Plantation shutters are widely popular in many countries across the world – and have been for many years. As far as a window covering solutions they do have a number of attractive benefits. But, are they really all they’re cracked up to be? For example, are plantation shutters out of style? How can you make plantation shutters look more modern? And do plantation shutters genuinely add value to your home as so many people say they do?
If you have been considering plantation shutters as a window covering option but you aren’t quite convinced they’re worth the investment, give this article a read. We’ll tell you everything you need to know and you can make an informed decision for yourself.
Are plantation shutters out of style?
So, are plantation shutters out of style – or are they very much the ‘in’ thing?
You’ll be pleased to learn that plantation shutters are definitely not out of style. In fact, despite being around for so long (with some people claiming their roots date back to Ancient Greece), they are still one of the most popular window-covering options for homes today.
Yes, the plantation shutter style is reminiscent of the old plantations of the United States deep south (which has been the source of quite some controversy over the years), but they still remain in favour given their beautiful aesthetic and practical advantages.
How do you make plantation shutters look modern?
So, how can you make plantation shutters look modern despite their traditional antiquated appearance?
- Keep it clean and neutral: white plantation shutters are particularly popular due to their versatility. Yes, they perform better in a more rustic setting and thus traditional aesthetic, however, white shutters are equally as suitable for a modern home. The clean white look lends a space a light and breezy feel and can also easily be blended into the background to achieve the more subdued and less imposing appearance preferred in most modern homes.
- Monochromatic for the modern fanatic: as stunning as a natural hardwood plantation shutter is, they tend to work best in a more rustic/traditional aesthetic. However, if you are after a modern and contemporary décor, monochromatic colours are very popular. Additionally, black shutters are particularly bold and striking, offering a unique appearance that can work well in a modern home.
- Simplicity is finesse: it’s not just the colour that can be manipulated to create a sleeker, modern appearance. For example, large slats with hidden pushrods are both effective ways to achieve a more simple and thus modern look. Combining these tips with the recommended colour/material choices mentioned above will work wonders in modernising your favourite window covering solutions.
Do plantation shutters add value to your home?
One of the most commonly asked questions when it comes to plantation shutters is whether they genuinely add value to your home.
While it’s impossible to add an exact percentage to the statement, it is widely agreed upon that plantation shutters do add value to your home – not just in terms of monetary value, but the overall sellability.
- Plantation shutters ‘futureproof’ a property: plantation shutters have been around for a very long time and they do not appear to be going anywhere anytime soon. This will invariably make your home more attractive to prospective buyers should you decide to sell up in the future.
- Impressive curb appeal: given how aesthetically pleasing plantation shutters are, they do add an irrefutable curb appeal to any home. Having high-quality plantation shutters installed with durable materials and a neutral colour palette that blends nicely with the outside of your home will make it more appealing to prospective homebuyers.
- Interior plantation shutters compliment any décor: plantation shutters are highly versatile and can easily complement any interior décor. This is particularly attractive to prospective home buyers as they will be able to make changes to the interior of the house without needing to update/replace the window coverings.
- Infinitely practical: plantation shutters come with so many practical advantages. For example, they provide excellent light and temperature control, privacy, security, air circulation, and so much more. With all that in mind, anyone who may be looking at buying your home in the future will have these advantages to add to the list of ‘pros’.
- Reduced energy consumption: as mentioned above, plantation shutters provide excellent temperature control. Thus, in the summertime, you can leave the slats open to allow good circulation, just as you can keep them firmly shut in the winter months to retain the heat from the sun. As a result, you can reduce your need to rely on heating and A/C units, ultimately lowering your bills.
- Eco-friendly: just as you can keep your energy bills down, you’ll invariably be lowering your carbon footprint. This is something that many prospective homebuyers will be conscious of when considering their home in the future.
Again, it’s impossible to put an exact number on the value that plantation shutters add to a home, however, in terms of sellability, they are almost certainly a worthwhile investment. Need more conniving? Click here for more information on the value plantation shutters can add to a home.
Conclusion
Let’s recap:
- Plantation shutters are not out of style. In fact, they’re blowing up in popularity and very much here to stay.
- Plantation shutters can be made to look more modern by opting for a neutral look, a monochromatic aesthetic, and by keeping things simple with fewer, wider slats and hidden pushrods.
- Plantation shutters do add excellent value to your home – particularly when trying to make your property more attractive to prospective buyers.