Renowned for their timeless aesthetic appeal and longevity, plantation shutters have become a popular choice for both traditional and contemporary design styles. These versatile window treatments are not only energy-efficient but also easy to care for, making them a valuable addition to any home. With numerous customization options available, it's no wonder that plantation shutters continue to top the wish lists of homeowners.
What Are Plantation Shutters?
Plantation shutters originated from the traditional shutters found in large homes in the southern United States during the 1800s. These shutters were made of real wood, featuring center tilt rods and small louvers that complemented the traditional decor and smaller windows of that era.
However, plantation shutters have evolved to meet the demands of modern lifestyles. They are now crafted from a variety of materials, ranging from PVC/vinyl, which offers durability, to premium hardwoods that exude elegance. Norman®, a leading provider of plantation shutters, offers a wide range of options to suit any style, including invisible tilt rods and larger louvers for contemporary windows and doors.
The Main Features of Plantation Shutters
Plantation shutters have become an interior design staple due to their remarkable features, which include:
- Adjustable Louvers: The ability to adjust the angle and direction of the slats allows you to control privacy, light levels, and ventilation.
- Privacy and Light Control: Plantation shutters create a barrier that shields your interior from prying eyes, and they can be partially closed to strike a balance between privacy and natural light.
- Energy Efficiency: Properly fitted interior shutters act as insulators, reducing heat transfer through windows and making your home more energy-efficient.
- Aesthetic Appeal: With their classic and timeless aesthetic, plantation shutters can be customized to match any interior decor, thanks to various materials, finishes, and louver sizes.
- Durability: Whether made from wood or composite materials, plantation shutters are built to last, ensuring a cost-effective investment in your window treatments.
Common Materials for Plantation Shutters
Wood shutters provide a classic and elegant look, making them a popular choice for both traditional and modern interior designs. They can be customized in terms of finish, stain, and paint to perfectly match your home's decor. Norman® uses high-quality paulownia hardwood, treated to ensure durability and long-lasting beauty.
Composite materials, on the other hand, combine wood fibers, synthetic materials, and polymers to create highly durable and moisture-resistant shutters. These shutters require minimal maintenance and are available at an affordable price point.
Although PVC/vinyl materials are affordable and commonly used for shutters, Norman® refrains from using them due to their potential issues with temperature shifts, heaviness, and flexibility, which can result in sagging, twisting, and difficulties in opening and closing the shutters.
Types of Plantation Shutters
Norman® offers a range of shutter lines, each with unique features and benefits tailored to fit any size, shape, color, lifestyle, or budget. Let's explore a few of their popular options:
Woodlore® - The World's Best-Selling Shutter
Woodlore® is an iconic wood composite shutter known for its durability, strength, and density. Resistant to peeling, cracking, chipping, and yellowing, it has become the go-to choice for homeowners worldwide. Woodlore® is more stable, robust, and stronger than solid wood shutters.
Woodlore® - The World's Best-Selling Shutter
Woodlore® Plus - A New Level of Quality
Woodlore® Plus combines lightweight yet durable ABS with wood composite louvers, creating a hybrid shutter that is safe for families with young children. With wide panel capability and breakthrough InvisibleTilt™ technology, Woodlore® Plus offers unobstructed views and a sleek, modern design.
Woodlore Plus® - A New Level of Quality
Normandy® - The Natural Beauty of Premium Hardwood
Normandy® shutters are crafted with mortise & tenon joints, uniquely engineered stiles, and an InvisibleTilt™ embedded gear and pinion system. These premium shutters are made from Paulownia hardwood, which boasts beautiful wood graining and natural character. Prescription wood conditioning is used to reduce shrinking and swelling, ensuring a lifetime of durability.
Normandy® - The Natural Beauty of Premium Hardwood
Brightwood™ Shutters Plus - Affordable Luxury
Brightwood™ Shutters Plus combine the best features of Normandy and Woodlore shutters to offer an affordable solution with a touch of luxury. With wider panels and numerous customization options, these shutters are suitable for windows of any size, shape, or paint color.
Why You Should Choose Plantation Shutters
There are several compelling reasons why plantation shutters are an excellent choice for your home:
Light Control and Privacy
Plantation shutters offer exceptional control over the amount of sunlight entering a room. They can reduce glare in family rooms and home theaters, protecting your furniture and flooring from UV damage. Additionally, their ability to adjust the louver angle allows you to strike a perfect balance between natural light and privacy.
Ventilation and Insulation
Compared to curtains or drapes, plantation shutters provide better ventilation and do not trap dust and allergens as easily, making them a preferred choice for those with allergies. They create an insulating barrier between your home's interior and the outdoors, regulating indoor temperatures by preventing heat loss in cold weather and blocking heat gain in hot weather. Plantation shutters also help reduce external noise, providing a more peaceful living environment.
Durability and Easy Maintenance
Norman plantation shutters are crafted from premium treated paulownia hardwood and sturdy wood composite materials, ensuring long-lasting durability. This makes them a valuable investment that adds value to your home. Regular dusting with a soft cloth or duster is all that's needed to prevent dust buildup, and occasional wiping with a damp cloth or sponge will keep them looking clean and fresh.
What to Consider When Buying Plantation Shutters
As you shop for plantation shutters, keep these factors in mind to make an informed decision:
Material
Consider the desired aesthetics, durability requirements, and humidity levels of the room when choosing the material for your shutters. Real hardwood offers a traditional and elegant look, while composite shutters provide affordability and moisture resistance.
Size and Measurements
Accurate measurements are crucial to ensure a proper fit. Consider the depth of the window frame and the space required for the shutters when opened. Choose a frame style that suits your preferences and window type, such as inside mount or outside mount, to achieve the desired aesthetic.
Louver Size
The size of the louvers affects both the overall aesthetics and the amount of light and privacy control available. Larger louvers offer a modern look and provide a better view when open. On the other hand, smaller louvers offer a traditional appearance and provide a tighter closure for improved light control and privacy.
Color and Finish
Choose a color and finish that complement your interior decor. Classic choices like white and off-white create a timeless look, while natural wood shutters can be stained to showcase their beautiful grain patterns.
Where They'll Be Used
Consider the purpose of each room, the environmental conditions, and how the shutters will be used. Moisture-resistant materials are recommended for high-humidity areas like bathrooms. Bedrooms may require shutters that provide superior light control for privacy and quality sleep. Living rooms often prioritize aesthetics, view, and natural light.
Get Quality Plantation Shutters With Norman USA!
When it comes to interior shutters, no one does it quite like Norman. Whether you prefer faux wood or real wood shutters, Norman offers the best selection of custom plantation shutters on the market. Transform your living room or any living space with custom shutters that perfectly complement your decor. Choose from uniquely sized louvers to fit larger windows or opt for durable composite materials for moisture-prone areas. All Norman window shutters are handcrafted with care and exceptional quality. Reach out to our team of experts for an in-home design consultation.
FAQs
Q: What Are the Advantages of Plantation Shutters?
A: Plantation shutters offer timeless elegance and excellent control over privacy, light, and airflow. They can even increase the value of your property.
Q: How Do I Choose the Right Material for My Plantation Shutters?
A: Consider your budget, desired aesthetics, durability requirements, and the room's humidity levels. Options like real hardwood offer traditional charm, while composite shutters provide affordability and moisture resistance.
Q: Can I Install Plantation Shutters Myself?
A: While it is possible to install plantation shutters yourself, professional installation is recommended for the best results, especially for larger or more complex window styles.
Q: Are Plantation Shutters Energy-Efficient?
A: Yes! Plantation shutters help regulate indoor temperatures by providing insulation and reducing heat transfer through windows.
Q: What Maintenance Do Plantation Shutters Need?
A: Regularly dusting with a soft cloth or duster is essential to prevent dust buildup. Wiping with a damp cloth or sponge is necessary if the shutters become dirty or stained.
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