Blinds are a modern yet timeless way to control levels of light in your home and add some decor to any space they are used in. But choosing blinds for your home isn’t so simple–there is a wide range of blinds available, with many different colours, materials and makes to choose from.
Plantation shutters are not many people’s first thought when they hear the word ‘blinds’, but they are one of the most charming and unique choices out of them all. But are they any better than more traditional blinds, such as roller, Roman or panel blinds?
This blog will highlight what we believe to be the top five best benefits of plantation blinds and why they’re a better choice than the more mundane types of blinds available. Read on and let us convince you why plantation shutters should be the next big purchase for your home makeover journey!
If you’re not sure what we mean, here is a quick definition of what exactly plantation shutters (also called plantation blinds) actually are.
When you think of a classic country home with a wrap-around porch and wide garden spaces on every side, chances are this imaginary house will feature plantation shutters. They feature wide, horizontal slats made of a rigid and strong material, like wood or PVC, and are usually either a crisp white or a lovely natural wood colour. They have a solid frame around them, unlike Venetian blinds, which dangle down loosely,
Plantation blinds are usually operated with a rod, which tilts the slats up and down, affecting both the amount of light that can come in and the direction in which it shines. Sometimes, you can just pull on the shutter panels themselves to move them. They can be used as both indoor and outdoor shutters, with outdoor plantation blinds featuring a weatherproof coating to protect them from the effects of rain and UV rays.
Plantation shutters, with their range of colours and materials, can be styled to suit almost any space, making them a great choice when you want to refresh your window treatments.
Now that you know exactly what these window dressings are, let’s get into the benefits of plantation shutters.
There’s no doubt that plantation blinds are some of the best-looking window coverings around. They bring charm and texture to any structure, as well as more obvious functionality!
Adding plantation blinds improves both the curb appeal and interior aesthetic value of your property. Plantation shutters can be used to add colour contrast to your home (such as dark brown wooden shutters on a white house) or to add a different texture that draws the eye (such as grainy wooden shutters on a plaster wall). They’ll also make your property look more put-together, as the frame of the shutters helps give it a more thoughtful and organised feel.
Plantation shutters have the benefit of being classic window furnishings that will never go out of style. They’re also quick and easy to install, so they’re a great way to beautify your home if you feel it needs a quick revamp.
You can get long-lasting and stylish PVC Plantation Shutters from Alfresco Blinds Co.
Because they are made from rigid and strong materials, your plantation shutters can be relied on to last–as long as they’re taken care of. Quality plantation shutter retailers, like Alfresco Blind Co, take great care to prepare plantation blinds before installation so you know you can trust them to last.
We seal all our timber shutters to help them repel moisture. Water, if it seeps into wooden shutters, can cause them to swell, crack and rot, so this is a vital step! We then add two more protective coats to help the wood resist the fading and weakening effects of UV rays. More top coats are added for extra shielding and to give every slat a smooth, grainless finish that helps incoming weather or debris slide right off.
As a permanent fixture for your home, plantation shutters can also add to your property’s value, as they will stay behind if you ever choose to move. Choose quality plantation blinds, and they can last you up to 50 years!
You can enjoy elegant and durable Ultra20 Plantation Shutters from Alfresco Blinds Co.
Cleaning your curtains and blinds can be a real pain, especially if more is required than a quick dusting. Curtains' soft material and folds make them extremely hard to wash safely, while roller blinds are difficult to remove and can tear if not washed carefully.
Plantation shutters, on the other hand, can be fully cleaned in only a few minutes! Dusting is easy, especially if you have a duster designed for use with slat blinds. These will usually be made from microfibre and feature two or three prongs that can easily slip between slats and slide across to remove dust. But even your regular feather duster can get the job done - simply brush it back and first along each slat to quickly remove any dust or cobwebs that have accumulated on your plantation shutters.
Because they are water-resistant, you can also use a damp cloth to clean and even polish your plantation blinds when needed. Their protective coating will ensure that any spills from food or drink can easily be wiped off, although it's best to attend to any spills quickly to prevent a dried stain or any liquids dripping from the window down to your floors.
Alfresco Blinds Co’s Poplar Shutters are ideal for wet areas like the bathroom or kitchen.
Do you love the smell and feel of fresh air in your home? Planning shutters are the ideal window furnishing for allowing airflow in and out of your home, as the gaps between the slats allow air to freely come and go.
Having a source of fresh air can help prevent dampness from causing mould and bacteria to thrive on your property's indoor surfaces, keeping the space clean and healthy for all residents to enjoy. Fresh air can also make your home smell better and prevent stuffy air from causing drowsiness.
On the flip side, you can shut your plantation blinds to keep out cold or hot air and help keep your home at a consistent and comfortable temperature indoors. A lot of heat can come in and out through glass windows, so sealing them with closed plantation shutters is a great way to maintain comfort–and save on your heating and cooling energy costs!
Read more about the energy-saving abilities of plantation shutters in our blog: Plantation Shutters: A Green and Energy-Efficient Window Treatment Option.
Because they are made from thick and solid materials, plantation shutters can be utilised to control the light levels in your home. This is a handy function for privacy reasons and if you have shift workers or sensitive sleepers who need darkness to rest properly.
You can tilt the slats of your shutters to allow levels of natural light that suit your needs. Want bright daylight? Have the slats sitting horizontally so sunlight can stream in. Want total darkness? Close them so the slits are vertical and curving upward to block light and offer full darkness. Keep in mind that if you close your shutters so the slats are curving downwards, the floor of your space will still be visible from the outside.
For a level in between, leave your slats on an angle to allow partial daylight to come through. This will light your home to a degree and still allow you to see outside while offering a measure of privacy.
Are you searching online for a “blinds store near me”? You can purchase strong, beautiful Basswood Plantation Shutters from Alfresco Blinds Co.
| Plantation Blinds | Traditional Blinds | |
|---|---|---|
| Ease of cleaning | Easy to dust or wipe down | Must be taken down to wash |
| Strong & durable | Water-resistant and rigid | Flexible and can tear |
| Airflow control | Allows airflow through slats | Allows minimal airflow through the weave |
| Light control & privacy | Different tilts offer levels of light and privacy | Can be raised or lowered for privacy - light can only come through sunscreen blinds |
Ready to uplift your home with high-quality plantation blinds? Whether you need them as indoor or outdoor shutters, you can find premium plantation shutters in Melbourne at Alfresco Blinds! We pride ourselves in offering our customers Australian-made plantation blinds that can come in a beautiful range of colours and timeless styles.
Next time you need blinds in Melbourne, feel free to contact our team. Call 1300 735 077 or fill out an online enquiry form and we’ll get back to you as soon as we can. With over 35 years of industry experience, our team is passionate about blinds and is eager to help you choose the perfect window furnishings for your needs. Get in touch for a free measure and quote for blinds in Melbourne now!
