What are Plantation Shutters, and Why Are They So Popular?

What are Plantation Shutters, and Why Are They So Popular?

Plantation shutters have been around for a long time now. In ancient times, they were about the only window treatment option, used long before the plantations of the southern United States made them famous. Thanks to their modern design, they give a home or workspace a unique look and are also very functional.

Brief history of plantation shutters

Versions of plantation shutters have been in use since the ancient Greeks used them for climate and light control. However, it was not until the 17th-century reign of French King Louis XIV that their popularity exploded. The king had beautiful wooden shutters with movable louvres installed in each of his residences. Seeing this, others quickly copied the impressive design choice of Monarch Louis XIV’s homes. From there, plantation shutters spread in popularity throughout Europe and its colonies, including the American colonies.

Shutters became a staple in large plantation homes throughout the southern United States, the Caribbean and northern South America due to their practicality and aesthetics. These shutters provided ideal climate control in the face of extreme summer heat, and their usage in plantations gave them the name by which they are still known to this day.

Plantation shutters started as solid boards installed over the lowest part of a window. Evolving over time, plantation shutters are now often installed inside a home rather than outside to allow occupants to control the shade and privacy of the interior easily.

Perfect for interiors

Plantation shutters come in a wide variety of colours and sizes. Their impressive popularity comes from making it easy to control the light and ventilation through your windows. They are easy to clean and can last for the life of the home when properly cared for.

Plantation shutter features

Plantation shutters have a pleasing appearance and can be used with or without curtains. They provide climate and sound insulation superior to other window coverings.

When the blinds are left open, they not only allow light but also fresh air into your home, and when kept closed, they are a decorative panel.

The aristocratic beauty that plantation shutters can bring to your windows is unmatched, displaying a timeless elegance that never wavers with changing styles. Aesthetically, the classic elegance of shutters breathes exciting new life into everything from the most luxurious of homes to everyday rooms.

Interior shutters are from a variety of woods, including hardwoods and MDF. You can also opt for vinyl. Although vinyl does not look as good as wood, it is a less expensive alternative and relatively easy to install. Wooden plantation shutters can come in different types of wood. Almost any type of wood can be used because they are mounted inside and primarily a decorative frame. However, hardwoods are recommended due to their stability.

Modern Use of Plantation Shutters

Although the days of grand plantation homes have long passed, the popularity of plantation shutters has not waned. Today, indoor devices provide homeowners with a sophisticated and classic design aesthetic, providing significant privacy, and easily controllable light and ventilation, not to mention an increase in the home’s overall value and curb appeal.

The custom nature of these plantation shutters makes them perfect for theme matching within a home, and their durability is unmatched by any other form of window covering. Unsurprisingly, many UK families have sought out homes with plantation-style shutters or added them to their homes.

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