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Why Some Homeowners In Cincinnati Confuse Plantation Blinds And Plantation Shutters

April 19, 2016

When homeowners in the Cincinnati area ask us for a quote, some ask for plantation blinds. However plantation blinds isn’t the right name of the window covering they‘re thinking of.

That’s because what most people refer to as “plantation blinds” are in fact plantation shutters.

The word “plantation” is synonymous with interior shutters, not blinds. And “plantation” describes the style of the window treatment as it relates to the size 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 been associated with interior louvered shutters. Plantation shutters may be mistaken for blinds from a distance. But the differences between these two window treatments are numerous.

How Plantation Shutters Differ From Blinds

A modern kitchen with blinds
Plantation shutters covering a kitchen window 

Plantation Shutters Are More Durable Than Blinds

Premium plantation shutters can be manufactured from hardwood, reclaimed wood, or a synthetic wood. These materials make for a sturdy window treatment that outlasts blinds by decades. And when you order shutters with UV stabilizer-infused paint, their color won’t fade.

Unlike shutters, blinds may have a wand to move the slats. And they have a series of cords to hold the slats up. These two parts, as well as the thin slats, are notorious for breaking.

Blinds are also not effective at giving you control over temperature and brightness. And they are likely to yellow after years in the sun, unlike quality shutters.

They’re Highly Energy Efficient

Energy efficiency starts with the material a window treatment is made from. Plantation shutters, with their wood and synthetic wood louvers, are known to be the most energy-efficient window treatment in Cincinnati. But it’s Polywood®’s exclusive weatherstripping that’s made to help block off airflow. That’s how Polywood is 1600% more energy efficient than an aluminum blind.

When the blind is closed, holes are visible where the cords are. The slats aren’t tight against each other. And there’s space on both sides of the blind where air can escape through. These problems make blinds less energy efficient compared to quality plantation shutters that close with little to no gaps.

They Accentuate The Shape Of Your Window

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

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

They Give Your Home A Custom Look

You can get blinds in an array of colors, textures, and finishes. They can even be motorized or cordless. But no matter how you mix and match their options, blinds don’t have the custom look that shutters have.

Plantation shutters in Cincinnati come in reclaimed wood, Polywood, and Ovation® wood. And there’s over 300,000 combinations of custom options of these window treatments to fit your personal taste.

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

An example of an unique way for custom window coverings is plantationshutters built from reclaimed wood. No two shutter panels - no two shutter louvers - have identical holes, colors, or marks. It’s the ultimate custom window treatment you can find in the Cincinnati area.

Schedule A Consultation Before You Purchase Window Treatments In Cincinnati

The first step in picking the best window treatments is doing your research. It’s helped you figure out how blinds and plantation shutters are different. So before you order window treatments, schedule a consultation with one of our team members in Cincinnati. We’ll bring samples of products right to your doorstep and walk you through selecting the one that works best for your windows. Contact us at 513-216-9740 or fill out the form below to get started!