Are you thinking about buying new window coverings for your home? If so, know there are plenty of choices on the market. You can choose from standard blinds or an assortment of shutters. One product in particular which has been very popular among homeowners and contractors are plantation shutters. What exactly are these and how did they get their name? The history of these shutters is interesting, so here is a bit of background knowledge regarding how they came to be as well as why you may want to consider purchasing them over other types.
The Origin of Plantation Shutters
Before we discuss the history of plantation shutters, it should be noted that there is a key difference between their layout and those of traditional shutters. The latter have smaller, narrower angled slats and are commonly found in homes which have their roots in the New England region of the country. The architectural style shifts as we head farther south, as their plantation counterparts were first introduced by the Spanish who had lived on large plantation farms in the nation's early years, hence the name. They traditionally have wider louvers, but today's manufacturers make them in all shapes and sizes. When shopping around, be sure to think about how you want the divider rail (the piece which separates the louvers) designed, as this too can be fully customized to meet your personal style preferences.
How Interior Plantation Shutters Work
The main benefit to installing interior plantation shutters and one of the key reasons why they have been historically located in tropical and warmer climates is that they promote the maximization of air flow into a room. The wider slats allow plenty of space for air and light to enter. Before the advent of electricity and climate control, people had to rely on these devices to keep their homes cool. This explains why those living in northern regions (climates subjected to colder temperatures and precipitation) built their houses with narrow-slat window coverings. Another major distinction of plantation shutters is that they are often situated on hinges, which allows them to be fully opened and folded back. In addition, today's shutters can be custom-manufactured to fit any window size or shape, so don't be concerned if the ones in your home are irregular.
Plantation shutters are functional, stylish and can add value to your home. Be sure to research your style options and take the time to find a company that can custom-make ones for your needs.
The Origin of Plantation Shutters
Before we discuss the history of plantation shutters, it should be noted that there is a key difference between their layout and those of traditional shutters. The latter have smaller, narrower angled slats and are commonly found in homes which have their roots in the New England region of the country. The architectural style shifts as we head farther south, as their plantation counterparts were first introduced by the Spanish who had lived on large plantation farms in the nation's early years, hence the name. They traditionally have wider louvers, but today's manufacturers make them in all shapes and sizes. When shopping around, be sure to think about how you want the divider rail (the piece which separates the louvers) designed, as this too can be fully customized to meet your personal style preferences.
How Interior Plantation Shutters Work
The main benefit to installing interior plantation shutters and one of the key reasons why they have been historically located in tropical and warmer climates is that they promote the maximization of air flow into a room. The wider slats allow plenty of space for air and light to enter. Before the advent of electricity and climate control, people had to rely on these devices to keep their homes cool. This explains why those living in northern regions (climates subjected to colder temperatures and precipitation) built their houses with narrow-slat window coverings. Another major distinction of plantation shutters is that they are often situated on hinges, which allows them to be fully opened and folded back. In addition, today's shutters can be custom-manufactured to fit any window size or shape, so don't be concerned if the ones in your home are irregular.
Plantation shutters are functional, stylish and can add value to your home. Be sure to research your style options and take the time to find a company that can custom-make ones for your needs.
Shannon Hodges is Director of Marketing at Eclipse Shutters. Eclipse Shutters is an Atlanta-based custom shutter provider with a network of licensed fabricators around the country. Their company has grown to become the number one shutter selling company in North America and largest manufacturer of tailor-made plantation shutters. Eclipse Shutters was established in 1992 and offers customers fast delivery and a 25-year warranty. Learn more about plantation window shutters at http://www.eclipseshutters.com/about-eclipse-shutters.html.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Shannon_Hodges
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