Plantation Shutters Provide Style and Elegance

Adding Style and Elegance Through Plantation Shutters

To add a touch of class and elegance, it is a good option to consider using plantation shutters. These are Greek Architecture inspired window hardware that transcends to today's time. It is both functional and aesthetic by nature. They work as interior shutters that fill up your entire window for an ample amount of covering. Most plantation shutters are wooden but among the popular choices are vinyl and PVC. Vinyl is a very good material because it is requires little amount of maintenance.

Since plantation shutters are louvered shutters, it is very convenient to open and close. It has latches and hinges that support the ease of moving and swinging it open or close. While some shutters are movable, some are also fixed and stationary. Whenever you want to control the amount of light coming in inside your home, you can easily manipulate this through the shutters. People are fond of using them as they can hang the shutters all together to let maximum light come in, have it partially opened if necessary, or close it entirely by choice. This way, both light and air can be thoroughly controlled with their pathway.

Casement windows that work by series or rows of consecutive windows are very fitting for the use of plantation shutters. When the shutters are installed in the interior of the windows, the arrangement becomes very appealing to the eyes of any onlooker. Large picture windows and spacious bay windows also work well with plantation shutters. Recall that these shutters, like hurricane shutters, do not only offer comfort of use and functionality but also style and modern elegance. It is only fitting to say that plantation shutters are very versatile window treatments being used nowadays.

Which Type of Shutter Should I Use?

The shutter panels of this window treatment are usually constructed with pine. The good thing about plantation shutters is that they are both available as either roughly finished or raw. This gives the homeowners or contractors the freedom to finish the pre-built ones on their own. This will give them an opportunity to add a personal touch on the panels by having them painted on their own using their color of choice or have them raw and unfinished for a change.

If you check out the hardware stores around, a wide array of color selection is readily available. The popular choices like vinyl and PVC come in variety of colors so that contractors or home owners working on a home repair does not have to worry about picking the odd color out of the choices.

Homeowners consider the color finish because they would not want to make a coloring book out of their homes. It has to match well the interior and exterior of their home so that it would give quite an impact to any visitors who might drop by. Home repairs, after all, are not only for the ones who might check out your homes but is also one way of giving yourself and your own home the pride and esteem of being shown off around.

When choosing the material of the plantation shutters, consider the humidity level of your home. Both PVC and vinyl also work out as the best picks for several rooms at home because it can prevent your homes from too much moisture and steam like the bathroom and the rooms by your poolside.

Plantation Shutters As Security Shutters

The secondary purpose of plantation shutter is for a good deal of privacy and security. These shutters can be put for use at almost any part of the house. It can limit the amount of view to be seen from the outside as well from the inside. Artificial lighting, ventilation and the sunshine brought inside the house are among the few factors that can be controlled very well by plantation shutters.

Steve Bukento continually writes news on areas dealing with exterior shutters and exterior house shutters. You can discover his observations on exterior window shutters over at http://www.shades-blinds-shutters-guide.com/exterior-window-shutters.html and other sources for exterior window shutters information.

The Origin of Plantation Shutters

When choosing new shutters as part of a home repair project you may be deciding whether looks or practicality are more important features for your home. You can stop worrying, because with plantation shutters you can have the very best of both. Plantation shutters can be traced all the way back to ancient Greece. They were used both internally and externally in Greek architecture to provide a degree of both privacy and safety. Influences of Greek building styles, such as plantation shutters, can be seen throughout the western world.

Before it became commonplace to glaze windows, shutters were used instead to protect the interior of buildings from the elements and from intruders. They would be opened during the day for increased ventilation and to allow light into the property.

Greek influences were common in architecture in America throughout the eighteenth, nineteenth and twentieth centuries. This is particularly evident in public buildings such as libraries, and government buildings. These influences were also evident in the great plantation mansions stretching from South Carolina to Mississippi. Plantation owners wanted the same combination of beauty and privacy that the Greeks had valued; they also saw the aesthetic benefits of this style of shutter. They were also interested in security, as these plantation areas were isolated and not well populated. Plantation mansions were often targeted by robbers due to their locations association with wealth and prosperity.

Now you understand a little about the origin of plantation shutters, you might be interested to learn how to choose the appropriate shutters for your property.

Ask the opinion of a carpenter if you are not sure whether your existing window structure will support the extra weight of hinged shutter panels. If you need to replace the framework of the window, the project could cost more than you anticipated. Also note that if you live in an area prone to hurricanes, plantation shutters may not provide the necessary level of protection and you should consider hurricane shutters.

Decide on the width of louver you require before you buy shutter panels. As well as the appearance, the louver size has an impact on the shutter's functionality. The wider the louver, the greater the airflow into the room and the more light you will be able to let in.

You will need to consider which material you prefer for your shutters. Although wooden shutters are the traditional choice and can produce a cozier effect, they may not be suitable for humid climates or rooms where they are likely to come into contact with water and steam. For these locations you may decide to choose vinyl, which is also cheaper and easier to maintain than wood.

Your final decision is whether you need fixed or adjustable slats. Depending on the function of your shutters, moveable slats may not be necessary, for example if you are planning on having them open all day and only closing them at night. If you want the shutters closed during the day, adjustable slats are great for letting in air and some light.

Now you just need to find a quality supplier of plantation blinds, and reliable contractor, unless you intend to fit the shutters yourself. If you are, ensure you get good advice from your home store, or various online sources before you begin the task.

Being very excited about home repair and storm protection, John C. Bakers has been editing various news in this specific field. You can see his publications on plantation shutters over at http://www.shades-blinds-shutters-guide.com/plantation-shutters.html and different sources for plantation shutters knowledge.

Plantation Shutters Bring Antebellum Elegance To Modern Homes

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Choosing plantation shutters for form or function? Plantation shutters offer both to today's homeowner. These unique window treatments trace their roots to ancient Greece. The Greeks used them for both privacy and security. Interior shutters were used to close windows. Along with imposing columns, shutters are hallmarks of Classical Greek Architecture. This ancient order and form in building design later influenced buildings and architecture throughout the Western world.

Before the widespread use of glass, shutters were used to close windows. They were used to protect the interior of the house from the weather and from intruders as well as provide privacy. They could be opened to allow sunlight and fresh air into the building or home.

Elements of Greek architecture are seen in many buildings and homes from the late 18th century, the 19th century and the early 20th century in the United States. It was especially prevalent in banks, office buildings and many public and government buildings. The plantation mansions of the old South borrowed heavily on the architecture of the Greeks. The antebellum mansions of the great plantations from South Carolina to the western edge of Mississippi borrowed heavily from the building concepts of the Greeks. A number of these grand old mansions have been restored and preserved at Natchez, Mississippi.

Just as did the ancient Greeks, plantation owners used shutters for both their beauty and their function. By closing the windows in this manner, these homeowners were able to add a level of security to their homes. This was important because in the era before the Civil War, the agricultural areas of the South were only sparsely populated. Plantations were largely isolated. Plantations were also symbols of wealth, making them targets for bands of robbers. There was also the potential of attack from revolting slaves.

Times have changed and today's homeowners use shutters primarily for their beauty or form rather than for security.

What are plantation shutters?

Plantation shutters are louvered interior shutters. They cover the entire window. They are most often made from wood, although modern materials including PVC and vinyl are also being used with growing acceptance. The shutters are hinged and can be opened or closed and latched. In addition to swinging open, some models have moveable louvers that can be opened and closed. Other models have stationary louvers. There is great flexibility in being able to partially or completely open the shutters and/or partially or completely open the louvers. This allows tremendous control in directing the inflow of outside air as well as sunlight.

Typically the panels of plantation shutters range from 15 inches to 36 inches wide. Louvers are available in several widths, ranging from 1-3/4 inches wide to 4-1/2 inches wide, appealing to different tastes and fitting with a variety of decors. The width of the louver has a practical application as well as aesthetic. The wider the louver, the more air or sunlight will be allowed to filter through.

These shutters are often used in series. Rooms with a number of windows, several adjacent windows or large picture windows look especially good with plantation shutter window treatment.

Pine is frequently used in construction of hurricane shutters as well. Contractors and do-it-yourselfers can find them both pre-finished and unfinished. Unfinished allows the contractor or diy to finish with any paint or stain color desired.

PVC and vinyl panels come in colors, including white. These panels may be plain or have embossed wood graining. PVC and vinyl are excellent choices for rooms where there can be high levels of moisture or steam. They are good for pool rooms, bathrooms and utility rooms.

Shutters with moveable panels have the added advantage of providing privacy at the same time they admit light and air. You can adjust the louvers in such a manner that light and air is allowed into the room while at the same time preventing outside passersby from seeing inside.

Some tips for selecting shutters for your home

1. Consult your carpenter or contractor. Determine if the present window casings will support the weight of the hinged shutters when opened and closed, or whether additional framing will be required.

2. Consider the width of the louver. The louver width affects the appearance as well as the function of the shutters. The wider the louver, the more light and air will be permitted to flow into the room.

3. Choose between wood and vinyl. Wooden, especially faux wood shutters can give the room a warmer feeling. Vinyl shutters work well in rooms that have high moisture or steam content. Vinyl shutters are easy to clean and will not warp.

4. Choose between moveable and fixed louvers. If you want to use the shutters primarily for privacy and security, you may wish to use fixed position louvers. If you want to be able to open the shutters to admit light, ventilation or see through the window, you will want to select adjustable louver shutters.

5. Read the reviews written by home improvement consultants and also by consumers. These reviews are posted on websites and are published on home improvement websites and in home decorating magazines.

6. Choose a reputable company with a reliable warranty against defects in materials and workmanship.

Tips for installing shutters

1. Measure the window and make sure that the window opening is square. If the window is not square, you will be required to taper the shutter to fit the opening.

2. Cut the shutters to fit the opening. If you cannot find a shutter that will fit your window exactly, choose a shutter that is slightly larger than the opening. If you need to trip more than ¾" from the shutter, cut all of it from the left or bottom sides. If you need to trim more than ¾ inch from the side, cut half from each side. Use the same procedure in trimming the height of the shutter.

3. Hinge the shutter with non-mortising hinges. Use two shutter hinges for shutters 30 inches or less in height. Use three hinges for shutters from 30 - 48 inches high. Be sure and place the hinges on the opposite side of the desired shutter opening.

4. Install the latch on the opposite side of the hinges. The latch is often installed in the centre of the shutter. In some applications it may be desirable to install the latch near the top or the bottom of the shutter. For example, in a room used by small children you may wish to install the latch near the top of the shutter.

5. The installation tools needed include a mitre, radial arm or table saw; a jointer, planer or a hand plane; screwdriver; square, paint brush; tape measure; pencil; the shutters, non-mortising hinges, screws, fine sandpaper and touch-up paint or varnish.

Today's homeowner is going to use plantation shutters more for beauty, but they are also important for privacy and security. Shutters are often an excellent choice for living rooms, sitting rooms, dens, home libraries and home offices. There is a special feeling that comes from sitting or working in a room dominated by the rich warmth of wood. Sunlight, ventilation and artificial lighting can all be adjusted to provide just the right atmosphere.