Why Some Homeowners In Virginia Beach Mistake Plantation Blinds For Plantation Shutters
When homeowners in the Virginia Beach area contact us for an estimate, they may mistakenly ask for plantation blinds. However plantation blinds isn’t the right name of the window treatment they‘re thinking of.
That’s because what most people refer to as “plantation blinds” are in fact plantation shutters.
Interior shutters are synonymous with the term “plantation”Blinds aren’t. And the word “plantation” describes the style of the window treatment as it relates to the size of the horizontal louvers.
Blinds’ thin horizontal slats are not wide enough or thick enough to be considered “plantation” style.
Some consumers and even blind companies call blinds “plantation,” although that term has always been associated with custom interior shutters. Plantation style shutters can be mistaken for blinds at a glance. 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 synthetic wood, hardwood, or reclaimed wood. These materials make for a sturdy window treatment that outlasts blinds by decades. And when you buy shutters with UV stabilizer-infused paint, your plantation shutters will not 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 move the slats. These two elements, as well as the thin slats, are susceptible to breaking.
Blinds don’t give you control over temperature and brightness. And they are likely to yellow when overexposed to 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 wood and synthetic wood louvers, are the most energy-efficient window treatment in Virginia Beach. And it’s the exclusive weatherstripping on Polywood® shutters that’s made to help block off airflow. That’s how Polywood insulates 1600% better than an aluminum blind.
When the blind is closed, you can see holes 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 flow. All these issues make blinds less energy efficient compared to quality plantation shutters that close with little to no gaps.
They Accentuate The Shape Of Your Window
Another thing to keep in mind is that the only shape blinds come in is rectangular. And when you have windows that are circular, arched, triangular, or octagonal, blinds will cover up the shape rather than show it off.
Plantation shutters however are ideal for specialty-shaped windows. They are custom built to every arch, angle, and corner. The completed product is a window treatment that looks stunning, makes the window shape pop, and operates smoothly.
They Give Your Home A Custom Look
You can get blinds in an array of finishes, colors, and textures. They can even be motorized or cordless. But no matter how you mix and match their options, blinds don’t have the custom look that shutters have.
Plantation shutters in Virginia Beach are available in Polywood, Ovation® wood, and reclaimed wood. And there’s 300,000+ combinations of custom options of these window treatments to match your style.
Shutters are usually mounted with a frame that highlights the shutter panels and accentuates the corners. The interior shutters make a fashion statement in and of themselves. And as a permanent feature of your home, they adds to its appraisal value.
One example of an unique way to customize your window coverings is to have the shutters made from reclaimed wood. No two shutter panels - no two shutter louvers - have similar marks, holes, or colors. It’s the ultimate custom window treatment in the Virginia Beach area.
