Why Some Homeowners In New York Confuse Plantation Blinds And Plantation Shutters
When homeowners in the New York area call us for an estimate, some ask for plantation blinds. They don’t realize that plantation blinds isn’t the right name of the window covering they‘re thinking of.
When people say “plantation blinds”, they‘re referring to plantation shutters.
Interior shutters are synonymous with the term “plantation”. That’s not the case with blinds. And “plantation” describes the style of the window treatment as it relates to the size of the horizontal louvers.
Blinds’ thin horizontal slats are not thick enough or wide enough to be considered “plantation” style.
Some consumers and even blind companies call blinds “plantation,” but that word has always been associated with custom interior louvered shutters. Plantation shutters may be mistaken for blinds from a distance. But the differences between these two window treatments are numerous.
How Plantation Shutters Differ From Blinds
Plantation Shutters Are More Durable Than Blinds
Premium plantation shutters can be built from synthetic wood, hardwood, or reclaimed wood. These materials make for a sturdy window treatment that outlasts blinds by decades. And when your shutters are painted with UV stabilizers, their color won’t fade.
Unlike shutters, blinds have a series of cords that hold the slats up. And most have a rod to tilt the slats. Those two parts, in addition to the thin slats, are notorious for breaking.
Blinds are also not effective at giving you control over light and temperature. And they can yellow after years in the sun, which is not the case with quality shutters.
They’re Highly Energy Efficient
Energy efficiency starts with the material a window treatment is made from. Plantation shutters, with their synthetic wood and wood louvers, are the most energy-efficient window treatment in New York. And it’s Polywood®’s exclusive weatherstripping that’s engineered to help insulate against 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 flow. And you can see holes where the cords are. These weak points make blinds less energy efficient in comparison with quality plantation shutters that close with minimal gaps.
They Accentuate The Shape Of Your Window
Another thing to keep in mind is that the only shape blinds come in is rectangular. And if your window are octagonal, circular, arched, or triangular, blinds will cover up the shape rather than highlight it.
Plantation shutters however are perfect for specialty-shaped windows. They are custom made to account for every corner, arch, and angle. The finished product is a window treatment that makes the window shape pop, operates smoothly, and looks stunning.
They Give Your Home A Custom Look
You can buy blinds in a wide variety 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 look as custom as shutters do.
Plantation shutters in New York come in Ovation® wood, reclaimed wood, and Polywood. And there’s over 300,000 ways to customize these window treatments to match your style.
Shutters are usually installed with a frame that highlights the shutter panels and accentuates the corners. These shutters make a fashion statement in and of themselves. And as a permanent fixture, they increase your home’s appraisal value.
One exceptional idea for custom window treatments isshutters made from reclaimed wood. No two shutter panels - no two shutter louvers - have identical colors, marks, or holes. It’s the ultimate custom window treatment in the New York area.
