Decorating
Hardworking Plantation Shutters Deliver the Goods
This smart window treatment can elevate a room in more ways than one, no matter what the room's personality
Plantation shutters have been around since medieval times, when glass windows didn’t exist. Shutters protected a building’s inhabitants from the weather, but they also served as a valuable form of security – they locked out the world. But we have Louis XIV to thank for the emergence of louvred shutters in the 17th century – before his intervention, shutters were solid planks of wood that made interiors very dark when shut. Louis XIV had a penchant for the ladies who bathed in his ponds; he wanted to gaze at them without detection and louvred shutters allowed him to see out without the ladies noticing.
The preferences of royalty have a history of filtering down to the commoners, and this was certainly true with shutters. Once the shutters took hold as a trend in Europe, they began to appear in the grand plantation homes of America’s south. They are often seen in the more tropical climates of Australia for similar reasons – they keep out the sun, but allow in the breeze – and they’re now a stylish window treatment across the country in homes of every persuasion.
The preferences of royalty have a history of filtering down to the commoners, and this was certainly true with shutters. Once the shutters took hold as a trend in Europe, they began to appear in the grand plantation homes of America’s south. They are often seen in the more tropical climates of Australia for similar reasons – they keep out the sun, but allow in the breeze – and they’re now a stylish window treatment across the country in homes of every persuasion.
When you live in tropical Queensland, maximising the breeze into your room is like, well, a breath of fresh air. Shutters are also just the thing if you’re looking for a fresh, bright interior – curtains or Roman blinds simply can’t compete.
TIP: There’s nothing fresh and crisp about plantation shutters coated with a layer of dust, pollution or mould. Wipe the slats regularly with a mild detergent and water to keep them looking good.
TIP: There’s nothing fresh and crisp about plantation shutters coated with a layer of dust, pollution or mould. Wipe the slats regularly with a mild detergent and water to keep them looking good.
In the home office
Getting the light right in your work area is crucial if you are sensitive to the reflection bouncing off a screen or you want to control the sun shining in as it shifts across the sky. If you’re still working away when night falls, closing the shutters can give you a greater sense of privacy – especially if your home office faces the street.
Getting the light right in your work area is crucial if you are sensitive to the reflection bouncing off a screen or you want to control the sun shining in as it shifts across the sky. If you’re still working away when night falls, closing the shutters can give you a greater sense of privacy – especially if your home office faces the street.
In the bathroom
Natural light is a magical thing in bathrooms, but few people want to take a bath or shower in full view of the neighbours. Enter the plantation shutter. Such a classic design can work just as well in traditional bathrooms as it can in one that’s sleek and contemporary.
Natural light is a magical thing in bathrooms, but few people want to take a bath or shower in full view of the neighbours. Enter the plantation shutter. Such a classic design can work just as well in traditional bathrooms as it can in one that’s sleek and contemporary.
Red, of course, is best suited to a more contemporary style … but there’s no need to relegate bright shutters to a children’s bathroom. They can inject a splash of colour into any room of the house.
Mademoiselle chair: Kartell
Mademoiselle chair: Kartell
Plantation shutters don’t just have to be used outside – they can serve as an elegant room divider, too. These shutters separate the bedroom from the ensuite. Close them for privacy, and open them to maximise the natural light (an effect magnified with the help of large mirrors).
TIP: Although plantation shutters are often timber, other materials, such as aluminium or vinyl, can be a more affordable option and still look fabulous.
TIP: Although plantation shutters are often timber, other materials, such as aluminium or vinyl, can be a more affordable option and still look fabulous.
On the back deck
Everyone loves eating outdoors but there’s no getting around the fact that you’re somewhat at the mercy of the elements when you do so. Shutters like these can protect diners from an evening breeze, or be opened up to boost natural airflow on a still, humid day. And let’s not forget the chef, who can cook up a storm no matter what the weather’s doing.
Everyone loves eating outdoors but there’s no getting around the fact that you’re somewhat at the mercy of the elements when you do so. Shutters like these can protect diners from an evening breeze, or be opened up to boost natural airflow on a still, humid day. And let’s not forget the chef, who can cook up a storm no matter what the weather’s doing.
Ok, so we can’t all live in a house with a view like this, but many outdoor areas will become far more well used if you can control the sun and wind. Positioned next to a long bench seat, shutters can increase the comfort factor when you’re lazing about by day or having a gathering of friends over at night. You’re in the driver’s seat.
On odd-shaped windows
Round, triangle or diamond-shaped windows can be a real feature in any room, but they can be difficult to cover. Custom plantation shutters certainly aren’t the cheapest options when it comes to window coverings but can often be the most effective.
Houzzer whisler151 chose yellow for some of the windows in her new build. This is what she had to say about it: “I got my shutters in last week and I LOOOOOOVVVVEEEE them! They give my rooms such a finished look and feel.”
When she and her husband were building their house, plantation shutters hadn’t been part of the plan, but she’s clearly beyond glad! “I absolutely love the colour yellow (my front door is yellow) and I was able to do our living room and upstairs man cave with yellow shutters to match (it makes me happy just to think about it). In all of the bedrooms we just did white but LOVE the pops of yellow around the house.”
See how whisler151 put shutters to use in her home
Round, triangle or diamond-shaped windows can be a real feature in any room, but they can be difficult to cover. Custom plantation shutters certainly aren’t the cheapest options when it comes to window coverings but can often be the most effective.
Houzzer whisler151 chose yellow for some of the windows in her new build. This is what she had to say about it: “I got my shutters in last week and I LOOOOOOVVVVEEEE them! They give my rooms such a finished look and feel.”
When she and her husband were building their house, plantation shutters hadn’t been part of the plan, but she’s clearly beyond glad! “I absolutely love the colour yellow (my front door is yellow) and I was able to do our living room and upstairs man cave with yellow shutters to match (it makes me happy just to think about it). In all of the bedrooms we just did white but LOVE the pops of yellow around the house.”
See how whisler151 put shutters to use in her home
Nothing helps a baby sleep longer than a pitch-black room, and these shutters do the job beautifully. Leather give them a designer edge, and their two-tiered arrangement allows you to get the light and airflow just right.
Living and dining rooms
Houzzer Jenni, a Queenslander, says: “We have had internal natural retractable cedar shutters for over 10 years in the two main living areas that face east and get that lovely QLD sun in the morning!
“By shielding out the sun at the start of the day in summer, we reduce the internal ambient temp by at at least 5 degrees, which is a huge benefit as well using them for privacy or just filtering the light for effect as mentioned.”
Houzzer Jenni, a Queenslander, says: “We have had internal natural retractable cedar shutters for over 10 years in the two main living areas that face east and get that lovely QLD sun in the morning!
“By shielding out the sun at the start of the day in summer, we reduce the internal ambient temp by at at least 5 degrees, which is a huge benefit as well using them for privacy or just filtering the light for effect as mentioned.”
Western red cedar is considered the most suitable timber for plantation shutters because of its stability and warm colour.
YOUR SAY
Do you have plantation shutters? Share the pros and cons in the Comments.
MORE
15 Gorgeous Ways to Dress Up Your Windows
How Low Can You Go? Windows That Let in the Light at Floor Height
Window Wizardry: 7 Clever Approaches to Privacy
YOUR SAY
Do you have plantation shutters? Share the pros and cons in the Comments.
MORE
15 Gorgeous Ways to Dress Up Your Windows
How Low Can You Go? Windows That Let in the Light at Floor Height
Window Wizardry: 7 Clever Approaches to Privacy
Who says plantation shutters have to be white? Rainbow-painted shutters are much more fun. Custom-made plantation shutters can be requested in any colour you like and eliminate the need for colourful curtains to brighten up an all-white child’s bedroom.
Shutters: All Shutters & Blinds