Plantation shutters have increasingly become very popular among homeowners; and it’s not a surprise because by having plantation shutters in your home, the value of your prized property increases by several percentage points. And why is that so?

First, no one can dispute that plantation shutters can practically instantaneously transform any room into classy sophistication. Second, they are attached permanently to your house windows. Third, it is not cheap to install them and they add insulating value, ventilation and privacy in the room. The new homeowners will “inherit” those value added advantages upon purchase of a home with plantation shutters, without having to spend more for shades, curtains and valences.

How did plantation shutters get its name?

Nobody really knows but most probably, the name plantation shutters was inspired by the window frames with large slats used in the plantations of the South, almost like timber shutters. From there, to distinct this type of blinds or shutters with bigger louvers, the name plantation shutters was born.

Basics of Plantation Shutters

Plantation shutters have 5 parts:

1. Louvers
Louvers are the slats or blades of the shutters. Blinds in the strictest sense use smaller louvers while plantation shutters range from 2 ½ to 5 ½ inches. Small windows use 2 ½ to 3 ½ inches while bigger windows use 4 ½ inches to 5 ½ inches. The bigger the louvers, the less materials are used and the better the view.

2. Tilt-Bar
This is the rod that usually runs in the middle of the frame from top to bottom. It is used to control the light, ventilation and privacy by tilting it up or down. Some plantation shutters place the tilt-bar in the rear hidden from plain sight to increase the view of the window.

3. Top and Bottom Rails
As the name states, these rails are situated at the top and bottom of the frame to provide structural support to the plantation shutters.

4. Divider Rail
Some plantation shutters offer additional flexibility of allowing you to open only upper or lower half of the louvers. The divider rail provides the division to these 2 sets of louvers while giving additional support.

5. Frame
This is the perimeter support of plantation shutters. Nicely finished frames add to the classical beauty of plantation shutters.

Plantation Shutters come in different variations as to structural designs and materials. Nowadays, plantation shutters can come in metal, aluminum and even have motorized features.

But the elegance of wood plantation shutters is truly timeless and still remain to be the preferred choice of many. The factors that people consider in deciding whether to go for natural wood or composite wood include:
1. humidity
2. direct sunlight
3. care and maintenance
4. cost
5. additional insulating effect

While plantation shutters are available in many different types of wood such as basswood, cherry tree, mahogany, oak and teak, more and more people are moving towards buying faux wood.

Whether you buy natural or composite, as long as the finish looks like wood and your plantation shutters serve your purpose and meet your personal style, criteria and budget, it no longer matters so much.

You still have wood window blinds called plantation shutters in your home to improve not only the beauty but also the resale value of your prized property.