| When choosing new shutters as part of a home | | | | whether your existing window structure will support |
| repair project you may be deciding whether looks or | | | | the extra weight of hinged shutter panels. If you |
| practicality are more important features for your | | | | need to replace the framework of the window, the |
| home. You can stop worrying, because with | | | | project could cost more than you anticipated. Also |
| plantation shutters you can have the very best of | | | | note that if you live in an area prone to hurricanes, |
| both. Plantation shutters can be traced all the way | | | | plantation shutters may not provide the necessary |
| back to ancient Greece. They were used both | | | | level of protection and you should consider hurricane |
| internally and externally in Greek architecture to | | | | shutters. |
| provide a degree of both privacy and safety. | | | | Decide on the width of louver you require before |
| Influences of Greek building styles, such as plantation | | | | you buy shutter panels. As well as the appearance, |
| shutters, can be seen throughout the western world. | | | | the louver size has an impact on the shutter's |
| Before it became commonplace to glaze windows, | | | | functionality. The wider the louver, the greater the |
| shutters were used instead to protect the interior of | | | | airflow into the room and the more light you will be |
| buildings from the elements and from intruders. They | | | | able to let in. |
| would be opened during the day for increased | | | | You will need to consider which material you prefer |
| ventilation and to allow light into the property. | | | | for your shutters. Although wooden shutters are the |
| Greek influences were common in architecture in | | | | traditional choice and can produce a cozier effect, |
| America throughout the eighteenth, nineteenth and | | | | they may not be suitable for humid climates or |
| twentieth centuries. This is particularly evident in | | | | rooms where they are likely to come into contact |
| public buildings such as libraries, and government | | | | with water and steam. For these locations you may |
| buildings. These influences were also evident in the | | | | decide to choose vinyl, which is also cheaper and |
| great plantation mansions stretching from South | | | | easier to maintain than wood. |
| Carolina to Mississippi. Plantation owners wanted the | | | | Your final decision is whether you need fixed or |
| same combination of beauty and privacy that the | | | | adjustable slats. Depending on the function of your |
| Greeks had valued; they also saw the aesthetic | | | | shutters, moveable slats may not be necessary, for |
| benefits of this style of shutter. They were also | | | | example if you are planning on having them open all |
| interested in security, as these plantation areas were | | | | day and only closing them at night. If you want the |
| isolated and not well populated. Plantation mansions | | | | shutters closed during the day, adjustable slats are |
| were often targeted by robbers due to their | | | | great for letting in air and some light. |
| locations association with wealth and prosperity. | | | | Now you just need to find a quality supplier of |
| Now you understand a little about the origin of | | | | plantation blinds, and reliable contractor, unless you |
| plantation shutters, you might be interested to learn | | | | intend to fit the shutters yourself. If you are, ensure |
| how to choose the appropriate shutters for your | | | | you get good advice from your home store, or |
| property. | | | | various online sources before you begin the task. |
| Ask the opinion of a carpenter if you are not sure | | | | |