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.