I am just putting this out here right now. Shutters are my favorite window treatment! Even though shutters might not be the design or the window solution you need, shutters are simply one of the most beautiful and traditional ways to enhance any window. This incredible architectural design has impressed our aesthetic needs for centuries. The ancient Greeks are credited with the invention of shutters, but the fixed louvers were then made of marble – a stunning material, but not very practical, even though the marble fixed louvers did provide light control, ventilation and protection, way back then. As the popularity of shutters spread throughout the Mediterranean, wood replaced the marble slats and movable louvers were used for adjusting the air and light. During the 15th Century, interior shutters moved inside as Spain began to colonize the New World and shutters arrived in our American houses. The American South, with its elegant and large colonial mansions, elevated shutters as iconic window treatments that were always painted white and accented with wide louvers for visual effect. However, it wasn't until the 1980's, that the Plantation Shutter, as we know it today, with operable large louvers that rotate to open or close, were popularized. Today, we just say “Yes, shutters, please cover my windows.”
What Are Shutters
Shutters are solid and rigid window treatments that are set within a structural framework and are composed of horizontal, flat vanes (fixed or movable), attached at the top, center and bottom of the framework. Most shutters are hinged on either side of the window opening, to swing inward for more flexibility in light and air management. Shutters can be designed as a single unit to cover the window or can be customized into multiple sections to allow different areas of the window to be open or closed independently. You can mount shutters as an inside mount or as an outside mount. Cafe shutters only cover the bottom part of the window area. Full length shutters are available for doors and windows of all shapes and sizes – the possibilities are endless. Shutters do provide ultimate privacy, flexible light control, security and add value and style to your home. For many people, shutters are just the supreme choice for their windows. Shutters never go out of style and blend into every decorating theme.
Wood Shutters
Originally, shutters were fashioned from wood as woodworkers in America honed this craft to an art, but now many new materials are available to create many choices for quality shutters. Wood shutters are still perceived as the winner of the blue ribbon. Wood shutters are the luxurious selection for the classic look and feel of the rich grain of wood and the durability and beautiful look of wood. Traditional white stains through the neutrals and dark wood glazes will complement the look you want to achieve. Wood does require more care as it tends to warp in high moisture areas and is easily chipped or scratched. If you love the true look of wood shutters and can't imagine anything else but the lovely patina and the substantial look and feel of wood, this is the choice for you.
Composite wood shutters give you the best of both worlds. A wood core provides strength on the inside as the vinyl covering gives you protection from harsh light, high humidity and abuse. The louvers are hollow, giving you a higher level of insulation. If you love the look of wood but want some added practicality to your shutters, select a composite wood for easier care and flexibility of use.
Vinyl Shutters
Vinyl Plantation Shutters are constructed of a strong synthetic poly-resin material, that give you the classic wood look but the reliability of vinyl shutters to resist the environmental effects that cause warping, fading, and scratching. For all of our active areas and rooms such as kitchens, playrooms and bathrooms, vinyl Plantation Shutters should be considered as the low maintenance, long-lasting, sturdier window treatment.
Styles Of Shutters
Since customized shutters are one of the most luxurious window treatments, here are a few ideas of how decorative and adaptable these shutters can be in windows that are challenging or just need a bit more design thought. Shutters add structure and charm to your décor as they seamlessly blend into any interior design.
French Door Shutters
Shutters are a great option on those beautiful French windows and doors. Just make sure that the shutters open the opposite way to the doors or windows.
Multi-Tier Shutters
Multi-tier shutters give you “multi” choices. You can open and close or vary the levels of openness for each section of the shutter as the light or your mood change. Cafe shutters give you 1/2 light and 1/2 privacy as the shutter only covers the bottom 1/2 of the window. A bank of odd shaped windows demands the treatment of custom shutters as each window can be fitted individually to make an impressive statement.
Arched windows look stunning decked out in shutters, accented above with a beautiful arch.
Angled windows and teeny windows are also perfectly suited for a shutter window treatment.
Extra wide slats are becoming popular and make a modern bathroom shine. Shutters do take time and precision in ordering, as each window must be carefully considered for how it is positioned for depth and any other idiosyncrasies. With that in mind, I strongly advise a consultation with our window treatment experts to ensure that your measurements are correct and all the particulars have been checked and rechecked. Then, I know your new shutters will expand your view to new heights of design-a simply amazing window treatment!
Plantation Shutters for Doors
Plantation Shutters for DoorsMany homeowners choose plantation shutters for the windows throughout their home, only to take pause when it comes to the windows on and surrounding their doors. Plantation shutters, however, are a great option for all of the doors in your home, and you'll find that shutters can be custom-made and fitted to a variety of door types in the home. This means that with plantation shutters, you'll have a window treatment that works seamlessly throughout your home. Here is a look at just some of the applications of plantation shutters for doors.
French Doors
Plantation shutters can, of course, be fitted to just about any French style door that features a large glass window. Shutters for these doors are typically mounted directly over the glass. One major advantage to having a plantation shutter over this style of door is it eliminates the banging that blinds would have. In addition, plantation blinds will not get caught in the door the way that curtains would. When mounted, shutters can still be raised and lowered to let in varying amounts of sunlight. Plantation shutters can be mounted even on French style doors that feature uniquely shaped windows.
Sliding Doors
Yes-it's possible to have custom plantation shutters made for your sliding doors as well. Plantation shutters are a wonderful option for sliding glass doors because they offer a sophisticated alternative to vertical blinds, which is what many homeowners seek. Shutters for sliding glass doors are typically mounted as bypass shutter units, where the shutter units can be moved back and forth along a track. Shutters might also be installed in a bifold arrangement, where the shutter units are attached by a hinge and travel along a single track; as the shutters are moved to expose the glass door, they extend into the room.
Narrow Door Windows
Does your front door feature tall, narrow windows on either side of it? Custom plantation shutters can be made for these uniquely shaped windows, as well. These shutters are installed on the windows that surround your door just like they would be installed on any other window. Once the shutters are installed, you can freely louver the shutter slats up and down to let in varying levels of sunlight. Plantation shutters are a great option for those who want a sophisticated window treatment that will bring some privacy to the front door area.