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!
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