Plantation shutters always look rich. They add dignity to any window. In addition to exceptional light and heat blocking, they're nearly unrivaled at providing privacy. And, depending on their style, plantation shutters offer impressive security benefits as well.

Swing Those Doors Wide

Unlike their smaller, double- or triple-hung counterparts, plantation shutters are grand in their dimensions. Individual panels can be custom ordered up to nearly three feet in width and ten feet in length. Slat widths may span two and a quarter inches to four inches.

Shutters may be ordered with louvred slats, or as solid boards. Slats allow for users to create dramatic sun shadows on floors, ceilings and walls. Solid panels open like doors onto beautiful views, but also shut securely, making privacy concerns a thing of the past, and providing an additional layer of home security.

One needn't have large windows in order to justify the purchase and installation of these grand window treatments. In fact, even smallish windows benefit from the impressive "framing" these shutters provide. When closed, these shutters give the impression of a large window.

Plantation shades are available in solid basswood (made from linden trees) composite woods, or from wood substitutes, such as vinyl. Basswood varieties are the most expensive, with vinyl coming in at costs well below those of solid woods. Plantation shades are not cheap by definition, but many fine brick-and-mortar and online establishments can be found which sell all three types at prices well below standard retail.