Whether you’re after lower energy bills, elevated style or protection from the sun, there are plenty of reasons to add window treatments to your home. You might be researching your window covering choices and wondering which new addition is right for your home.
Here’s what you should know about curtains, blinds and plantation shutters.
When it comes to curtains, blinds and shutters, you have a lot of options. And you might find yourself wondering where to start. Understanding the benefits of each window furnishing will help you make the best decision for your home.
Curtains are made from one or two pieces of fabric panels that are typically used in pairs. You can choose between sheer curtains and heavy drape material in a variety of patterns and colours.
Blinds, on the other hand, can be made from several small pieces that tilt to block out sunlight. Wooden window furnishings include Venetian blinds, vertical blinds, fabric roller blinds and Roman blinds.
Finally, style meets practicality and functionality in plantation Shutters. Plantation shutters are a timeless décor option and sturdier solution compared to curtains. Plantations can be mounted to your window’s frame and tilt for superior adjustability.
Before purchasing window furnishings for your home, there are a few things you should consider. The first is whether price or quality is more important to you.
Curtains can be a great option if you’re looking for an affordable window treatment, but they’re also prone to fading and tearing. Because they’re not as sturdy as plantation shutters, it’s likely you’ll need to replace them every few years.
If you’re debating whether to install window blinds or plantation shutters in your home, you might also consider how much adjustability you want. While curtains tend to let through a small amount of light even when closed, shutters allow you to choose how much light enters your home.
Plantation shutters are made from sturdy material and fitted to your window frames by trained professionals (avoid DIY to install plantation shutters). This means they’ll last longer than traditional window blinds or curtains, saving money and time down the track.
Homeowners that value energy efficiency choose plantation shutters because they effectively insulate your home, trapping cool air in summer and warm air in winter. Insulation will not only keep your home comfortable but also help reduce energy bills – just another reason many homeowners love these beautiful window coverings for all kinds of living spaces.
Easily control your home’s exposure to light and noise in seconds with plantation shutter slats. Modern’s plantation shutters are a popular choice for reducing harsh glare and protecting home furnishings and carpets from fading with the easy adjustment of louvre-like slats. Ideal to reduce the glare, control light and noise with the effortless movement of slats.
Plantation shutters add an element of interior design elegance to your home. Their timeless appeal has been proven by decades of use for living areas, bedrooms and even wet areas like laundries, bathrooms and kitchens. Because of their classic and versatile style, plantation shutters fit seamlessly with existing home décor so you won’t have to redecorate an entire room.
One of the biggest benefits of plantation shutters as window furnishings is that they’re low maintenance. Modern uses a unique, dense polymer foam that will never crack, warp or discolour, saving you from big maintenance bills. They’re also easy to clean, requiring only a quick wipe with a damp cloth to be restored to a spotless shine.
Modern’s plantation shutters are made from non-toxic and 100% fully recyclable material, making them both a safe and environmentally friendly interior design option. Plantations are a popular choice to reduce your carbon footprint and make your home a little bit greener.
If you’ve narrowed down your window covering options to plantation shutters, the next step is to consider the types of plantation shutters available. This is a balance of personal preference, lifestyle and decor choices, cost and durability.
While plantation shutters are sometimes regarded as an expensive option for window coverings, three main factors impact on pricing: material of shutters, size of windows and quality of shutters. For many, the long-term durability, low maintenance, added value to your home and energy efficiency are important long-term cost-saving advantages of plantation shutters. Here are some more pros and cons of some types of plantation shutters.
Benefits: Wood shutters are strong, lightweight, naturally beautiful, and available in a wide range of colours and stain options.
Downside: Wood is a more expensive option compared to other materials. Because wood is not water resistant it may warp in high moisture areas like bathrooms, kitchens and laundries. Wood may need a repaint every 10 years or so. Wood shutters’ natural gradation may present inconsistently. Wood also poses a fire hazard and not all wood products are sourced ethically (i.e. environmental concerns).
Benefits: Plastic and PVC shutters are less expensive than wood and because they’re water resistant, they’re suited to various living areas, including moisture-prone areas. Plastic shutters are durable and will maintain their colour in the long term.
Downside: Plastic plantation shutters are a heavy-duty choice and are heavy to use. Because plastic plantation shutters are heavy it also means limited panel sizes i.e. more panels may be needed for an entire window. With plastic, there are also limited colour options. Be wary of cheap offers as quality and long-term durability may be compromised.
Benefits: Insulite plantation shutters have the look of wood (faux wood) and they are low maintenance, fire resistant and an affordable option compared to wood. Insulite plantation shutters are made from 100% recyclable, eco-friendly and non-toxic materials and are suitable for inside living areas as well as outside areas. They are also more durable and last longer as they are not susceptible to warping or bending.
Downside: While not as costly as wood, Insulite is not as cheap as plastic plantation shutters (although it’s a trade-off between quality and cost). Wood lovers may miss the inconsistent grain of wood. Insulite is also limited in terms of colour choice.
Choosing the best window furnishing can seem like a tough decision, but it doesn’t have to be! Modern can help you choose the most suitable new window covering for your home and provide you with valuable expertise. Modern make sure to offer the best and most affordable solution that will stand the test of time.
Because plantation shutters need to fit your windows perfectly, they don’t recommend DIY installation. When the Modern team install plantation shutters, you’ll have peace of mind with the best fit. Your shutters will be installed quickly and easily by expert installers. Modern offer in home consultations to ensure a perfect custom-fit for your windows. After your shutters are assembled, experienced and expert installers will return to install your custom-built products.
With a five year structural warranty on shutter panels and frames, three years on coating and movement components and 12 months on workmanship and all other fixtures, Modern’s Insulite plantation shutters are a popular choice for homes across Australia.
Besides Modern’s peace-of-mind best-fit installation and warranties, other added benefits include enhancing your home’s beauty, insulating material, and adding value to your property. These are some of the many reasons homeowners choose Modern’s plantation shutters!
Other than plantation shutters, Modern’s trusted range of window treatments and services also includes roller shutters and outdoor blinds, as well as roofing services. With branch locations such as Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane, make contact to discuss the best window covering options for your home.
To learn more about plantation shutters and Modern’s range of window furnishings, or to arrange a free consultation and obligation-free quote, contact Modern today!
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