5 Plantation Shutter Design Tips for Your Home
Some homeowners see shutters as merely an ordinary window treatment. But the truth is, plantation shutters do more than protect a house from the weather and other elements. These window coverings actually also make a huge difference to a property’s appeal and value.
Here’s a summary of the plantation shutter design tips we’ll be discussing here:
- Make Shutters a Focal Point in Your Home
- Choosing the Right Color for your Shutters
- Consider the Material
- Louver Size and Natural Light
- Privacy and View
Originally intended for providing security, shutters now have become more of a critical design element in both the interior and the exterior of a home. And when installing shutters, there are a few things you need to consider first to make sure that they are the right fit for your windows, as well as the overall look of your house. Here are five shutter design tips from experts.
Placement: Making Shutters a Focal Point in Your Home
One key in creating a visually appealing space is using emphasis, in which you draw the people’s attention to a focal point. And just like windows, interior shutters make a great centerpiece in any part of the home.
For example, you want to do a makeover of your minimalist living room. Why don’t you mount elegant wooden interior shutters on the windows? These will not only complement the space’s modern chic design but also make a great focal point for all your visitors to see. Or, say, you want your exterior façade to pop in your neighborhood. You can then adorn your front windows with classic plantation shutters, alongside hanging plants on the wall.
Color and Style: Increasing Your Home’s Value
Whatever the architectural design of your home is, you will find shutters that fit your taste. Shutters also look great from the outside of your home and boost curb appeal. But to make sure that they work for your home’s look and feel, you should consider the color.
Most houses have two or three paint colors, with one being the accent. Paint your shutters in this hue, same as the door, for a harmonious look. Now, if you want your windows to look larger, choose the same color as the trim. If you are going for a dark-colored exterior, pick lighter shades for your shutters. Make sure the color combinations you choose match the style of your home to enhance its appeal and get it the attention it deserves.
Material: Securing Your Windows and Budget
Another thing to remember when thinking of shutter design ideas is the material. There are many options available, depending on your budget and needs.
Wood is perhaps the most popular because of its authenticity and versatility. It is light yet durable, and can be stained and painted in many different ways. For more character, you can go for cedar, pine, or cypress. However, if you want a more cost-effective material, you might want to choose composite shutters. These are easy to maintain, and resistant to fading, chipping, and cracking. There is no need for repainting or refinishing.
Louver Size: Letting Just the Right Light In
The size of the louvers determines the amount of light and ventilation your space gets. The wider the louvers are, the wider the space is when you open them, letting you maximize the natural light from outside.
In the kitchen, for instance, natural light is what you need. So, you can choose 3.5-inch louvers to keep the space as bright as possible, giving you the perfect atmosphere for every time you work here. In the bedroom, on the other hand, it is fitting to create a calm vibe for rest and sleep. Get 2.5-inch louvers to reduce the light coming through the shutters. If you have a baby room, you can also add a blackout shade behind the shutters. Meanwhile, if your living room windows offer a beautiful view outdoors, you can pick 4.5-inch louvers.
Tilt Rod: Ensuring Your Family’s Privacy
Shutters also help ensure your family’s privacy, especially if your large windows face the street. And the tilt rod, which is used to adjust the louvers, is one critical aspect.
You can choose between the classic tilt rod, which is fastened in the center using metal staples, and the hidden tilt, which offers a cleaner look with no rod mechanism. But whether the tilt rod in your shutters is of the traditional or contemporary style, it is better to choose the split type if you want more privacy. This will allow you to open the top and bottom sections separately, so you can enjoy privacy on the lower portion of your window while still letting light in through the upper part.
Shutters are more than just accessories for your home. Not only do they help control the privacy, light, and ventilation your house gets, but they also add style, character, and value to your property’s interior and exterior. Consult with plantation shutter experts from DFW Shutters now to get started in this new home investment of yours.