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Why Some Homeowners In Jacksonville Mistake Plantation Blinds For Plantation Shutters

April 19, 2016

When homeowners in the Jacksonville area contact us for an estimate, some ask for plantation blinds. But plantation blinds is the wrong term for the window covering they‘re thinking of.

What most people refer to as “plantation blinds” are actually plantation shutters.

“Plantation” is commonly associated with interior shutters, not blinds. And “plantation” describes the size and style of the horizontal louvers.

Blinds have thin horizontal slats that most people call slats. But these slats are not thick enough or wide enough to be considered “plantation” style.

Even some blind companies call blinds “plantation,” but that term has always been associated with interior louvered shutters. Plantation shutters may look like blinds at a glance. But the differences between these two window treatments are plenty.

How Plantation Shutters Differ From Blinds

Blinds covering the windows of a modern kitchen
A modern kitchen with plantation shutters 

Plantation Shutters Last Longer Than Blinds

Premium plantation shutters can be manufactured from reclaimed wood, synthetic wood, or hardwood. These materials result in a sturdy window treatment that lasts for many more years than a blind. And when your shutters are painted with UV stabilizers, your plantation shutters don’t lose their original color.

In contrast to shutters, blinds have a series of cords that hold the slats up. And most have a wand to move the slats. Those two components, as well as the thin slats, are notorious for busting.

Blinds are also not effective at giving you control over brightness and temperature. And they are likely to yellow when overexposed to the sun, unlike quality shutters.

They’re Highly Energy Efficient

The material a window treatment is made from greatly affects its energy efficiency. Plantation shutters, with their synthetic wood and wood louvers, are known to be the most energy-efficient window treatment in Jacksonville. But it’s Polywood®’s exclusive weatherstripping that’s engineered to help restrict airflow. That’s how Polywood is 1600% more energy efficient than an aluminum blind.

When the blind is closed, holes are visible where the cords are. The slats aren’t tight against each other. And there’s room on both sides of the blind where air can escape through. All these weak points make blinds less energy efficient in comparison with well-built plantation shutters that close with little to no gaps.

They Accentuate The Shape Of Your Window

Another thing to keep in mind is that a rectangle is the only shape blinds come in. And when you have windows that are circular, arched, triangular, or octagonal, blinds will cover up the shape rather than highlight it.

Plantation shutters on the other hand are perfect for specialty-shaped windows. They are custom made to every angle, corner, and arch. The finished shutters is a window treatment that operates smoothly. And it will look stunning and makes the window shape pop.

They Give Your Home A Custom Look

Yes, you can order blinds in an array of finishes, colors, and textures. They can even be cordless and motorized. But no matter how you mix and match their options, blinds don’t have the custom look that shutters have.

Plantation shutters in Jacksonville are available in Ovation® wood, reclaimed wood, and Polywood. And there’s over 300,000 combinations of custom options of these window treatments so they fit your décor.

Usually, shutters are mounted with a frame that accentuates the corners and highlights the shutter panels. The interior shutters become a fashion statement that wows. And as a permanent fixture, they increase your home’s appraisal value.

An example of an exceptional idea for custom window treatments isshutters made from reclaimed wood. No two shutter louvers - no two shutter panels - have similar holes, colors, or marks. It’s the ultimate custom window treatment you can find in the Jacksonville area.

Schedule A Consultation Before You Order Window Coverings In Jacksonville

The first step in picking the best window treatments is doing your research. It’s helped you figure out how blinds and plantation shutters are different. So before you order window treatments, set up a consultation with one of our professionals in Jacksonville. We’ll bring samples of products right to your home and guide you in ordering the one that works best for your windows. Contact us at 904-289-1663 or fill out the form below to get started!