Why Some Homeowners In Detroit Mistake Plantation Blinds For Plantation Shutters
When Detroit homeowners call us for an estimate, they may mistakenly ask for plantation blinds. They don’t realize that plantation blinds isn’t the right name of the window treatment they‘re thinking of.
That’s because what most people refer to as “plantation blinds” are actually plantation shutters.
“Plantation” is commonly associated with interior shuttersnot blinds. And the term “plantation” describes the size and style of the horizontal louvers.
Blinds’ thin horizontal slats are not thick enough or wide enough to be “plantation” style.
Some consumers and even blind companies call blinds “plantation,” but that word has historically been associated with interior louvered shutters. Plantation shutters can be mistaken for blinds from a distance. But the differences between these two window treatments are many.
How Plantation Shutters Differ From Blinds
Plantation Shutters Last Longer Than Blinds
Premium plantation shutters can be built from reclaimed wood, synthetic wood, or hardwood. Any of these materials result in a sturdy window treatment that outlasts blinds by decades. And when you get shutters with UV stabilizer-infused paint, your plantation shutters will not lose their original color.
Unlike shutters, blinds have a series of cords that hold the slats up. And most have a wand to adjust the slats. Those two elements, in addition to the thin slats, are susceptible to breaking.
Blinds are also ineffective at giving you control over light and temperature. And they can yellow over extended periods of sun exposure, 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 synthetic wood and wood louvers, are known to be the most energy-efficient window treatment in Detroit. But it’s Polywood®’s exclusive weatherstripping that’s engineered to help seal off airflow. That’s how Polywood insulates 1600% better than an aluminum blind.
When the blind is closed, you can see holes where the cords are. The slats aren’t tight against each other. And there’s room on both sides of the blind where air can escape through. These issues make blinds less energy efficient in comparison with quality plantation shutters that close with minimal gaps.
They Highlight The Shape Of Your Window
Another thing to keep in mind is that the only shape blinds come in is rectangular. And if your window are circular, arched, triangular, or octagonal, blinds will hide the shape rather than show it off.
Plantation shutters however are ideal for specialty-shaped windows. They are custom built to account for every angle, corner, and arch. The completed shutters is a window treatment that operates smoothly. And it will look beautiful and makes the window shape pop.
They Give Your House A Custom Look
Yes, you can buy blinds in an array of finishes, colors, and textures. They can even be cordless or motorized. But no matter how you mix and match their options, blinds don’t have the custom look that shutters have.
Plantation shutters in Detroit are available in Polywood, Ovation® wood, and reclaimed wood. And there’s 300,000+ ways to customize these window treatments so they fit your décor.
Shutters are usually installed with a frame that accentuates the corners of the window and highlights the shutter panels. These 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 unique way to customize your window coverings is to have the shutters made from reclaimed wood. No two shutter louvers - no two shutter panels - have the same holes, colors, or marks. It’s the ultimate custom window treatment you can find in the Detroit area.
