Window treatments for shutters
3 Tips to Pair Plantation Shutters With Curtains
Plantation shutters or curtains? Yes to both! People install plantation shutters in their home for a variety of reasons but the most common are:
- Shutters increase the value of your home
- They can be easily adjusted to let in more or less light
- Plantation shutters are energy efficient as they help insulate windows and doors
- They are a classic look that never goes out of style
- Shutters offer privacy from the outside while allowing you to let light in.
All of the above sound great, but what if you want to change up the design of your room or bring in some color, or completely block out the light? This is where curtains come into play. By implementing a few design tips, you will not have to choose between the two and can enjoy the look and privacy planation shutters have to offer, as well as the design flexibility that comes with curtains.
Here are some ways that you can make curtains work with plantation shutters in your home.
In order to access your shutters and let the light in when you want, use hanging panel curtains versus roman shades or roller shades. You will get the beautiful look that curtains (in a well-chosen fabric) can bring into a room, and you can simply push your curtains to the side when you want to open your shutters. Another bonus to using hanging panels is that they can be easily switched out if you change up your room design and want to bring in different colors and patterns.
As seen in the photo above, the curtains do not distract from the white plantation shutters, but rather they help to frame and emphasize the windows. Additionally, the dark iron of the curtain rods tie into the fireplace as well as the design additions of the frame and the candlesticks on the mantel. Without curtains, this space might feel stark as the ceiling is high. The hanging curtains enhance the windows.
Mount the Curtains Upward and OutwardIn order for curtains to work best with your plantation shutters, you will want to use a curtain rod that is long enough to allow for pushing the curtains all the way to the side to open the shutters.
In addition, design best practices say to mount your curtain rod well above the window frame. Mounting a rod closer to the ceiling will actually make your windows appear taller than they really are, adding visual height to your room.
Many interior designers go by the rule of thumb of mounting the curtain rod at a minimum six inches to the side and at least six inches above the window frame. Some people mount the rod just below the ceiling, drawing the eye up as high as possible in the room.
(Image Source: Emily Henderson)
LA designer, Emily Henderson created the illustration above to show you the comparison of hanging curtains just at the window, “The Bad”, versus hanging them higher and wider, which she labels “The Good”. She even states that they should be hung at least 10 inches above the window, but we understand that in some spaces this may not be possible given the space between the window molding and the ceiling height. Basically, go as high and wide as possible.
If you would like a more tailored look, rather than letting your hanging panels hang straight down, install tiebacks or holdbacks on each side of the windows. Tiebacks are made of rope, fabric or another material and wraps around the curtain to gather it together. Holdbacks are mounted to the sides of the window frames and hold the curtains to the side. These are often hooks but can be any item you desire such as old door knobs. Tiebacks or holdbacks are often used when the windows are framing an item such as a bay window, bed, or window seat as displayed in the photos below:
By using tiebacks, it allows the curtains and plantation shutters to frame the bay window, window seat or bed and lets them become the focal point of the room.
Do You Have Questions about How To Incorporate Plantation Shutters Into Your Home Design?
Talk to our shutter design specialists, browse through our shutter galleries, or fill out the contact form below to let us help you beautify your home.
SaveSave
SaveSave
SaveSave
SaveSave
Levolor Brand Blinds and Shades
Backed by a century of quality, Levolor blinds and shades are trusted to work beautifully day after day, year after year. From welcoming the sunlight each morning to providing privacy and comfort each night, every day begins and ends with Levolor.
Levolor cellular shades provide superior energy efficiency and comfort. The unique honeycomb fabric structure helps keep the hot summer and cold winter air outside of the home saving you money on your annual energy bill. Choose from a large assortment of collections and fabrics available in a variety of light control options, from light-filtering to room-darkening.
Levolor faux wood blinds offer the beauty of hardwood at an incredible value. Made from durable materials, Levolor faux wood blinds are an ideal choice for any high humidity area of your home including bathrooms, kitchens and sunrooms. Available in 2 inch and 2.
5 inch slats.
Levolor real wood blinds are available in three slat sizes: 1, 2 and 2.5 inches, ensuring a perfect look and fit for any window. Made from premium real wood, Levolor wood blinds are available in an unsurpassed palette of rich finishes and textures to bring natural warmth and beauty into your home. The exclusive LightMaster™ no-hole routing option grants superior privacy and light control by eliminating all visible cord holes.
Levolor vertical blinds provide a classic, functional solution for large windows and patio doors. Get the look of sheer with soft fabric vertical blinds, or superior light control and privacy with S-shaped vinyl for a tighter closure.
Levolor roman shades offer a tailored, sophisticated look with richly hobbled and modern, flat designs. The beautiful fabrics come in an array of designer colors, patterns and textures. Available in light-filtering, room-darkening and top-down / bottom-up options, roman shades provide just the right balance between privacy and light control.
Levolor mini blinds are a practical and economical solution for any room in your home or office, providing excellent light control in a variety of colors and finishes. Levolor metal blinds provide maximum durability that is easy to clean and maintain. Achieve superior privacy and light control with LEVOLOR’s exclusive LightMaster™ no-hole routing option, which eliminates all visible cord holes, and SheerView that filters light and reduces glare.
The stylish look of a shade with the light control of a blind. Select from 72 curated fabrics in 8 collections. Light-filtering or room darkening fabrics diffuse and soften light in rooms where understated elegance is expected. Control your shades with just a simple click with motorized option. Ideal for living rooms, dining rooms and bedrooms.
Levolor woven wood shades create a warm and inviting atmosphere. Bring nature’s beauty inside with premium textured fabrics and woven organic materials such as jute, bamboo and grass.
Alternate bands of sheer and solid fabrics allow you to choose open, closed, or somewhere in-between for a striking view. Beautiful color palettes combine to create subtle or bold designs. Control your shades with just a simple click with motorized option. Ideal for family rooms, dining rooms, and studies.
Exceptionally versatile design easily adapts to any style of home, from traditional to modern. Choose from a wide assortment of fabrics in 100+ colors and textures. Multiple light control fabric options from no liner, light filtering, room darkening and blackout. Control your shades with just a simple click with motorized option. Ideal for living rooms, dining rooms and studies.
Solar fabrics provide UV protection, blocking heat and glare without obstructing your view. Lighter solar fabrics reflect more heat and light providing a little less view during the day. Darker solar fabrics absorb heat providing greater view during the day.
Solar fabrics ranging from white to black have openness ratings of 1, 3, 5, and 10%, which is the percentage of UV rays that pass through the fabric. Control your shades with just a simple click with motorized option. Ideal for sunrooms and east-or west-facing rooms.
Windows with shutters. Photos of the best examples for you
Perhaps not everyone will believe that in addition to the usual curtains, there are many other window decorations.
Today we will prove to the readers of the Design Museum website that there are no less interesting, original and stylish ways of design.
We are talking about window shutters. Once they were used with a clear practical purpose, now they are used as a fashionable interior detail. We present to your attention twenty of the freshest and most interesting ideas.
| 1. | Clean bathroom design |
Snow-white gamma and natural wood - what could be simpler and more beautiful at the same time? The blazing white shutters let in the first rays of the sun into the room, as if a glazed crust is breaking.
| 2. | Cafe style |
If you do not want bulky curtains and tulle, then these blinds will suit your taste. They do not take up much space, giving the interior decoration charm and playful mood.
| 3. | Get ready for adventure |
Shutters in children's rooms complete the overall atmosphere of joy, play and fun. In the early morning they open the whole world outside the window for young explorers. A juicy red color "sounds" life-affirming and positive.
| 4. | Country style |
Window decoration does not have to be rich and pretentious. Sometimes the ingenuous wooden shutters on the windows, which can be found in old estates and estates, cause admiration. The effect of charm is achieved due to the contrast of simplicity, a certain roughness of untreated wood and exquisite armchairs.
| 5. | Visual expansion of space |
The fact that the shutters take up a lot of space is an erroneous opinion. With the right approach, they, on the contrary, can visually enlarge the window space. In the photo, the impression is created due to the almost complete match in tone with the walls.
| 6. | Black and white contrast |
Neat shutters that do not fit the windows, but only half close them, stand out due to the color contrast.
| 7. | Like in a barn |
At first glance, this does not sound at all, and hardly anyone wants to have barn-like windows in their house. However, looking at the photo, we can say with confidence that they are “in place”, and their stylistic affiliation is emphasized by the bathroom in the spirit of the 18-19th century.
| 8. | Country Charm |
Plain wooden doors made of hinged boards. The style is emphasized by plants in flowerpots that stand on the windowsill.
| 9. | Cozy corner |
Soft window sill, large window and small shutters - the perfect place for privacy. Perhaps everyone dreams of this.
| 10. | Interesting shape |
Who said that only two shutters rely on one window opening? Let them be four, but small. As if in a dollhouse, they neatly fold to the sides. The real charm of the houses of the European aristocracy.
| 11. | Vintage |
Old noble houses and estates carefully keep the memory of the past.
Is it worth intervening in a cozy atmosphere? Therefore, many prefer retrostyle in the reconstruction of buildings.
| 12. | Are you ready for a fairy tale? |
The mysterious design of the shutters in the photo must have reminded many people of fairy tales, when all the action began with just such windows, opening up a magical world to the viewer.
| 13. | Large and tall |
This interior design is a prime example of how window sashes can visually enlarge your space, filling it with light and sunlight.
| 14. | Rainbow mood |
Shutters in cheerful colors are the perfect solution for a child's room. They are in harmony with the red and white gamut of the environment.
| 15. | With a touch of nautical theme |
It turns out that the shape does not always have to be traditional - rectangular or square - oval or round varieties are allowed. Observing such a design move, the first thing we remember is the portholes. The rich design of the bathroom is emphasized by a simple white frame and an original window.
| 16. | Traditional |
This variant reflects the most familiar concept. Wooden shutters in a neutral shade complement the classic design of the room in the best way.
| 17. | Stylish elements |
If the windows above the bed were closed, then at first glance it would not be clear where the shutters are. The original design idea balanced the romantic and feminine atmosphere of the room.
| 18. | Bahama Breeze |
The energy of the sea and the sun could not but affect the interior. Original shutters will decorate not only the bungalow, but also the children's room or living room in your home. The bet is on a bright, saturated blue color and an unusual way of closing.
| 19. | Southern charm |
Colonial design with southern charm and chic. Shutters in it play a secondary role, not weighing down or popping out to the fore, but only maintaining the overall harmony of all elements.
| 20. | Modern approach |
The simple and modest design of the room, the abundance of white color require a bright accent. This role is played by wooden shutters in a bright orange frame, as well as a bedspread and pillow covers with elements of ethnic style.
Window with shutters - views, types and modifications. Set with your own hands.
There is an opinion that a window with shutters is something old, ancient or archaic and absolutely unnecessary in modern houses. But there are tendencies to return this undeservedly forgotten noble element to the modern architectural design. They can be decorative - window shutters, do-it-yourself wooden shutters on windows, a moving part of the window. But this does not change their main purpose - to protect the house from illegal entry.
Window shutters can be made of wood, metal or plastic, there are also combined options. Shutters can be: made of wood or solid sheets of metal).
There are both internal and external (removable and non-removable) shutters for windows - they are installed from the inside and from the outside of the room, respectively. The main function of the external ones is to protect the premises from penetration, so they must be made of durable metals or wood.
They must also be resistant to natural phenomena. A feature of the internal ones is the possibility of closing and opening from the inside of buildings.
Before choosing to install, you need to evaluate the advantages of shutters. Their preferences:
- a respectable appearance of the house,
- protection from noise, cold and sun,
- an obstacle to illegal entry attempts.
Contents
- Internal shutters for windows
- Decorative shutters
- Materials for making
- Metal shutters for windows for cottages
- Shutters for wooden windows
- Design
Interior shutters for windows
These shutters enhance interior decoration. This is their main function.
For practical use, wood finishes are most suitable. This is a natural, natural material without environmental contraindications. It does not require special care and very refreshes the room. This is a classic option, for attractiveness and durability it is recommended to cover it with a colorless varnish.
Plastic shutters are also available as an alternative to blinds. The differences from wooden ones will be the price (plastic ones are cheaper) and the duration of use. The rest of the functionality is almost the same. They can be sliding or hinged and even remotely controlled.
Metal blinds are not often used. This is due to shortcomings - strong heating in the summer, frequent breakdowns. They are used as a protective barrier against illegal entry into the premises.
All of these species act as decorative elements.
Decorative shutters
Wooden window shutters are the best choice for decoration. They fit perfectly into any space. They are divided into 4 types:
- folding
- folding,
- sliding,
- folding and sliding.
Hardwood models must be selected. Part of the window is not completely covered with decorative tents, so fresh air can always enter. Separate samples are intended for finishing saunas, baths and bath rooms. To protect against mold, they must be varnished.
In addition, you can decorate not only windows, but also any niches, spaces and openings in the room. As a result, you can create an avant-garde design solution, provide a cozy aesthetic environment in the house. The house or apartment will look completely different.
The design allows for the regulation and direction of air and light flows with the help of lamellas (horizontal stripes).
Materials for manufacturing
It is necessary to choose depending on functional intentions and material possibilities.
Metal shutters are generally used outdoors. They are durable, reliable and serve the owner for a very long time. Home security is 100% complete. Can be:
- in the form of shields (panel board),
- shutters,
- paneled,
- shutters (movable and sliding).
Some types have built-in locks. The metal forged element decorates the window very much. The disadvantages of this type are that the models are expensive, the metal can rust, the installation is rather complicated and a powerful mount is required.
Wooden material will be the best pattern and look. It is necessary to pay attention when choosing it to the influence of weather factors (resistance to moisture, decay, drying out, etc.).
The big pluses are:
- easy installation,
- versatility,
- excellent aesthetics (the shutter looks very nice),
- for use both inside and out.
The disadvantages include - insufficient security of the premises, the need for processing on a regular basis from the influence of weather conditions and high cost.
Plastic finish suitable for installation under all windows. Such shutters are usually used for interior decoration.
The advantages of this type:
- weather resistance,
- easy installation,
- sufficient strength, lightness and cost,
- They do not require special care.
Weak protection function, fragility and some uniformity of design are considered shortcomings.
Metal shutters for summer cottage windows
Various shutters began to appear on summer cottage windows. They are placed for various reasons and grounds. It is advisable to install metal shutters for protective and security purposes. The country type is a solid system that is made of steel sheets. Metal pipes will serve as a frame and frame, sheets are welded to them.
Powder coating is used for corrosion protection. Shutters made of metal for giving (canvas) are made of 3 types.
- Lattice. They allow light to enter the room, have good aesthetics, but poorly retain heat.
- Blind or solid. The window opening closes completely.
- Adjustable. It is possible to change the angles of inclination of the slats.
These shutters can be installed both inside and outside buildings. The movable part of the window or shutter should be highlighted.
It is also convenient to use the installation of removable models. It is good for them to lock windows for the winter, when the summer cottage is not visited as often as in summer. For reliability, locks and handles are made from the inside. For the same reason, mortise hinges are used.
Do-it-yourself wooden shutters for windows
It is not so difficult to make wooden shutters with your own hands. There are many examples with photos, where this process is described and shown step by step. This will require tools and boards (can be old). You will also need to make a sketch of the window opening. Use regular loops.
You can take any boards, but they must be free of defects. They must be pre-treated - trimmed with a planer and impregnated with antiseptics.
Learn more
