Plantation shutters or louvered shutters as they are also known, offer a stylish alternative to curtains or window blinds. They protect the home against the adverse effects of sunlight; they provide additional security and assist with ventilation. Their versatility and aesthetic appeal has made them extremely popular and as a result they have been in use, all over the world for many hundreds of years.

Whilst their basic form has not shutter blinds installation changed much over time, materials used in their construction have. Originally made from marble by the ancient Greeks, they have been cast in metal, formed from glass and in more recent years, built using hardwoods and polymers.

As with all great inventions, the principle is very simple. Slats are arranged horizontally within a frame, which is then fixed to the interior of the window. These slats can be adjusted to any position from the horizontal, where they are open, to the vertical or closed position.

Listed below are the many features and benefits of fitting plantation shutters.

They help guard against sunlight

Plantation shutters allow you to regulate sunlight whilst still benefiting from a cooling breeze. Windows can be opened allowing fresh air in to the home, whilst the shutters can be fully or partially closed to keep the sunshine out.

They help with ventilation

The adjustability of plantation shutters is key to their ability to regulate ventilation. In their open position they will allow almost as much air to circulate as a fully opened window. They can also be closed or partially closed to reduce airflow into a room.

They can help with insulation

When we think of insulation, we generally think in terms of keeping the heat in but there may be times when it is necessary to keep the heat out. Plantation shutters can effectively block the heat from the sun, cooling the air and reducing the temperature in the process. They are also very effective in reducing noise levels in areas where double-glazing is inappropriate.

They provide additional security

Plantation shutters provide additional security in two ways. Firstly, they are an effective guard against the prying eyes of passers by. When the shutters are closed they make it impossible to see in to the home and even when only closed partially, they interfere with the line of site affording greater privacy and security. Secondly, break-ins through shutters are less likely as there is an extra line of defence.

They are very stylish

Plantation shutters make an attractive addition to homes of any period and since they are available in a huge range of materials, styles and colours, you are able to choose exactly the right combination to suit your home.

They are easy to maintain

Taking care of your plantation shutters is very easy. If done regularly, all that will be required is a quick wipe down with a damp cloth. There's no need to dry them off either since they will naturally dry in the wind. Even if the shutters have not been cleaned for a while, with a bit of care and attention they can quickly be restored to their former glory.