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Why Some Homeowners In Phoenix Mistake Plantation Blinds For Plantation Shutters

April 19, 2016

When Phoenix homeowners ask us for a quote, they might accidentally ask for plantation blinds. They don’t realize that plantation blinds isn’t the right name of the window treatment they have in mind.

That’s because when people say “plantation blinds”, they actually mean plantation shutters.

Interior shutters are synonymous with the term “plantation”. That’s not the case with blinds. And “plantation” describes the size and style of the horizontal louvers.

Blinds’ thin horizontal slats are not wide enough or thick enough to pass for “plantation” style.

Even some blind companies call blinds “plantation,” but that word has always been associated with interior louvered shutters. Plantation shutters can look like blinds at a glance. But the differences between these two window treatments are many.

How Plantation Shutters Differ From Blinds

Blinds covering the windows of a modern kitchen
A modern kitchen with plantation shutters 

Plantation Shutters Last Longer Than Blinds

Premium plantation shutters can be manufactured from hardwood, reclaimed wood, or a synthetic wood. Any of these materials give you a sturdy window treatment that outlasts blinds by decades. And when you buy shutters with UV stabilizer-infused paint, your plantation shutters never lose their original color.

In contrast to shutters, blinds may have a rod to move the slats. And they have a series of cords to hold the slats up. Those two components, in addition to the thin slats, are notorious for busting.

Blinds don’t give you control over brightness and temperature. And they can yellow when overexposed to the sun, 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 the most energy-efficient window treatment in Phoenix. But it’s Polywood®’s exclusive weatherstripping that’s engineered to help block off airflow. That’s how Polywood is 1600% more energy efficient than an aluminum blind.

When you close a blind, there’s space on both sides of the blind where air can escape through. There are holes where the cords are. And the slats aren’t tight against each other. All these weak points make blinds less energy efficient in comparison with quality plantation shutters that close with minimal gaps.

They Accentuate The Shape Of Your Window

Another thing to think about is that a rectangle is the only shape blinds are available in. And if your window are triangular, octagonal, circular, or arched, blinds will hide the shape rather than highlight it.

Plantation shutters however are perfect for specialty-shaped windows. They are custom made to every angle, corner, and arch. The completed shutters is a window treatment that makes the window shape pop, operates smoothly, and looks stunning.

They Give Your House A Custom Look

You can get blinds in a variety of colors, textures, and finishes. They can even be cordless or motorized. But no matter what combination you pick, blinds don’t have the custom look that shutters have.

Plantation shutters in Phoenix come in Ovation® wood, reclaimed wood, and Polywood. And there’s 300,000+ ways to customize these window treatments to match your personal taste.

Shutters are usually installed with a frame that accentuates the corners and highlights the shutter panels. These shutters make a fashion statement that wows. And as a permanent feature of your home, they increases its appraisal value.

One exceptional way to customize your window treatments isshutters 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 Phoenix area.

Schedule A Consultation Before You Purchase Window Coverings In Phoenix

The first step in selecting the best window treatments is doing your research. That’s how you figured out the differences between blinds and plantation shutters. So before you buy window coverings, set up a consultation with one of our professionals in Phoenix. We’ll bring samples of products right to your home and walk you through choosing the one that works best for your windows. Give us a call at 480-485-7743 or fill out the form below to get started!