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Why Some Homeowners In New Brunswick Confuse Plantation Blinds And Plantation Shutters

April 19, 2016

When New Brunswick homeowners contact us for an estimate, they may mistakenly ask for plantation blinds. But plantation blinds is the wrong term for the window treatment they want.

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

The word “plantation” is synonymous with interior shutters, not blinds. And “plantation” describes the size and style of the horizontal louvers.

Blinds’ thin horizontal slats are not wide enough or thick enough to be considered “plantation” style.

Some consumers and even blind companies call blinds “plantation,” although that term has always been associated with custom interior louvered shutters. Plantation shutters may look like 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 made from hardwood, reclaimed wood, or a synthetic wood. Any of these materials make for a sturdy window treatment that lasts for many more years than a blind. And when you buy shutters with UV stabilizer-infused paint, their color won’t yellow.

In contrast to shutters, blinds may have a wand to tilt the slats. And they have a series of cords to hold the slats up. Those two elements, as well as the thin slats, are susceptible to busting.

Blinds don’t give you control over temperature and light. And they can yellow after years in the sun, unlike quality shutters.

They’re Highly Energy Efficient

The material a window treatment is made from greatly affects its energy efficiency. Plantation shutters, with their synthetic wood and wood louvers, are the most energy-efficient window treatment in New Brunswick. But it’s the exclusive weatherstripping on Polywood® shutters that’s made to help block off airflow. That’s how Polywood insulates 1600% better than an aluminum blind.

When you close a blind, the slats aren’t tight against each other. There’s space on both sides of the blind where air can flow. And holes are visible where the cords are. All these issues make blinds less energy efficient than quality plantation shutters that close with minimal gaps.

They Accentuate The Shape Of Your Window

Another thing to think about is that a rectangle is the only shape blinds come in. And if your window are octagonal, circular, arched, or triangular, blinds will cover up the shape rather than show it off.

Plantation shutters on the other hand are perfect for specialty-shaped windows. They are custom built to every corner, arch, and angle. The completed shutters is a window treatment that operates smoothly, looks stunning, and makes the window shape pop.

They Give Your House A Custom Look

Yes, you can buy blinds in an array of finishes, colors, and textures. They can even be motorized or cordless. But no matter what combination you pick, blinds don’t look as custom as shutters do.

Plantation shutters in New Brunswick come in Polywood, Ovation® wood, and reclaimed wood. And there’s over 300,000 ways to customize these window treatments so they match your style.

Usually, shutters are installed with a frame that highlights the shutter panels and accentuates the corners of the window. These shutters make a fashion statement in and of themselves. And as a permanent feature of your home, they adds to its appraisal value.

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

Schedule A Consultation Before You Buy Window Coverings In New Brunswick

The first step in picking the best window treatments is doing your research. That’s how you figured out the differences between blinds and plantation shutters. So before you purchase window treatments, schedule a consultation with one of our team members in New Brunswick. We’ll bring product samples right to your doorstep and guide you in ordering the one that works best for your windows. Even if you call it plantation blinds, we’ll know what you mean. Give us a call at 732-301-6168 or fill out the form below to get started!