Blinds vs Plantation Shutters

When it comes to window coverings, you have many options: Blinds, shades, curtains and shutters. Two popular options are blinds and shutters. Both have their advantages, but they also have some important differences. In this article, we’ll look at the pros and cons of blinds and shutters so you can make an informed decision about which of the two options is right for your home. We’ll help you understand the two options’ design, functionality, and durability so you can choose the best one for your needs. With this guide, deciding between blinds and shutters will be easy.

What are plantain shutters?

Plantation shutters are designed as tilted wooden louvres. These types of window blinds are similar to the slats on blinds. The main difference between these and conventional blinds is that they are fitted to the window frame. This design mechanism allows them to be opened out like doors. These types of blinds do not require a pull-string. Plantation shutters come in numerous materials that are durable. Most commonly, they come in MDF and vinyl. The premium options are traditionally made from wood. Teak is one of the most expensive because it doesn’t rot and will last for at least ten years.

Why are plantation shutters so popular?

Plantation shutters are popular with consumers because of their durability. These shutters provide long-term benefits when compared with traditional blinds and curtains. They can withstand UV rays from the sun and any damp conditions they experience.

Advantages of plantain shutters

• Plantation shutters provide excellent light management for the home when compared with curtains.
• The design is more elegant than classic, making it timeless for many years. 
• Keeping plantain shutters clean is relatively easier than washing curtains. The low levels of maintenance make it a convenient option for homes. 
• Wooden plantation shutters provide a natural color complement to the home’s interior and exterior color schemes.
• Durable plantain shutters keep moisture out of the home, adding re-sell value to your home.
• Plantain shutters are quiet, keeping the home peaceful.
• Teak plantation shutters last for up to 10 years.

Disadvantages of plantain shutters

• Compared to draperies or shades, plantain shutters are often more expensive.
• Shutters are more challenging to install than curtains or blinds. These often need to be custom fitted for your windows. 
• Plantation shutters come in standard color schemes because of the material. This feature means they are usually lacking in stylistic differences.
• Shutters are similar to most wooden furniture because they require routine maintenance to protect and maintain the look and appeal. 
• When shutters have degenerated over time, they can become a bit loose. This issue can happen when the wood begins to crack. This problem often occurs due to temperature changes.

What are blinds

Blinds are used as a type of window covering. These designs come in many forms that help the user to control light penetration. Consumers prefer these to help keep the sun out. The other benefit is that they prevent internal light from escaping the room. This feature allows consumers to see their TV screen during the daytime.

Differences between blinds and plantain shutters

• The critical difference is that shutters are solid and fixed. These window coverings are often bolted to the sides of the windows permanently with metal fittings. This feature differs from blinds which are often more flexible. These designs are only bolted to the top of the window pane. 
• Another key difference is the material used. Plantain shutters are often made from wood, whilst blinds are made from the material.

Do you put curtains over plantation shutters?

Curtains complement window shutters. These two window coverings provide elegance and decoration to the home. Combining the two products can be a nice contrast to the practicality of shutters.

Plantation shutters vs regular blinds

Style

Consumers often choose plantation shutters because they come in numerous designs. These products have a wide variety of styles, such as café style to tier-on-tier. Blinds often need to be operated using a traditional blind pulley system. This method has advantageous features such as silent tilt. The lack of visible control mechanisms makes it the preferred choice in some instances to traditional blinds. 

Durability

Shutters are made from durable wooden elements, making them more of an investment than fabric and plastic blinds. The operating mechanism on blinds can sometimes break easily, making plantain shutters the better option.  

Price comparison

Plantation shutters often cost more than blinds. Consumers can buy blinds in a variety of materials. This factor allows them to choose cost-effective options. Shutters are known to be more expensive in terms of materials and installation. The cost is balanced by the impressive durability and style they offer the consumer.

Wood blinds vs plantation shutters

Slat Thickness

Choosing plantation shutters will require more oversized slats than wooden blinds. These designs can be up to 4.5 inches. Consumers sometimes choose wooden blinds because their slats are skinnier than plantation shutter louvres. These are around 2.5 inches in size.

Installation

Wooden blinds are often best for areas that require installation at the top of windows. Plantation shutters are often chosen for a window opening.

Operating System

Plantation shutters are often raised manually or with a cord. Wooden blinds need to be twisted manually with an extension lever. The modern options come with an inbuilt cordless lift system.

Cost of plantation shutters vs blinds

Plantation shutters cost more than traditional blinds because of the material and installation required. 

White Venetian blinds vs plantation shutters

White Venetian blinds are popular because they combine a series of horizontal slats. These window covers hang from a headrail via a cord or decorative tape. Consumers choose these over wooden slats because they are cheaper and easier to clean and install.

Cellular blinds vs plantation shutters

Consumers sometimes prefer cellular blinds because these shades are made from one continuous piece of fabric. This mechanism makes them easier to open as they roll up or fold up. They are less durable than plantation shutters; however, they are lighter. 

Zebra blinds vs plantation shutters

Zebra blinds are modern blinds that are verticle. These options are usually designed from horizontal opaque and sheer fabric. The benefit of these over plantation shutters is that they easily transition from day to night. Plantation shutters make it difficult to control how much light the room receives.

Roller blinds vs plantation shutters

Roller blinds are made from a single piece of fabric. They are similar to curtains; however, they wrap around a casing at the top of your window frame. Consumers often choose plantation shutters over these because the mechanism on roller blinds can make them difficult to open. 

Plantation shutters vs electric blinds

Electric blinds are modern window covers that use a small motor to turn the blind shaft. These products operate with the touch of a button, making them easier to open than plantation shutters. These are often more difficult to install and less durable than plantation shutters.

Honeycomb blinds vs plantation shutters

Honeycomb blinds are characterized by their cell-like structure. These are better than Plantation shutters in some cases as they provide accurate climate control. The design helps trap air in their distinct pockets. They work better than plantation shutters in keeping the home warm in winter and cool in summer.