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Why Some Homeowners In Honolulu Mistake Plantation Blinds For Plantation Shutters

April 19, 2016

When Honolulu homeowners give us a call 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‘re thinking of.

That’s because when people say “plantation blinds”, they‘re referring to plantation shutters.

Interior shutters are synonymous with the term “plantation”. Blinds aren’t. And the term “plantation” refers to the style of the window treatment as it relates to the size of the horizontal louvers.

Blinds’ thin horizontal slats are not thick enough or wide enough to pass for “plantation” style.

Some consumers and even blind companies call blinds “plantation,” when that word has historically been associated with custom interior louvered shutters. Plantation shutters can be mistaken for blinds from a distance. But the differences between these two window treatments are many.

How Plantation Shutters Are Different From Blinds

Blinds covering the windows of a modern kitchen
A kitchen window with plantation shutters 

Plantation Shutters Are More Durable Than Blinds

Premium plantation shutters can be manufactured from synthetic wood, hardwood, or reclaimed wood. These materials make for a sturdy window treatment that outlasts blinds by decades. And when the paint on your shutters is infused 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 elements, in addition to the thin slats, are notorious for busting.

Blinds are also not effective at giving you control over temperature and light. And they are likely to yellow over extended periods of sun exposure, which is not the case with 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 the most energy-efficient window treatment in Honolulu. And it’s Polywood®’s exclusive weatherstripping that’s made to help block off airflow. That’s how Polywood is 1600% more energy efficient than an aluminum blind.

When the blind is closed, the slats aren’t tight against each other. There’s space on both sides of the blind where air can flow. And you can see holes where the cords are. These problems make blinds less energy efficient compared to quality plantation shutters that close with minimal gaps.

They Highlight The Shape Of Your Window

Another thing to consider is that the only shape blinds are available in is rectangular. And when you have windows that are octagonal, circular, arched, or triangular, blinds will cover up the shape rather than show it off.

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

They Give Your Home A Custom Look

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

Plantation shutters in Honolulu come in reclaimed wood, Polywood, and Ovation® wood. And there’s 300,000+ combinations of custom options of these window treatments to match your décor.

Usually, shutters are installed with a frame that highlights the shutter panels and accentuates the corners. The plantation shutters make a fashion statement that wows. And as a permanent feature of your home, they increases its appraisal value.

One example of an unique way for custom window coverings is plantationshutters built from reclaimed wood. No two shutter louvers - no two shutter panels - have the same holes, colors, or marks. It’s the ultimate custom window treatment in the Honolulu area.

Schedule A Consultation Before You Purchase Window Coverings In Honolulu

Doing your research is the first step in picking the best window treatments. That’s how you figured out how blinds and plantation shutters are different. So before you purchase window coverings, schedule a consultation with one of our team members in Honolulu. We’ll bring samples of products right to your home and help you in selecting the one that works best for your windows. Even if you call it plantation blinds, we’ll know what you mean. Contact us at 808-797-2004 or fill out the form below to get started!