Plantation Shutters: My Kind of Window Treatment

When I moved into my new home, I decided that this time around I’ll go with plantation shutters as a window treatment choice. The main reason for this was the timeless, sleek design they offer, along with some basic info I had regarding their functionality. Upon further research, I was happy to discover that they come in two types of material: basswood and PVC.

This was perfect for me since basswood is a great choice for the living room and the bedroom where it’s important for me to maintain a classic, warm, vintage feel. PVC, on the other hand, is great for wet areas, such as the kitchen, bathroom and laundry since it’s a material that’s more resistant to humidity. It was a similar challenge to the one I had when choosing an adequate flooring for those areas.

Are Plantation Shutters Worth It?

There are several main things that make this type of window treatment a smart decision.

Durability

Plantation shutters can stand the test of time. They are hardwearing and resistant even in warmer and humid areas, and if you get a design that’s reinforced with materials in the example of aluminium for the blades and stiles, you can count on them for years to come. Also, they’re resistant to fading and warping so you won’t have to worry about them losing their appeal to soon.

Style

Plantation shutters come in different colours and panel layouts, and the fact they don’t take up too much space means you could pair them up with other window coverings. I, for instance, decided to pair them with sheer curtains (in the living room).

Privacy and Light Control

My husband is a minimalist who likes the idea of bare windows, whereas I prefer to have my privacy. That being said, both the PVC and basswood shutters turned out to be the perfect the middle ground for us, thanks to the split tilt rod that allows for greater control over the privacy and light by letting you close the lower portion of the blades while keeping the top section open. An additional perk is that you can count on protecting your beloved flooring and furniture from fading.

Temperature Control

Anyone who’s considering ways in which they can cut down their carbon footprint and lower their energy bills would find PVC and basswood shutters a handy solution since they help control drafts in winter and harsh UV rays in summer while still allowing the air to circulate, making it possible to reduce heating and cooling costs.

Sound Control

If you live in a noisy area and neighbours or traffic keeps you awake at night, you can certainly better this aspect of your life with the help of this window treatment. When closed entirely, plantation shutters provide a layer of sound insulation, buffering outdoor noise.

How Long Do Plantation Shutters Last?

Well, it may sound like an exaggeration, but it is actually safe to say you can expect them to last for more than a decade or two, even if you maintain them poorly.

When it comes to maintenance, in this day and age, when we’re all busier than ever, I can’t really think anyone would be excited to add another cleaning and maintenance chore on their to-do list. Luckily, shutters aren’t that difficult to take care of. All it takes is brushing them off regularly to remove dust and prevent build-up, either with a duster or a soft cloth. You just need to go through all of the blades individually, tilting them all the way in both directions.

In case of dirt build-up, it’s advisable to use a damp cloth with mild liquid soap. Avoid any cleaning product that’s got abrasives as they can affect the finish. Finally, shutters make for the ideal covering for the homes of allergy sufferers too, unlike curtains, for instance, that make it a bit difficult to maintain a dust-free environment.