Plantation Shutters Provide Both Form and Function - Home - Home Repair

The Origin of Plantation Shutters

There are several types of windows that are bi-purpose. This means that they can very well serve as an element of added beauty to your home without defeating their purpose. If you are looking into using this kind of window, plantation shutters might pique your interest.

Plantation shutters are influenced by ancient Greek Literature. This explains why it comes in elaborate and sophisticated designs that can work well with your home interior and exterior. It has unique framing and is built primarily to provide a great deal of privacy to homeowners. If you were planning one of those home repairs and improvements, it would be a good idea to consider replacing your existing windows. This can be especially helpful for families who prefer to have a more private home.

Unlike other windows, plantation shutters are equipped with interior shutters that are used to cover up and close the window. The sturdy columns that support the shutters give the window an overall classical look. This is a very distinct feature if we trace back time to where the Greeks used to impose so much privacy and security to their residences. This was further passed on over time and even influenced the modern touch of the Western World.

Even before the time where glass windows dominated the window hardware, shutters were widely used in every part of the world. Some refer to them as hurricane shutters because they are also effective as shutters against obstructive forces of nature. It is very easy to use and one can toggle opening and closing the shutter with much ease and comfort. Letting in air and sunlight can also be manipulated and controlled with the amount of opening of the shutters.

In the United States alone, much can be seen about the buildings present during the earlier centuries. Most of these buildings, whether private and publicly owned, are visibly influenced by a touch of Greek architecture. The first impression would be classy and elegant, like any other Greek-influenced buildings. In fact, most plantation mansions all over the Western World copied a great deal of designs from the Greek architecture. Some of them are still up and preserved to this time of writing and are even well visited by lots of avid tourists.

Recall that during earlier times when the Civil War was at quite a height, Greeks used shutters to protect their homes from their intruders. Aside from providing a level of security of and privacy, it also brings the appeal of the home to a different level. Since plantation mansions are situated in most agricultural areas, their shutters really have to provide the necessary protection it needs. Again, recall that plantation mansions keep a lot of wealth and are therefore prone to robbery and theft.

How to Choose your Shutters

When choosing your shutters, consider the size of your previous window. Find a replacement that will fit the previous casings. Otherwise, you will have to consider adding more frames and support braces to keep up with the weight of your new plantation shutters.

It is equally important to look into the width of the louver. There can be differences in the effects of several width sizes of louver. A wider louver, for instance, would mean letting in more light into the room.

Consider the material that was used as the window hardware. Both wood and vinyl are good choices. While wood is good for providing a warmer atmosphere, vinyl can do perfectly well with steamy and high in moisture rooms. Vinyl being easy to clean is another bonus.