How to Choose Custom Plantation Shutters

Outfitting your windows with custom plantation shutters offers style and functionality that’s hard to beat. These versatile additions come in numerous configurations to suit wide-ranging tastes. Their highly customizable nature means you can find the perfect shutter in your preferred style. But where to begin? Narrow down your choices by following this guide.

Deciding on a Shutter Material

Your choice of material depends on the room’s purpose, your aesthetic preferences, and your budget. Natural wood is a beautiful, durable material that exudes elegance. Composite shutters are another option, offering the charm of wood without the upkeep. Finally, vinyl could be the material of choice if you’re working with a tighter budget or need shutters for humid areas, such as the kitchen or bathroom.

Choosing the Ideal Finish

Both paint and stain are effective finishes for plantation shutters, whether you opt for wood, composite, or vinyl. If you can’t decide, consider that paint protects wood from harsh UV rays better than stain, benefitting shutters in south- or west-facing windows the most. Then again, stain is a beautiful way to show off the real or faux wood grain of your plantation shutters.

When picking a paint color, consider white or ivory for a subdued look. Feel free to experiment with brighter shades to make a bold statement. If you opt for stain, choose a finish that matches the existing wood elements in the room, such as the floors, cabinets, or trim.

Pinning Down a Louver Size

Another customizable aspect of plantation shutters is the louver size. Louvers of 2 1/2 inches or narrower generally complement small windows, while louvers of 3 1/2 inches or wider are well-suited for large windows.

Deciding Where the Tilt Rod Should Go

The orientation of the tilt rod on your shutter panels offers room for customization. A traditional tilt rod is visible from the front as a vertical rod running through the middle of the louvers. You might also consider a hidden tilt rod, which mounts on the rear of the panel, for a more streamlined look. Then, decide whether you want a single-tilt rod to control all the louvers at once or a split-tilt rod for more light and privacy control.

Mounting Your Plantation Shutters

The choice between an inside and outside mount depends largely on your window’s construction. Inside mounts offer a clean, polished appearance, with the shutters flush against the surrounding walls. This requires precise measurements and a deep enough window sill to facilitate the shutters. Outside mounts are ideal for shallow sills. They have more forgiving measurement requirements but protrude slightly into the room.

Customize Your Shutters with Value Blinds & Shutters

If you need more help choosing custom plantation shutters for your Colorado home, turn to Value Blinds & Shutters. Serving Castle Rock and Denver for over 18 years, we offer top-notch Hunter Douglas products at affordable prices. Our A+ BBB rating and free estimates demonstrate our commitment to customer satisfaction. To learn more, please call us at 303-663-8120 or contact us online. You can also visit our showroom in Castle Rock on weekdays from 9 am to 5 pm to see some of our most popular plantation shutters in person.