What are plantation shutters?

Plantation shutters are traditional window fittings that date back to ancient Greece. Originally made of simple cloth or wood, these shutters would open and close outside of windows to regulate interior temperatures throughout the year. Some surviving relics of these shutters date back to 800 BC. Later on, plantation shutters became popular in the southern United States where the heat is more intense. These were mainly made of wood and were fitted to windows to open and close at will.

Overall, these “proto-blinds” have long held an important role in maintaining a home’s temperature. Today, they can be installed outside or inside homes and used for either aesthetic or temperature control purposes. They also offer more privacy to your home. What are plantation shutters and how can you use them? This guide will tell you the basics about this popular window shutter type.

What Are Plantation Shutters?

Plantation shutters have a long history with home construction because they were heavily used before air conditioning, keeping the hot sun out of homes during the day. They also were used as insulation during cold winters. Traditional plantation shutters are made of two “door” like frames that contain wooden louvers that open and close like vents. 

In modern construction, most plantation shutters are fitted to the interior window frame. This makes its wooden louvers easy to open or close to let in light as needed. In short, they are a fine alternative to blinds. They come in a variety of sizes, styles, and materials to suit your budget and your windows.

Plantation Shutter Styles

There are many plantation shutter styles on the market to suit different styling needs. Here are some of the most popular styles: 

• Full Height: This is the most common type of shutter, which simply includes two opening sides that take up the window’s total height.
• Tier on Tier: This includes two sets of left and right shutters that are stacked as two “rows”. One half can open to let in light while the other half can remain closed for privacy.
• Café: This style resembles Tier on Tier but without the top row. Instead, there is one set of shutters on the bottom to reach half the window’s height. 

Plantation Shutter Materials

Plantation shutters come in a variety of materials to suit different budgets and functional requirements. 

• MDF, also known as “medium-density fiberboard”, are shutters made of wood byproducts. It’s one of the most desirable types of shutters for its good looks, affordability, and durability. MDF has a modern look that suits contemporary styles.
• Vinyl/PVC is another popular material for its affordability and low risk in high-traffic areas with small kids and pets. It’s resistant to corrosion, moisture damage, and retains its good looks for years. Vinyl also has a contemporary look.
• HDF, or “high-density fiberboard” is more compact than MDF and has thinner and denser components. The cost of these plantation shutters↗ is more than MDF but it is a long-lasting solution.
• Wood is the classic material for plantation shutters for its highly desirable natural look and traditional aesthetic. Basswood and Teak, in particular, are two superior choices for wooden shutters.
• Aluminum is a durable material that is good at blocking the wind and rain from your windows. However, it is also a good conductor, which makes it not the best choice for temperature control. Overall, this material should be used more for the design than for functional purposes.

Why Are Plantation Shutters Popular?

Plantation shutters are popular because they offer an elevated look to any home. Whether it’s to add curb appeal to the outside of your home or to create more light control inside, there is a style to meet your vision. They come in a variety of colors and materials to match your siding and interior paint. Not only do these shades look good, but they are generally more sturdy than your run-of-the-mill blinds since they are permanent, which raises your home's value.

Who Sells Plantation Shutters in Dallas?

There are many retailers and manufacturers of plantation shutters in Dallas and its surrounding areas. To start, simply conduct an online search or head to your nearest home improvement store to explore its latest stock.

Plantation Shutters in Dallas

Plantation shutters are a valuable addition to your home, enriching its look and function. If you're interested in in new windows to pair with your plantation shutters, give us a call.