by Doug Sewell

Plantation shutters are a great way to make a home look more attractive and to enhance a property's curb appeal and value. Fortunately they are also an extremely cost effective way of achieving a great look.

Shutters have been used throughout history and are extremely practical. Predominantly used in warmer areas of the country they are now being installed all over the country for decorative purposes. They are the ideal way to complement the colour of a home, brickwork or even wooden floors and window sills; ultimately with some imagination they can be used to transform a home.



Not all shutters are manufactured from wood, ThermoWood is an increasingly popular choice among interior designers as it is extremely low maintenance and also relatively cost effective. Shutters must stand up to the elements and hence ensuring that any purchases are sturdy and have high build quality is strongly advisable. ThermoWood(poly) is not the only option however, as previously stated hardwood is a common choice, maintenance for this natural material however is understandably extensive.

Styles of shutters vary immensely; normally a style can be found to match the architecture of your home or the design you are trying to create. Of the styles the louvered shutter is widely used for its classical appeal. That said other varieties can be used to create a more modern look. The plantation shutter remains extremely popular in warmer climates as it will help to keep the warmth of the Texas sun out while still allowing air to pass through the house.

When installing shutters it is important to bear in mind the size and shape of all the windows of a home and how these will affect the final result. Too much variation can be a bad thing, making the exterior look mismatched and untidy. Hence it is important to make consistent choices at the time of purchase to ensure once the shutters are installed they will enhance, rather than diminish the look of a home.



It is hoped that this article has presented some of the styles of shutter available to consumers. Ultimately with a careful and considered approach it should be possible to find the perfect shutters for a home that will increase its curb appeal and enhance its attractiveness.