Plantation Shutters - Function Meets beauty

Plantation shutters are becoming a popular, sufficient way to add a new, elegant look to your home. They are both functional and attractive.

Parts of a plantation shutter

Plantation Shutter

Traditional plantation shutters have a rather uncomplicated design. Plantation shutters normally are made up of a set of full-length vertical panels, and can be divided into four main parts:

The horizontal slats found on the top and lowest of the shutter are referred to as the 'rails'. Some plantation shutters may also consist of one or more horizontal rails in the town of the shutter, dividing the plantation shutter into separate tiers.

Located on the sides of the shutter, are vertical 'stiles'.

'Louvers' are the parallel slats found between the stiles, which are able to be tilted and adjusted to allow in more or less light. Louvers can be made in a amount of discrete sizes and shapes.

The 'tilt rod' is the mechanism which controls the movement of the louvers. These also come in a range of styles.

Where did plantation shutters come from?

Shutters have been used for many, many centuries. Some experts claim that they were used as far back as old Greece, with slats being made from marble slabs. They were used before glass was available, to supply safety from the elements, such as rain, wind, and direct heat from the sun's rays. They also effectively guarded against insects and small animals entering the building. The real function of the shutters was appreciated when these elements and pests passed, and the shutters could be opened, allowing for fresh sunlight and a cool zephyr to ventilate the establishment.

Many old Southern homes found the charm and practicality of these shutters, incorporating them into the design of the decadent mansions found on plantations in the Old South. The term 'plantation shutter' was derived from these applications. These shutters have seen remarkably few modifications since these early times.

Modern plantation shutters

Today, plantation shutters come in a vast array of sizes, styles, and materials. They can be found throughout the globe, in every style of home. Most are made of hardwoods such as poplar or bass and can a have a amount of finishes to add architectural appeal to to residential and industrial properties. Plantation shutters made of rich woods such as cherry, oak, mahogany, or walnut are exceptionally attractive.

Plantation shutters can be used individually, or linked together to cover any windows, or one large one. Many manufacturers of plantation shutters allow you to have institution shutters built to your specifications to add a unique look to your home and make a design statement.

Today's plantation shutters still offer the many practicalities that former generations found so useful. Plantation shutters are fully adjustable to allow for more or less light, offer privacy, and can even have insulation benefits.

Plantation Shutters - Function Meets beauty