Owning your own home is the great Australian dream. It’s a long-term goal for some, while others are lucky to have cracked into the market earlier in life. No matter your lifestyle, there’s nothing quite like having a home that is all yours. You can renovate, redecorate, and amend the home to suit your needs. You get to choose the paint scheme, the decor, and all the other aspects that put your unique imprint on your home.
And one element of your own that you should pay close attention to is window dressings. These will complement, contrast or make a room really stand out. But there are many choices, from blinds to curtains, shutters and more. This informative article will share a homeowner’s guide to plantation shutters, and you’ll learn all about this elegant window dressing. Read on to find out more.
What Exactly Are Plantation Shutters?
Plantation shutters are wooden or plastic slatted blinds that sit inside their frame and are mounted to your window sill or door frame. The slats, or louvres – can be tilted from a fully closed position to a fully open one and can be angled anywhere between these two settings, allowing you to fully control airflow and light through the room where they’re installed.
PVC or Timber?
Now that you’ve decided to install some plantation shutters, you must choose between PVC or timber. Both have a similar appearance; it’s just the material they’re manufactured from that is different.
PVC shutters will suit every room in the home, including damp areas such as the bathroom and laundry, as they are resistant to water and UV light and water. Some even come made with a solid aluminium core, which provides extra durability. This means they won’t warp, crack or get damaged over time.
Timber shutters are a good choice because of their natural aesthetic and vibe. They come in various stain options, so you can match or contrast them with your other interior design choices. They provide good resistance to warping, knocks and bowing. However, they are most suitable for living areas and bedrooms, as they don’t fare well in damp areas like the laundry and kitchen. However, timber shutters tend to cost more than PVC, as they are more expensive to manufacture.
Benefits of Plantation Shutters
These stylish window dressings have some excellent benefits, which we’ll list now.
They are a gorgeous choice of window dressings that will suit a range of design styles, whether your home is modern, minimalist or even period themed. They offer superior light and privacy control, as you can adjust them to your preferred degree of opening. Furthermore, their airflow control is excellent, so fresh air flows into the home if you need to air it. They’re versatile and can be custom-made to suit any window or door size. They have bi-fold, hinged and sliding options.
Plantation shutters also provide excellent thermal insulation, meaning that your home will be more energy efficient, and you should save some money on your energy bill, as you won’t need to run the climate control as often.
In addition, they provide good sound insulation, keeping outside noises in and trapping sound inside – perfect if you like to pump up the jam sometimes.
They’re also a low-maintenance window dressing option, ideal for people with allergies, as you can quickly dust them and wipe them down. They also offer good UV protection, which means your furniture will last longer and won’t fade from exposure to the sun. They’re also pet and child safe, with no cords that present a strangulation hazard.
If installed in a bedroom, they can be fully shut to minimise light pollution and will ensure you get a better night’s sleep.
How Much Do They Cost?
Now, let’s discuss the cost of installing plantation shutters. The installation cost will vary depending on several factors, but you’re looking at around $350-500 for a standard-sized window. The cost may be charged at an hourly or fixed rate, with the hourly cost ranging from $70-100 an hour. Remember the cost savings gained due to the thermal insulation properties.
For a whole home, your total costs will range between $2000-3500 or around $20 per square metre. Some companies will come to your home for a free measure and quote. You could engage a few different shutter companies and choose the most competitive quote.
Final Thoughts
Plantation shutters are a superior choice of window dressing, although they may be a touch more expensive than other options. However, they are worth the cost due to their stylish design, privacy benefits, sound insulation and thermal insulation. Remember to choose the suitable material for each room – PVC is best suited for damp areas, and timber is for living and bedrooms. By now, you’re an expert on all things plantation shutters.
Need Plantation Shutters?
If you’re looking for a company to supply and install your plantation shutters, look no further than Clearshield Victoria. We can come out to provide a free measure and quote, and provide a quality installation of premium plantation shutters if you choose us. Call now on 1300 777 778 to speak with our friendly staff.
