When exploring new window dressings for your home, it’s important to consider plantation shutters. Not only do they provide a sleek and luxurious feel to any room, but they are designed with comfort and convenience in mind. Complementing traditional and modern homes, plantation shutters have become one of the most popular window coverings on the market.

Whether you’re looking to understand their benefits or the best materials and styles for your home, here is everything you need to know.

What are plantation shutters?

Plantation shutters are a form of wooden window treatments with slats, also known as louvres. The louvres can be tilted to control light and airflow, and can be opened or closed like doors to provide privacy within any room.

What are the benefits of plantation shutters?

Plantation shutters are an elegant and attractive addition to any home. As they are permanently fixed to the wall next to your window frame, they provide a sense of sophistication and class to your space.

Here are just a few ways you can benefit from them.

Optimum light control

Plantation shutters offer maximum light control as they can be opened and closed depending on your needs. This makes them popular in living rooms and bedrooms.

Plantation shutters can help provide a peaceful night’s sleep as they block out the early morning light during the summer. For maximum benefits, consider our Shutter and Shade range, which combines plantation shutters with room-darkening honeycomb blinds.

Enhanced temperature control

Whether you’re looking to control light or airflow, plantation shutters can help keep your home at an optimum temperature throughout the year. As they are made from thick materials, they are also known for their insulation capabilities during the winter months. In fact, the British Blind and Shutter Association states they reduce heat loss by up to 28%.

With all of this considered, plantation shutters are highly energy efficient as they prevent the need for internal heating and cooling methods, reducing costs in the long run.

Easy maintenance and cleaning

Plantation shutters are easy to maintain as they are made from durable materials. They are less likely to trap dust and allergens than other dressings, like curtains and blinds, making cleaning incredibly quick and effortless. In addition, as they are made of durable materials, they can be longer lasting than other solutions, making them a great home investment.

Improve privacy and security

The louvres enhance privacy and security by allowing you to adjust them horizontally, giving you control over your view. This lets you enjoy your space freely, knowing that you and your living spaces are not fully visible from the outside.

Lower noise pollution

Due to the nature of the materials, plantation shutters are highly effective in reducing outside noise, such as sirens, cars, and alarms, from entering your home. This is particularly desirable in your bedroom or home office, where peace and tranquility are a top priority. 

Increased house value

Plantation shutters can add value to your property as they are highly desirable, custom-fit window fittings that balance attractiveness and functionality. They are seen as a long-term investment and their effective insulation capabilities are one of the main reasons why they add value, putting them ahead of other window dressings.

What styles of plantation shutters are available?

As with traditional shutters, plantation shutters come in a variety of styles for your home. When choosing the right ones for your windows, you need to balance your own style preferences with whichever will provide the most functionality and versatility.

Full height

Full height shutters are often one of the most popular styles as they cover the entire span of the window, providing maximum light and temperature control, and privacy. They are most commonly found in living rooms, bedrooms, and bathrooms, and are an especially wise choice for larger windows.

Tier-on-tier

Like their full height counterparts, tier-on-tier shutters cover the entire window and they provide many of the same benefits. However, the top and bottom parts work independently from one another, giving them another level of practicality and versatility for your home.

Café style

For people wanting shutters that offer light and privacy control without compromising on the view and natural sunlight, café style shutters can be a great option. These shutters can be installed at the bottom of your window, leaving the top half exposed. This means that you can enjoy the benefits without closing off your entire window.

Bay windows

Bay windows allow natural light to flow into the room, however, they can be more difficult to find appropriate window solutions for. Bay window shutters can fit the shape of the window to provide optimum privacy and light control.

What are plantation shutters made of?

When choosing shutters it’s also important to consider the material, as each option can bring a unique character to your home.

Wood

This is often considered the most desirable material for plantation shutters as they are high-quality, as well as stylish and attractive. They can be painted to match the look of your home, or you can choose a stained finish for a natural wooden look. However, one of the drawbacks is that they can be prone to dampness in rooms such as kitchens and bathrooms.

High-quality ABS

Unlike wooden shutters, ABS can deal well against moisture, so it is less inclined to warp in high-humidity environments. As a result, they are durable and long-lasting. One of the main benefits of choosing these shutters is that you can match the look throughout your entire home – even your bathroom, since ABS shutters look the same as wooden or wood composite shutters.

Composite

Engineered Wood Composite (EWC) combines the timeless appeal of traditional wooden shutters with enhanced durability and a long-lasting finish. Our Antigua shutter range, crafted from EWC, is designed to stand up the test of time in busy homes, making it ideal for families with kids and pets. These shutters are not only durable and resilient, but also sustainable, offering a stylish and eco-friendly choice that brings elegance and practicality to any room.

Is it better to get experts to install plantation shutters?

Installing plantation shutters can be complex and challenging without the right knowledge and experience. A professional installation ensures your shutters are precisely fitted, achieving a sleek and flawless finish that enhances your space. We understand that it can be tricky to know what will work for your windows so we’re here to help you from the decision-making process to the final installation.

We provide a variety of styles and materials for your plantation shutter needs. Our bespoke, made-to-measure, and customisable shutters are a stylish and functional addition to your home that is guaranteed to stand the test of time. Regardless of the shape or size of your window, we can most likely source the perfect shutters for your home.

Discover our range of plantation shutters, or get in touch with our team.