Plantation Shutter

Plantation shutters are a charming, permanent alternative to miniature blinds on windows and glass doors. Once they are installed, controlling the amount of light filtering into a room is simple. As they are constructed using more substantial materials than most blinds and drapes, they are excellent at blocking sun and keeping rooms dark and cool. Decorators love them because they look expensive, but the availability of new man-made materials makes them affordable for many budgets.

Plantation shutter gets its name from large early American homes that used them on windows to assist with air circulation prior to the invention of air conditioning. When closed, they resemble traditional outdoor shutters used to protect windows from storm wind, but are instead installed in the interior. They are constructed of slats, typically cut from wood or vinyl, which overlap each other like shingles when closed. A rod linked to all the slats can be moved up or down to adjust the angle of the all the slats simultaneously to control light. Unlike Venetian-style blinds, the slats can not be moved out of their axes to be pulled up higher on the window: the base of the shutters is mounted.

Home improvement stores and Internet window covering vendors can receive measurements from customers and help them determine what size panels they need to purchase and how many. The store can arrange for installation or a consumer can attempt to hang them him or herself.

The home decorator should measure the inside of every window for width and height. Also, they must determine if the fixture will be installed inside mount (meaning into the window jamb) or outside mount (where brackets are placed on the wall outside the frame). A window has to be deep enough to ensure clearance for the shutter movement if they are to be inside mount; otherwise they must be installed outside. The manufacturers should have spec sheets available about how much depth their products require, so consumers must research that before deciding on a style.

Because modern windows come in standard sizes, pre-made sets are available and ready to ship immediately after ordering. On older homes with non-standard window sizes decorators may need to custom-order the kits as they will need to be specially cut.

A frame that spans the top, bottom, and sides of the window is installed first. Next, the strips are layered into the frame. Depending on the size of the window, the strips may already be bundled and ready to snap into place in one piece. Magnets are put in place last which will keep the slats in a closed position.

Interior plantation shutters are a worthy investment for homes because they are not only decorative items, but become architectural details as well. No matter how many times a room is painted or re-themed, they will always look intentional and stylish.