Plantation shutters are not only attractive; they are versatile additions
which can increase the value of your home, and for less than the cost
to purchase and install custom window coverings.
With so many options for type, color, and style, plantation shutters are
certainly a popular choice for many homeowners. Deciding whether they’re
right for your home will require a few considerations.
What Value Do Plantation Shutters Add to a Home?
If you’re looking to increase the value of your home, plantation
shutters can be a good choice. They not only give your home a classic
look and feel, but their clean lines provide uniformity and plenty of
curb appeal.
Energy Savings
Plantation shutters have another value-adding feature: energy efficiency. Because they are built to fit the unique measurements
of a window, these shutters prevent drafts from entering your home in
winter and keep cool air from escaping in summer. This reduces energy
bills, lowering the overall cost to own your home.
Low Maintenance
Shutters also add value to your home because of their low maintenance requirements.
The fact that they are easy to keep clean and will maintain their look
for several years means that a homeowner can spend more of their time
enjoying their home.
Increased Privacy
You want light as well as privacy. Plantation shutters allow you to have
the best of both worlds because they can be adjusted to allow light in
without sacrificing privacy. Plantation shutters for windows can be angled
in such a way that allows you to see out but which doesn’t allow
others to see in.
Long Lasting
Durability is yet another way that plantation shutters add value to your
home. Built to last, most products will include a warranty. Also, they
likely won’t need to be replaced for decades, allowing you to see
a return on your investment. When selling your home, plantation shutters
will mean the new owners don’t have to purchase expensive drapery
or frequently replace blinds.
A Safe Option for Children
Because they don’t require strings or cords to work, plantation shutters
can be a very attractive option for new or soon-to-be parents who are
looking for a home. Although they can be opened and closed easily by children,
there is no danger that they will become tangled in any cords and sustain
an injury.
Longer Life for Furniture
The ability to control the amount of light which enters a room can certainly
mean a more comfortable home. However, this feature also makes plantation
shutters a furniture and carpet saver. The less UV light that enters a
room, the slower that furniture and carpet colors will fade.
Plantation Shutters in Every Room
Plantation shutters can work well in many rooms of your home.
Kitchen
If it has been many years since you changed your kitchen window treatments
or you simply want a new look, plantation shutters can work very well
in your kitchen. Not only can you purchase indoor shutters to match your
kitchen cabinets, but installing them will add an instant update without
expensive renovations.
Bedroom
The light-limiting feature of plantation shutters makes them ideal for
the bedroom. They substantially reduce the amount of light which comes
into the room.
Bathroom
Plantation shutters make it easy to maintain privacy in the bathroom. Thanks
to the many waterproof varieties on the market today, these shutters can
put up with the high levels of humidity that bathrooms create.
Front Door
If your front
door has small windows at one or both sides, called sidelights, then plantation shutters can be the ideal window covering.
Planation shutters allow for maximum light penetration as well as the most
optimal view while still delivering privacy.
Available Options
Because window plantation shutters are available with a wide variety of
options, it is advisable to understand all the options prior to making
a purchase.
Design
There are many options for shutter design. For example, a two-panel shutter
can be hinged together and moved away from a window to set flat against
the wall. Or, you could have a single panel which can be moved to one
side. This can be a good option where a permanent wall fixture would not
allow you to swing both panels aside.
It’s important to note here that if you are
considering plantation shutters for your home, your windows don’t necessarily have to be square. Plantation shutters
can be custom-built to fit
any shape and even very small windows.
Framing
Plantation shutters are available in several framing styles. You can choose
shutters which open as a single panel over each window, or cafe shutters
which only reach up the window halfway. If you have a large set of windows,
there are options that will allow you to open the top and bottom louvers
independently.
Louver Size
The typical range of louver sizes is between 2½ and
5½ inches for plantation shutters. The smaller sizes can be used to provide
smaller rooms with more proportion while the larger louver size will provide
a more unobstructed view and more light when opened.
Tilt Style
Another option for plantation shutters is their tilt style. A traditional
tilt bar will appear in the middle of the shutter, requiring only a push
up or down to open and close the shutter. A rear or hidden tilt will be
barely visible, or not visible at all, and allow for a clearer view when
shutters are opened and are a great option for very small windows.
Ask Before You Buy
There are several questions to ask when considering the possibility of
having plantation shutters installed in your home.
Materials
Shutters are available in real wood, or synthetic materials.
If you need to cover a larger window, wood can be the better choice, as it allows for fewer panels per window
and a better outdoor view. Wood can also be painted in any color, as well
as be more easily manufactured for windows with unique dimensions.
Synthetic shutters can be ideal for rooms where a lot of moisture can be
produced, such as the kitchen and bathroom. Because they don’t react
to high humidity by warping, synthetic shutters can withstand the test
of time in these rooms.
When considering wood shutters, it’s important to ask about the type
of wood used to make them. This is because different types of wood have
different properties, in terms of durability and reaction to light and
temperature.
Color, Fading, and Yellowing
The paint color you choose for your interior shutters will depend on the
décor of the room in which your shutters will be installed. White
remains a popular choice due to the fact that fading isn’t as visible
as it might be with other colors. However, it’s important to remember
that all materials will eventually fade—even synthetic.
As far as yellowing is concerned, this is often due to the quality of materials
used to make the shutters. If the shutter material is of the right quality,
your shutters are unlikely to yellow no matter of what material they are made.
Professional Installation
Regardless of the type of plantation shutter you choose, professional installation
is recommended, especially if you have never installed shutters before.
Shutters are very different from blinds, and, as such, need an expert
to install.
Now that you know more about plantation shutters and their features and
benefits, you can make an informed decision about whether they’re
right for your home. To learn more about plantation shutters or to schedule
a free consultation, contact Bay Home & Window at (925) 846-3400 today.