Why Some Homeowners In Gainesville Confuse Plantation Blinds And Plantation Shutters
When homeowners in the Gainesville area contact us for an estimate, they might accidentally ask for plantation blinds. But plantation blinds isn’t the right name of the window treatment they have in mind.
That’s because what most people refer to as “plantation blinds” are in fact plantation shutters.
“Plantation” is used interchangeably with interior shuttersBlinds aren’t. And the term “plantation” refers to the size and style of the horizontal louvers.
Blinds’ thin horizontal slats are not thick enough or wide enough to be considered “plantation” style.
Even some blind companies call blinds “plantation,” although that word has always been associated with custom interior louvered shutters. Plantation style shutters might look like blinds from a distance. But the differences between these two window treatments are numerous.
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. Any of these materials give you a sturdy window treatment that lasts for many more years than a blind. And when you get shutters with UV stabilizer-infused paint, their color won’t yellow.
Unlike shutters, blinds have a series of cords that hold the slats up. And most have a rod to move the slats. Those two components, as well as the thin slats, are susceptible to breaking.
Blinds don’t give you control over light and temperature. And they tend to yellow after years in the sun, unlike quality shutters.
They’re Highly Energy Efficient
Energy efficiency starts with the material a window treatment is made from. Plantation shutters, with their wood and synthetic wood louvers, are the most energy-efficient window treatment in Gainesville. But it’s the exclusive weatherstripping on Polywood® shutters that’s made to help restrict airflow. That’s how Polywood is 1600% more energy efficient than an aluminum blind.
When you close a blind, the slats aren’t tight against each other. There’s room on both sides of the blind where air can escape through. And there are holes where the cords are. These problems make blinds less energy efficient compared to well-built plantation shutters.
They Accentuate The Shape Of Your Window
Another thing to think about is that the only shape blinds come in is rectangular. And when you have windows that are octagonal, circular, arched, or triangular, blinds will cover up the shape rather than show it off.
Plantation shutters on the other hand are ideal for specialty-shaped windows. They are custom built to account for every angle, corner, and arch. The completed shutters is a window treatment that looks stunning, makes the window shape pop, and operates smoothly.
They Give Your Home A Custom Look
Yes, you can buy blinds in a selection of finishes, colors, and textures. They can even be cordless or motorized. But no matter how you mix and match their options, blinds don’t have the custom look that shutters have.
Plantation shutters in Gainesville come in Polywood, Ovation® wood, and reclaimed wood. And there’s over 300,000 ways to customize these window treatments to fit your style.
Usually, shutters are mounted with a frame that highlights the shutter panels and accentuates the corners of the window. The interior shutters become a fashion statement in and of themselves. And as a permanent feature of your home, they increases its appraisal value.
An example of an exceptional idea to customize your window coverings is to have the shutters built from reclaimed wood. No two shutter panels - no two shutter louvers - have identical marks, holes, or colors. It’s the ultimate custom window treatment you can find in the Gainesville area.
