8 Things To Think About When Considering Plantation Shutters

Plantation shutters can transform any home into a warm and inviting retreat. They add style and elegance to any home. They protect your home from moisture, UV rays, and other damaging elements. They help to reduce energy consumption all year long. They also serve as one of the most beautiful decorative features you can put on your windows.

However, buying interior shutters can be challenging. There are a lot of options to choose from. Each choice comes with its own set of pros and cons. It can be confusing. We want to make it as easy as possible.

So, how do you make the right choice?

We put together a list of eight things to consider.

1 - What room are you furnishing?

When it comes to choosing window treatments for your home, the first thing to consider is where they will be installed. Placement and aesthetic choice are among the most important things to consider.

Your choice should fit your space and the room they’ll be installed in.

• Is your goal to create a traditional look or a cleaner, more modern look?

• Are you looking for increased privacy or the ability to control the amount of natural light you’re letting in?

• Does the room have a lot of moisture and humidity, such as a bathroom or kitchen?

• How are your windows currently framed? Do they tilt in for cleaning?

• To ensure both the perfect look and fit for your room and your home, a professional consultation is most often the best way to get started.

2 - Which material is best for you?

Choosing the right material is the first step towards deciding which type of shutter is right for you. Do you want solid wood, full polymer or a combination of the two? Visually, most people can't tell the difference between any of the three options. So which is best for your home?

Solid Wood

High quality solid wood is a great choice for living rooms, bedrooms or anywhere you want the superiority of genuine solid wood.

• Solid wood shutters offer superior materials and craftsmanship. They can be customized in any color of paint or stain.

• Like any high quality solid wood item, they can absorb moisture so it's usually best to avoid using them in high moisture areas like bathrooms and kitchens.

Hybrid

The combination of poly (louvers) and solid wood (frames) has become very popular for many homeowners, giving the best of both materials.

• This is the most cost effective choice.

• We recommended them to those wanting a durable product at a budget friendly price.

• They also have a quicker turn-around time than our solid wood shutters.

• They are our most popular product.

• They are high quality, energy efficient, durable and low maintenance.

Full Polymer

Full polymer is a popular choice. It many cases, it is recommended for homeowners who want the look and feel of wood, but want a more cost effective, eco-friendly alternative.

• Our Premium Poly Plantation Shutters will not absorb water so they're perfect for areas with a lot of moisture and humidity like bathrooms, kitchens or garages.

• They're super easy to clean so they're a great solution for living spaces, too.

• Full poly shutters have a quicker turn-around time than solid wood.

3 - What style do you prefer?

Plantation shutters are generally designed in one of three ways. Each style offers something different. They are:

• Café (half-height)

• Full Height

• Tier on Tier (double-hung)

• Café Shutters

  • Café shutters only cover the lower half of the window. The top of the window left is open or covered with another decorative window treatment; usually a cafe curtain. This style is recommended for anyone who:

    • wants a classic look

    • a bit more sunlight coming through

    • complete privacy is not critical.

      
      

• Tier on Tier Shutters

  • Tier on tier shutters, (also called double hung) provide complete coverage similar to the full height design.

  • Two sets of shutters cover each window. One set covers the lower half while a separate set covers the top half.

  • This option gives the homeowner the unique ability to completely open the top half of the window while leaving the bottom half fully closed.

  • This is the most expensive option but it provides the greatest flexibility.

    
    

• Full-Height Shutters

  • Full-height shutters cover the entire window.

  • They are great for windows of all sizes and are perfect for doors.

  • If there is a desire to keep the bottom half closed and the top open, a center rail or a split tilt feature can be added.

4 - Divider Rail or No Divider Rail

A Divider Rail is a fixed horizontal rail in between the top and bottom of the shutter that allows the top and bottom louvers to be controlled separately. Usually, the divider rail aligns with the center of the window.

For the person who wants to be able to control the upper & lower louvers separately while maintaining a cleaner, more modern look without a divider rail, we also offer an option called Split Tilt. As you can see below, the function is the same but the look is cleaner.

5 - Louver size - which is best for you?

Louvers are the slats that allow you to control the amount of light that enters your room and the amount of privacy you have.

Carolina Custom Shutters offers three louver sizes:

• 2 1/2 louver - approximately 2″ of "open view"

• 3 1/2 louver - approximately 3″ of "open view"

• 4 1/2 louver - approximately 4″ of "open view"

  
  

6 - Inside or Outside Mount?

When you buy shutters, you get to choose whether you want them mounted inside or outside your window frame.

Inside Mount

In todays homes, custom trim moldings are more & more common. Mounting the shutters inside the trim (Inside Mount) means you can still see the trim after the shutters are installed. If maintaining the appearance of your window trim is important, an inside mount is the best choice.

Sometimes, mounting inside causes other compromises that must be taken into consideration. For instance, doing so can affect the ability to tilt windows in for cleaning. In situations like this, outside mount should be considered so the best overall choice can be made.

Outside Mount

Outside mount is recommended if:

• your windows have shallow casements (outside mount can be necessary to allow enough room for the shutters to open).

• If the windows are out of square an outside mount shutter can provide a better appearance.

• If you have tilt-in windows, it may be necessary to use an outside mount to preserve the tilt-in function.

Z-Frame

Z-frames are used when windows don't have traditional wood moldings around them. They create the look of window trim moldings while helping to minimize any gaps between the window and the shutter if the window is out of square. Z-Frames are available in a variety of sizes and styles so the look created is consistent with the rest of your home decor.

7 - Tilt Rod or Clearview?

A Tilt Rod, is a visible vertical rod in the center of each panel. It allows for convenient control of the louvers. This allows for all louvers to be adjusted together instead of having to adjust each one individually. Tilt rods are generally considered to be a more traditional look.

Clearview allows for convenient control of the louvers without the necessity of a visible tilt rod. It still works the same way as a tilt rod... moving all louvers at the same time. You just can't see it. This creates a cleaner, more modern look and less a obstructed view that is consistent with Coastal Modern and Modern Farmhouse design styles that are most popular in today's interior design.

8 - Installation

Plantation shutters can significantly enhance your home's energy efficiency, lower your electricity costs, boost your property's value, and add elegance and character to your space. They provide privacy and style, all while helping you save money and decrease your carbon footprint.

For the best results, it's crucial to select a company with many years of experience in shutter design, manufacturing and installation. A company with a proven track record and an understanding of all key installation factors is indispensable.

Carolina Custom Shutters provides free in-home consultations to ensure all your questions are clearly understood and addressed from the beginning. We don't just sell shutters. We become partners in bringing your vision to life. This allows for a confident purchase and a simple, stress-free process from the first meeting to the exciting day when your shutters are installed.