Why Some Homeowners In Fort Myers Mistake Plantation Blinds For Plantation Shutters
When homeowners in the Fort Myers area contact us for an estimate, some ask for plantation blinds. However plantation blinds is the wrong term for the window treatment they‘re thinking of.
What most people refer to as “plantation blinds” are in fact plantation shutters.
The word “plantation” is synonymous with interior shuttersBlinds aren’t. And the word “plantation” refers to the size and style of the horizontal louvers.
Blinds’ thin horizontal slats are not wide enough or thick enough to pass for “plantation” style.
Even some blind companies call blinds “plantation,” but that term has been associated with custom interior shutters. Plantation style shutters might be mistaken for blinds at a glance. But these two window treatments differ in many ways.
How Plantation Shutters Differ From Blinds
Plantation Shutters Last Longer Than Blinds
Premium plantation shutters can be made from hardwood, reclaimed wood, or a synthetic wood. These materials make for a sturdy window treatment that outlasts blinds by decades. And when your shutters are painted with UV stabilizers, your plantation shutters never lose their original color.
In contrast to shutters, blinds have a series of cords that hold the slats up. And most have a rod to tilt the slats. Those two elements, as well as the thin slats, are susceptible to breaking.
Blinds don’t give you control over light and temperature. And they are likely to yellow when overexposed to the sun, unlike quality shutters.
They’re Highly Energy Efficient
Energy efficiency starts with the material a window treatment is made from. Plantation shutters, with their wood and synthetic wood louvers, are known to be the most energy-efficient window treatment in Fort Myers. And it’s the exclusive weatherstripping on Polywood® shutters that’s engineered to help seal off airflow. That’s how Polywood is 1600% more energy efficient than an aluminum blind.
When the blind is closed, there’s room on both sides of the blind where air can escape through. There are holes where the cords are. And the slats aren’t tight against each other. These problems make blinds less energy efficient compared to well-built plantation shutters that close with little to no gaps.
They Highlight The Shape Of Your Window
Another thing to think about is that a rectangle is the only shape blinds come in. And if your window are arched, triangular, octagonal, or circular, blinds will cover up the shape rather than show it off.
Plantation shutters on the other hand are perfect for specialty-shaped windows. They are custom made to account for every angle, corner, and arch. The finished shutters is a functional window treatment that looks beautiful and makes the window shape pop.
They Give Your House A Custom Look
Yes, you can buy blinds in a selection of finishes, colors, and textures. They can even be motorized or cordless. But however you mix and match their options, blinds don’t have the custom look that shutters have.
Plantation shutters in Fort Myers are available in Polywood, Ovation® wood, and reclaimed wood. And there’s 300,000+ combinations of custom options of these window treatments to fit your décor.
Usually, shutters are installed with a frame that highlights the shutter panels and accentuates the corners of the window. These interior shutters make a fashion statement in and of themselves. And as a permanent feature of your home, they increases its appraisal value.
One unique idea to customize your window treatments is to have the shutters made from reclaimed wood. No two shutter louvers - no two shutter panels - have identical holes, colors, or marks. It’s the ultimate custom window treatment you can find in the Fort Myers area.
