Are Plantation Shutters Still Popular?
If you’re looking to spice up your home decor with new window coverings, you might be a little overwhelmed at all of the available options. You want something that’s attractive and long-lasting, without being too trendy — something that’s super hot right now might look really dated later.
A classic choice for homeowners is always plantation shutters. They’re a beautiful and traditional feature of many homes in warmer climates. If you decide to go with these kinds of shutters, here are a few tidbits to keep in mind as you make your selection:
- What are the pros and cons?
- What’s your budget?
- Which room(s) will you be upgrading with plantation shutters?
- What materials do you want to incorporate?
Purchasing new window treatments for your home isn’t a tiny investment. Keep reading for more considerations and ideas about the usefulness of plantation shutters and the reasons for their enduring popularity.
The Good and The Bad
There really isn’t any bad here — these kinds of shutters are functional, good-looking, and quite durable. The wide louvers add to their elegant look. Plantation shutters are great at adding an extra layer of insulation to your windows for both hot and cold weather and they will also add value to your home, for many different reasons.
They’re much sturdier than flimsy plastic Venetian blinds, and today’s homebuyers are looking for classic upgrades that last. Available in a wide range of finishes and materials, you’re sure to find the ones that perfectly match your personal style.
Cost Considerations
As always, it all depends on the budget. While plantation shutters can be more expensive than other options, they also last an extremely long time, making them a better investment in the long run. If you’re only adding these to one room, such as your main living area, then there’s no reason to cheat yourself out of what you really want.
Curtains are certainly affordable, but they are very susceptible to damage from pets, sun exposure, kids, & pretty much everything. Old school thin-bladed blinds, aka the “landlord special,” are definitely dated, and they get bent out of shape at the slightest encouragement. Do yourself a favor and spend a little bit of extra money on a quality natural light solution that will look amazing and impress your guests for decades.
Shutters Everywhere
If you’re already in love with this classic style, you might want to splurge on plantation shutters for every room in the house. They will definitely add a dramatic flair throughout your home and complement any decor style. While they first gained popularity as a clever way to keep homes cool in tropical locales without electricity, they are now a mark of exceptional taste.
If you have windows in your bathroom, adding shutters will let you luxuriate in natural light while still ensuring your safety and privacy. Just be sure they won’t warp from steam or moisture. Another idea, according to Apartment Therapy, is installing plantation shutters on only the lower parts of your windows. This will let in plenty of daylight, but give you control over light and heat.
What Kind Should You Get?
Plantation shutters were originally created from sturdy wood by master craftsmen. Wood blinds are a classic and classy choice and are sure to last the longest, but unfortunately, they are typically the most expensive. The DIY Network has some tea about all of the different materials used to build these appealing and highly functional shutters.
Keeping your budget in mind and thinking about which rooms could benefit from shutters, will help you select the option that most closely suits your needs. Don’t rule out products made from hybrid materials or high-quality vinyl. These types of plantation shutters are also long-lasting and some even utilize modern technology to look great for a lifetime. With such a vast variety of materials and colors available, you’ll be sure to effortlessly match your home decor with your fabulous new plantation shutters.
Conclusion
Plantation shutters are indeed still popular, mostly because they’re classic, elegant, and highly functional. They come in a variety of materials and will add to the appeal of any room in your home. While they can be a little more expensive than some of your other options, the long-term benefits are well worth it.