Plantation Shutters vs Curtains and Blinds

Serving Perth | Australia

If you are considering a new window covering, then you might be wondering whether plantation shutters or curtains/blinds are a better option. Both options have pros and cons, and Perth homeowners have reason to consider both.

So today, the team at Hamptons Shutters is here to answer the ever-important question: Are plantation shutters good? We will talk about the differences between plantation shutters and blinds, and the advantages and disadvantages of each.

What Are Plantation Shutters?

The defining characteristic of plantation shutters is their louvers, another name for slats. Unlike traditional shutters or a roman shade option, you cannot pull a string to roll up plantation shutters. Instead, you can turn the slats open in the frame to control how much light comes in.

Additionally, plantation shutters sit on hinges, so you can open your windows completely if need be. Plantation shutter styles differ in terms of louver size, material, colour, and finish.

Plantation shutters are most common in living rooms and kitchens, but you can put them in virtually any large window in any room of your house, including your bathroom and bedrooms.

Plantation Shutter Materials

One thing that makes plantation shutters good is the durable material they use. Below are some common materials that plantation shutters use.

Natural Wood

Natural wood remains one of the most popular choices for plantation shades. Wood has excellent insulation properties and is extremely durable against the elements. Common types of wood for quality shutters include:

● Alder

● Basswood

● Cherry

● Cedar

● Mahogany

● Oak

● Sandalwood

● Walnut

Wooden window treatments have the added benefit that you can paint and stain them with whatever colour or finish you want. That way, you can make the window frame match the rest of your home.

PVC

PVC is another popular material thanks to its durability and affordable price. PVC is a special type of plastic that manufacturers commonly use for all kinds of fixed interior attachments. PVC is highly resistant to UV rays, moisture, and impacts. The main downside of PVC is that it’s harder to customise once installed. Also, excessive heat can cause the wide louvers to warp over time.

Foamed Synthetics

Foam synthetics are a relatively new material for plantation shutters and make a decent alternative to natural wood shutters. Foamed synthetics utilise a mixture of high-density foam and metal frame that is resistant to water, fire, and fading from sunlight. Synthetic shutters are also very heat resistant and are good insulators.

Medium-Density Fibre

Manufacturers make medium-density fibreboard (MDF) by heating wood fibre and moulding it into the desired shape. MDF has a high R-value and features wide louvres for your home. Faux wood shutters like MDF are also cheaper to buy than natural wood shutters. MDF is resistant to moisture and won’t warp from heat as much as other synthetics, such as PVC.

Composite Wood

Composite wood window coverings are a less expensive alternative to natural wood. Composites consist of several types of wood and plastic fibres and offer the flexibility and durability of both. The best feature of composites is that they have an extra layer of plastic protection and are relatively cheap to produce.

Benefits of Plantation Window Coverings in Your Home

Like any type of home fixture, plantation shutters have pros and cons. Below are some of the biggest benefits of installing plantation shades in your home.

Natural Light Control

Plantation shutters offer significantly more light control than traditional shutters. You can fully open plantation shutters to let in as much light as possible or shut them completely to block out most natural light in the room.

Energy Efficiency

Plantation shades have a higher energy efficiency than traditional blinds or curtains. Real wood shutters have a high insulation value, so they excel at keeping your home warm or cool, depending on the season. The result is lower energy bills throughout the year, so you can save money.

Security/Privacy

Plantation shutters provide a higher level of security than blinds. You can completely close plantation shutters in your home to block interior visibility of the room—perfect if you want elevated privacy.

Plantation shutters also provide a higher level of security against potential intruders. You can feel safe and secure with durable plantation window coverings.

Child Safe

Plantation shutters do not have pull cords, so they are safe for homes with children. There is no risk of tangling or suffocation. The shutters also do not contain any sharp edges or points.

Durability

Most homeowners opt for natural wood plantation shutters due to their strength, durability, and lustre. Woods like oak, cherry, mahogany, cedar, and walnut are all popular choices for windows. Natural wood window coverings can last upwards of 15 to 20 years if maintained properly.

An alternative material to wood is PVC vinyl. PVC is low maintenance and does not need painting. They are also very easy to clean with common detergents.

Flexibility

Plantation shutters are a flexible choice and mesh well with most contemporary home styles. You can paint the shutter panel any colour you want, and wood panelling is available in a wide range of finishings. The relatively simple design of plantation shutters makes them easy to modify for larger windows and patio doors. The range of styles and colours makes it easy to match your furniture.

Home Resale Value

Last but not least, plantation shutters have a higher ROI than most other home improvement projects. Plantation shutters can generate nearly a 75% ROI. So, a theoretical $2,000 set of plantation shutters could increase the value of your home by almost $3,500.

Disadvantages of Plantation Shutters

Nothing is perfect, though, and plantation shutters have a few drawbacks. Below are some key disadvantages of plantation shutters.

Price

All other things being equal, plantation shutters will cost more than traditional shutters, roman shades, or roman blinds. The main reason why is the material. Plantation shutters are best suited for large windows or french doors, so they will most likely be larger than other shutters.

Takes Time to Install

Regardless of which room in your house you put your plantation shutters in, installing them on the window will take some time. Plantation shutters mount to the window frame, so you’ll need some tools to attach them to the walls around the windows.

Can’t Completely Raise

Since plantation shutters mount to the wall around the window or door, you can not completely raise them off the window. You can open them up like doors to expose the windows, but you cannot retract the shutter. You’ll need a bit of extra space around the windows to make sure the shutter can open.

No Blackout

Unlike heavy-duty curtains, you most likely can’t achieve full blackout with your plantation shutters. You’ll be able to block out most light in your house, but some of the sun’s rays can still get through the cracks.

Advantages of Blinds & Curtains

Traditional shutters and curtains are also a popular choice for Perth homeowners. Below are some main reasons to favour curtains and traditional shutters.

Easy to Install

An added benefit of traditional shutters and curtains is they are very easy to install. Most of the time, you can simply hang them from mounts about the window frame. The arrangement also means it’s easy to switch them out for newer versions.

Affordable

Compared to many other treatments, shutters/curtains are more affordable. Blind materials vary, giving a wide range in pricing. Plantation shutters can be a significant investment, so some homeowners prefer to start with another option first before upgrading.

Lots of Options

Homeowners also have extensive options with traditional louvers. They come in many sizes for large windows and can mesh with any room of your home. The range of colour options ensures that you can decide on a model that matches your furniture and other room elements.

Disadvantages of Blinds & Curtains

Of course, traditional shutters and curtains have some drawbacks. Here are a few downsides of this option.

Requires More Cleaning

Blind slats are mostly flat on top, so they readily pick up dust and debris. Cleaning the slats is also difficult because the space between them is small. Dust and grime can also clog the pulley system, making it hard to pull the shutter up and down.

Less Energy Efficient

Traditional shutters are also less energy-efficient than plantation shutters. They let more heat out and more of the sun’s rays in, so you end up with higher electricity bills. Aluminium is also not as good of an insulator as wooden or PVC shutters.

Draw Cords Can Be Dangerous

Drawcords on traditional shutters also pose a choking hazard for children. It is also easy to tangle the cord with itself, making it harder to use.

Not That Durable

The aluminium or composite in traditional shutters is also less durable than plantation shutter slats. The shutter slats can bend from slight pressure and can even break with enough force.

Plantation Shutters Cost vs. Blinds and Curtains Cost

One major difference between the two options is the cost. Plantation shutters, generally speaking, are the more expensive option due to the material and installation costs.

On average, Perth homeowners can expect to pay anywhere between $2,000 and $3,500 to install plantation shutters on their windows.

In contrast, you can expect to spend around $100 to $200 per window to install blinds or curtains. With minimal tools, most homeowners can even install traditional shutters on their windows themselves.

Contact Us Today!

As a top-rated plantation shutters Perth installer, Hamptons Shutters has helped countless homeowners update their shutters and window coverings. If you are looking for a new window covering style, we should be your first choice.

Our experienced team can help you decide on a shutter style that fits your needs and budget. We can ensure that your window treatment will stand for several years.