Shutters supply & installation
Plantation shutters are known for their classic charm and are a fantastic option for window dressings giving that wow factor. They work well with various architectural styles and personal design tastes.
What makes them so popular?
Well, it’s a mix of their elegant look, flexible functionality, and impressive durability. For homeowners and designers alike, getting a grip on the different styles of plantation shutters can really help in making choices that fit the specific vibe of a room. These styles are mainly set apart by the size of the louvers, the type of frame, the materials used, and how they operate – all of which affect the look and function of the shutters.
Louver Size & Style
The size of the louvers plays a big role in defining the look and performance of plantation shutters. Our shutters come in a range of sizes 47mm, 63mm, 76mm, 89mm and 112mm. The size of the louvre is important as even small differences can change how light comes in, how much privacy you get, and the overall visual effect.
47mm / 63mm – These smaller louvers give off a more traditional vibe, kind of like the classic shutters you might picture in a quaint cottage. They’re spaced closely together, which helps with light control and privacy—blocking outside views and cutting down glare. Plus, having more louvers per panel adds a nice, textured look. They work great in formal living rooms, bedrooms, or any space where you want to manage light better. But, keep in mind, they might slightly block your view when opened fully compared to wider options.
76mm / 89mm – Medium size Louvres are a sweet spot between classic style and modern usability, making them a versatile pick for lots of interior styles. They strike a balance between letting in light, giving you privacy, and allowing some visibility outside. This size is popular because it fits nicely in both modern and traditional homes. When you open them up, they let in plenty of light, but they still offer good privacy when closed or tilted.
112mm – Wider louvers are the way to go. They really open up a space, letting in lots of natural light and giving you a better view outside. The wider gaps mean more light gets in, which is perfect for rooms where you want to soak up sunshine and enjoy the scenery. While they don’t provide as much privacy as smaller sizes, they create a lovely connection to the outdoors, making them a great fit for contemporary homes, sunrooms, or any room with a nice view.
Frame styles
The type of frame used for plantation shutters determines how they fit into the window and can really change the overall look and functionality. Different frames are designed to match various architectural styles and personal tastes.
Inside Mount Frames
These frames fit right inside the window recess, giving a clean and polished look. They’re popular because they sit flush against the wall, which is ideal for deeper windows. You can find them in various styles, like L-frames, Z-frames, or decorative beaded frames, so you can customize them to match your home’s architecture.
Outside Mount Frames
Unlike inside mount frames, these are attached to the wall around the window. You might choose this style if your window isn’t deep enough for inside mounting or if you want a more decorative look. They can also hide any imperfections around the window, giving a neat finish. Plus, they work well for uniquely shaped or sized windows.
Hinged Frames
These frames take a more traditional route, allowing the shutters to swing open and closed like a door. This makes it super easy to access the window for cleaning and gives you a completely unobstructed view when they’re fully opened. You can find hinged frames in different configurations, like single, bi-fold, or tri-fold, to suit various window sizes and layouts.
Material Composition
The material you choose for your plantation shutters plays a big role in how long they last, how they look, and where they work best. You’ll usually see wood, composite, and vinyl materials, each with its own pros and cons.
Wood Shutters
Known for their natural beauty and timeless appeal, wood shutters bring warmth and elegance to any space. Hardwoods like basswood and poplar are often used because they’re stable and can take paint or stain well. You can customize wood shutters to match your existing trim, creating a unified look. However, they can be prone to moisture damage and might need some upkeep to keep them looking their best. They work best in dry, well-ventilated areas.
Understanding Plantation Shutters
The best place to start is material. You have 3 materials to choose from; Paulownia, Basswood and UPVC.
Hardwood shutters are incredibly durable yet lightweight making them the perfect material for Window Shutters. They are not suitable for any areas in which they will be exposed to a high level of moisture and especially not direct contact with water. For any such areas a UPVC shutter should be used.
Paulownia Hardwood
Paulownia is a lightweight, strong and fast growing hardwood sourced from Northern Asia. The widely spaced growth rings in the timber mean it offers slightly less density than Basswood, so to compensate for this we treat it with a gesso coating (acrylic polymer base) prior to it going through our refined painting process. Paulownia offers excellent dimensional stability due to it’s engineered core which greatly reduces the possibility of warping. It’s fine grain texture, knot-free appearance and low oil content make it the perfect timber for staining and painting.
We use Paulownia for all parts of the shutter including frame, stile, top and bottom rails, louvres and mid-rails. Paulownia is fully FSC Certified meaning it comes from a certified sustainable source. The Paulownia material has a different style Clear View rod to the Basswood and PVC Shutters, which allows for more movement when the louvres open and close so as not to place strain on the wood.
Basswood Hardwood
Basswood is often called Linden Wood, Limewood or Tilia Wood – a common timber in Northern America. It offers exceptional stability and tightly spaced growth rings. Basswood being a high density hardwood, offers additional strength over Paulownia making it perfect for high access areas or large installations.
It offers excellent dimensional stability due to it’s engineered core which greatly reduces the possibility of warping. A high quality, lightweight hardwood offering a smooth and consistent grain; making it perfect for painting. All of our wooden shutters use mortice and tenon joinery, and undergo an extensive kiln drying process, prior to being machined.
UPVC Waterproof
More suited for wet rooms or areas of moisture our UPVC core composite shutter offers a smoother finish(being man made) and will out last any wood shutter. Unlike timber, UPVC shutters are resistant to moisture so can be installed in any room. They have an excellent temperature operating range, will never warp, peel or flake. In addition they are perfectly suitable for areas where hygiene is important.
Quality hardwood or UPVC?
We use only use two types of shutters one being our hardwood shutters, we don’t use any MDF products! You can be assured that you will have a quality hardwood shutter in your window which will look beautiful and of high of the highest quality.
Our second product is our UK made UPVC shutters which look just as great as the hardwood shutters.
This is used in high moisture areas such as bathrooms, showers rooms and areas where there is ahigh level of moisture. The shutters will never fade, crack, or warp.
They are fully waterproof so even if your windows are prone to excess damp or moisture, our waterproof faux wood shutters will be a perfect fit. As they’re made from the best PVC composite materials and come with a lead time of 6-8 weeks.
Fast UK delivery
Fast delivery and fitting as they’re manufactured right here in the UK, your UK made shutters will be with you in record time.
Window inspiration
Frequently asked questions
They certainly are! our UPVC faux wooden shutters are ideally suited for those damper areas of the home. As such, they’re the perfect choice for kitchens, bathrooms, or anywhere else that can get a little wet. So, with this brand spanking new range of shutter, you won’t have to worry about them getting ruined by condensation, allowing you to enjoy them for many, many years.
