Why Some Homeowners In Seattle Mistake Plantation Blinds For Plantation Shutters
When homeowners in the Seattle area give us a call for a quote, they might accidentally ask for plantation blinds. However plantation blinds isn’t the right name of the window covering they want.
When people say “plantation blinds”, they‘re referring to plantation shutters.
Interior shutters are synonymous with the term “plantation”not blinds. And the word “plantation” describes the style of the window treatment as it relates to the size of the horizontal louvers.
Blinds have thin horizontal slats that most people call slats. But these slats are not wide enough or thick enough to be considered “plantation” style.
Some consumers and even blind companies call blinds “plantation,” but that word has historically been associated with custom interior louvered shutters. Plantation shutters may look like blinds from a distance. But these two window treatments differ in numerous ways.
How Plantation Shutters Are Different From Blinds
Plantation Shutters Are More Durable Than Blinds
Premium plantation shutters can be built from reclaimed wood, synthetic wood, or hardwood. These materials give you a sturdy window treatment that lasts for many more years than a blind. And when your shutters are painted with UV stabilizers, your plantation shutters don’t lose their original color.
In contrast to shutters, blinds may have a wand to tilt the slats. And they have a series of cords to hold the slats up. These two elements, in addition to the thin slats, are notorious for breaking.
Blinds don’t give you control over temperature and light. And they tend to yellow after years in the sun, which is not the case with quality shutters.
They’re Highly Energy Efficient
Energy efficiency starts with the material a window treatment is made from. Plantation shutters, with their synthetic wood and wood louvers, are known to be the most energy-efficient window treatment in Seattle. But it’s Polywood®’s exclusive weatherstripping that’s made to help seal off airflow. That’s how Polywood is 1600% more energy efficient than an aluminum blind.
When you close a blind, there’s space on both sides of the blind where air can escape through. You can see holes where the cords are. And the slats aren’t tight against each other. All these issues make blinds less energy efficient compared to well-built plantation shutters.
They Highlight The Shape Of Your Window
Another thing to think about is that a rectangle is the only shape blinds are available in. And when you have windows that are circular, arched, triangular, or octagonal, blinds will cover up the shape rather than highlight it.
Plantation shutters on the other hand are ideal for specialty-shaped windows. They are custom built to every arch, angle, and corner. The finished product is a window treatment that looks stunning, makes the window shape pop, and operates smoothly.
They Give Your House A Custom Look
Yes, you can get blinds in a selection of colors, textures, and finishes. They can even be cordless or motorized. But however you mix and match their options, blinds don’t look as custom as shutters do.
Plantation shutters in Seattle come in Polywood, Ovation® wood, and reclaimed wood. And there’s 300,000+ ways to customize these window treatments to fit your personal taste.
Shutters are usually installed with a frame that accentuates the corners and highlights the shutter panels. The plantation shutters become a fashion statement in and of themselves. And as a permanent feature of your home, they adds to its appraisal value.
An example of an unique idea for custom window treatments is to have the shutters made from reclaimed wood. No two shutter louvers - no two shutter panels - have the same marks, holes, or colors. It’s the ultimate custom window treatment in the Seattle area.
