Estero Plantation Shutters | Sales & Service

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Initially, plantation shutters were external only, dating back to the Greeks. Since they were first used in this country by the settlers, the names and uses have been muddied, and now both internal and external shutters can be referred to as "plantation shutters". They were first seen in Ancient Greece in board and batten or raised panel form with louvers coming much later. They were initially used as window coverings for Estero homes that didn't have glass. They would be either full window or half window, just covering the lower half to maintain privacy. With the invention, popularity and eventual low cost of glass, they slowly became decorative instead of functional.

Internally they are designed to offer shade and privacy while not blocking out sound and breeze. They are fitted to the interior of the window, mostly in the recess, and swing open and shut on hinges. They are versatile enough to suit any taste and decor, being able to appear both traditional or contemporary depending on how they are decorated. Plantation shutters are also a stylish alternative to drapes as they can block light just as effectively and don't take up as much space, especially on larger windows.

They are most popularly made of wood, although recently vinyl alternatives have begun to appear on the market. These are molded plastic dressed to look like wood, and cost a bit less. For the traditionalist, and those who can afford it, wood is the only real option when considering these kinds of shutters. There is something about the quality and character of wood that adds a definite quality to the finished article, and improves the effect they have on the room.

While interior plantation shutters don't need as much maintenance as their exterior versions, they still need to be kept clean and finished well. Using paint or varnish allows the shutters to fit into any interior design and what allows them fit be traditional or contemporary. There is a significant shift right now into leaving the wood as natural as possible, using only varnishes or wax to give the wood color and finish.

In addition to the obvious aesthetic advantages they offer, Estero plantation shutters also offer insulation against the elements. They can keep the heat or cold out and are an extra layer of insulation between the room and the outside world. Blocking out the sun keeps a room cool in the heat, and keeping them closed in the cold helps keep the heat in the room. They are the ultimate passive insulator, and look good too.

Interior plantation shutters make a significant design statement without breaking the bank. Good quality ones will cost a bit, but are well worth the investment and can even increase the curb appeal and therefore value of your home when you come to sell it. So it's better to think of them as an investment rather than a cost. Spending money on good quality plantation shutters gives you the enjoyment of having them in the room, with the long term return when it comes to sell the home. An ideal combination.