The History of Plantation Shutters

Plantation shutters are one of the most popular window coverings today, primarily used to insulate your home and provide an effective way of controlling light. These elegant window covers can be found in almost all parts of Australia.

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What is the History of Plantation Shutters?

The phrase ‘plantation shutters’ was derived in America during colonial times, initially introduced to the American colonists by the Spanish. However, the design of plantation shutters has a history that goes back over 2,500 years, invented by the Greeks in 800 BC.

The Greeks made the original shutters out of a high-quality marble stone, which provided a superior cover for windows due to increased airflow control and light. After the ancient Greek empire began to recede, many different designs of these shutters became popular in parts of Europe, spreading first to the Mediterranean region, where their form changed from marble to wood. Wood helped make the shutters more customisable, provided more insulation, and protected the home from bugs and rain.

Window shutters spread from the Mediterranean to France and Spain. It is popularly believed that window shutters were an important accessory to King Louis XIV of France, who added them to his palace. Designed with movable louvres, they improved airflow and light control in the room.

Window shutters also made their way to England during the medieval period, though these were solid in design and used primarily for security reasons. Over the centuries, the style of window shutters would change as glass became more popularly used in windows and shutters even became more decorative than functional around the 18th century.

As France, Spain and England became more powerful and their influence spread across the globe, so to did window shutters, which is how they were introduced to the Americas. The design changed once again to suit the American, specifically Southern, climate and architectural style preferences of the cotton farmers, and plantation shutters (as they are now known) became a popular feature of plantation homes.

Modern Plantation Shutters

Plantation shutters have taken many forms over the millennia; however, the modern plantation shutter is available in different types, including:

Aluminium Plantation Shutters

Aluminium plantation shutters are one of Australia’s most popular window coverings. They are easy to clean and require little maintenance, and they can be made for both internal and external openings.

Durable and long-lasting, these shutters provide the best control of airflow and light and are resistant to corrosive elements—this makes them ideal for outdoor use. They are also the most energy-efficient shutters (especially in white) and can reduce home heating and cooling costs.

Wooden Shutters

Wooden plantation shutters today are typically made from timber, which is a natural heat and sound insulator. Wooden plantation shutters are a premium choice for homeowners who want light and stylish window shutters.

PVC Shutters

PVC shutters are highly cost-effective and best for larger windows. They have a PVC or aluminium support that guarantees better stability. They last longer and are very easy to maintain. Also, they are water and weather-resistant. Vinyl shutters can further be categorised into structural hollow shutters, solid shutters, hollow shutters, solid aluminium shutters, and vinyl-clad wooden shutters.

Classic Blinds, White Sliding Plantation Shutters

What Makes Plantation Shutters Popular Today?

Thinking of Installing Plantation Shutters?

Plantation shutters have quickly become Australia’s favourite window coverings. They are easy to clean, versatile, customisable, and require very little maintenance.

If you are considering installing shutters, talk to the experts. Classic Blinds & Shutters provides the highest-quality, Australian-made and customer-made shutters to the Newcastle, Maitland, Lake Macquarie, and Hunter Valley regions. For more information, contact our team today!

History of Plantation Shutters
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