’re thinking of installing plantation shutters in your own home, you may have asked yourself if plantation shutters are going out of style. After all, how much longer can a centuries-old window treatment stay popular? 

The answer, of course, is that plantation shutters really are just as timeless as they appear. Why has this charming window treatment stood the test of time? Take a look at these 6 reasons why plantation shutters will never go out of style:

Plantation Shutters Boost Curb Appeal 

When you’re planning to sell a home, curb appeal is one of the first, most important factors that you take into account before letting prospective buyers tour your house. Curb appeal is considered to be the first impression offered to people who are seeing your home from the street. To boost curb appeal, you might add a wreath to the front door or line the walkway with greenery. Since plantation shutters are an extremely sought after window treatment, these shutters give your home immediate curb appeal. 

There’s nothing like pulling up to a prospective house and seeing elegant plantation shutters through the windows. These window treatments are well-known for being stylish and attractive for homes. Plus, because plantation shutters usually stay with the home even after it’s sold, they actually increase a home’s resale value. 

Plantation shutters are an investment unmatched by any other window treatment. When you hold an open house to sell your home, you’ll also appreciate the soft lighting that the plantation shutters can create. Good lighting helps a room appear more spacious, raising the odds even further of a buyer purchasing your home. 

Plantation Shutters Are Customizable

You may have heard that plantation shutters have to look a certain way or be a certain color. That isn’t true! At Shenandoah Shutters, you can choose from a variety of design types and color selections. We offer rich stains, vibrant cream colors, and custom options. We also offer more traditional or more contemporary design selections. Plantation shutters are more like art or furniture pieces than window treatments. You can easily make a statement with your plantation shutters. 

You could choose a café shutter that only covers part of a window or experience our patented, Softedge technology that offers hidden hinges. Even your traditional, full-length plantation shutter has versatile options. Maybe you want a specific type of tilt rod or louvers of a certain type of size and shape. Or, maybe you want to pair your shutters with fabric draperies. The selections for plantation shutters have changed and grown over time. There are seemingly endless choices to make plantation shutters your own. 

Plantation shutters are uniquely customized to fit windows of any size or shape. At Shenandoah Shutters, you can even install plantation shutters on sliding glass doors, French doors, arches, and sunbursts. We have a special way of installing shutters on tilt-ins and casements for optimal functionality and design. These are customizations and options that you simply can’t get with other window treatments, like blinds or shades.

Plantation Shutters Are Convenient

Plantation shutters are not difficult to clean or maintain. You don’t need any cleaning agents, just a barely damp cloth to clean the shutters. Soft cloths, such as cotton or wool, are preferable as paper towels might scratch the finish. We don’t even use a tension system at Shenandoah Shutters, so you don’t have to worry about the inconvenience of adjusting the tension. 

Plantation shutters allow you to easily and effectively filter sunlight in and out of your home. You have an unmatched level of control over natural light without sacrificing privacy. Plantation shutters are one of the most convenient window treatments available for homes. 

Plantation Shutters Are Safer for Families

Families of young children often worry about the safety of window treatments that include dangling cords or fabrics. Even curtain rods can pose a safety hazard if not properly installed. There are no cords or other dangling materials on plantation shutters, making these shutters a safer option when childproofing your home. 

Plantation Shutters Are Durable

Plantation shutters come in many different materials, from faux wood and vinyl to real wood masterpieces.  Plantation shutters are prized for their durability, and wooden plantation shutters are especially strong. We only use wood at Shenandoah Shutters, because wood is both tough and aesthetically pleasing. Wooden plantation shutters are the most likely to blend with your existing moulding or furniture. 

Shenandoah Shutters builds all plantation shutters with fine basswood, yellow poplar, and requested specialty woods that are always American-grown. Some of our most popularly requested woods include the durable mahogany, cherry, and oak, all staples of the finest furniture pieces. 

Plantation Shutters Are Energy-Efficient

The energy-efficient nature of plantation shutters is especially relevant today. So many of us are looking for ways to make our homes more energy-efficient. Because of their design, plantation shutters naturally keep your home warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer. This could potentially reduce your heating and air bills. This is also another reason why plantation shutters increase the resale value of your home. 

Upgrade Your Window with Plantation Shutters Today

Shenandoah Shutters is local to Richmond, Virginia. We’ve been serving communities in Virginia, Maryland, and Washington, D.C for decades. Our talented woodworking employees handcraft and hand-sand custom, authentically wooden plantation shutters that are timeless and reasonably priced. We even offer a warranty on both the shutter and the silken, lacquer finish that seals each plantation shutter. 

In this age of COVID-19, we are still carefully scheduling appointments and providing services. Contact us today for more information on installing plantation shutters in your home, or to schedule an appointment. You can also explore our online photo gallery and read our testimonials.

Plantation Shutters for a Child’s Room

Deciding on a window treatment is one of many essential choices that parents face when putting together a nursery or children’s room. Like area rugs and, of course, the crib, window treatments serve a purpose for both the function and the design of the room. 

As a parent, you want a window covering that will keep out bright light during your child’s naps, but also let in ample sunlight during playtime. Most importantly, you want a window treatment that is safe for curious toddlers and young children. 

Plantation shutters provide all of these benefits and more. They are excellent window treatment choices for families. Here’s a closer look at the benefits of installing plantation shutters in your child’s room:

Plantation Shutters Are Safer Than Blinds or Curtains

With blinds, curtains, and other window treatments, safety can be a serious concern. Blinds with dangling cords can easily present a danger to a young child, while curtains can be pulled down. When using curtains in a child’s room, you have to very carefully install the hardware, so that the curtain rod doesn’t fall down onto a child if pulled. Particularly decorative curtains could pose a hazard as well, with a young baby able to reach for and eat beads or other decorations on the fabric. 

While you can buy cordless blinds or tie up the cord on other blinds, plantation shutters don’t come with these problems. They are simple, wooden pieces designed without cords or embellishments. If you’re partial to fabric materials, you can still use a valance along with your plantation shutters for added drama and style. Some people do  choose to install curtains with their plantation shutters for these decorative reasons. If you do, you should select a safe curtain design and be sure that your hardware is firmly installed to prevent the rod from collapsing. 

Plantation Shutters Are Easy to Clean and Maintain 

Soft window treatments, like curtains or drapes, experience a lot of wear and tear. This is especially true when children are in the home. Young kids might enjoy wrapping themselves in dangling curtains or wiping their hands on the material. If you have pets, too, then you might notice pet hair easily collecting on the fabric, as well. All of this results in added laundry time and expense. Blinds, meanwhile, are often bent out of place by children who are excited to look outside. 

Hardwood plantation shutters are built to last. These shutters are durable and easy to clean. You can polish your plantation shutters whenever needed using gentle, natural furniture polish and a microfiber cloth. If you’d like, you can use a vacuum attachment to remove dust. You can also access hard to reach places with just a toothbrush. 

At Shenandoah Shutters, we don’t even use a tension system for our plantation shutters for maximum convenience and continued louver tightness. 

Plantation Shutters Are Energy-Efficient

When you bring home a new baby, it’s important to keep the room cool and comfortable. Research has shown that infants sleep best in a room that isn’t too hot. Overheating is also a risk factor for the devastating sudden infant death syndrome. 

Plantation shutters, by their very design, keep rooms cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter. They are designed to be energy-efficient, helping to retain the desired temperature in the home. While all window treatments can help at least somewhat with temperature control, plantation shutters are so notoriously energy-efficient that they sometimes even reduce heating and air bills. This is one of many reasons why plantation shutters also add value to your home. 

Plantation Shutters Are Stylish Additions to Your Child’s Room

It’s much more convenient to install plantation shutters than to purchase roller shades or other treatments that need to be decorated in order to fit in with the decor of your nursery. You don’t have to sacrifice style for function with plantation shutters. 

Hardwood plantation shutters are naturally elegant window treatments that will elevate the look of your nursery. If you plan on living in your house for awhile, then you can rest assured that plantation shutters will look just as beautiful in your baby’s room now as they will when your baby grows to become a child and teenager. These are sophisticated treatments that grow with your child, always remaining timeless.

At Shenandoah Shutters, you can choose from a rich stain or beautiful cream color for your plantation shutters. If you’d prefer, you can even choose a custom color for the perfect nursery design fit. You can also select a custom wood, like mahogany, oak, or cherry, to pair your plantation shutters with your existing moulding or furniture pieces. 

Plantation Shutters Give You Unprecedented Light Control 

Plantation shutters give you unmatched variety. Using the tilt rod, you control the horizontal slats (known as louvers) to let in as much sunlight as you’d like. This lets you decide the ambiance of the room at any given time. 

From quiet, darkened nap times to bright, playful playtimes and everything in between, plantation shutters do it all. There’s nothing more magical than watching the falling snow or rain through the plantation shutters with your wide-eyed little one. 

Schedule Your Appointment for Plantation Shutters Today

Shenandoah Shutters will handcraft long-lasting, all wood plantation shutters for your child’s room. We’ve local to Richmond, and have been serving Virginia, Maryland, and D.C for decades. We offer traditional and contemporary design options for maximum flexibility in your plantation shutter choices. Check out our online photo gallery to see the various styles of plantation shutters that we offer, as well your options for valances and other childproof choices. 

At Shenandoah Shutters, we even offer a 100-year limited warranty on our shutters, as well as a 25-year warranty on the silken lacquer finish that is applied to each shutter. 

These are unique times. Currently, Shenandoah Shutters is still providing plantation shutter appointments and services. Call us today at 1-800-733-1549 to schedule your free consultation and to learn more about the changes that we’ve made in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. You can also contact us online.

10 Home Design Trends for Summer 2020

Home improvement and redecorating have taken center stage for many of us since the coronavirus outbreak began. After all, spending so much time at home is a great opportunity to reinvent your living space. This is especially true if you plan on buying a new house this summer. These warmer months are the most popular times for home buying, and some design trends are already beginning to look a little different now than they did before the pandemic. 

Whether you’re settling into a new home this year, or you’re just looking for new design ideas during your time indoors, here’s a look at some of the biggest home trends this summer:

Carriage Style Garage Doors

If you’ve been house hunting, you’ve likely noticed the growing trend of carriage style garage doors. These garage doors often consist of black, decorative handles and hinges on white garage doors made to look like a carriage house. This look suits a variety of homes and garages. You can find kits to put together a carriage style garage door at your local hardware store or even online. 

Plenty of Greenery

Faux plants may be easier to maintain, but today’s home designers are finding that live greenery is worth the extra effort. Live, indoor plants are vibrant and capable of completely elevating the look and feel of a room. Outdoor gardens, too, offer an added  pop of color and have become more popular since the pandemic started. Many people have even started growing their own food since their time in quarantine. 

Patterned Wallpaper

They say that everything old becomes new again and that’s certainly true for wallpaper in 2020. Once a relic of the 70s and 80s, wallpaper is fashionable and stylish yet again. Of course, today’s styles are much more artistic, dramatic, and bold than the wallpaper of previous decades. What are the favorites of today’s homeowners? Geometric patterns, splashy tropical themes, animal prints, boho textures, and vintage florals.

Home Offices

Before the coronavirus outbreak, working from home was already growing in popularity. This made a home office or workspace a strong 2020 trend. Now, with so many people still working remotely, a home office has become essential for many homeowners. With the details of schooling in the fall still uncertain, having a quiet place for your child to study or potentially attend virtual classes is also a newly valuable addition to the home. 

Don’t have the space for a full home office? Simply setting up a corner with a desk, comfortable chair, and writing supplies can make a huge difference in your ability to concentrate during your workday. Don’t forget to set your workspace against a neutral backdrop to keep your Zoom calls looking professional. 

Classical Decor

This year, homeowners have been choosing decorations that bring to mind the architecture and style of ancient Greece and Rome. Art pieces, vases, and even busts with mythology connections can be spotted all across Instagram and in home decor stores. 

Nature-inspired pieces and natural materials, too, have gained in popularity. Think woven baskets and rattan mirrors alongside Greek geometric art prints. 

Earthy Color Tones

Tying into the trend of classic home decor, earthy tones have been a top color choice in 2020. In particular, homeowners have been enjoying rich, warm earth tones like cinnamon, sage, blue-gray, and even light, floral pinks. 

More Pantry Space

A desire for more pantry space has been one of the most obvious design trends to come out of the pandemic. Greater shelving opportunities, deeper pantry space, and even extra refrigeration options are certain trends this summer. 

Unique Lighting

Globe lights were popular last year, but they’ve remained a trend in 2020. In fact, you may have even spotted these hanging lights in some of the homes of celebrities and public figures who appeared on television during quarantine. This is another nod to the classic design trend that is popular this year. These are beautiful statement pieces for the kitchen, living room, and even your home office. 

Another trend that just doesn’t seem to end? String lights. You can hang a string of lights in your home or outside near your garden for a warm, comforting ambiance that has serious design staying power. 

Well-Kept Outdoor Spaces

When parks and other outdoor spaces were shut down, backyards became an immediate oasis for homeowners. This is especially true for families with kids. Already, inflatable swimming pools have sold out multiple times this summer. Since quarantine, a high-quality backyard space with plenty of activities for the kids stuck at home has become a definite must-have. 

Hardwood Plantation Shutters

Plantation shutters have always been a timeless trend, but this year’s focus on natural design and ambiance has made plantation shutters even more popular in 2020. High-quality, hardwood plantation shutters add character and sophistication to the home. These shutters allow you to control the sunlight that filters in and out of your house. Since you use a tilt rod to let in just the right amount of light, plantation shutters are an especially good choice for the home office trend. They are also a solid choice for bedrooms, without the worry of blackout curtains or other tools for maintaining proper sunlight. Best of all? Plantation shutters are one of the few upgrades a homeowner can make that actually increases the resale value of the home. 

Schedule an Appointment with Shenandoah Shutters

Shenandoah Shutters has been handcrafting entirely wooden plantation shutters for decades. We can help you elevate the look and feel of your home with our traditional and contemporary design choices. Choose from our stains and colors for an interior plantation shutter that is exquisite to see and touch. We handfinish each plantation shutter with a silken lacquer that will remind you more of your wooden furniture than a window treatment. 

If you’re in Maryland, Virginia, or D.C, contact Shenandoah Shutters about investing in plantation shutters today. We’re providing safe, careful installations during the COVID-19 pandemic. Call us to learn more about our shutters. You can also explore our online photo gallery for a closer look at our work.