Why Some Homeowners In Baltimore Confuse Plantation Blinds And Plantation Shutters
When homeowners in the Baltimore area call us for an estimate, some ask for plantation blinds. But plantation blinds is the wrong term for the window covering they have in mind.
That’s because when people say “plantation blinds”, they actually mean plantation shutters.
“Plantation” is commonly associated with interior shuttersThat’s not the case with blinds. And the term “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 “plantation” style.
Even some blind companies call blinds “plantation,” but that word has been associated with custom interior louvered shutters. Plantation shutters can look like blinds at a glance. But these two window treatments differ in many ways.
How Plantation Shutters Are Different From Blinds
Plantation Shutters Last Longer Than Blinds
Premium plantation shutters can be manufactured from hardwood, reclaimed wood, or a synthetic wood. Any of these materials give you a sturdy window treatment that outlasts blinds by decades. And when you get shutters with UV stabilizer-infused paint, your plantation shutters never lose their original color.
In contrast to shutters, blinds may have a wand to move the slats. And they have a series of cords to hold the slats up. Those two elements, in addition to the thin slats, are susceptible to busting.
Blinds don’t give you control over temperature and light. And they tend to yellow over extended periods of sun exposure, unlike 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 Baltimore. But it’s the exclusive weatherstripping on Polywood® shutters that’s made to help seal off airflow. That’s how Polywood is 1600% more energy efficient than an aluminum blind.
When the blind is closed, holes are visible where the cords are. The slats aren’t tight against each other. And there’s space on both sides of the blind where air can escape through. All these issues make blinds less energy efficient than quality plantation shutters that close with little to no gaps.
They Highlight The Shape Of Your Window
Another thing to consider is that the only shape blinds come in is rectangular. And if your window are triangular, octagonal, circular, or arched, blinds will hide the shape rather than show it off.
Plantation shutters however are perfect for specialty-shaped windows. They are custom built to account for every angle, corner, and arch. The finished product is a window treatment that operates smoothly, looks stunning, and makes the window shape pop.
They Give Your Home A Custom Look
Yes, you can get blinds in a selection of textures, finishes, and colors. 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 Baltimore are available in Ovation® wood, reclaimed wood, and Polywood. And there’s over 300,000 combinations of custom options of these window treatments to match your style.
Shutters are usually installed with a frame that highlights the shutter panels and accentuates the corners of the window. The shutters make a fashion statement that wows. And as a permanent feature of your home, they adds to its appraisal value.
One exceptional idea to customize your window treatments is to have the shutters built from reclaimed wood. No two shutter louvers - no two shutter panels - have the same holes, colors, or marks. It’s the ultimate custom window treatment you can find in the Baltimore area.
