Choosing the Right Louver Size

Choosing the Right Louver Size

Do your front windows open to a stunning view outdoors? Do you want a clean and contemporary look to your medium-sized windows? Do you prefer your windows to provide you with more privacy? These are just a few of the questions you need to ask yourself when looking to install plantation shutters in your home. Because the size of the louvers in your shutters depends on your answers.

The louvers are the horizontal slats in shutters that are angled to either allow or keep out sunshine and air into your house. Their size, therefore, affects the light, airflow, visibility, and privacy you enjoy. The louver size usually depends on the size of the windows, but there are also many other factors to consider. Here is a short shutter louver size guide to help you know which one fits your needs the best.

2.5” Louvers

If You Want to Complement Your Home’s Traditional Charm

If you have small windows and you do not want the shutters to dominate them, 2.5-inch louvers are what you need. This size is perfect for traditional homes that lend a laidback vibe. With the minimum view between the slats when tilted to the open position, you get to enjoy your much-needed privacy any time of the day.

The downside to having a smaller louver size, however, is that you get an obstructed view of your outdoor space, which is not recommended if you have a beautiful view. Moreover, this size tends to give off a cluttered look since you have more slats in your window shutters.

3.5” Louvers

If You Want to Give Your Home a Contemporary Look

3.5″ Louvers with Invisible/Hidden Tilt

Louvers that are 3.5 inches in size are perhaps the most popular today. It is because they still capture that traditional vibe but at the same time, exude an elegant feel to them. With fewer slats needed compared to 2.5-inch louvers, your plantation shutters get a much cleaner look.

On top of this, fewer slats also mean wider gaps and better lighting; therefore, greater visibility. This is great if you have a gorgeous view outside of your windows but still want to maintain some level of privacy in your home. If you do have such a wonderful outdoor view, however, larger louvers might be a better option for you.

4.5” Louvers:

If You Want to Maximize Your Home’s Stunning View

4.5″ Louvers with Invisible/Hidden Tilt

Not only are 4.5-inch louvers the perfect choice for large windows, but they are also the best for windows that offer an amazing view of, say, the ocean. That is why this size is most commonly used in houses located in coastal areas. With even wider gaps between each slat, you could even forget that you have shutters in front of you.

One disadvantage of louvers in this size, however, is that they might look too bulky or dominating, especially if your windows are not that huge. Another is that while on one hand, they provide the maximum natural light and visibility, on the other hand, they afford little privacy in your home.

So, which one of these shutter louver sizes makes the right fit in your home’s architectural style and interior design? Do you want to create a seamless indoor-outdoor transition through your window shutters? Do you want just the right amount of natural light into your house? Or, do you value your privacy more than anything?

If you need help in answering these questions, don’t hesitate to seek advice from DFW Shutters’ plantation shutter consultants. And soon, transform your otherwise dull, flat windows into one of the most attractive features in your home.

Plantation Shutters 101: Inside vs Outside Mount

Inside vs Outside Mount

Looking for a window treatment that protects a home in style? Plantation shutters can do that. They not only provide privacy, light control, and security to a room. Their luxurious and sophisticated vibe also increases a home’s curb appeal.

With a variety of designs to choose from, you can surely find one that appeals to you. Aside from suiting your design taste, it’s more important that they fit your window opening first. The wall recess’s depth from the window defines how you should mount your shutters. Deciding on a right mount is crucial because it would affect your window’s overall look and function. You can either do an inside or outside mount.

But what’s the difference? Here’s a guide on how to choose a mount for plantation shutters that would work best for your windows.

Inside Mount Shutters: Installation and Benefits

An inside mount means the whole shutter sits within the boundaries of the window opening. Intended to fit perfectly inside a recess, a square opening and deep enough clearance are essential for an inside mount shutter installation.

To check for a square window opening, measure it diagonally from one corner to the opposite corner. Imagine forming an X. You should be getting two measurements. The difference between them must be less than ½”. To get your window depth, measure from the glass to the outer edge of your wall or window trim. If there are any obstructions such as crank handles and locks, start your measurement from its front instead.

Depending on the louver size, you should have at least the following depth clearances for an inside mount:

• 1 ¼” clearance for 2 ½” louvers
• 1 ¾” clearance for 3 ½” louvers
• 2 ¼” clearance for 4 ½” louvers

Being set within a window recess has its advantages. An inside mount gives you the following benefits:

• Clean and sleek appearance

With an inside mount, you have the option to push the shutters further inside the window opening or set them flush with the wall. You can also pull them a bit beyond the wall for some depth. All these options create a streamlined look for your windows.

• Additional savings

Since inside mount shutters are limited within the window opening, they are smaller in size compared to outside mount. This also means reduced costs and extra budget.

Outside Mount Shutters: Installation and Benefits

If you have a shallow window opening, doing an outside mount is your only option. An outside mount shutter is directly mounted on the wall, framing the window opening. Aside from the opening’s width and height, you need to add the shutter frame’s dimensions in your
measurements for you to get the right shutter size. An outside mount offers helpful features. These are what you’ll get from this type of mount:

• Effective solution for flaws

Since outside mount shutters surround the whole window opening, they cover any visible imperfections around it. Cracks, dents, and ugly trims can be hidden behind them. They’re also great for concealing noticeable non-perpendicular window openings.

• Unobstructed operation

If you have tilt-out windows, an outside mount is recommended. An inside mount can hinder you from effectively operating these windows’ typically large handles and locks. With an outside mount, you would have enough clearance for maneuvering these windows.

Visually, there’s not much difference between an inside and outside mount. They both achieve the much-loved aesthetic of plantation shutters. As mentioned earlier, choosing the right mount for your shutters depends on your window opening’s depth clearance. With that said, accurate measurements are a must for a successful installation. When in doubt, contact plantation shutter experts from DFW Shutters to help you with measuring and choosing a mount suitable for your windows.

Plantation Shutters 101: Wood Shutters vs Composite Shutters

Wood Shutters vs Composite Shutters

Superb functionality and timeless elegance make plantation shutters a top choice for window treatments. They not only provide privacy, light control, and insulation to a room but also increase the value and curb appeal of a home. Their distinctive design allows it to fit in with any architectural style. Whatever style you’re going for, material selection can make a difference.

There are plenty of material options for plantation shutters, including wood and composite. These two both pass the standard of excellent quality. They’re both attractive, durable, and functional. Aside from their composition, other unique features set them apart from each other. In this wood vs composite comparison, we’ll show you each material’s benefits to guide you in selecting plantation shutters that suit your needs, design taste, and budget.

Wood Shutters: Features and Benefits

Wood has long been a popular material for plantation shutters. Being a natural material that transcends time, wood blends in with any style period. Wood shutters don’t just add sophistication to any home. They’re also durable enough to withstand damage. Along with these qualities, here are other benefits of choosing wood for your plantation shutters:

Versatility in paint/stain options
Lighter weight vs composite shutters
Authentic feel of real wood
custom shapes

• Versatility in surface treatments

Wood can either be painted or stained in several ways. You can paint your wood shutters in white for a classic look, or any other color for a dramatic facade. If you prefer the authentic look of hardwood, you can stain them to accentuate the wood’s natural grains. You can also easily repaint and re-stain them anytime you decide to go for a different color or style.

• Lighter weight

Wood’s high strength-to-weight ratio makes it sturdier without being heavy. Since they’re lighter, wood shutters are operable without much effort. Their lighter weight also won’t compromise your window’s structural integrity. This is an advantage, especially for larger windows, as it minimizes sagging.

• Undeniable authenticity of real wood

Some materials for plantation shutters are intended to imitate the look and feel of wood. But nothing beats the exquisite beauty and natural warmth of real wood. Its natural elegance not only blends with wood elements, but also with other materials such as concrete, bricks, and stone. This quality makes wood shutters a versatile choice for any design preference.

• Customizable form

Wood can be custom-made to fit various window styles. Aside from the typical rectangular form, wood shutters can also be molded into curved, round, and other unconventional shapes. So choose wood shutters for your French doors, arched windows, or any specialty windows.

Composite Shutters: Structure and Benefits

Just like wood, composite plantation shutters are also high-quality window treatments. Composite MDF (medium-density fiberboard), also known as faux wood or engineered wood, is made up of compressed hardwood and sawdust bound together, then covered with vinyl or PVC for extra protection. Because of this mix of natural and synthetic materials, composite shutters give these additional benefits:

Value for money
Durability and resistance
Minimal maintenance
Eco-friendly

• Value for money

Cutting down and growing trees to create shutters has its own set of challenges. This is why wood shutters also come with a higher price tag. Since composite shutters are faster to mass produce in factories, they cost lower than wood. So if you want the high-end quality of real wood without blowing up your budget, composite shutters are a more affordable alternative.

• Enhanced durability and resistance

Composite shutters are specially designed for increased strength, durability, and weather resistance. The addition of synthetic materials boosts wood’s best qualities. This is why composite shutters are more resistant to moisture, fading, chipping, cracking, and warping. Composite shutters’ enhanced features make them suitable for damp areas such as bathrooms, kitchens, and mudrooms.

• Minimal maintenance

If you’re going for white or off-white plantation shutters, composite is an ideal option since it needs little to no maintenance. You don’t need to do much in cleaning your composite shutters. Dusting them is a breeze: Just a gentle wipe with a clean cloth will already do the trick. Composite shutters also easy to maintain since they don’t have to be repainted or refinished.

• Eco-friendly features

Composite shutters are made from recyclable materials, which lessens the need to cut down trees. Damaged composite shutters can also be re-manufactured to create new ones, thus reducing waste disposal. Composite shutters not only help protect windows but also help save the environment.

You can’t go wrong with either wood or composite. They both present excellent benefits for any homeowner. The right shutter material depends on your priorities. Do you need protection for your home? Or maybe you’re just adding them to raise your home’s value? Do you want to go all out with your budget or want a more cost-effective option? Even your design preference matters in this decision. If you still can’t decide, count on DFW Shutters’ professionals for expert advice and premium quality wood and composite plantation shutters for your home.

5 Expert Plantation Shutters Design Tips

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.

Plantation Shutters 101: Hidden Tilt vs Tilt Rod

Hidden Tilt vs Tilt Rod

Plantation shutters owe their reputation as a sought-after window treatment from a hundred years’ worth of history. With being around for quite some time, it’s hard not to know what these practical and attractive window coverings look like. You can’t miss a shutter panel’s frame and louvers, but how about the tilt rod at the center? Not all plantation shutters have them—at least not in plain sight.

Along with material and louver size, the tilt system is also a deciding factor when shopping for shutters. Here’s everything you need to learn on how to choose a tilt system for plantation shutters that’s right for your home.

Tilt Systems: Function and Types

Louvers can be tilted depending on your preference for light control, ventilation, and privacy in a room. With the help of a tilt rod, you can adjust the louvers’ angles together with one single move.
All plantation shutters have tilt rods that can be categorized into two tilt systems: tilt rod and hidden tilt.

Shutters traditionally use the tilt rod system, which includes vertical tilt rods hung at the center of the panels. A hidden tilt system has built-in tilt rods inside the shutters itself.

They both serve the same purpose. Depending on the type, they can alter a shutters’ overall look and provide homeowners with other practical benefits.

Tilt Rod System: Operation and Benefits

Most plantation shutters in older homes have a visible tilt rod attached to the louvers with staples. It usually runs down the center of the panel, but it can also be offset to the left or right. Whatever the position, the tilt rod can be moved up or down to close, open, or set the louvers into any desired angle. With all this work, it’s best to buy tilt rods attached with metal staples. They’re a bit pricier, but they’ll last longer. Cheaper tilt rods use plastic staples not meant for heavy-duty work.

With a better understanding of the tilt rod system, you can now weigh in its features that suit your needs and preferences. Here’s what you can get from your tilt rod shutter:

Classic / traditional look for a home

If you want to add old-world charm for your home, tilt rod shutters are perfect for you. Since visible tilt rods have long been completing shutters’ unique aesthetic, they fit in with classic and traditional styles.

Design flexibility and character for windows

By not being limited to the center of a shutter, tilt rods allow for versatility in styling your windows. A simple repositioning of the tilt rod can change a shutter’s look and feel.

Convenience for users

Since most people are familiar with tilt rods, having them in plantation shutters is convenient for homeowners and guests. A visible tilt rod is handy and easy to use, especially for older users. They might get confused with a hidden tilt type.

Hidden Tilt System: Operation and Benefits

As the name implies, the hidden tilt system uses a tilt mechanism built-in within the stile hidden from plain sight. Without a visible tilt rod, you can gently tilt the louvers by hand.

Though hidden tilt rods share the same function with visible ones, being concealed creates unique benefits. Here’s what you can get from your hidden tilt shutter:

Modern / contemporary look for a home

The elimination of the vertical tilt rod gives hidden tilt shutters a more streamlined look that fits in with more minimalistic styles. With fewer lines, they are ideal for modern and contemporary homes.

More light and unobstructed view through windows

Without a tilt rod cutting through the louvers, hidden tilt shutters allow more light inside a room and a clearer view outside the window.

Safety for children

Since there’s no visible tilt rod to play with, a hidden tilt system reduces the risk of children getting hurt. This prevents accidents and damage to your shutters as well.

Tilt rod and hidden tilt systems are both excellent choices for any home. Each type has its own distinct advantages. While these benefits mostly cater to your design taste, they also meet the users’ needs. Consult with professionals from DFW Shutters to help you better in choosing the right tilt system for your shutter.