Why Some Homeowners In Orlando Confuse Plantation Blinds And Plantation Shutters
When homeowners in the Orlando area call us for an estimate, they may mistakenly ask for plantation blinds. They don’t realize that plantation blinds isn’t the right name of the window treatment they‘re thinking of.
That’s because when people say “plantation blinds”, they actually mean plantation shutters.
The word “plantation” is synonymous with interior shuttersThat’s not the case with blinds. And the term “plantation” refers to the size and style of the horizontal louvers.
Blinds have thin horizontal slats that most people call slats. But these slats are not wide enough or thick enough to pass for “plantation” style.
Even some blind companies call blinds “plantation,” when that word has historically been associated with custom interior shutters. Plantation style shutters can be mistaken for blinds from a distance. But these two window treatments differ in many ways.
How Plantation Shutters Differ From Blinds
Plantation Shutters Are More Durable Than Blinds
Premium plantation shutters can be manufactured from reclaimed wood, synthetic wood, or hardwood. Any of these materials give you 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 may have a wand to adjust the slats. And they have a series of cords to hold the slats up. These two elements, as well as the thin slats, are notorious for breaking.
Blinds don’t give you control over brightness 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 known to be the most energy-efficient window treatment in Orlando. But it’s Polywood®’s exclusive weatherstripping that’s made to help restrict airflow. That’s how Polywood is 1600% more energy efficient than an aluminum blind.
When the blind is closed, there’s space on both sides of the blind where air can escape through. You can see holes where the cords are. And the slats aren’t tight against each other. All these issues make blinds less energy efficient in comparison with well-built plantation shutters.
They Highlight The Shape Of Your Window
Another thing to think about is that the only shape blinds come in is rectangular. And if your window are circular, arched, triangular, or octagonal, blinds will hide the shape rather than highlight it.
Plantation shutters on the other hand are ideal for specialty-shaped windows. They are custom built to every arch, angle, and corner. The finished product is a window treatment that operates smoothly. And it will look stunning and makes the window shape pop.
They Give Your Home A Custom Look
Yes, you can order blinds in an array of finishes, colors, and textures. They can even be cordless or motorized. But no matter what combination you choose, blinds don’t have the custom look that shutters have.
Plantation shutters in Orlando come in reclaimed wood, Polywood, and Ovation® wood. And there’s more than 300,000 combinations of custom options of these window treatments to match your personal taste.
Usually, shutters are installed with a frame that accentuates the corners and highlights the shutter panels. These shutters become a fashion statement in and of themselves. And as a permanent fixture, they increase your home’s appraisal value.
One unique idea for custom window treatments is to have the shutters made from reclaimed wood. No two shutter panels - no two shutter louvers - have similar colors, marks, or holes. It’s the ultimate custom window treatment you’ve been looking for in the Orlando area.
