In the big industry of plantation shutters, window shades and window blinds, there are two long running companies that have established themselves as leaders and pioneers.

They are the ones who have years of experience and they know what shutters works best and what don’t.

These are Graber and Hunter Douglas. Which of the two company offer the best plantation shutters?

Graber Blinds

Graber blinds have been around for the last 70 years and they continue to make sophisticated and durable wood plantation shutters and faux wood plantation shutters. They call themselves a Best Experience brand.

Graber blinds also offer different shutter panel styles:

1. Bi-fold Panels
This type of plantation shutters gives you an added option to open your large windows for a complete view of the outside. This is usually being used for large windows, sliding glass doors or patio doors. Panels are actually hinged together. You can fold the 2 panels just like an accordion.

2. Cafe Panels
Cafe Panels are installed on the bottom part of your window. This will allow you to have good lighting from the upper portion while blocking the view from eye level.

3. Bypass Panels
The different panels of this type of plantation shutters can be slid from one side to another. When both panels are slid to the same side, the window opens to the outside view.

Graber blinds also have wide windows and specialty shapes such as:

1. French door cut-out options with 2 choices: rectangular or curved cut

2. A variety of arch shapes for your uniquely shaped windows

If you visit the site of Graber Blinds, you can click on their virtual decorator to choose the room style that you want and from there choose further the color and material and size of your selection.

The only difficulty in going to their website is once you reach their homepage, you will have a hard time locating their products. To see their product lines, you have to click on the SITEMAP link located at the bottom of the page.

Other than that, you will be awed by the designs and support that they offer. Graber Blinds even have a printable planning checklist and provide color matching and custom colors.

Hunter Douglas Shades and Blinds

Hunter Douglas Shades and Blinds proudly state on their website’s homepage these 2 statements:

1. that Hunter Douglas has the largest collection of energy-efficient and custom-made window treatments;

2. they offer a Lifetime Guarantee

Hunter Douglas Shades and Blinds as a company is focused on producing products that are energy-efficient. Their products are effective in insulating the room from the hot or cold weather outside; protecting the rooms from solar heat; and daylighting which the company defines as diffusing the light through Hunter Douglas Shades and allowing natural light to stream through the room.

In fact, Hunter Douglas offers an opportunity for you to enjoy up to $1,500 of federal tax savings by buying some selected Hunter Douglas energy-saving products.

It is fun to go through their site and use their starter guide. You will be taken to a menu where you can choose what room you want to buy window treatments for and you can choose different styles, colors and designs.

Hunter Douglas offers both the wood plantation shutters and faux wood plantation shutters. It boasts of energy saving faux wood plantation shutters so it’s worth looking at them.

Conclusion

Which company is better?

Graber blinds have been in the business for 70 years and have been receiving good reviews. Graber blinds wouldn’t have lasted this long if not for maintaining very good customer support. After all, they call themselves the Best Experience Company.

On the other hand, Hunter Douglas puts in so much serious effort in developing greener products. Saving on energy cost adds up in the long run. And top that with their lifetime guarantee.

Whatever company is best depends on what you prefer. What is your set of criteria in choosing the best plantation shutters for your home? What budget do you plan to invest in these products?

How to Save Money

You can scour the online stores to look for discount plantation shutters. Many sites offer discount coupons for you to buy from either Graber blinds or Hunter Douglas. Enjoy the hunt!