First popularized in the eighteenth towards the nineteenth century, plantation shutters began with wood as the primary material for the structure. The surrounding hardwood and softwood materials in plantations spurred the creation of this type of window treatment, hence the given name.

This type of window treatment persisted throughout the century not only because of the heavy-duty quality associated with plantation shutters but also the numerous variations in terms of the interior shutter materials that can be used for the structure. 

Plantation Shutter Advantages: Material versus Material

The choice of the specific material to use primarily depends on a combination of factors. These factors may include, among other things, the price allocated for the structure, the dimensions of the enclosure in mind, and even the presence of environmental elements in the surroundings.

·         Wood. Wood plantation shutters are among the sturdiest variations of interior treatments. Basswood and Poplar are considered hardwood materials but are favored for their lightweight property. However, grain patterns and the natural color of Basswood and Poplar tend to be inconsistent so the wood material is often painted or stained. On the other hand, Maple, Mahogany, and Oak lie on the pricier spectrum of interior shutter materials. Though relatively more expensive, these hardwoods boast of the longevity and the unique grain patterns on the surface. These denser materials also resist denting and chipping and can be used for wider openings as they are not prone to sagging even when the width of the enclosure is beyond the standard measurements.

·         Faux Wood. Considered as wood look-alike materials, faux wood panels lessen the cost of the whole structure by combining natural wood components with that of man-made synthetics such as vinyl or other plastic resins. To achieve the overall natural wood-look, grain patterns are created in the faux wood surface through artificial stamping. Plantation shutter advantages associated with faux wood materials include: high resistance to moisture, less tendency of warping and built-in UV protection features for some variations. However, overtime, faux woods may discolor, flake, crack or even sag as a result of deterioration.

·         Vinyl. Vinyl plantation shutters are also one of the less expensive alternatives for real wood shutters. Primarily made of a type of plastic resin called polyvinylchloride (PVC), hence the name vinyl, shutters of this type are also favored for their ability to withstand different weather swings from high moisture to humid. Vinyl interior shutters are also washable, not prone to warping, and oftentimes added with fire retardant properties. However, these structures seldom lend themselves to be repainted and are not advised for use in wide enclosures since they tend to sag. The rule of thumb in choosing vinyl plantation shutters is to opt for the solid, filled ones and not the hollow vinyl structures since the latter are susceptible to dis figuration and may fail to serve their intended purpose.

Interior shutter materials are not only limited to wood, faux wood, and vinyl. As the market for plantation shutters become more and more popular, combinations of different materials are also becoming more predominant. Hybrid shutters are a new trend as they not only combine different materials but also incorporate multiple structural designs and features. Though the deciding process on which material to choose for the interior shutter may pose certain difficulties, homeowners are at least not limited and not stuck to just a few options to choose from.

Interior plantation shutters are almost always associated with country-style houses or farmhouse-inspired designs. With beginnings from hardwood materials, interior shutters have evolved in terms of structure and built to include other materials such as faux wood, plastic, and other hybrid panels.

Also known as louvers or jalousies, plantation shutters are easy to spot as they resemble the outward slatted appearance of blinds. However, plantation shutters are more permanent and fixed in nature because they are built in the window/opening using hinges and other support mechanisms. Because of their inherent simple, yet classic appeal, different versions of plantation shutter design ideas were recreated to complement not only the rustic type of homes but also the contemporary lifestyle.

Window Shutters in the Home: Decorating the Plantation-Way

Natural wood, plastic vinyl, medium density fiberboards (MDF), faux wood, and hybrid and engineered panels are some of the shutter materials used for creating plantation coverings. Interior shutters are not only classified according to the main material used for the entire structure, but more importantly, interior plantation shutters can be categorized based on their over-all style and form. The following are some of the most popular plantation shutter design ideas based on form:

·         Café Style – also referred to as the half style, this form of interior shutter is distinct as the structure only covers the bottom part of the window, the top part of which may be covered in glass panels. Café style interior shutters effectively allow homeowners to enjoy both the benefits of privacy and natural lighting from the sun. As such, window shutters of this kind are commonly used in living room bay windows, kitchen windows, or study room enclosures.

·         Double Hung Shutters – this style consists of two sets of shutters stacked on top of each other to cover the whole expanse of the window and to form two tiers. This variation resembles the look and form of the café style. However, tier on tier shutters, as others call them, have the upper part also covered in slatted louvers which can be opened and closed depending on the need.

·         Full Height Shutters – the full height style accentuates tall openings and provides covering from top to bottom of the structure. Considered as the most popular option for plantation louvers, full height shutters are flexible in terms of style as they can be built as single hung, fixed panels, bi-fold, or even trifold.

·         Shaped Shutters – odd-shaped windows such as the arched and slant-top ones normally require custom made plantation shutters for the perfect fit. Shaped shutters follow the contour of the window covering. For instance, the curvature of arched windows can be custom-fit with sunburst style shutters while the bottom rectangular enclosure can be fixed with the normal-sized louver panels.

·         Tracked Shutters – large enclosures with more than two meters of width are best designed with this style. Tracked shutters do away from hinges on the window frame itself as the main support mechanism but instead rely on the horizontal tracks on the bottom and/or top part of the enclosure. The multiple louver panels (usually eight sections) are designed in such a way that they can be folded and can be slid through the guiding track to one side of the enclosure.

Interior plantation shutters not only boast of the durability and longevity of the structure compared to the soft window treatments available in the market. Though semi-permanent in nature and form, plantation shutters are flexible enough to suit different styles and preferences of homeowners. Style-wise, plantation shutters are good investments and relatively increases the value of the home.