Plantation Shutter Myths Debunked
We’ve busted some shutter myths before. On our previous myth-debunking spree, we looked at a few common misunderstandings homeowners have about interior shutters in Fort Lauderdale.
This time, the Sunburst Shutters Fort Lauderdale pros are back to correct the record on a couple more myths we’ve heard from shutter-buyers in and around Florida. Let’s jump right in.
Myth #1: “Plantation Shutters Are For Southern Houses.”
When some homeowners see the phrase “plantation shutters,” they typically conjure the image of a giant, sprawling southern house surrounded by hills. Although it’s true that they owe their name to that location and time, plantation shutters in fact had huge popularity way before and way after 19th Century Southern America.
Nevertheless, plantation shutters offer those very same features to any home, no matter its style or location. Craftsman homes can utilize shutters, just as Victorian homes, Mid-Century Modern houses, and even beach houses can.
Myth#2: “My Home Style Won’t Work With Shutters Is Too Eclectic For Shutters.”
Because plantation shutters have been so popular for so long, some people may have gotten the impression that shutters seem somewhat stale. We’ve worked with a customer previously who claimed that their house was “too eclectic” to install shutters, which was a tad confusing–since shutters are probably the only window treatment that can match any style.
Myth: “Shutters And Blinds Are Pretty Much The Same Thing.”
For some reason, there’s a lot of confusion over the difference between blinds and shutters. It might have to do with homeowners conflating “slats” and “louvers,” or it’s the similarity in shape that causes the confusion. No matter the reason, blinds and shutters couldn’t be more different. Here’s the basic breakdown of the two.
| What’s the difference? | Blinds | Shutters |
| Can block out whole window134 | No | Yes |
| Structure | Suspended from cord | Solid frame mounted on to window frame |
| Lifetime | Can break down or fall apart after 2-3 years. | Can easily last 20+ years. |
| Permanent or temporary? | Temporary | Permanent |
| Adds to value of the home? | No | Yes |
| Energy Efficiency | Minimal | Can block up to 30 degrees of outside temperature. |
| Can they fit specialty windows? | No | Yes. |
| What are the adjustable parts called? | Slats | Louvers |
Myth: “All window treatments are basically the same in energy efficiency.”
Like the “Blinds vs. Shutters” table shows, window treatments can vary tremendously on how energy efficient they are. The shape, material, and construction can all make a difference in how much energy efficiency a window treatment offers.
On the lowest end of the spectrum you have no window treatment whatsoever. Offering just a tad more energy efficiency are your everyday retail aluminum blinds. More energy efficient than those are draperies and heavier fabric window treatments. Going further into energy efficient territory are most wood shutters and honeycomb shades, made to offer sun-blocking protection and heat reduction. But at the very top of the mountain are Polywood plantation shutters, made to both reflect and block thermal heat from moving through your window.
No More Shutter Myths
If you feel as if you’re drowning in an ocean of inaccurate info when it comes to window treatments, we can throw you a lifeline. Call Sunburst Shutters Fort Lauderdale today at 561-440-8535 to talk to one of our pros and schedule your free in-home consultation to find your perfect shutter or window treatment today.
