Plantation shutters, also known as louver blinds or California blinds, are perfect if you’re looking for something to block out light but let air in at the same time. Depending on the size of the louvers, you can choose how much light you want to be able to block out. There is a multitude of designs available for ordering online, made from varied materials. Price depends on the style and design, and importantly what they’re made from.
Originally plantation shutters were made from locally available hardwood, and they were handmade, often by the plantation workers themselves. Today some of the better, more expensive and classy shutters are still made from premium hardwood, such as Cedar or Aldar wood. Aldar wood is a favourite these days for designer shutters, as the wood texture and grain is beautifully even. Shutters are also made from a variety of other materials, such as plastic, vinyl, faux wood or fibreboard. Some people prefer these other materials such as vinyl or faux wood as they don’t warp easily, and in the case of vinyl or plastic they’re very easy to clean, and don’t fade or crack in the sun. They’re also quite a bit cheaper than the more expensive hardwood types.
While traditional wood shutters are very elegant and really do add to the rooms décor and warmth, by the same token they also are more difficult to care for. You need to keep them polished to keep them looking nice. They are also affected quite a bit by the hot sun shining in on them, and the wood can sometimes either crack, warp or fade.
Sometimes you’ll find that online companies offering plantation shutters online also offer you free shipping, which is something worth considering. If you are ordering blinds online, make sure you are prepared to put them up yourself, or that you know of someone who would be willing to help you to do so. Remember to specify if they’re for inside our outside mounts–that does make a difference. If you’re ordering on line you should get them with pre-drilled frames, and make sure you confirm that they’re sending you all the pieces you need to get them up, including the correct screws, mounts and hinges.
There are many companies selling their plantation shutters online, and a quick search will usually bring up over thousands of retailers. You might want to make your search specific to your location, so that you can cut down on shipping costs (should you need to pay them) and so you can always pop into the shop if you end up having problems with the installation or anything else to do with the blinds. Just type in the name of your city after the blinds and it will bring up a list of retail outlets nearby your city.
You can also get a good idea of the type of blinds you are interested in, and what is available locally, by perusing various websites and checking out what they have available.
While it is definitely very possible to shop for plantation shutters online, if you have the time and are able to do so it may be worth your while to actually visit a shop that specializes in selling blinds and take a look at what they’re offering. You’ll get the chance to talk to a salesperson face-to-face who may well be able to offer you some good advice on what would best suit your particular situation.