Plantation shutters have been around for years, centuries. Back during the civil war times in the United States, the mansions of the south were adorned with shutters that were carried over from Europe. They got the name “plantation shutters” and this is how they are known to this day. They offer a means of completely blocking the outside world from the interior of the home. They give rooms a deep rich appearance over those of curtains or even blinds and shades. They are more a permanent structure like a door rather than a temporary fixture. Most are constructed of wood and are painted or stained to match the interior.
Plantation shutters are a great way to give a room a rich warm style and a perfect for those who need complete blockage from the outside. The beauty of them is the ability to open them to expose the window completely, when the desire for full sunlight is there. For a person who may need to sleep during the day hours, shutters like this provide complete darkening features, so the outside blaring sunlight is hidden from the room. This works well for the person who wishes to sleep in complete darkness, because it will block out any streetlights, moon light, etc too.
Plantation shutters are a perfect way to allow just a little light in, by opening the slats, or by allowing the full light, but opening the full shutter. This feature allows for the best in energy conservation, by helping to keep the cool air in during the hot summer months and likewise in the winter by keeping the warm air in. Even a drafty window will be well served with a plantation shutter that will block the energy sucking drafts from the room. Wood makes a great insulator, and because the shutters operate like a door to the window, it adds a layer of insulation around the window.
If you live in a climate where screens are not necessary plantation shutters are a good addition to the window, to allow just a little air in, or a lot, with the ease of control of the louvers or slats. Years ago these types of shutters served to “be” the window, back when glass windows did not exist, that proves how well they block the harsh elements of the weather outside. But today most all windows have glass, so the shutters offers a decorative style in addition to their practicality.
