Customizing Plantation Shutters for Your Home

By Joie M Gahum  |   Submitted On October 25, 2015

Plantation shutters are sometimes called full height shutters. They cover the entire window from top to bottom with panels that open as portions of a piece. They have a clean line look when they compliment the color scheme of the room where you decide to use them.

Window shutters are also a perfect accessory for homes with a classic or country theme. Most shutters are decorated with plant boxes, shrubs, and flowering plants. However, one can go further and decorate the window treatment itself.

You could customize plantation shutters according to panel and frame options. Here are some tips to get you started.

Identifying the most suitable material for your panels

Wood

With this material, you would have unlimited choices of colors as it could be painted to match your room. Most importantly, shops offer staining services. You could go with stained shutters to blend with other furniture at home. Wood also has a classic and natural look. Choosing wood also means you could go with fewer but larger panels because it is light in weight.

Poly material

If you want a durable shutter, poly material has a long-lasting finish. Basically, it only has two colors, but it tends to hold its color for a lifetime (white and off-white). It doesn't absorb moist and is not prone to warping. Poly shutters are best for areas with direct contact with water, such as showers or bathrooms.

One considered disadvantage, though, is that poly shutters are heavier than the wooden one. Poly materials also tend to limit the size of your panels so you would have to go for more panels in order to cover your windows.

PVC

PVCs are also moist-resistant, but some people don't like their shiny look. They may not be applicable or most suitable in the living room, but they would be a great selection for wet areas.

Choosing the right shutter frames

• Pick from the most commonly used shutter frames: the trim frame, the L frame, and the Z frame.
• Initially, plantation shutters could be installed either in the recess of the window opening (inside-mount) or outside the wall's surface to create a bulky look (outside-mount).
• Trim frame and Z frame:These frames are used for inside-mount shutters without wall trim.
• L frame: L frames are more versatile. They could be used on both types of installations in corners with or without wall trim.

Installing your blinds

Upon scheduling your window blinds installation, the store staff will go to your house to estimate and fit the plantation shutters for you. They will offer consultation for more details and will usually ask for a deposit when a deal is made. Considering that, it would be easier if you have an understanding of the basics to customize your shutters. However, if your creativity and the whole family is up for the challenge of creating personalized shutters for your home, you can go for the task and consider it a bonding activity for the family.

A more beautiful home without the extra cost is possible if you choose to practice your creativity and implement personal ideas for your home decor. Check out designs via Blinds Online site for more decor inspirations for your home.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/9207734

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Window Covering Ideas for the Bedroom

By Alex Pupkin  |   Submitted On May 28, 2015

Window treatments are not only versatile decorative accents but also provide a couple of important functions, especially in the bedroom. When it comes to window covering ideas for the bedroom, you want to consider decorative elements in addition to the factors that make your bedroom a calm and peaceful place for sleep. Indeed, window coverings in the bedroom need to fit your personal style while also offering exceptional privacy and light and sound control. Here are some tips for getting the most from your bedroom window treatments.

Make a Statement

No matter the room, window treatments can make a bold first impression. You obviously want to choose window coverings for your bedroom that match your decorative style. So, for example, if you prefer a contemporary style that features clean, straight lines, consider custom blinds or solid-panel curtains. Another accent feature for your window that matches well to a variety of styles is a cornice. Cornices are essentially upholstered valances that make a great window accent while also covering rods and rings from which curtains hang.

Think Comfort

Typically, bedrooms are not the most formal rooms in your home, and there are good reasons for that. Your bedroom should be a calm and relaxing place, so your window treatments should reflect a sense of comfort or coziness. Roman shades are a great choice because they are available in a variety of colours and patterns. They can provide the textural features of woven fibres while also providing excellent noise and light control. Wood blinds or plantation shades also offer exceptional light control, or consider brightly coloured, lined curtains for a bit of pop.

Singles or Pairs

Sometimes simplicity is best and you really only need one window treatment in your bedroom. Blackout curtains block light and noise, and they sometimes even help reduce heat exchange. Cellular shades are the perfect choice for bedrooms in cold climates as they help improve window efficiency without compromising style - they're available in a wide range of patterns and colours.

On the other hand, you may want to get a little more sophisticated with your bedroom window coverings. Layered treatments create an elegant decorative accent, so consider combining contemporary blinds with an attractive valance and patterned curtain.

Suit Yourself

Ultimately, your own decorative preferences should guide your choice of bedroom window coverings. All the experts in the world can tell you what's right for your space, but at the end of the day you want your bedroom to be a relaxing place for you. Don't be afraid to take risks or think outside the box when considering window covering ideas for the bedroom. There really is no right or wrong - as long as you're happy.

For more information on window covering ideas, visit Arlene's Interiors

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Alex_Pupkin

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Choosing Between Wood and Vinyl Plantation Shutters

By Andrew Stratton  |   Submitted On January 12, 2015

Plantation shutters have a vast history and were used to protect windows long before glass panes. These window treatments have a basic design consisting of rows of louvers, housed between supporting rails and stiles. While durable wood materials were originally used in the manufacturing process, more affordable materials like vinyl are now an option for savvy homeowners. Learn more about each option and their benefits.

Classic Wood Plantation Shutters

Many homeowners prefer real wood plantation shutters due to their classic look and all-natural construction. Real timber brings warmth to a home and can be easily matched with a home's existing decor. Timber is also very versatile and can be shaped and sized to fit nearly any window opening. True hardwoods are considered the best design option as they provide unsurpassed energy efficiency, durability, and charm.

There are numerous material options for homeowners to choose from. Some of the most popular include solid basswood, maple, mahogany, cherry, knotty pine, alder, walnut, as well as more unique choices like teak and bubinga. Nearly any type of timber that furniture can be made of can also be used to manufacture these window treatments.

Homeowners have the opportunity to completely customize the way their window treatments look when wood is used. Raw timber can be stained a wide range of colors and tints to blend effortlessly with your home's decor. It can also be painted or left natural for an authentic look.

Modern Vinyl Plantation Shutters

Vinyl plantation shutters are constructed of various poly-resin materials designed with durability and resilience in mind. Due to the sleek, plastic-like material, vinyl is low-maintenance and easy to clean. Problems like cracking, fading, or the peeling of paint are generally not an issue when this modern material is used. High-quality materials are also less likely to deteriorate over time.

Most vinyl products are noticeably less expensive than real wood, making them more economically friendly. Because it is a more stable material, vinyl is also often a wiser investment. As the material is flame retardant and resistant to moisture, it can be used in nearly any room of a home, including bathrooms and kitchens. While most commonly used inside the home, these window treatments can also be installed outside.

There are several types of vinyl shutter styles to choose from. Hollow selections are idea for moist environments, such as on a window next to a shower stall. Other types of vinyl can be made to look exactly like real wood, giving you the best of both worlds. This material generally comes pre-colored or tinted directly from the manufacturer to ensure that the color does not fade over time.

Shopping for new window treatments for your home? Consider what materials would work best with your home and budget so that you can make an informed decision.

To learn more about their options for plantation shutters, Indianapolis residents should visit http://www.thewindowvalet.com/custom-window-treatments/shutters/.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Andrew_Stratton

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How to Purchase Plantation Shutters

Whether you need to make that perfect statement in a new home, add a finishing touch to an already well decorated room, or gain control over rising energy costs, plantation shutters have become one of the most popular window coverings in today’s energy conscious home fashion market. Plantation shutters have become immensely stylish in almost every type of home setting, from regal estates to modest condominiums, adding grace and elegance out-shown only by their easy to clean functionality.

The origins of these classic window coverings actually date to the nineteenth century where they were used to protect plantation homes against the cold winters and sweltering summers of America’s southeast. Proving truly timeless in decor, plantation shutters have gained enormously in popularity over the last three decades.

Why shutters

The uninitiated will certainly be impressed when viewing plantation shutters in a home for the first time because they work magnificently on almost any size or shaped opening, including normally difficult to cover French and patio doors. Designers have long known that shutters can truly recreate rooms with an exceptional capacity to produce a wide range of appearances and moods. While they are open, plantation shutters create a spacious, light quality without encumbering even the most breath taking of views. Closed, they offer warmth, privacy and protection from summer heat.

One quality unique to plantation shutters over other types of window coverings is their ability to architecturally open and add brightness to a room by way of ambient light reflection, a feature which, alone, can truly change the entire feel of a room.

How to select

One difficulty for consumers entering the shutter market stems from understanding the significantly different levels of material, construction and price points available. Over the last decade, differing quality levels have come available from both domestic and overseas manufacturers, further driving the importance of consumer education and product knowledge. Understanding these differences can be a challenge because variation can be found in every part of shutter construction.

For example, in the realm of wood shutters, lower priced construction levels made of single wood types such as Bass, Alder or Poplar can work quite well in small or shaded windows, but a higher quality multi-specie wood construction is often needed in larger and more exposed openings. Synthetics, such as vinyl or poly-core, are sometimes perfect for smaller openings or damp environments, but often have sagging issues in larger openings with wider or multi-panel installation.

Recently, several foreign manufacturers have begun exporting shutter products into the United States using different materials, including Basswood, MDF (Medium Density Fiberboard) and other composites. While all of these can work well in some applications, they can have serious issues making them simply not the best choice for many types of windows, despite a temping lower price point. There is also controversy centering on the use formaldehyde in MDF manufacturing capable of “off-gassing”, especially in warmer environments.

What to look for

Though the right quality shutter will last for decades, the most common mistake made by buyers is purchasing a lower quality material or construction than what is indicated by their window environment, and an error of this kind can be expensive. Even low-end shutters can look nice when new, however, most problems stem from using the wrong inherent construction with consequences not revealing for several months. Making a selection even more difficult, the average consumer must often rely on the not-so-impartial advice of retailers carrying only one or two lines of shutters.

Most experts agree that the best way to reduce the risk of purchasing the wrong product type is by shopping with a company carrying several types and levels. It may be wise to avoid companies carrying multiple types of window products in favor of direct distributors specializing exclusively in shutters. Direct distributors often provide significantly better value and are more likely to offer unbiased information than the “big box” stores. When it comes down to making a decision between using the right shutter construction quality versus, perhaps, that new wide screen T.V., think twice about stretching your dollar at the sacrifice of shutter quality. When budget is concern, it may be wiser to consider doing fewer windows and staying with the best shutter for the job.

It is also prudent to look for a comprehensive written warranty, and a transferability clause can be especially important if a future home sale is a possibility. Most quality manufactures will allow at least one warranty transfer, a plus to a home buyer. Remember that a warranty is only good as long as the company that issued it is there to stand behind it, so a call to your local Better Business Bureau is always a good idea.

How much to spend

Once a decision is made determining the best shutter quality for your home, the only remaining factor is cost, and prices can range substantially depending on the quality chosen. Plantation shutters typically will cost less than draperies, but two to three times more than ordinary blinds. Some companies price on a “per square foot” basis, which can work in the buyer’s favor for small windows. Others use a “price grid” method, more advantageous for those with larger openings.

Whichever method is used, the old adage of “you get what you pay for” is quite apropos in the world of plantation shutters. For those willing to do the necessary research, the reward is a window covering that will transform most homes into an energy efficient, elegant showplace. Picking out the right ones for you isn’t rocket science, but it pays to do your homework.

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Decorating With Window Blinds

By Jillynn Stevens, Ph.D., MSW  |   Submitted On November 06, 2014



Why choose to decorate with window blinds? They're fun, they look sophisticated and they give you control over how much light you want to let in. Before you go shopping for new window blinds, ask yourself a few questions to help narrow your focus.

How much light do I want to let in?

With traditional window shades, light is all-or-nothing. They're either up or they're down - there's no in between. With blinds, you can adjust the amount of light you want in your room. You can pull them all the way up for a crystal-clear unobstructed view, you can pull them down but leave the slats open for lots of light, you can close the slats for hardly any light, or choose one of a practically infinite number of variations in between based on your particular desire at that moment.

The adjustable nature of blinds is also an important consideration for privacy, especially if you live in a ground-floor apartment or a neighborhood in which houses are situated close together or near the street. Blinds allow you to see out without allowing everyone else to see in.

How do I want my blinds to enhance my living space?

Many different looks can be achieved depending on the style of blinds you choose: wood, faux wood, metal, vinyl or another material. A dark, heavy, hardwood blind can bring a warm, outdoorsy feel to a room. White or light-colored vinyl blinds suggest a breezier atmosphere, perfect for a beach house or a kitchen. Colored or patterned blinds offer your room a really distinctive look, and deciding on vertical versus horizontal can also have a major effect on a room's demeanor.

How much will they cost?

Even though blinds are often considered a sleek, cosmopolitan addition to a home, it doesn't mean they have to break the bank. Love the look of real wood but can't afford the steep price? Try faux wood - many people won't be able to even tell the difference. Sure, a remote to raise and lower the blinds would be nice, but if you're trying to cut corners, you can skip that feature. If you have neither children nor pets, you don't need the added cost of cordless, either. Some blinds can be purchased for as little as $25 each, while higher-end blinds can run more than $100 each. Installation fees can vary as well, depending on where you shop. If you're handy, install them yourself and save even more. Make sure you feel comfortable tackling the job, however; it won't save you money if you end up having to call in a professional to re-do the work.

And just because you have blinds doesn't mean you have to give up fabric! Top your blinds with fun fabric patterns, or drape wide swatches on either side to soften those edges. Either will enhance your look while helping to keep dust to a minimum.

If you're tired of your old roller shades and curtains and want to bring an exciting new look to your home, consider decorating with window blinds.

Jillynn Stevens is a writer and researcher. She is the Director of Digital Content Marketing for Be Locally SEO where she enjoys helping clients expand and improve their businesses through articles, blogs, website content and more.

To discover the best window blinds for your home or office in nothern Utah, see Blind Spot.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jillynn_Stevens,_Ph.D.,_MSW

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/8798894

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Window Coverings: Chic, Stylish, Economical?

by Marc Dickinson

Window treatments always spruce up a room's interior design. They add a little style and décor to an otherwise drab area of the home. Windows aren't typically exciting and they only provide one clear function: to let the light in. Not only does this look boring (unless you live in a very scenic area), it isn't very energy efficient either. So no matter how much you like the view, it's always important to invest in some kind of window covering.

Layered Savings

Window coverings add elegance and privacy to a home, but they also create big energy savings. Just like bundling up the kids for school, your home wears its own layers: siding, insulation, drywall, etc. But since glass isn't the best insulator and any opening can become drafty, windows are particularly vulnerable. Therefore, they need their own kind of layering: window treatments. During the winter, these decorative items also add an extra barrier of insulation to protect your home's thermostat. And they can also help cut out the harsh summer sun, which prevents furniture fading and rising temperatures.

From the Inside Out

Like layering your clothes in winter, while selecting your window coverings it's best to start from the inside out. Begin with the layer closest to the glass and work outward:

Get Vertical: Your first line of defense from the outdoor elements is shades. Whether it is a vinyl pull-down or a thermal solar screen, these items can easily be customized to fit any size or style of window (porch door, skylight, arched cornice, etc.). But it's important to put this closest to the glass so as to block any residual light from passing through Tip: This means that as you install, the brackets will be screwed on the inside of the frame).

Drapes or Curtains

Go Horizontal: But you don't always want to completely block the natural light, so the next layer provides options. Blinds are the best of both worlds because of their adjustable slats. Aluminum mini-blinds, or Venetian blinds, are popular because of their inexpensive price tag and horizontal design, but they can also get bent, sun damaged, and dealing with the string can become a hassle. Therefore, you may want to consider other materials on the market, such as wooden or bamboo shutters.

The Dressing: Draperies and curtains create exterior drama. Plus, they clean up a space by hiding the more practical layers you've just installed. Though they're usually made from fabrics, which can run the gamut in terms of price, you may want to think about sliding panels, sheer vertical blinds, or pleated shades. These combine the function of previous layers with the style of chic drapes, while avoiding all the extra expense.

The Outside: If you really want to get secure, you could even add exterior shutters, grills, or louver vents. These dampers can add a stylish accent to the outside of your home, while protecting your windows from rain and moisture. Though they're often placed on commercial buildings, they can still work on any residential door or window.

Professional Advice

Though window coverings can easily be bought and installed on your own, it doesn't hurt to hire a professional interior designer for some advice. Since there are an infinite number of décor options out there, it can sometimes feel like the blind leading the blind (no pun intended). But these interior experts are better able to identify your décor needs and can help lead you through the design maze. They have the ability to assess a space in terms of its size, style, and necessity. Plus, they can open your eyes to the newest products on the market (such as motorized and remote control shades), allowing you complete access to all the available options.

Marc Dickinson has worked in both the general contracting and landscaping trades and is currently a home improvement freelance writer with over 300 articles published.

Read more: http://www.homeadvisor.com/article.show.Window-Coverings-Chic-Stylish-Economical.14176.html#ixzz38yObBTnr

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7 Window Treatments That Can Lower Your Energy Bills

 Julie Kim
Houzz contributor, architectural and urban designer with over a decade.

Whether  it’s a pair of drapes hung to frame a pleasant view or a cheery striped awning floating above a picture window, homeowners often dress up their windows for beauty rather than function. But with the right materials and proper placement, these decorations might actually help lower your monthly energy bills.

The impact can be significant. According to the United States Department of Energy (DOE), something as simple as a set of medium-colored drapes backed with white plastic reduces solar heat gain by as much as 33 percent.

When the hot months arrive soon, don’t just blast the air conditioning. Explore some of these window treatment ideas instead.

Shades
The DOE considers window shades the simplest and most effective way to save energy with window treatments. Proper installment is key. Mounting shades as close to the glass as possible and right up against the adjacent wall creates a tight seal that minimizes both heat gain and loss. Shades with dual layers of fabric — a light color on one side and a darker color on the other— add more functionality. Try reversing the shades based on the season; the light color will reflect heat in summer, while the dark color will absorb heat during winter.

Ideal locations: Shades are flexible, so any window orientation is suitable.
Best uses: Depending on material, color and whether they are raised or lowered, they can help reduce both solar heat gain and heat loss.

Blinds

Both interior and exterior blinds help reduce solar heat gain while maintaining desired light, ventilation and privacy. When closed and lowered on a sunny window, reflective blinds (white or near white) are capable of reducing heat gain by 45 percent.

Ideal locations: South- and west-facing windows.
Best uses: Reducing heat gain where you still want options for light, ventilation and privacy.

Exterior blinds are potentially even more effective than interior blinds. Unlike interior blinds, they block heat before it is transmitted through the window and warms up the room. They are tricky to add to an existing window, however, so are best left for new construction.

The designer of this home integrated exterior blinds into the facade as a beautiful architectural element.

Drapes

Depending on fabric weight and color, drapes help insulate your home from both solar heat gain in summer and heat loss in winter.

As stated earlier, medium-colored drapes with a white plastic backing can reduce solar heat gain by as much as 33 percent if left closed during hot months. As with other window treatments, a tight seal is needed for maximum performance. Hang drapes from a cornice or right up to the ceiling down to the floor and position them as close to the window as possible.

Ideal locations: Any orientation, because of their flexibility.
Best uses: Reducing solar heat gain and loss, depending on a number of factors.

Awnings

Awnings not only add personality to a home’s exterior but offer an excellent defense against the sun in areas with perpetually hot weather. Exterior awnings can reduce solar heat gain by up to 65 percent for south-facing windows and 77 percent for west-facing windows.

Ideal locations: South- and west-facing windows.
Best uses: Reducing heat gain in warm weather.

Some features will help improve your awning’s performance. Opaque and tightly woven awnings block sun better than flimsy fabrics; light-colored awnings reflect more sunlight. Since awnings trap hot air next to the windows, the DOE recommends openings for ventilation. Finally, retractable awnings allow sun to reach inside the house during the colder months.

Roof Overhangs
Roof overhangs operate similarly to awnings. If designed properly, the right roof overhang not only will block solar heat in summer but will allow desirable heat to help warm your interior in winter. Consult an architect or a designer experienced in passive solar design. He or she will consider a multitude of factors, like latitude, climate and window size.

Ideal locations: South-facing windows.
Best uses: Solar heat gain and heat loss in new construction projects. Awnings are a sensible option for existing windows.

High Reflectivity Film

Because of high reflectivity film’s permanence, the DOE suggests using it in climates with short winters. The film reduces heat gain the entire year, including in winter months, which might actually benefit from solar heat.

Silver, mirror-like film works better than more transparent film. High reflectivity film works well on very large windows, like on the garage here, where cool temperatures are desirable.

Ideal locations: East- and west-facing windows.
Best uses: Reducing solar heat gain all year round.

Mesh Window Screens

Mesh window screens reduce heat gain by diffusing solar radiation. Experts advise mounting the screen to an exterior frame and covering the entire window.

Ideal locations: East- and west-facing windows.
Best uses: Reducing heat gain in windows that need light all year round.

Are Plantation Shutters the Right Choice for Your Windows?

One of my favorite choices for window treatments is the plantation shutter. They are versatile, less expensive than custom draperies, and can increase the value of your home. They are the only window treatment that can be financed into the purchase of your home. Why? Because they are highly desirable and usually stay with the home when it's sold. 

Let's take a look at how Houzz members are using them in their homes.

Cornerstone Interiors

Plantation shutters are a popular choice for kitchens. When shopping for interior shutters, it's important to know if you are buying custom shutters truly built for your windows or if the company will take stock panels and cut them down to fit. Often, the prices are very similar.

Samuel H. Williamson Associates

"Traditional" shutters are not the same as plantation shutters. They have the smaller, narrower louvers and are more often found in the New England states. Traditional shutters are rarely installed today since the trend is toward letting in lots of light and keeping the view open to the outside.

Somers & Company Interiors, Gillian Somers

The Spanish introduced shutters to the Americas. Large plantation homes in the South often used the wider louvered style shutters, giving them their name.

The shutters shown here are designed with a narrow divider rail. This allows for separate control of the top and bottom louvers, a feature that comes in handy when evening arrives and you would like some privacy.

Kerrie L. Kelly

Today's plantation shutters come in many different styles and louver sizes. The most popular louver size where I live is 2 1/2 inch as shown in thisfamily room.

The shutters depicted here in this room appear to have the larger 3 1/2 inch louver style. What size louver you choose is really a personal decision. The 2 1/2 inch louver is more traditional and is a great choice for average size rooms with normal ceiling heights. If you have huge rooms with soaring ceilings, the 3 1/2 inch louver may be a better fit.

Somers & Company Interiors, Gillian Somers

When shopping for plantation shutters, there are important features to look for. A custom shutter company will measure your window exactly and build your shutters to fit. These shutters appear to have been custom built because of the location of the divider rail. Beautiful.

Conard Romano Architects

Shutters designed with a divider rail or in the double hung fashion are a popular choice in bathrooms. They allow for closure of the bottom louvers for privacy while the top louvers can be left opened for a view and light. It's harder to get that kind of function with curtains, drapes or wood blinds.

Valerie DeRoy Interiors, LLC

Sometimes a half shutter is all you need, but I would caution you on buying half shutters. They cost almost as much as full length shutters. You won't get as much insulation or sunlight control. Full window shutters beautifully let in lots of light and view while protecting your furniture and rugs from sun damage. So weigh the advantages and disadvantages before making the decision to go with half shutters.

BraytonHughes Design Studios

When shutters are are built specifically for your windows, you will have lots of choices regarding how they are designed. For a window like this, the two panels could open from the center or bi-fold to one side.

If you never plan to actually open the panels back against the wall, having them open from the center is fine. But if you plan to throw open the panels and there is something in the way on one side (like the pipe running up the left side of this window) then bi-fold is the way to go. They work similarly to bi-fold doors, folding one on top of the other, off to the side.

This window is designed to offer the homeowner many options for controlling the view and the light. First of all they are designed in a "double hung" fashion. This will allow opening of the top louvers while the bottom louvers are closed. And because they are double hung, the top panels could actually fold all the way back against the wall leaving the bottom panels in place. The homeowner also could throw all the panels back opening up the entire window. Pretty cool all the function you can get with a plantation shutter!

These wonderful, old re-purposed shutters show how shutters designed to bi-fold would work.

Conard Romano Architects

How your shutters are designed will depend on your needs/wants and the style of your windows. This window seat has three windows across the back. Since they are narrow, one large panel was designed for each window, as opposed to two skinny ones. This allows for lots of light and view. Also, they are designed with a divider rail for separate control of the top and bottom louvers.

sherry hart

Plantation shutters can be custom built to fit any shape or size window.

Evalyn Ashmore, ASID

These panels fit around the handle of the door. This room would just not look the same if a fabric treatment had been placed on the door.

Celia James

When shopping for shutters, ask about:
1. Tension adjustment screws (to prevent issues with drooping louvers later)
2. Mortised hinges (looks better in a frame install and from the outside on bi-fold panels)
3. The wood from which they are made (never buy pine shutters, bad to bleed sap)
4. Rabbited edges (prevents light gaps through the center where panels meet)
5. Siderails at least 1 1/2 inches in thickness (prevents warping of panel)
6. References (and check your BBB). All shutter companies are not created equal.

Witt Construction

I love the uniform look when all the windows on the front of a home have plantation shutters. Great curb appeal!

If you want to soften the look of your shutters in some rooms, such as bedrooms, feel free to add drapes or a valance on top of your shutters. They'll give you all the sun control and privacy you need and leave you free to add whatever decorative treatments you like.

Do you have plantation shutters in your home? If so, have you added fabric treatments on top or do you like the look of shutters alone?