The Differences Between Plantation Blinds & Plantation Shutters

Light & Temperature Control - The most noticeable difference between plantation shutters and plantation blinds is their ability to control the outside light and temperature. Plantation shutters provide a darkening effect, which keeps out most of the sunlight when closed. This prevents the radiant heat from entering your home, thereby helping to improve energy efficiency. It will also prevent glaring light from coming into your room to make it easier to watch TV and to fall asleep. On the other hand, plantation blinds don’t provide as much darkening when closed, so you’ll still see some light sneaking in. Not that this is a bad thing, as many homeowners prefer to keep their houses brightened. 

Energy Efficiency - As mentioned above, platinum shutters tend to be more energy efficient compared to platinum blinds. During the summer, they will help to block out the warm sunlight, therefore allowing you to run your AC unit less often. 

Cost & Durability - Something every homeowner has to factor in when they’re decorating their house is cost. In this situation, plantation shutters have a considerably higher cost than plantation blinds. This is why it’s typically more common to see window blinds up in people’s houses. With the higher cost though comes durability. Plantation shutters have been known to last up to five times as long as plantation blinds, making the initial investment worth it in the long run. 

Maintenance - While neither option is particularly difficult to maintain, plantation shutters tend to not accumulate as much dust and are easier to clean. Homeowners have often cited the low maintenance of plantation shutters as being one of their favorite features. 

Installation & Replacement - Being that plantation shutters are meant as more of a permanent fixture, they tend to be more difficult to install and usually require the assistance of a professional. While many people choose to have their plantation blinds professionally installed as well, the installation process isn’t as labor intensive and it’s not uncommon for homeowners to put these up on their own. For these reasons, replacing your plantation blinds is much easier. If you’re redesigning a room in your home, it’s much easier to swap out your old blinds than it is to replace a shutter. 

Contact Us For Plantation Blind & Shutter Installation Services

Whether your preference leans towards plantation blinds or plantation shutters, there isn’t a “right” or a “wrong” choice. Each provides unique differences and both are great choices to enhance the appearance of your window and room. If you’re looking for a consultation to help decide which option would be the best for your home, or if you’re ready to have one of these window treatments installed, contact Coastal Shutters and Blinds! We serve Greenville, Washington, New Bern, Wilson, Morehead City, Goldsboro, Atlantic Beach, Emerald Isle, NC, and surrounding areas.