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The History of Plantation Shutters

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The history of plantation shutters is a fascinating tale of how people have adapted to their surroundings while simultaneously bringing beauty and style into their lives. From ancient Greece to the height of the southern plantation all the way to modern day, plantation shutters have offered humankind an elegant solution for how to control light and ventilation in their homes while also protecting them.

The Greeks
Early buildings were not pleasant places, especially if you lived in a climate that offered any sort of extreme weather. You either had to live in a home with few to no openings, or you had to brave the elements. Glass was not commonly available, so windows were left open with little more than cloth to cover them. That's where the genius of the ancient Greeks came in. The Greeks figured out that you could install shutters on the inside of your home to control available light and the climate inside.
These proto-plantation shutters were originally made out of marble to ensure durability, but the clever Greeks quickly discovered that it was possible to make them out of wood for a cheaper, easier to move version that became popular in many ancient homes.

The French
Over time, shutters continued to improve thanks to the ingenuity of talented wood workers. They added moveable louvers to improve light and ventilation control, creating the prototypes for the modern shutters we all know and love. The French were particularly wild for these new, moveable louver shutters. Their desire was further incited when King Louis XIV had them added to his residences. These new interior shutters provided a convenience never before seen, and the French simply could not get enough of this innovation.
Because of their popularity in France, interior shutters gained further admiration throughout Europe and the world.

The South
Stylish shutters naturally made their way into the New World and found a strong foothold in the sweltering summer heat of the South. Even though glass was widely available by the 18th and 19th centuries, southern homes found that the ventilation and shade provided by interior shutters offered them a far more comfortable climate. Interior shutters were used so frequently in the South that they became known as plantation shutters, the name by which they are still known to this day.

It is only appropriate that the name has stuck. Well-crafted plantation shutters visually evoke the same sensation that their name does: a sense of elegance and sophistication for your home. Whether your home is a plantation or not, these shutters add both utility and class.



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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Vertical Blinds Are a Great Option for Many Homes


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Window treatments are one of the most costly decorating considerations. You can spend hundreds of dollars per window on window coverings that are really quite simple, and even more if you want a really complicated or rich look. If you are simply looking for a window covering that will allow you to control the amount of light that streams into your home, you may not need to look at costly drapes and the like, instead you may be able to look into vertical blinds.

Vertical blinds are a great option for those who want to be able to control the amount of light that is allowed into any one space. The great thing about these blinds is that they can be opened just a small fraction of an inch at a time, so you can easily allow as little or as much light as you want into the space.
Another great thing about vertical blinds is that they come in a variety of colors and materials so that you can determine the look that you want for your home. This allows for you to choose vertical blinds that match your décor or beautifully offset it so that you get the best of both worlds in terms of being able to control the amount of light let into the space and also have it look good.

Many people choose vertical blinds because they are a more affordable option than curtains. Curtains can be a very beautiful addition to any home and an eye catching and dramatic addition to your home, but they can also be very expensive. If you don't have a huge budget for window coverings but you want something that looks great and will allow you to keep light out and preserve your privacy at the same time.

Vertical blinds have an added benefit in that they are very simple to clean. Unlike mini blinds or curtains, all you have to do is run a dust rag over the blinds from time to time and they will be clean. You don't have to worry about having them dry cleaned or working hard to dust off every little bit of dust, because they are easily cleaned so that they can look new as long as you would like to keep them hanging in your home.

Vertical blinds can be purchased off the shelf and hung in a home, or they can be special ordered if you have oddly shaped or sized windows. Hanging the blinds is a process, but it is one that can be done by a homeowner with time and patience, or they can be installed for a relatively affordable fee so that you get the quality blinds that you want, hung in a manner that will allow you to enjoy the blinds for years to come. When properly hung and taken care of, your investment in vertical blinds can last for many, many years to come.


Such features and benefits make these blinds the best option for houses and even workplaces. If you are looking out for verticle blinds in Melbourne or nearby areas, do visit this website.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Mack_Pablo


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Window Shutters Are Growing in Popularity


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More and more homeowners and tenants are investing in wooden shutters. They can be used to bring a new sense of welcoming character to a home environment and are noted for being extremely versatile. In fact they can be used to compliment various types of in-home décor, and many people have seen the atmosphere of their home changed for the better after having the shutters installed. Customers don't have to pay over the odds for good quality shutters, and there are many great deals to be enjoyed without compromises on quality being necessary.

The best plantation shutters are not only incredibly stylish but extremely functional too. Its possible to buy wooden shutters for the interior and the exterior of a home - although if you are looking for exterior shutters you should be aware that the quality of the wood can come into compromise quite quickly once exposure to the elements occurs. There are many suppliers and manufacturers offering shutters currently. It can be all too easy to feel intimidated by the choice available to you, especially when you're looking online, but by looking for positive feedback and strong recommendations you should be able to find a company that you can do business with confidently. Also, as the search engines become more sophisticated when it comes to penalising nonperforming companies, you can feel increasingly more assured when looking for a shutter supplier via a reputable search engine.

Plantation shutters are designed for allowing air to flow freely through them, whilst providing shade when required. They are usually protected by an external window, but its not uncommon to see them being put into place instead of a window, or to see a window being removed and put back into place as according to requirements. They can also be referred to as jalousies or louvres. They are usually installed to fill an entire window space and can be adjusted via an attached rod. Some shutters need to be custom made in order to suit the unique needs and requirements of some customers, particular those who need to work with a tricky space.



Whilst wooden shutters are incredibly popular, many people choose to sidestep wood in place of other materials. Composite materials are often chosen, as are plastics. Composite materials in particular can be very useful, allowing customers to choose from an almost infinite number of colours. Composites are arguably easier to maintain than wood, and can last for longer too. Designer shutters can be expensive, but for those looking for a higher level of sophistication and class, they can be worth every penny. Some more environmentally-conscious customers may choose materials such as reclaimed wood as they are generally seen as a more eco-friendly option to conventional wood. Window shutters are growing in popularity constantly, and with such versatility at play its easy to make a unique style statement with them. Its important to ask if installation services are on offer when you place on order for shutters, as installation can be tough.


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


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Which Window Blind to Choose?


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Choosing how to dress your windows can be quite challenging. A great option to consider is dressing your window with blinds. There are many styles to choose from, and the easiest way to narrow this down is to work out what you require for the room, as well as what kind of maintenance you are willing to take on. Base your choice on privacy requirements, sun prevention, cleaning, and of course visual appeal. Here are a few window blind choices and descriptions to help you narrow down your choice:

Plantation shutters
Plantation shutters are energy efficient as well as visually attractive. They offer shade in hot summers, and help protect your home in cold winters. When closed they offer complete privacy and filter out light completely, and when open they provide a very open spacious feel to a room. Ventilation is another plus, making plantation shutters a great choice if you wish to have a lot of natural light and cooling control. The downside is that they can be very expensive, especially if you have a lot of windows in your home. Budget-wise, there are a variety of materials available for plantation shutters these days, so there are alternative options to the traditional costlier wood shutters. Another plus is that plantation shutters also add value to your home.

Vertical blinds
Vertical blinds fit almost any décor style and, if you require something more "dressier", can be easily paired with curtains. Vertical blinds are very attractive in most rooms, and offer much the same effect as plantation shutters, at a much reduced cost. A variety of materials such as plastic, metal and wood, are available for vertical blinds, but be aware that wood blinds should not be used in any room with high-moisture content, such as a bathroom, as they will warp.

Honeycomb blinds
Honeycomb blinds offer up to 99% sun protection in your home, which makes them an energy-efficient option to consider. Honeycomb blinds are great for rooms where there is a lot of sunlight or bright light, as they will help drop your cooling bill considerably. The down side to honeycomb blinds his that there are no middle ground shade options; they are either open or closed. So not a good option if you wish to filter light in a variety of ways. They can also be rather tricky to clean.

Roman blinds
Roman blinds are a visually very attractive window dressing option, and can also be teamed with curtains for a dressier effect. Roman blinds offer a great deal of versatility as they can be created with any fabric design or pattern desired. They are reasonably priced and can be washed in the same way as curtains once the rods are removed. Not a good option for high-moisture rooms such as the bathroom, however, as they can be prone to developing mildew.

Whatever style of blind you eventually choose, keep in mind maintenance. Your blind will only look good if well maintained and cared for. Make sure they are fitted exactly to the window for the most visually pleasing appearance and to ensure the best shading. There are many companies that specialize in measuring and fitting your blinds as well as curtains and awnings, which you can find via your local directory, or online.


Tip Top Blinds are Melbournes Premier Blind, Curtain & Awning Centre. They offer an extensive range of high-quality window furnishings for internal and external use. For more details visit their website tiptopblinds.com.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Mack_Pablo



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Different Window Treatments For Patio Doors


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Expert Author Cookie Maxwell


Patio doors may be functional entrances and exits between the outdoors and your home, but they can be treated like windows when it comes to thinking about decoration, blocking out the sun, and maintaining privacy. Since your options are French doors that swing open or sliding glass panels, the way that you approach window treatments must be specific to the style door. If you have patio doors in your home, here are a few window treatment suggestions that will help you create another design feature in your home that also performs an important job.

Hunter Douglas


Vertical Blinds
The easiest and most common style of window treatment that you will see for patio doors are vertical blinds. If you are picturing the cloth vertical blinds that were popular in the 1970's when you think of vertical blinds, think again. Today you can find a number of stylish options that can be customized to your taste. Wood, fabric, vinyl and even faux wood are examples of the materials that are used to make blinds. Depending on your preferences, patio door blinds can all open to one side, or half go to one side and the other half to the opposite side. You can also choose to have the blinds open from the sides into the middle.

Cellular Blinds
If you have concerns about needing insulation near your patio doors, then cellular blinds are the best option for you. They have little pockets, also known as cells, that will trap air in them and insulate the room from cold. Note that the higher number of cells will offer the most energy efficiency in your room, and for maximum benefit you need large double or triple cells.

Drapes and Curtains
Drapes or curtains can cover patio doors just as well as blinds, but they are less versatile. Blinds allow you to open part way, and curtains are an all or nothing proposition. Depending on the room you are decorating, you may want to consider blinds and drapes at the same time. To hang curtains or drapes, you need a rod above your door and a way to keep the curtains open to one side with a decorative hook. Since they are made of fabric, cleaning them can be a lot faster than going through the panels of your blinds with a duster. If you want to wash them, then take them down and throw them in the washing machine. Curtains and drapes will also help insulate a room from the cold.

MyReviewsNow.net offers information regarding patio blinds. For more on blinds and window treatments, please visit us at MyReviewsNow.net.


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