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Why Some Homeowners In Atlanta Mistake Plantation Blinds For Plantation Shutters

April 19, 2016

When homeowners in the Atlanta area ask us for a quote, some ask for plantation blinds. But plantation blinds is the wrong term for the window covering they‘re thinking of.

That’s because 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 the word “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 wide enough or thick enough to pass for “plantation” style.

Some consumers and even blind companies call blinds “plantation,” although that word has always been associated with custom interior shutters. Plantation style shutters might look like blinds from a distance. But these two window treatments differ in numerous ways.

How Plantation Shutters Differ From Blinds

Blinds covering the windows of a modern kitchen
Plantation shutters covering a kitchen window 

Plantation Shutters Are More Durable Than Blinds

Premium plantation shutters can be manufactured from synthetic wood, hardwood, or reclaimed wood. These materials give you a sturdy window treatment that outlasts blinds by decades. And when you get shutters with UV stabilizer-infused paint, their color won’t fade.

Unlike shutters, blinds have a series of cords that hold the slats up. And most have a rod to move the slats. These two elements, as well as the thin slats, are susceptible to busting.

Blinds are also ineffective at giving you control over light and temperature. And they can yellow after years in the sun, which is not the case with quality shutters.

They’re Highly Energy Efficient

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

When you close a blind, there’s room on both sides of the blind where air can flow. You can see holes where the cords are. And the slats aren’t tight against each other. All these weak points make blinds less energy efficient than well-built plantation shutters.

They Highlight The Shape Of Your Window

Another thing to keep in mind is that the only shape blinds are available in is rectangular. And if your window are triangular, octagonal, circular, or arched, blinds will cover up the shape rather than highlight it.

Plantation shutters on the other hand are ideal for specialty-shaped windows. They are custom built to every arch, angle, and corner. The completed product is a functional window treatment that looks stunning and makes the window shape pop.

They Give Your House A Custom Look

Yes, you can order blinds in a selection of textures, finishes, and colors. They can even be motorized and cordless. But no matter how you mix and match their options, blinds don’t look as custom as shutters do.

Plantation shutters in Atlanta come in Polywood, Ovation® wood, and reclaimed wood. And there’s 300,000+ ways to customize these window treatments so they fit your style.

Usually, shutters are mounted with a frame that accentuates the corners of the window and highlights the shutter panels. These interior shutters make a fashion statement in and of themselves. And they become a permanent feature that adds to your home’s appraisal value.

One exceptional way to customize your window treatments is plantationshutters made from reclaimed wood. No two shutter louvers - no two shutter panels - have the same colors, marks, or holes. It’s the ultimate custom window treatment in the Atlanta area.

Schedule A Consultation Before You Buy Window Treatments In Atlanta

The first step in selecting the best window treatments is doing your research. That’s how you figured out how blinds and plantation shutters are different. So before you order window treatments, schedule a consultation with one of our team members in Atlanta. We’ll bring product samples right to your home and help you in selecting the one that works best for your windows. Even if you call it plantation blinds, we’ll know what you mean. Call us at 404-962-8517 or fill out the form below to get started!