What Are Plantation Shutters? Everything You Need to Know.

Plantation Shutters 101. In this Plantation Shutters guide, you’ll learn everything you need to know about picking the right interior Shutters for your home.

Words by
dc+b Editor
Plantation Shutters

There are plenty of reasons to love Australian designed Plantation Shutters, including their versatility, stylish appearance and cost effectiveness.

When it comes to selecting the best Window Shutters for your home, it’s easy to feel a little overwhelmed there have never been more options. So, what is a Plantation Shutter and how can it work in your home?

This Plantation Shutters blog will help you narrow down the search.

Plantation Shutters

Key Benefits of Plantation Shutters for Windows.

Plantation Shutters continue to gain popularity and a few of the main benefits include:

  • They’re a stylish choice that suit a broad range of design styles, from modern Australian homes to period style houses
  • They offer excellent control of light, privacy and airflow, as the blades can be adjusted in an almost 180-degree rotation
  • They are incredibly versatile and can be made to suit any size or shape window or door, with hinged, bi-fold and sliding Plantation Shutters available
  • They provide thermal and sound insulation
  • PVC and Aluminium shutters are resistant to moisture and humidity
  • They are easy to clean and use, making them a low maintenance option ideal for people with allergies
  • They offer UV protection, helping to protect furniture and items in your home from discolouration and sun damage
  • They are child and pet safe with no cords
plantation shutters

What Are Plantation Shutters Made Of?

Once you’ve chosen Plantation Shutters for your home, its time to decide which material is right for your space – Timber or PVC?

Both have a similar appearance but as the names suggest, our PVC Shutters are made from PVC (with a specially constructed aluminium core), and our Timber Shutters are made from 100% plantation grown timber.

How to Choose Between Timber + PVC Shutters.

What’s the Difference Between Timber + PVC Plantation Shutters?

Feature Timber Shutters PVC Shutters
Appearance Natural timber beauty Timber-look finish
Durability Impact, bow and warp resistant Won’t crack or warp over time
Finish Options Stain options (chestnut, black walnut, and bloodwood) Paint options (white, ivory, neutrals)
Eco-Credentials Sustainable plantation grown Recyclable PVC
Maintenance Low Low

Can Plantation Shutters Go in Bathrooms + Kitchens?

PVC Shutters are suitable for every room in the home – including bathrooms, kitchens and laundries – as they are UV, water and moisture resistant. The aluminium core gives the panels and blades extra strength and durability. This means they will not crack or warp over time.

The benefit of Timber Shutters is their natural beauty. Available in a range of stain options, our Timber Shutters can give off that ‘resort holiday’ look, but at home. Our range of Timber Shutters are made from sustainable plantation grown timber and offer good resistance to knocks, bowing and warping. However, we recommend our PVC or Aluminium Shutters for wet areas.

Aluminium Shutters are also available at dollar curtains + blinds, and they can be used in the interior and exterior of your home.

The Best Plantation Shutter Colour for Your Interior.

Colour may also influence your decision between PVC or Timber Shutters, as only Timber can be stained to have a natural appearance. You can select from a light stain, similar to oak, a chestnut or walnut stain, or even the darkest colour which is almost black. 

However, if you’re after a painted style, both Timber and PVC Shutters can be painted in a range of neutral colours to suit your interior. These include bright white, cool white, warm white, and ivory tones. Ideally, you would select a colour to match your wall paint or trims.

There is also plenty of choice with hinge style and colours, including antique brass, black, nickel plated, stainless steel, pearl or white.

Plantation Shutter Styles to Choose From.

Once you know what type of Shutter you would like, it’s time to design the right style for your home.

We have the largest range of Shutters in Australia. All of our Plantation Shutters are custom made to fit any size or shape window or door, including arch, circular or hexagonal windows.

The main decision when it comes to style is whether to have a hinged, bi-fold or sliding Shutters. These styles refer to how Shutters open:

  • Hinged Shutters are the most traditional and popular style as they swing open, similar to how a door swings open. You can select single hinge panels or double hinge panels that can fold back on themselves.
  • Bi-fold Shutters are installed on tracks with up to 8 panels bi-folding off one another and stacking to the side. These space-saving folding panels are commonly used on doorways or extra wide windows.
  • Sliding Shutters slide on tracks in the same direction as your door or window. You would select this style of Shutter in front of sliding doors or large slider windows.
Plantation Shutters in bay window

“There are plenty of reasons to love Plantation Shutters – mainly their versatility, stylish appearance and cost effectiveness.”

— Gina Ciancio, Style Curator

Choose dc+b for Stylish Shutters.

The short answer: Yes. 

At dollar curtains + blinds, our experienced Interior + Exterior Consultants and Installers take care of the complete process – from a free measure + quote to professional installation.

For even more information on custom Shutters, visit your local store where a friendly team member will assist you, or contact us online today for a free measure + quote!

You can find our stores in Melbourne, Canberra, and select locations in New South Wales and South Australia.

Shutters and Sheers

FAQs.

Can You Mix Plantation Shutters With Other Window Coverings?

Yes, Plantation Shutters can be mixed and matched with almost any other type of window covering in your home, including Roller Blinds, Roman Blinds and Curtains. Often, Plantation Shutters are used in bathrooms, laundries and kitchens, and softer window treatments are used in main living areas and bedrooms. It is also possible to mix window coverings on the one window. For example, you may recess fit a Plantation Shutter and then dress the window or wall with a Curtain in front. This is an especially popular window covering solution for bay windows.

 

How Long Do Plantation Shutters Last?

Plantation Shutters are a long-term investment that will last for many years.

Do Plantation Shutters Add Value to Your Home?

Yes, high-quality Shutters enhance the look of a space indoors and out, adding serious curb appeal to properties. Some estimates suggest a potential increase in resale value of 3–5% due to their durability and the convenience of a move-in-ready, premium fixture.

 

Can Plantation Shutters Be Installed on Any Window Shape?

Yes, Plantation Shutters can be installed on almost any window shape, including arches, angles, circles, triangles, and bay windows, because they are custom made to fit the exact dimensions of the opening.

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