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Pros and Cons of Plantation Shutters in 2024

John McCormick • Mar 25, 2020

Are they right for my home?

Decisions, decisions, decisions! 

Where do I start when trying to determine the right window treatment for my new home, remodeled home, updated bedroom, new bathroom etc. etc.?

This is a very common question probably anyone who has gone through a new home purchase or house/room remodel asks themselves. Well, there are lots of options to consider. 

Most decisions will come down to a combination of functionality and aesthetics. But what’s great is, there are product options that can address both the functionality you need and desire, as well as the "finished look" you so want to incorporate into the room/home. 

Well then, let’s take a look at a product that both delivers on functionality and beauty to see if we can help you decide on whether a plantation shutter installed in your home is a good choice. 

If you are looking for an in-home consultation for plantation shutters, contact Cape Atlantic Blinds!
beautiful plantation shutters
When thinking about your windows here are some key questions to ask:
  1. Do I need room darkening – i.e. for a bedroom perhaps
  2. Do I worry about my brand-new hard wood floors fading by the sunlight?
  3. Do I have small children where child safety is certainly most important?
  4. Do I want to compete with my neighbors…or do what I think will work for my taste? (hopefully the latter here!)
  5. Do I have a great view that I want to leave unobstructed as much as possible?
  6. Do I have a neighbor’s house 20 feet away from my dining room and wish I didn’t have to look at their gray vinyl siding all day?
  7. Do I have active kids and maybe a pet, or two, where dirty ‘paws’ is common so I worry about a treatment that I can clean?
  8. Do I just want a beautiful ‘statement’ treatment for when guest walk into my home?
There are certainly others, but this is a good starting point….so let’s start!  

Wow, timeless beauty is what first comes to mind when thinking about plantation shutters. In 17 years in this industry, I have never installed a plantation shutter where the customer regretted their decision. 

That’s a telling commentary! Shutters are just the classic clean look really for any room in the house. 

Architecturally, they will work in a traditional home décor as well as a modern home décor based on shutter options selected. I love them for bathrooms because they have the ability to keep the bottom portion of the shutter closed for privacy while keeping the upper portion open for plenty of light. 

Great for powder rooms where any guests whoever comes to your home will be using this room. They are incredibly durable and clean up really easy…after those guests leave! 

Since they are probably the most expensive option, they should be considered for those additional rooms where you actually ‘live’ in and where guests will see them when they visit such as family rooms and living rooms. If no budget restriction, then do the bedrooms as well!!
window shutters for privacy
Plantation shutters are great options for privacy control, room darkening, pure beauty, protecting hardwood, reducing summer heat in the home and child safety. 

May not be best if you want to maintain that wonderful unobstructed view! You can control how much view and/or privacy you prefer by simply tilting the louvers opened or closed to a degree that satisfies your need. Best part is, the top and bottom louvers can operate independently if you go with a divider rail or split tilt rod.  

Louver sizes are another decision to keep in mind for shutters. They come in 4 ½”, 3 ½”, 3”, 2 ½” and 1 7/8” sizes. The larger the slat, the more light and view you will have. 

So, if you are on the water and love the view or have a beautiful wooded back yard, then the largest louver size would be ideal. If you neighbor’s house is only 20 feet away, well then, maybe you want a smaller size such as a 2 ½” or 3”. The most common sizes here in 2020 are 3 ½ “ and 3”. 

Remember, larger louvers allow for greater view to the outside…and at night from outside to inside if louvers are open.
 
One of the most important considerations for shutters is how and where do they mount on your windows! Windows can be very different between different builders. 

If your window has trim and deep enough window jam, then an inside mount would be preferable. If the window has trim and a very shallow window jam, or virtually no depth, then a surface mount on top of the existing trim with the right shutter frame is the option here. 

If the window has a drywall finish, then definitely, a shutter with a 3”, 2” or 1” frame would really enhance the window. 

Different window treatment dealers as well as the big box stores have their preferred ways of mounting so we would encourage the customer to have perhaps two or three dealers come to your house to show you how they would mount the shutter in your windows. 

I have seen over the years numerous instances where the shutter was installed the ‘easiest’ way, but certainly not the ‘best’ way.
shutters
You owe it to yourself when making this investment to understand what you are buying so when the job is installed, you will not be surprised. Plantation shutters, more than any other type window treatment, can be mounted in different ways. But remember, there is usually only one best way and you want to know that before you purchase!

Finally, shutters have options to select from for your personal tastes. You can have them with the center tilt-rod or with a hidden tilt rod for a more modern look. 

Wood shutters come in a wider panel than composite and vinyl, because wood is lighter weight and more rigid. Hinge hardware also is an option. I personally like doing the white composite with black hardware for a little bit of contrast. 

Number of shutter panels per window is determined by you the customer as well. 


In closing, there are numerous key considerations when thinking about installing planation shutters in your home. 

The timeless beauty of plantation shutters coupled with their incredible functionality, make them today one of the most popular product categories here in the Mid-Atlantic states. 

Finally, make sure you contract with a professional company who truly understands all the nuances of shutters so you will get the best fit and best look you deserve.
beach house sunroom
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