Plantation Shutters - Window Coverings at Their Finest

Plantation shutters, otherwise known as window shutters, are firm and secure coverings normally made of vertical stiles of frame with horizontal bars on the top, center and at the bottom. The frame is usually appended with louvers, fabric, solid panels, glass or any other embellishments that can be built within the frame.

The types of window shutters that have maneuverable louvers have different terms that include California shutters, traditional shutters, or plantation shutters. These terms normally refer to the louver blades' size. Other types of interior shutters employ fixed louvers that do not swivel, with flat or recessed tinted glass or fabric inserts and solid panels that can be lifted.

The plantation shutters are installed by people on their windows to have privacy and solitude inside the home, manage the amount of sunlight that enters a room, protect the room from weather changes and improve the building's value.

The manner of mounting the plantation shutters ultimately depends on the construction and application of the window frame, thus permitting the plantation shutters to overlap the opening or to fit inside the window opening. Interior shutters can be made from various wood types and an assortment of synthetic materials. They are stained and painted for decoration. Some buildings make use of shutters to appropriately cover the windows and even the doors.

Full height plantation shutters are manufactured with parallel partition railings that divide the upper and lower parts of the shutter. A rod or a tilt bar is utilized to regulate the louver level and to maintain them in a regular position. When the louver or rod is dented, there are replacement kits available in the market that provides expediency in installing and replacing the damaged part.

The interior window coverings or plantation shutters normally hinge on either of the window's sides. They turn inwards to allow an appropriate amount of light to enter the room. Louvered window shutters contain slats or louvers, which open and close to control the amount of light, airflow and visibility. They can even act as blackout blinds cutting out all lighting to a room if installed with this purpose in mind.

The types of plantation shutters are configured based on the number of tier units. A single tier unit contains one shutter from the top to the bottom of the window opening. Multiple tier units display separate shutters on every tier, letting the shutters on top open widely while the shutters on the bottom region remain closed, and vice versa. Shutters that only provide covering to the lower part of the window are known as Cafe shutters.

I enjoy writing about any type of house improvement, whether it's a renovation or simply adding window treatments like i.e. blackout blinds and installing interior plantation shutters. I find it all interesting and hope it helps the reader.

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Tags: Finest, Coverings, Plantation Shutters

Affordable Indoor Window Shutters

Wooden indoor window shutters are not necessarily expensive to purchase especially when you take into account that once installed you will permanent window treatments that will never have to be taken down to wash or replace. Periodic dusting is all the cleaning a shutter needs. When choosing which type, style, or finish of shutter to purchase, take into account that you want a look that will work with your home décor for many years to come so durability and beauty should be at the top of your priority list. Many shutter manufacturers allow you to customize the type, style, size, and finish of your shutter order. Custom orders cost more but if you are investing in a long term window treatment option, the savings over the many years you plan to be in your home are well worth getting the exact shutter you want and need.

Some homeowners choose to cover their shutters with additional window coverings like curtains or valances. When considering which type of window cover will best work with your shutters, keep in mind that additional cover is mostly for décor purposes because the shutters will take care of your privacy needs. Installing a window valance over shutters may be tricky depending on the type of shutters you purchase. Depending on the style, some shutters cannot be opened properly if there is a curtain or valance in the way. Most shutters are made so beautifully with intricate craftsmanship and finishing that you may wish to leave exposed so everyone can see. Why cover up a piece of art? Leave the wood exposed and let your shutter be a focal point within your home décor.

Online shutter distributors offer great deals especially if you plan on order a large amount of shutters for your home. Some companies even offer free shipping so it is definitely worth looking into. Compare pricing, styles, and finishes online before you make any purchases. Local companies may even offer to install the shutters for an additional fee which is even more helpful and ideal for homeowners who lack the tools, experience, or time it takes to properly install the interior window shutters. To some, the extra expense is well worth getting the installation done properly and quickly.

Here's a couple suggested resources for more information on indoor window shutters or do-it-yourself home remodeling tips.

Copyright 2009 Roy Yazzie. All Rights Reserved.

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Tags: Shutters, Affordable, Indoor

Plantation Shutters - Reasons to Install These in Your Home

Why install Plantation Shutters?

Plantation Shutters are widely used today as a pleasing aesthetic, enhancing the appearance of windows with style and elegant chic. They are designed to allow light in to a room whilst keeping the heat or cold out. This is achieved by means of louvered slats that can be opened or closed at will.

It is generally accepted that natural light is far better for the eyes than artificial or electric lighting. Plantation shutters allow natural light to enter your home, whilst still maintaining privacy, and are often used as a modern alternative to window nets or blinds.

In the Kitchen

Often termed the heart of the home, people value privacy in their kitchens very highly. Plantation shutters are an excellent solution to this need, as the slats can be angled in such a way to avoid being overlooked, without darkening the room. They will also provide excellent ventilation, which is particularly useful in a kitchen environment, allowing steam and smoke from cooking to disperse.

In the Living Room

The adjustable natural lighting provided by plantation shutters makes for a wonderful feature in any living space. They allow the requisite amount of light to read or watch television by, whilst still providing privacy from the outside world. Plantation shutters will also help to moderate temperatures, allowing a cool breeze in or keeping the scorching sun out.

Café style shutters are ideal for a ground floor living space. Covering just the lower section of the window, they allow maximum light into the room and are a wonderful stylish addition to your home.

In the Bedroom

Shutters are a great choice of window dressing in the bedroom; as they provide privacy, light control and sound reduction. The louvered panels can be opened or shut depending on the time of day and your requirements. For sleeping, the panels can be closed completely to provide near black out conditions. Whilst dressing and applying makeup, the louvers can be opened for excellent natural light.

Plantation shutters create a stylish, contemporary look in the bedroom, and work with a wide range of colour schemes and furniture styles.

In the Home Office or Study

Plantation shutters are a popular choice for home office environments, due to the versatility they bring to the room. They offer excellent control of light as the sun moves during the day and allow you to benefit from as much daylight as possible. Some form of window covering is usually important in this room to assist with home security. Shutters are a more modern alternative to net curtains, and provide a clean contemporary look.

The positioning of your home office or study will most likely dictate which style of shutter you opt for. A ground floor space will call for either a full-length plantation shutter or cafe style shutter whereas an upper floor space may only require the Cafe style. Keep an eye to the look of the house from the outside, as it is here where the effect can be fully appreciated.

The Bespoke Shutter Company are based in London. We supply and install a full range of shutters and blinds including plantation shutters, solid shutters, cedar shutters and Venetian and vertical blinds.

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Tags: Plantation, Shutters, daylight

A Look at Plantation Shutters

When potential buyers are looking at a home, many upgrades get their attention. Floor tile, fireplace, and tile backsplash are some popular additions to a home. One upgrade, however, really makes homebuyers take notice. That upgrade is plantation shutters.

Plantation shutters are interior shutters installed inside a window. Though the name is often used to describe any interior window shutters, true plantation shutters feature that are 2 ½ to 4 ½ inches wide, set into panels that are 12 to 19 ½ inches. The panels can be adjusted as needed to let in light or to keep it out. This adds shade to a home and can even help reduce the energy bills. Shutters also add privacy in areas that require it. For this reason, many people install plantation shutters in large windows over the bathtub or in the bedroom. Many people also use plantation shutters in windows facing the street. Plantation shutters can be used in every window in the home, but the cost for this would be great.

Plantation shutters are available in most every type of wood or in vinyl. Customers looking for a stained look should buy wooden shutters as vinyl offers a painted look. Some new vinyl shutters are made to replicate the look of wood. These are a cheaper alternative for those desiring wood.

Plantation shutter installation is a relatively easy do-it-yourself project. Installation is quick and requires few tools. If you prefer, some companies do offer installation at an additional price. Contractors or “handymen for hire” can also be hired to install the shutters.

If you do opt to do the installation yourself, the most important thing is to accurately measure. You will want to make sure that your shutters are a precise fit for your window. An inaccurate fit will greatly detract from the shutters’ look and value. Manufacturers will offer detailed installation instructions. Home improvement stores also offer tips and suggestions for installation. In addition, instructions are available on the Internet.

For a classy and long-lasting window cover, consider plantation shutters. They add privacy, shade, beauty -- and perceived value.

Shutters Info provides detailed information about exterior, interior, plantation, hurricane, wood, vinyl, custom, and traditional shutters. Shutters Info is the sister site of Roman Shades Web.

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Tags: Plantation, Shutters