What Are Plantation Shutters
03
Sep

Difference Between Plantation Shutters and Regular Shutters

Thank goodness for window coverings! Now you can have your rightful privacy at home and protect yourself from the sun’s heat and rays at the same time. There is a wide array of window covering options you can choose from, including blinds, curtains, and shutters. You might wonder what are plantation blinds, or what are shutters? Well, once you’ve decided to go for shutters, you might want to know what is the difference between plantation shutters and regular shutters before choosing one.

What are Traditional Shutters?

Regular shutters have a traditional style, the reason why they’re also called Colonial shutters. Used in homes since the pre-Revolutionary era, traditional shutters are known for their insulating property. Nowadays, they are commonly installed in country-designed homes.The downside of regular shutters is they’re less flexible than other window coverings. True to its shutters definition, they are either totally closed or fully open as there is no option to adjust the light or privacy.

What Are Plantation Shutters
What Are Plantation Shutters

What are Plantation Shutters?

More modern than regular shutters, plantation shutters originated in the Old South and were installed on the outside of plantation homes (hence, the name). Along with the type of roof that makes your home cooler, plantation shutters were used to cover the windows to protect the inside from the sun.What are plantation blinds? What are plantation shutters and how are they different from traditional ones?Today, plantation shutters are placed inside US homes, acting as interior window coverings. Unlike traditional shutters, plantation shutters are very flexible, allowing you to adjust the degree of opening or closing. Opened shutters provide a good view and plenty of light, and when totally closed, they block sun rays and heat and give full privacy if you don’t want others to see you setting up a home gym or steam cleaning your carpet.

Louvers

Both regular and plantation shutters have moveable louvers or slats. These allow adjustments to manage the amount of light that goes into your house. What is the difference between plantation shutters and regular shutters? Usually, the difference lies in the louvers.

Regular Shutters Louvers

The louvers of regular shutters are wedge-shaped and narrow with only 1¼ inches width. Depending on your window’s dimensions, these shutters can be set out in a wide array of panel configurations. You can choose between single or double tier panels. A double-tier arrangement features top and bottom panels that open individually, which allows you to regulate the amount of privacy and light you prefer.

Plantation Shutters Louvers

The louvers of plantation shutters are wider and range from 1 7/8 to 5 ½ inches, but the most popular ones are 2 ½, 3 or 3 ½ inches wide. Bigger windows usually use a wider-louver style of plantation shutter to allow for broader views and maximum light. Large windows best match with a big TV for display. You can choose between flat or elliptical louvers. The latter type is tougher than the flat-shaped louvers and can endure wear and tear better.

What Are Plantation Blinds
What Are Plantation Blinds

Options to Choose From

Material

Although synthetic plantation shutters are becoming popular, wood is the most common material used for making plantation shutters. They usually come in white, but manufacturers of wood plantation shutters offer a wide variety of colors.Meanwhile, regular shutters are always made of wood. Good thing they are available in bare wood and a wide array of paints or stains.

Size

Regular and plantation shutters come in standard sizes, but custom orders are available to make sure they fit precisely in your windows. Both types can be placed inside or outside the frame of the window, but it is best to use your traditional or plantation shutters as interior window treatments.What are shutters? Shutters make a great window covering, and the question of what is the difference between plantation shutters and regular shutters is often asked when deciding which type to use. There are differences in appearance and flexibility between the two shutters definition, but both have advantages. Just like how you can transform a room from good to great, installing plantation shutters can give your windows an aesthetic boost.