Add Timeless Style With Custom-Made Plantation Shutters
And Create A Space You’ll Love Coming Home To
Designed In Australia
Add Value & Style To Your Home
Up To 20 Year Quality Guarantee
Custom Colour Options
Unmatched Quality & Value
After over 50 years of manufacturing and installing window furnishings across Australia we've made some mistakes and learned from all of them. Rest assured our plantation shutters are second to none.
Why Plantation Shutters are the Perfect Window Furnishings For Your Home
Plantation shutters are a versatile and stylish window furnishing option that can complement any home decor. They come in a variety of materials, including wood, vinyl, and composite, and can be customised to fit any window size or shape.
Whether you have a traditional or modern home, plantation shutters can add a touch of elegance and sophistication to any room. Additionally, they can be painted or stained to match your existing colour scheme, seamlessly integrating into your home’s design.
Moreover, shutters can make rendered and brick homes look more exciting by adding a unique visual element. This breaks the monotony of the exterior and creates a more dynamic look.
Their raw style and durability come in timber, PVC, and aluminium options – allowing you to achieve the perfect look for your space.
Energy-Efficiency and Light Control
Plantation shutters are not only a stylish addition to your home, but they also offer practical benefits such as energy efficiency and light control.
The thick slats of plantation shutters provide excellent insulation, helping to keep your home cool in the summer and warm in the winter. Additionally, the adjustable slats allow you to control the amount of natural light that enters your home. This reduces the need for artificial lighting, potentially lowering your energy bills.
Overall, plantation shutters are a smart investment for any homeowner looking to improve the energy efficiency and comfort of their home.
Durability and Low Maintenance
Plantation shutters are known for their durability and low maintenance requirements.
Unlike other window furnishings such as curtains or blinds, plantation shutters are made from high-quality materials that can withstand wear and tear over time.
They’re also easy to clean and maintain, requiring only occasional dusting or wiping down with a damp cloth. This makes them a practical and cost-effective choice for homeowners who want a window furnishing that will last for years to come.
Understanding Plantation Shutters: A Comprehensive Guide
Types of Plantation Shutters
Plantation shutters come in various styles that cater to different needs and aesthetics. We can create all of the following:
Hinged Shutters
Offer a unique charm with their classic pivot mechanism.
Swing open from a hinge on one side like traditional doors, offering easy access to your windows. This allows for maximum natural light and ventilation when open, while providing complete privacy when closed.
Bi-Fold Shutters
Add a sleek, contemporary twist with seamless folding.
Feature multiple panels that fold accordion-style, allowing you to open them from the centre or either side for flexible, space-saving configurations. Ideal for large windows and doorways.
Sliding Shutters
A modern, space-saving solution for large windows and doors.
Designed to slide horizontally, making them perfect for large windows or doors where traditional swinging shutters wouldn’t be practical.
Bay Window Shutters
Create a stunning focal point and cosy nook in any room.
Perfectly tailored to fit the distinctive contours of bay windows, these shutters offer precise control over light and privacy. Adjustable for the perfect ambiance.
Tier-on-Tier Shutters
Featuring independently adjustable upper and lower panels.
Designed for those who crave customised light control and privacy. Featuring adjustable upper and lower panels, allowing you to open the top set for natural light while keeping the bottom closed for privacy.
Shaped Shutters
A tailored solution for even the most challenging window configurations.
Designed to fit windows of all shapes and sizes, including arches, circles, triangles, and more. With sturdy frames to adjustable louvres, there’s an option available for every type of home.
PVC vs Real Wood
PVC Plantation Shutters
- Known for their durability and moisture resistance
- A great choice for areas with high humidity; i.e. bathrooms, laundry rooms.
- Easier to maintain
- More affordable than wood shutters
Wooden Plantation Shutters
- Offer a classic and warm look
- Naturally brightens up the aesthetic of any room.
- Can be customised with various stains and finishes
- Require more upkeep to prevent damage from moisture
PVC (Faux Wood) Shutters
PVC shutters cleverly imitate wood blinds.
They appear to be made of natural wood, but actually consist of PVC/vinyl materials. Also, PVC is durable, water-resistant, and fire-retardant, making these shutters a safer option for modern housing.
Many homeowners choose these shutters for their resistance to weather conditions and moisture. They look just as gorgeous as real wood, but cost less and pose less risk of future moisture problems. What’s more, they’re easy to clean.
Real Wood Shutters
Basswood, Knotty Alder, and various wood shutters set the gold standard for plantation shutters.
These custom shutters are incredibly lightweight yet remarkably strong. Many homeowners prefer these wooden shutters because they come in a wide variety of types and sizes.
If desired, you can stain or paint wooden shutters. Overall, timber shutters offer the highest levels of design versatility, durability, and strength.
Plantation Shutter Finishes
Perfectly Colour Matched To Any Home
Choose from a wide range of colours and finishes to match your décor. Popular choices include various shades of white, neutrals, and stained wood options.
Each choice can dramatically alter the ambience of a room by either complementing or contrasting with the existing interior design. See a detailed array of available colours here.
Mounting Options
Mount your plantation shutters in various ways depending on your window or door type. Common methods include:
Inside Mount
The shutters are fitted within the recess of the window frame, providing a clean and built-in look.
Outside Mount
Shutters are mounted on the wall or trim around the windows. Often used for windows without sufficient depth for an inside mount.
For more detailed information on mounting styles, just ask our team.
Recess or Face Fit
When it comes to installing shutters, you generally have two fitting options: recess/ reveal fit and face fit.
Recess Fit Shutters
These are installed within the window frame itself, creating a smooth, integrated appearance that blends seamlessly with the architecture of the room. This option is especially suitable for homes with period features, as it allows the beauty of original window frames and architraves to shine through.
Face Fit Shutters
If your window frames lack the necessary depth for recess fit shutters, face fit shutters are an excellent alternative. These shutters are mounted on the exterior of the window frame, projecting a classic and elegant aesthetic. This method also includes the flexibility of direct mounting to existing window frames, ensuring that installation is possible regardless of frame size.
Both options offer distinct aesthetic appeals and can be tailored to meet the specific style and functional needs of your living space.
Slat Sizes
The size of the slats in your shutters can affect both the aesthetic appeal and the amount of light that is allowed to pass through.
Typical slat sizes range from 64, 89, and 114mm wide, with wider slats offering a clearer view when opened. To compare different sizes, our team can bring a few options to your consultation.
Additionally, an 85mm blade is available for Watson Shutters Cyclone Rated.
64mm
89mm
114mm
Tilt Rods
Plantation shutters with hidden tilt rods offer a sleek, modern way to control light and privacy. These discreetly placed rods allow effortless adjustment of the slats, maintaining a clean look. Tilt rods, which can be centered or side-mounted based on your preference, let you easily manage the natural light and privacy in any room, creating the desired ambience day or night while keeping your space functional and stylish.
Where Would You Use Plantation Shutters?
Plantation shutters are a versatile window furnishing solution that can be used throughout your home.
Our custom-made-to-measure shutters are designed to fit perfectly anywhere – let’s explore this further:
- Living Rooms: Plantation shutters can make your living room look more sophisticated while also offering privacy and light control.
- Bedrooms: Create a cosy and relaxing atmosphere in bedrooms with these shutters, providing both darkness for restful sleep and ventilation for comfort.
- Kitchens: Install our shutters in kitchens for easy cleaning, light control, and a timeless look that complements any style of decor.
- Dining Areas: Upgrade the ambience of dining areas with plantation shutters, allowing for adjustable natural light while maintaining a sense of intimacy during meals.
- Home Offices: Boost productivity and concentration in home offices by reducing glare on screens and providing a professional yet inviting workspace.
- Bathrooms: Ensure privacy and durability in bathrooms with moisture-resistant plantation shutters, adding a spa-like feel to the space while allowing for ventilation.
- Sunrooms: Enjoy the beauty of the outdoors year-round in sunrooms with plantation shutters, controlling sunlight and temperature for comfortable relaxation and entertainment.
Their ability to integrate seamlessly into various architectural styles makes them a popular choice not only for their functionality, but also for their ability to complement any decor.
What’s more, unlike other window furnishings, shutters have the ability to transform the outside of the home too. Which makes them a dual-purpose décor investment. Whether your home features weatherboard, brick, or rendered walls, shutters can add a dimensional contrast and clean geometric lines that catch the eye. This not only boosts the visual appeal of the home, but can also increase its market value by enhancing its overall curb appeal.
Timber shutters are particularly recognised as one of the most sophisticated internal window coverings in modern day styling.
Available in a range of finishes and UV resistant colours, Watson shutters allow you to control light without losing privacy.
Custom-made to suit your home, shutters come in all shapes and styles, including shutters for windows and doorways.
Renovating or Building?
When you’re starting a renovation or building project, it’s smart to think about window blinds and shutters right from the beginning. By doing this, you can get advice from design experts who can help you find the perfect window furnishings that fit your style and needs.
Planning ahead lets you include window coverings in your house plans, so everything comes together smoothly and looks great in the end.
Our team of skilled design consultants can craft custom solutions and flawless designs tailored just for you. Plus, we can provide quotes directly based on your house plans.
How can consumers find inspiration for their space using plantation shutters?
Take a look at our ‘Find Your Inspiration’ gallery below, visit our virtual showroom, or simply head to our Instagram/ Facebook accounts to see some trends as well as plantation shutters we’ve installed in homes.
Book an appointment with our local experts today to find out more about how you can improve your home with blinds and plantation shutters. We service Canberra, Bateman’s Bay, Nowra, Wagga Wagga, Wollongong, Tweed Heads and all of their surrounding regions.
FAQs 🙋
Plantation shutters are a popular choice for many homeowners due to their aesthetic appeal and practical benefits. However, like any home improvement option, they also have some disadvantages that should be considered:
One of the most significant drawbacks of plantation shutters is their cost. They’re generally more expensive than other types of window coverings such as blinds or curtains. The price can increase depending on the material (wood shutters tend to be pricier than vinyl), the size of the windows, and the complexity of the window frame shapes.
Also, depending on the material, plantation shutters can require regular maintenance. Wood shutters may need to be repainted or stained every few years to maintain their appearance and to protect the wood from warping and fading. Even PVC shutters, while less maintenance-intensive, still need to be cleaned regularly to prevent dust and dirt buildup.
However, when it comes to price, at Watson we offer our price beat guarantee, as well as flexible payment options to suit your circumstances.
And while maintenance may seem a bit much on first glance, wood treatments will last a few years before the next round, and PVC cleanups are a breeze with a simple wipe down every so often.
When installed correctly, wooden shutters can significantly enhance your home’s insulation, potentially cutting heat loss by 75-90%. They can achieve an insulation value, also known as R-Value, ranging from 4.0 to 10.0, effectively helping to maintain a consistent indoor temperature and reduce energy costs.
Additionally, plantation shutters are highly valued for their aesthetic appeal and can also increase the value of your home. They’re often seen as a premium window covering compared to blinds or curtains and can be a selling point if you decide to put your house on the market.
All things considered, they’re most definitely worth it!
These shutters are often more expensive than other types of window furnishings due to the materials used to make them. The materials play a big role when it comes to cost – however, prices can also vary depending on your specific design choices.
A common misconception is that plantation shutters are more expensive than blinds. And sure, blinds are usually cheaper in the short-term. However, in the long run, plantation shutter prices are balanced by longevity and versatility. Compared to other window furnishings, plantation shutters are extremely durable. Especially those made from high-quality materials like hardwood can last for decades if properly maintained. This makes them a one-time investment for many homeowners.
In areas prone to moisture, such as kitchens and bathrooms, selecting water-resistant timber-look or PVC plantation shutters is recommended due to their resilience against humidity.
But for areas like living rooms and bedrooms, wooden plantation shutters work a charm, adding a timeless elegance to the space.
Taking into account the unique needs of each room is key to choosing the appropriate type of plantation shutters. This helps ensure both longevity and practicality.
Timber Plantation Shutters:
Timber plantation shutters bring a natural and warm feel to any room. They are known for their classic look and durability. Perfect for living rooms and bedrooms, they offer excellent insulation and can be custom-stained or painted to match any decor. Timber shutters are ideal for those seeking a blend of tradition and elegance.
Timber Look/ PVC Plantation Shutters:
PVC plantation shutters are a fantastic choice for areas exposed to moisture, such as bathrooms and kitchens. They’re waterproof, easy to clean, and won’t warp or fade over time. These shutters are cost-effective, offering the look of traditional wood without the maintenance. They’re perfect for adding a sleek, modern touch while ensuring functionality in high-humidity areas.
Aluminium Plantation Shutters:
Aluminium plantation shutters are the pinnacle of durability and security. They’re especially suited for outdoor areas, balconies, and spaces that require extra strength. These shutters are resistant to rust, making them perfect for coastal homes. Aluminium shutters provide excellent light control and privacy, all while adding a contemporary edge to your space.
A key difference between plantation and traditional shutters is the size of the louvers. Plantation shutters generally feature larger louvres, usually three to four inches wide, compared to the one to two inches of traditional shutters. This larger size allows for better control over how much light enters the room with plantation shutters.
As we custom-make all our plantation shutters, cost is something that varies between each unique household and its needs. Factors such as material (timber/ PVC for example), colours and number/ size of windows, all play a role. However, as a ballpark, we’d say priced can start from $100-$200.
Find Your Inspiration
Feeling Inspired By What You Have Seen?
Request an appointment and browse our range of colours and styles from the comfort of your home.
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