With any choice of window covering you will have a few things to consider, simply to make sure that they are the right fit for your home and the look that you are going for. Plantation shutters are one of the most frequently asked about window coverings that we offer at Zinga’s Home Solutions and they look incredible in just about every situation. If you are considering installing shutters into your home, here are a few things that you should consider before making a big commitment.

Framing & Dividers

This specific consideration is going to help you decide what type of panel that you would like to have installed. While the type of window fashion is very standard across the board, there are different styles that you can incorporate it into in order to get the look that you want.

Full Shutters

One of the options that we see selected most commonly is that of the full shutter, which gives you one full panel. This allows for you to open them entirely and separate them from the window to enjoy solid window panel behind them. It also allows for freedom of natural light and privacy, as well.

Cafe Shutters

This style of the shutter is one that you still have some control over, but instead of it being a full panel, you’ll only have half. One of the main benefits to this style is that it offers constant privacy to the interior of your home while always contributing some aesthetic. These shutters still let in constant natural light on the upper part of the window, which is really nice when you’re looking to brighten up a space.

Double Hung Shutters

When you’re looking for the best of both worlds, you should consider the double hung shutter styling. This allows you to open shutters entirely, but breaks them down in two sets of cafe shutters stacked on top of each other. That means that you can have a full panel worth of coverage, while still being able to open them as needed and enjoy as much natural lighting as you’d like.

Divider Rails

If you’re entirely fine with having stationary shutters then you might want to consider adding divider rails between your shutter panels. This option looks incredible in regards to aesthetic and allows constant privacy when you know that’s something that you’re going to want. We are absolutely in love with this look, especially when you know the amount of natural light you’d like to let in and what type of atmosphere you’re hoping to create.

Louver Sizes

The louver is the actual set of angled slats that a plantation shutter has. These are available in a couple of sizes so that you are able to find the perfect lighting and fit for your home overall. Plantation shutters are available in 2 ½”, 3 ½” and 4 ½” louver options. These slats allow for sunlight and airflow to make their way into your home, so if there is one or the other that you’re trying to avoid, you should consider that.

Large Slats

The larger the slat the more light and airflow you will let into your home. If these are two things that you are going to want to keep in your home, then you should definitely choose larger slats. They also offer a very rustic look to any home.

Small Slats

When you select smaller slats for your plantation shutters, you can count on having more privacy and higher energy efficiency. They also make for a fantastic look when you have large windows or tall ceilings that you’re having to cover and work with. The size of your louvers may not seem like a huge deal, at first, but when you install your plantation shutters into your home, you’ll see that they really do contribute quite a bit to the overall feel of the room. Unless you’ve found a perfect fit with slat size, don’t jump to conclusions with this consideration. One of the benefits to working with Zinga’s Home Solutions is that we will bring the showroom to you. That means that choosing and getting the help that you need can happen right in the comfort of your own home. If you are interested in learning more about the benefits of plantation shutters or seeing if they’re the right fit for your home, then call our office and schedule a time for us to come out and give you a demonstration on how the shutters work and what types of window fashions they’d go well with. We are more than happy to help you find the perfect fit. Make sure to check back for our next blog that will cover the other two considerations that you need to make before committing to your plantation shutters.