Are you looking for a way to
improve the appearance of your home and its value? Consider adding plantation
shutters. A form of window treatment that dates back to 18th and 19th-century
plantations in the Caribbean and the southern United States, these types of
shutters are experiencing a resurgence, appearing in many contemporary homes.
Plantation shutters are as
versatile as traditional shutters or blinds, while also adding an elegant feel
to space. They're also at home in modern, vintage-inspired decors and come
in all shapes and sizes. They can even be constructed in a round, arched or another window shape for a truly personalized look. But the attractive appearance
of these wooden shutters is just the beginning of their appeal. They are also:
Efficient energy
During the plantation days when
they were created, before window panes were common, plantation shutters were
all that protected the occupants of a home from the elements. People opened the
shutters to let in cool air or a cool breeze and closed them tightly against
summer heat, winter cold, or a strong storm. Likewise, before electricity was
common, they were effective at controlling the amount of sunlight entering
interior space.
In today's climatic age,
plantation shutters can have the same effects. Because they are integrated into
the window frame and can completely close the slats, they are effective in
preventing heat transfer between the interior and the exterior. You can use
them to control the light, allowing sunlight to enter only through the slats or
by opening the blinds fully. These attributes combined can mean that your
lighting and heating and air conditioning systems won't have to work as hard,
resulting in lower bills.
A good long-term investment
Installing plantation shades is different
from just hanging curtains or vertical blinds. Plantation shades are built-in,
instead of hanging from a bar or sliding bar. They are usually made of wood or
a wood substitute, which makes them a strong element in the design of rooms.
Once inside, they are both part of the structure of the house and a decorative
element.
What does all this mean for your
investment? First of all, plantation shutters are timeless and versatile. You
can redecorate the room countless times, even dramatically, without changing
the blinds. At most, you might need a new paint job or a coat of stain to make
them look better.
Interior blinds are also popular
with potential buyers. They can increase the value of your home more than any
other window treatment option, including specialty window treatments such as
Roman shades. The value is further increased if you install blinds made of high-quality materials. If you decide to sell your home in the future, you will be
thankful for choosing plantation shutters.
If you are interested in
attractive window treatments now that will stand the test of time, both in
style and durability, you can't beat Plantation Shutters. In addition, the
resulting savings on the energy bill can make the initial installation cost
worthwhile. The next time you're tempted to buy another pair of new curtains,
talk to someone at your local home improvement store or window curtain retailer
about plantation shutters.