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Why Some Homeowners In Fort Lauderdale Mistake Plantation Blinds For Plantation Shutters

April 19, 2016

When Fort Lauderdale homeowners ask us for a quote, some ask for plantation blinds. They don’t realize that plantation blinds isn’t the right name of the window treatment they‘re thinking of.

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

The word “plantation” is synonymous with interior shutters. Blinds aren’t. And “plantation” describes the size and style of the horizontal louvers.

Blinds’ thin horizontal slats are not thick enough or wide enough to be considered “plantation” style.

Some consumers and even blind companies call blinds “plantation,” although that term has historically been associated with custom interior shutters. Plantation style shutters can be mistaken for blinds from a distance. But the differences between these two window treatments are plenty.

How Plantation Shutters Differ From Blinds

Kitchen windows covered with blinds
A modern kitchen with plantation shutters 

Plantation Shutters Last Longer Than Blinds

Premium plantation shutters can be built from hardwood, reclaimed wood, or a synthetic wood. These materials result in a sturdy window treatment that outlasts blinds by decades. And when your shutters are painted with UV stabilizers, their color won’t yellow.

Unlike shutters, blinds have a series of cords that hold the slats up. And most have a wand to adjust the slats. These two parts, in addition to the thin slats, are notorious for breaking.

Blinds are also ineffective at giving you control over temperature and brightness. And they can yellow when overexposed to the sun, unlike quality shutters.

They’re Highly Energy Efficient

Energy efficiency starts with the material a window treatment is made from. Plantation shutters, with their synthetic wood and wood louvers, are the most energy-efficient window treatment in Fort Lauderdale. And it’s the exclusive weatherstripping on Polywood® shutters that’s engineered to help restrict airflow. That’s how Polywood insulates 1600% better than an aluminum blind.

When the blind is closed, the slats aren’t tight against each other. There’s room on both sides of the blind where air can flow. And there are holes where the cords are. All these problems make blinds less energy efficient in comparison with quality plantation shutters.

They Highlight The Shape Of Your Window

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

Plantation shutters however are perfect for specialty-shaped windows. They are custom made to every corner, arch, and angle. The finished product 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 a variety of textures, finishes, and colors. They can even be cordless and motorized. But however you mix and match their options, blinds don’t look as custom as shutters do.

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

Shutters are usually installed with a frame that highlights the shutter panels and accentuates the corners. These interior shutters become a fashion statement in and of themselves. And as a permanent fixture, they increase your home’s appraisal value.

An example of an exceptional way to customize your window treatments isshutters built from reclaimed wood. No two shutter panels - no two shutter louvers - have the same marks, holes, or colors. It’s the ultimate custom window treatment you’ve been looking for in the Fort Lauderdale area.

Schedule A Consultation Before You Order Window Treatments In Fort Lauderdale

Doing your research is the first step in choosing the best window treatments. It’s helped you figure out the differences between blinds and plantation shutters. So before you buy window treatments, set up a consultation with one of our experts in Fort Lauderdale. We’ll bring product samples right to your house and guide you in selecting the one that works best for your windows. Even if you call it plantation blinds, we’ll know what you mean. Give us a call at 561-440-8535 or fill out the form below to get started!