The original reason for shutters was of course to provide protection for the home from the elements before the use of glass to keep the weather out. However, the benefits of plantation shutters have increased as our homes have changed in style. In essence there are three primary reasons most people want a window covering; light and ventilation control, and privacy. Plantation shutters provide an excellent solution to all three of these, but also come with a range of other benefits that many people will not have considered. Once you consider them you will understand why plantation shutters have seen an increase in popularity in the last two decades.
Using Plantations Shutters for Light Control
The adjustable louvre blades make controlling light within your home easy with plantation shutters. The blades can be angled up or down to allow light to enter, but also allow you to focus light away from furniture or decorations to help prevent damage from sunlight. When closed plantation shutters will block out as much light as a standard pair of curtains. If you need to sleep during the day, have a south facing room or just prefer total darkness to sleep, then a blackout shutter will shut out maximum light and can be ideal in a bedroom or child’s nursery.
White shutters are a popular choice for creating the feeling of light within a room, as they will reflect light well, but also ensure your window space is not cluttered by dark features which can make the room feel smaller.
Shutters provide air circulation and ventilation
Open louvre blades on plantation shutters allow air to circulate easily within your home, providing good ventilation. The added bonus with shutters is that there is no material to billow out into your room and knock ornaments or decorations over, and as the plantation shutters can be left shut even when the louvers are open your privacy can be maintained.
You can always add a lock to the plantation shutters if they are being used in a child’s room so that a window can be left open, but ensure your child remains safe as they are unable to access the open window.
Privacy and security with plantation shutters
Angling the louvre blades to allow light to enter but keeping prying eyes out can provide both privacy and security for your home. When away from home plantation shutters can be left angled this way so that any lights or radios left on timed can be seen and heard, creating the impression that there is someone home. As an added deterrent you could fit a catch or lock to the inside of shutters to prevent them easily being opened.
Where you have a view you don’t want to completely cover but want to prevent those outside from seeing into your home you can always install a half-height or café-style shutter, which will only cover the lower half of your window. This allows excellent light levels, an uninterrupted view from the top half of the window, but maintains privacy.
Shutters are durable
Shutters are hardwearing and durable, and as they are often only opened when the windows need cleaning there are fewer issues of wear and tear.
Louvre blades can be easily replaced, and can also be adjusted from a small screw to tighten or loosen the louver operation to suit your personal preference, and reduce damage occurring through use.
Plantation shutters can reduce decorating costs
White shutters are a popular choice as they match windows, and prevent the need to replace window coverings every time you decorate. As your plantation shutters will match many styles of décor, and in white will go with any colour, this will mean that you don’t need to keep replacing them to match your new decorations.
Shutters can be re-sprayed if you choose, in order to match a particular colour, or just to refurbish them if they need refreshing.
Creating space with Shutters
As shutters fit in the window recess, there is no protrusion into your room, unlike curtains which are often fitted on the outside of the window recess. This creates a feeling of space within your room, and can be particularly noticeable where curtains have been fitted across the opening of a bay window.
Shutters are easy to care for and dust reducing
Plantation shutters can be easily maintained, with no need for professional cleaning. Each shutter can be dusted, and wiped clean with a damp cloth when necessary, to maintain their appearance. Dust can be removed to prevent it building up or being harboured in materials, helping those who have allergies such as asthma and need dust levels minimised.
Shutters help reducing noise levels
Plantation shutters can help to lower outside noise levels, as they provide a barrier between your windows and your room. Solid shutters will do this most effectively, but plantation shutters can be an excellent solution if you live on a busy road or have high noise levels near your home.
Insulation assisted by plantation or solid shutters
As plantation shutters can form a solid barrier between the window and room they can help to insulate your property and prevent heat loss when louvers are closed. The louvers closure is designed to help reduce heat leaking out of your home.
Remote control shutters
It’s now possible to have remote control plantation shutters, making it easy to control light entering from any windows that are difficult to reach such as on stairs or over doors. These are also ideal for someone who is bed-bound but likes to control the light entering their room, or great if you want to control your shutters from the comfort of the sofa! Ideal for those who like their gadgets, or want a quick easy way of opening the shutters in the morning – its all done with the press of a button saving time and effort.
Keeping out furry friends with Shutters
Plantation shutters are also a great way of allowing air to circulate in your room but ensure that pets are unable to get out of patio doors, or for those who are not thrilled when the neighbour’s cat waltzes in it’s a great way of keeping out unwanted animals!
Stylish and timeless shutters
While plantation shutters can be an investment for your home, they can also add value. Matching shutters in each window creates a consistent look for your home, and as interior window shutters are custom-made, they can be an attractive proposition for a potential buyer.
Plantation shutters are a timeless and elegant feature that will go with a range of decorations, which is one of the reasons they have become such a popular choice. Their ability to suit all styles means that they can look as wonderful in a modern home as they do in more traditional cottages or period homes. The benefits that interior window shutters offer have been enjoyed in Europe and America for many years, and it’s surprising that it has taken us so long to finally discover this in the UK.