Plantation Shutters: The Window Treatment that Ticks all the Important Boxes

Every decision regarding the look of your home is a tough one, but I’m sure you’ll agree with me that settling for a window treatment is especially difficult. After all, there are so many requirements the perfect window treatment should meet. For one, it should shield our interior from outside elements and inquisitive eyes looks and still allow us to enjoy sunshine whenever we feel like it. Then there’s appearance as well. The perfect window treatment should look expensive and visually enhance our home but still be affordable enough for our modest budgets.

So, is it possible for a window treatment to tick all the boxes? Yes, if the window treatment in question is the plantation shutter. Available in a variety of sizes, finishes and mounting options, Australian plantation shutters can fit in just about any interior design scheme. You can go for a natural wood stain for a more traditional look, or paint them white for a clean, contemporary touch.

When it comes to privacy and light, plantation shutters can allow you to enjoy the best of both worlds. Because they feature wide slats, they can be adjusted in a way to keep prying eyes out while allowing some comfortable light to filter through. On the other hand, when the slats are completely closed, the shutters effectively prevent UV rays from damaging your floors and furniture.

Besides enhancing your home’s appearance, plantation shutters can also help make it more energy-efficient. Because they are custom-made to fit the precise measurements of windows, they can function as an extra layer of insulation, preventing draughts and keeping the heat in. As a result, you can expect to lower the overall energy bills of your home.

Although they aren’t as widespread as Venetians or roller blinds, plantation shutters are some of the most functional and attractive window treatments. The reason they aren’t so popular is that they used to be very expensive considering they were mostly made of oak or ash. However, today you can find many Australian plantation shutters made of basswood that offer all the beauty and functionality of these hardwoods for only a fraction of its price.

Unlike most hardwoods, basswood has a superior resistance to bowing or warping, making it a fine, although not perfect, choice for areas with high humidity, such as the bathroom and kitchen. But if you want a window treatment that is 100% resistant to humidity, besides wood, there are also Australian plantation shutters made of other materials such as PVC, MDF, and even faux wood.