Setting up a new house can be a daunting task. While planning decor and design, one aspect many often get stuck on is the windows. Windows accentuate the home and let in much-needed sunlight. However, not everyone prefers long glass windows and doors. Luckily, plantation shutters are the perfect way to add a little oomph to your windows, and they’re efficient too!
With multiple options in the market, it can be hard making a decision. Worry not because this guide explains what to look for and which styles work best while picking shutters.
Location
The first decision to make before purchasing shutters is deciding where to fit them. Aesthetically speaking, a matching set of door and window shutters give a room a complete look. However, this purchase can add up to be a lot. While working on a budget, the perfect place for such shutters is the front room. They contribute to curb appeal and make a home look complete from the outside.
They are also perfect for bathroom settings as they provide privacy while letting in the sunlight. Unlike cloth solutions, they are easy to clean and maintain.
Material
Shutters are available in a range of different woods. These timber shutters come with different finishes, and each fits a different aesthetic or theme.
Common materials include basswood, composite woods, MDF and plastics like polyvinyl.
Look
While choosing a material, focus on the dominant theme of the room. For example, dark wooden shutters are perfect for a relatively warm-toned colour scheme. Alternatively, white shutters that are typically polyvinyl would suit lighter-toned rooms.
Budget
Price points are crucial to consider while settling on a material. Solid woods are significantly more expensive than composite woods. However, they do add depth to any room. Polyvinyls are also more affordable in comparison.
Function
Some materials like polyvinyl are moisture- and warp-resistant, making them perfect for bathroom settings.
Solid wood thrives when exposed to dry air and sunlight and are better on outdoor facing walls.
Finish
Matte and glossy finishes work for any theme, and one usually decides on preference. However, other finishes serve more functional purposes.
For example, a wood protection coating keeps shutters safe from termite infestations, saving one from unnecessary expenditure.
Lacquer finishes and waterproof coatings keep shutters protected from the rain and in bathroom settings.
While choosing which finishes will keep your plantation shutters protected, remember to consider the location of the shutters and the typical weather of the region.
Style
When choosing plantation shutters, there is a range of styles available.
Full-Height Shutters
These window shutters cover the entire window and work as a single unit. They have a mid-rail that allows one to operate the slats above and below the divider independently. They are perfect options for front-door side panels or backyard entrances.
Cafe-Style Shutters
These shutters cover the lower halves of the window. By using them, one can save money and maximise lighting while maintaining privacy.
They are perfect for rooming areas that are compact as they add they make the room look spacious. These include dining areas and living rooms.
Tier Shutters
They function as typical shutters where the top and bottom slats operate independently. These shutters are best for simple, minimalistic themed rooms
Aesthetic
Coordinating shutter colours with the main colour scheme or theme of a room can add a little oomph to the decor. Additionally, these shutters are the perfect french window and door solutions. With large backyard spaces, one can pull shutters back for better access and view, making them functional and aesthetically pleasing.
