The Pros and Cons of Plantation Shutters
Improve curb appeal and gain extra control over light and privacy by installing interior shutters. These versatile window coverings have enjoyed increasing popularity in recent years. However, like most window treatment options, they have advantages and disadvantages. Let’s look at the pros and cons of plantation shutters so you can make an informed interior design decision.
Pros
Durability
Invest in durable, high-quality shutters that last for decades. Interior shutters eliminate the risk of tangled cords and snagged clothing. With minimal care, shutters demonstrate impressive durability, withstanding the test of time.
Interior shutters enjoy an impressive lifespan that often doubles those of other window-covering products, which makes them a superb, long-term investment.
Versatility
Interior shutters provide consumers with many design options. When you purchase shutters, you get to have fun:
- Customizing the size of the louvers
- Choosing the type of hinges
- Selecting the color
- Adjusting the tilt-rod
- Determining the number of shutter panels
- Deciding on the frame style
Shutters offer superb versatility and efficient coverage, making them suitable for large, custom windows. Some of the types of windows and doors that plantation shutters accommodate include:
- Rake windows
- Arched windows
- Circles
- Ovals
- Half-round windows
- Quarter-round windows
- Patio doors
- French doors
Appearance
Many people appreciate a shutter because it’s a window covering that stays in style indefinitely. They also deliver a customized appearance because most homeowners cannot purchase pre-made shutters that will fit their windows. Whether your home’s style is traditional or modern, shutters will enhance the aesthetic of your house.
Plantation shutters provide incredible curb appeal. However, they go beyond enhancing a home’s exterior beauty when viewed from the street by creating a captivating look from the interior of a home, as well. This quality sets shutters apart from some of the most popular window coverings sold today.
Light Control
Enjoy the ability to easily control the amount of sunlight that enters your room by adjusting the louvers on shutters. Moving the louvers on a shutter also allows you to control the direction of light. When you angle the louvers up, you direct the light upward, while angling them down guides the light downward.
Using fewer slats allows more light to enter your space. Many shutter configurations allow homeowners to open them completely, permitting abundant sunlight to enter their homes. On the other hand, closing shutters will create a nearly pitch-black environment, which is ideal for bedrooms or media rooms, where you might want complete darkness.
The size of the louvers also influences the view. Smaller slats work best for smaller windows, while large windows require larger slats for optimal performance.
Low Maintenance
If you prefer low-maintenance fixtures, interior shutters are the perfect choice. Maintaining and cleaning them is a breeze with the help of a duster. Effortlessly clean any spills or splashes on your shutters by wiping them away with a damp cloth.
Increased Home Value
A plantation shutter is the only window covering product that enhances your home’s curb appeal and boosts its resale value, making them a wise investment. Whether or not you plan to move soon, investing in shutters is worth considering because they are the only window covering that boosts house value.
Shutters provide enduring elegance and functionality, ensuring years of enjoyment due to their typical lifespan of 10 to 15 years or more. Their long lifespan makes the expense more reasonable.
Cons
High Cost
Although interior shutters may not always be the most expensive window coverings, their average cost far exceeds that of blinds for the same window size. Shutters act as custom-made furniture for your windows and should be viewed as an investment for your home.
Homeowners on a budget can consider installing plantation shutters solely on the front elevation and incorporate alternative window treatments like draperies, cellular shades, roman shades, or roller shades to enhance the interior design of the other rooms.
Long Production and Delivery Times
Shutters require a longer waiting period than other window treatments. While blinds and shades typically take around 2-3 weeks to arrive, shutters take up to 6-8 weeks for manufacturing, not including shipping and installation.
When constructing or relocating to a new home without window coverings, order shutters ahead of time. Make the purchase after contractors have measured the windows and finished the walls. If you need a temporary solution while waiting for your shutters, consider using disposable shades to cover your windows.
High Visibility
If you want to see the outside clearly and maximize the natural light in your home during the day, interior shutters may not represent the best choice. Similarly, if you only use window coverings for privacy at night, shutters may not make sense. Unlike shades that can almost vanish, the shutter panels always remain visible even when opened and resting on the sides of a window.
Challenging Tilt-in Installation
Mounting shutters on the window frame remains popular with many homeowners due to their sleek appearance. However, this approach may hinder the functionality of tilt-in windows. To ensure full functionality and aesthetic appeal, contractors must mount your shutters outside your window opening to allow you to open your tilt-in windows.
Furniture Placement May Hinder Shutter Function
Consider whether you wish to place furniture in front of your windows before your contractors begin the installation of your shutters. If you plan to place a large piece of furniture in front of your windows, interior shutters may not work because they require plenty of space to ensure all panels can open unobstructed.
Transform Your Home With Plantation Shutters | BBB
Enhance the beauty and functionality of your home with plantation shutters. Contact Bumble Bee Blinds at (888) 541-1030 for expert advice and professional installation services. With our premium interior shutters, you can turn your windows into captivating focal points.