Why Some Homeowners In Boise Mistake Plantation Blinds For Plantation Shutters
When homeowners in the Boise area call us for an estimate, they might accidentally ask for plantation blinds. They don’t realize that plantation blinds isn’t the right name of the window treatment they want.
What most people refer to as “plantation blinds” are actually plantation shutters.
“Plantation” is used interchangeably with interior shuttersThat’s not the case with blinds. And the word “plantation” refers to 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.
Even some blind companies call blinds “plantation,” although that term has historically been associated with custom interior shutters. Plantation style shutters might look like blinds at a glance. But the differences between these two window treatments are plenty.
How Plantation Shutters Differ From Blinds
Plantation Shutters Last Longer Than Blinds
Premium plantation shutters can be made from reclaimed wood, synthetic wood, or hardwood. These materials give you a sturdy window treatment that lasts for many more years than a blind. And when the paint on your shutters is infused 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 adjust the slats. Those two elements, in addition to the thin slats, are notorious for breaking.
Blinds are also ineffective at giving you control over light and temperature. And they are likely to yellow after years in the sun, which is not the case with quality shutters.
They’re Highly Energy Efficient
The material a window treatment is made from greatly affects its energy efficiency. Plantation shutters, with their wood and synthetic wood louvers, are known to be the most energy-efficient window treatment in Boise. And it’s Polywood®’s exclusive weatherstripping that’s engineered to help block off airflow. That’s how Polywood insulates 1600% better than an aluminum blind.
When you close a blind, there are holes where the cords are. The slats aren’t tight against each other. And there’s room on both sides of the blind where air can flow. These problems make blinds less energy efficient in comparison with quality plantation shutters that close with minimal gaps.
They Highlight The Shape Of Your Window
Another thing to think about is that the only shape blinds are available in is rectangular. And when you have windows that are circular, arched, triangular, or octagonal, blinds will hide the shape rather than show it off.
Plantation shutters on the other hand are ideal 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 get 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 Boise come in Polywood, Ovation® wood, and reclaimed wood. And there’s 300,000+ ways to customize these window treatments to fit your décor.
Usually, shutters are mounted with a frame that accentuates the corners of the window and highlights the shutter panels. These plantation shutters become a fashion statement in and of themselves. And as a permanent fixture, they increase your home’s appraisal value.
An example of an unique idea for custom window coverings is to have the shutters built from reclaimed wood. No two shutter louvers - no two shutter panels - have similar holes, colors, or marks. It’s the ultimate custom window treatment you’ve been looking for in the Boise area.