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Why Some Homeowners In Miami Mistake Plantation Blinds For Plantation Shutters

April 19, 2016

When Miami homeowners give us a call for a quote, some ask for plantation blinds. However plantation blinds is the wrong term for the window treatment they‘re thinking of.

When people say “plantation blinds”, they‘re referring to plantation shutters.

The word “plantation” is synonymous with interior shutters. Blinds aren’t. 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 thick enough or wide enough to be “plantation” style.

Some consumers and even blind companies call blinds “plantation,” but that word has been associated with custom interior shutters. Plantation shutters might be mistaken for blinds from a distance. But the differences between these two window treatments are many.

How Plantation Shutters Differ From Blinds

Kitchen windows covered with blinds
A kitchen window with plantation shutters 

Plantation Shutters Last Longer Than Blinds

Premium plantation shutters can be built from synthetic wood, hardwood, or reclaimed wood. These materials result in a sturdy window treatment that lasts for many more years than a blind. And when you get shutters with UV stabilizer-infused paint, their color won’t yellow.

In contrast to shutters, blinds have a series of cords that hold the slats up. And most have a wand to adjust the slats. These two parts, in addition to the thin slats, are notorious for busting.

Blinds are also not effective at giving you control over temperature and brightness. And they tend to yellow over extended periods of sun exposure, 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 the most energy-efficient window treatment in Miami. But it’s the exclusive weatherstripping on Polywood® shutters that’s made to help restrict airflow. That’s how Polywood is 1600% more energy efficient than an aluminum blind.

When you close a blind, the slats aren’t tight against each other. There’s room on both sides of the blind where air can escape through. And there are holes where the cords are. All these issues make blinds less energy efficient compared to well-built plantation shutters.

They Highlight The Shape Of Your Window

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

Plantation shutters however are ideal for specialty-shaped windows. They are custom made to account for every corner, arch, and angle. The finished product is a functional window treatment that looks stunning and makes the window shape pop.

They Give Your House A Custom Look

Yes, you can buy blinds in a variety of colors, textures, and finishes. They can even be motorized and cordless. But no matter how you mix and match their options, blinds don’t look as custom as shutters do.

Plantation shutters in Miami are available in reclaimed wood, Polywood, and Ovation® wood. And there’s over 300,000 ways to customize these window treatments so they fit your personal taste.

Usually, shutters are mounted with a frame that highlights the shutter panels and accentuates the corners. These interior shutters make a fashion statement in and of themselves. And as a permanent fixture, they increase your home’s appraisal value.

One example of an unique idea to customize your window treatments is plantationshutters made from reclaimed wood. No two shutter panels - no two shutter louvers - have similar marks, holes, or colors. It’s the ultimate custom window treatment you’ve been looking for in the Miami area.

Schedule A Consultation Before You Order Window Coverings In Miami

The first step in choosing 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 Miami. We’ll bring samples of products right to your home and help you in choosing the one that works best for your windows. Give us a call at 305-520-7515 or fill out the form below to get started!