The Best Custom Shutters, Blinds & Shades!
Proudly Serving the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex

Why Some Homeowners In Dallas Mistake Plantation Blinds For Plantation Shutters

April 19, 2016

When homeowners in the Dallas area ask us for a quote, they might accidentally ask for plantation blinds. They don’t realize that plantation blinds isn’t the right name of the window covering they have in mind.

That’s because what most people refer to as “plantation blinds” are actually plantation shutters.

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

Blinds have thin horizontal slats that most people call slats. But these slats are not thick enough or wide enough to be considered “plantation” style.

Even some blind companies call blinds “plantation,” when that term has historically been associated with custom interior shutters. Plantation style shutters may look like blinds from a distance. But the differences between these two window treatments are plenty.

How Plantation Shutters Differ From Blinds

A modern kitchen with blinds
A modern kitchen with plantation shutters 

Plantation Shutters Last Longer Than Blinds

Premium plantation shutters can be built from reclaimed wood, synthetic wood, or hardwood. Any of these materials result in a sturdy window treatment that outlasts blinds by decades. And when your shutters are painted with UV stabilizers, your plantation shutters don’t lose their original color.

Unlike shutters, blinds have a series of cords that hold the slats up. And most have a wand to adjust the slats. These two parts, as well as the thin slats, are notorious for busting.

Blinds are also not effective at giving you control over brightness and temperature. And they tend to 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 known to be the most energy-efficient window treatment in Dallas. And it’s Polywood®’s exclusive weatherstripping that’s engineered to help restrict airflow. That’s how Polywood is 1600% more energy efficient than an aluminum blind.

When you close a blind, holes are visible where the cords are. The slats aren’t tight against each other. And there’s space on both sides of the blind where air can escape through. All these weak points make blinds less energy efficient compared to quality plantation shutters.

They Highlight The Shape Of Your Window

Another thing to keep in mind is that a rectangle is the only shape blinds come in. And if your window are triangular, octagonal, circular, or arched, blinds will hide the shape rather than highlight it.

Plantation shutters on the other hand are perfect for specialty-shaped windows. They are custom made to account for every angle, corner, and arch. The completed shutters is a window treatment that operates smoothly. And it will look beautiful and makes the window shape pop.

They Give Your House A Custom Look

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

Plantation shutters in Dallas come in reclaimed wood, Polywood, and Ovation® wood. And there’s 300,000+ combinations of custom options of these window treatments so they match your personal taste.

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

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

Schedule A Consultation Before You Buy Window Coverings In Dallas

Doing your research is the first step in selecting the best window treatments. It’s helped you figure out how blinds and plantation shutters are different. So before you purchase window coverings, set up a consultation with one of our professionals in Dallas. We’ll bring product samples right to your doorstep and guide you in selecting the one that works best for your windows. Call 214-301-5066 or fill out the form below to get started!