Why Choose Plantation Shutters Instead of Curtains?

When it comes to selecting window coverings, one of the first choices you will make is whether to buy curtains - one of the most popular options - or to go for something different, such as plantation shutters.

Curtains have been in use for centuries but there are a number of benefits plantation shutters bring over and above curtains. Plantation shutters, for instance, are easier to keep clean and their sleek design and flexibility means more and more people are choosing this style of window covering.

The Bespoke Shutter Company creates beautiful made-to-measure plantation shutters and solid shutters in the London area and these add an elegant touch to both period properties and modern style homes

Here we shall look at the benefits of choosing plantation shutters rather than curtains for your home.

Plantation Shutters - to view some of our plantation shutters click here.

Timeless

Although there are a wide choice of curtains on the market including floral curtains, striped curtains and plain curtains, these designs can date and you may have to replace them if you want to update your room.

Plantation shutters and solid shutters are a style classic and, if you opt for a neutral colour such as white or go for shutters that reveal the beauty of the solid timber, they are a timeless choice for the home.

Aesthetics

Plantation shutters look stylish and graceful in a period property and give a modern, fresh look to a contemporary home. They look great from all angles too, both inside and outside the house. With curtains the best view comes from one direction only - the inside - as the lining tends to be shown on the outside.

Flexibility

Curtains can only be used in three ways: closed for privacy, or open or part open to let the light in.

This is where plantation shutters come into their own as they are far more flexible than other types of window covering. You can keep the slats (or veins) part open to maintain privacy, while still allowing the light to stream in. 

Tier on tier plantation shutters give you even greater flexibility; it means you can keep the top section open to allow a full steam of light into your home and open the window to let the air in while keeping the bottom section closed.

You can also have shutters for windows that are high up or have an unusual shape, such as arched windows.

Warmth

Both curtains and plantation shutters keep the heat in and the cold out which is ideal for the winter months and helps keep heating costs down.

However, with plantation shutters you can close them during the day to keep drafts at bay while adjusting the slats to let the light in, which helps to warm up your interior in the daytime.

Cleanliness

Curtains accumulate dust and grime, trap smells, and can get mouldy over time as they attract condensation. They need to be vacuumed once a week (or given a good shake if you have a delicate fabric) and washed yearly.

Washing your curtains, especially if they are dry clean only, is not only a hassle but it also means you won’t have any window coverings in the intermittent period.

On the other hand, plantation shutters are easy to keep clean. All you have to do is to wipe them free from dirt with a duster or soft cloth.

Quieter

Both curtains and shutters help to block out external noise. Shutters are of a solid construction and are good at keeping the noise levels down from outside. Heavy curtains work in a similar way.

Security

If you have curtains, it is likely you will keep them closed when you are away for long period and this could alert burglars if you are going on holiday.

With plantation shutters often the slats remain partially closed all the time (especially on the ground floor of a busy street) so it is hard to work out whether someone is in the house or not.

Privacy

Curtains need to be completely closed for privacy whereas the slats can be altered with plantation shutters so you have the benefit of being able to see out while someone can’t see in. This gives you the best of both worlds.

Value

Plantation shutters are more universal and therefore more appealing if you want to sell your home. They are even said to add value to your property.

On the other hand, curtains are more individual: particularly if you have chosen a more unusual pattern or colour as this is designed to suit a distinct taste. Unlike shutters, they are unlikely to clinch a deal and sway a potential house buyer.

Plantation Shutters - to view some of our plantation shutters click here.