A Guide to Plantation Shutters

Posted on 8th November 2014 by Gemini Blinds

Plantation shutters have long been an attractive alternative to window blinds and curtains, adding a unique feature to any room, whether in a residential or commercial setting.

The heavy, wooden-slatted shutters were made popular throughout the southern United States during the colonial era, giving them their name. Their hardwearing qualities and ability to offer control over light filtration has ensured that plantation shutters remain a popular choice for homes across the world today.

Although originally designed to sit outside the windows, allowing for privacy and sunlight control even when windows are open, in the UK they often sit inside the window to provide all of the benefits while maintaining the insulating properties of the glass.

 

Different Styles

First of all, it is important not to confuse plantation shutters with colonial shutters. The latter tends to be less robust, with narrower slats, while the louvres of the former are wider to accommodate the extra ventilation needed on hot summer days. Modern designs are able to incorporate the best of both worlds however, giving you many different options.

 

• Full height plantation shutters are popular for use on bay windows, as well as for shorter windows with a mid-rail. Often, designs are in sectional panels, with separate control over each.

 

• Cafe shutters, on the other hand, only cover the bottom half of the window. So-called due to their popularity with cafes and restaurants, these designs are ideal for those windows at or below street level. By leaving the top half exposed, cafe shutters provide privacy without blocking natural light.

 

• Tier-on-tier shutters provide the best of both worlds, with independent operation of top and bottom halves. This means that full control over privacy, light filtration and ventilation properties can be achieved.

 

• Solid panel shutters are ideal for those that require total darkness during the night. A complete panel with no slats that covers the whole window, these shutters also help to block out noise for properties located on a busy street. Alterations to this style can be made to provide a mix of slatted panels on the top and a solid panel on the bottom, allowing them to be used as room divides or cupboard doors.

 

These are just a few of the many different types of plantation shutters available. Even awkwardly shaped windows can benefit from tailor-made shutters that are fitted to the window recess, providing a unique and attractive window dressing option.

 

Gemini Blinds, the leading providers of blinds, awnings, shutters and canopies in the North West region, stock a range of plantation shutters for use in all environments. Offering a stylish alternative to blinds that are also easy to keep clean, our plantation shutters help to increase insulation – particularly important over the winter months

With a wide selection of colours and styles available, you’re sure to find the right plantation shutters for you at Gemini Blinds. Stop by our showroom or get in touch with our expert team today to discuss your needs.