Interior plantation blinds and shutters are both popular forms of window coverings that use horizontal slats, or louvers, to control light and visibility. However, both plantation blinds and plantation shutters have distinct features that differentiates one from the other.
Plantation Blinds
The plantation blind is directly derived from
plantation shutters because of the use of larger than average louvers or slats. Until
the popularity of the plantation style, blinds used smaller
aluminum slats in either the mini blind or micro blind. Custom
plantation blinds are built not to require stiles, rails, or
tilt bars. The slats are generally made from Basswood because of the straightness, durability, and the ability to
paint or stain. Plantation blinds use a system of strings to
adjust the tilt of the slats to adjust light. They also offer
the ability to retract all of the slats to the top of the window
for increased visibility.
Shutter Tip:
Plantation blinds are a wonderful substitute for plantation shutters when trying to achieve the same window appearance from the outside of a house. Using them in rooms that are less utilized (utility room, garage, attic, etc.) make a less expensive alternative to shutters.
Plantation Shutters
Plantation style interior shutters are generally more formal, durable, and substantial than plantation blinds. Interior shutters are made into panels that are connected to make units to fit the window. The number of panels used depends on the size of the window. As a rule of thumb, we suggest dividing the shutter unit the same way your window is divided. So, if your opening is divided into three equal vertical windows, to use three shutters across. Or, if your window is not divided into sections to use as few panels as allowable. Plantation shutters offer a variety of louver sizes from 2-1/2 inches to 4-1/2 inches. The hinged panels allow the shutter panels to swing open to either side of the window for increased visibility.
