Why Some Homeowners In Houston Confuse Plantation Blinds And Plantation Shutters
When homeowners in the Houston area contact us for an estimate, some ask for plantation blinds. However plantation blinds is the wrong term for the window treatment they‘re thinking of.
That’s because what most people refer to as “plantation blinds” are actually plantation shutters.
The word “plantation” is synonymous with interior shuttersBlinds aren’t. And the term “plantation” refers to the size and style 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 “plantation” style.
Even some blind companies call blinds “plantation,” although that word has historically been associated with interior louvered shutters. Plantation shutters can be mistaken for blinds at a glance. But these two window treatments differ in numerous ways.
How Plantation Shutters Differ From Blinds
Plantation Shutters Last Longer Than Blinds
Premium plantation shutters can be built from reclaimed wood, synthetic wood, or hardwood. Any of these materials result in 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 never lose their original color.
In contrast to shutters, blinds have a series of cords that hold the slats up. And most have a wand to tilt the slats. These two components, as well as the thin slats, are notorious for busting.
Blinds are also not effective at giving you control over light and temperature. And they can yellow over extended periods of sun exposure, unlike quality shutters.
They’re Highly Energy Efficient
The material a window treatment is made from greatly affects its energy efficiency. Plantation shutters, with their synthetic wood and wood louvers, are the most energy-efficient window treatment in Houston. And it’s the exclusive weatherstripping on Polywood® shutters that’s engineered to help seal off airflow. That’s how Polywood is 1600% more energy efficient than an aluminum blind.
When the blind is closed, there’s room on both sides of the blind where air can flow. Holes are visible where the cords are. And the slats aren’t tight against each other. All these weak points make blinds less energy efficient compared to quality plantation shutters that close with little to no gaps.
They Highlight The Shape Of Your Window
Another thing to consider is that the only shape blinds come in is rectangular. And when you have windows that are circular, arched, triangular, or octagonal, blinds will hide the shape rather than highlight it.
Plantation shutters however are ideal for specialty-shaped windows. They are custom made to account for every angle, corner, and arch. The completed shutters is a window treatment that makes the window shape pop, operates smoothly, and looks stunning.
They Give Your House A Custom Look
Yes, you can order blinds in a variety of textures, finishes, and colors. They can even be motorized or cordless. But no matter how you mix and match their options, blinds don’t have the custom look that shutters have.
Plantation shutters in Houston come in reclaimed wood, Polywood, and Ovation® wood. And there’s over 300,000 ways to customize these window treatments to fit your personal taste.
Shutters are usually installed with a frame that highlights the shutter panels and accentuates the corners. These shutters make a fashion statement that wows. And as a permanent feature of your home, they increases its appraisal value.
One example of an unique way for custom window coverings is to have the shutters made from reclaimed wood. No two shutter panels - no two shutter louvers - have identical holes, colors, or marks. It’s the ultimate custom window treatment you can find in the Houston area.
