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Plantation shutters are often hailed as a stylish and versatile window treatment, but are they really a wise investment? While their popularity has surged in recent years thanks to the aesthetic appeal of their classic look and clean lines, it’s worth considering the potential drawbacks to help you make the right choice for your specific needs.
What Are The Cons of Plantation Shutters? What to Know Before You Buy
Let’s dive into the cons of shutters to help you make an informed decision.
They Can Be Pricey
One of the first things that might give you pause when considering window shutters is the cost.
Unlike more affordable types of window coverings like blinds or curtains, high-quality shutters can come with a hefty price tag. Custom-made shutters, in particular, can set you back a fair bit, especially if you have larger or oddly shaped windows.
While they do add value to your home, the initial investment might be more than you’re willing to spend, especially if you’re outfitting multiple windows. A typical 4 bedroom house could start from £3000.00 – which can seem high. But when you take into the longevity of the product which is designed to stand the test of time, we think that’s reasonable!
Installation Isn’t a DIY Dream
If you’re a fan of DIY projects, you might be in for a disappointment. Plantation shutters often require professional installation, which adds to the overall cost.
Unlike curtains which you can easily hang yourself, the installation process for custom plantation shutters involves precise measurements and a bit of handiwork to ensure they fit perfectly, and function smoothly. If they’re not installed correctly, you could end up with shutters that don’t open or close properly, leading to frustration and additional costs for adjustments.
Competent DIY’ers could quite possibly handle a standard square window, but bay windows shutters often present more of a challenge and to obtain the level of finish required, we would always recommend professional installation.
Limited Flexibility in Light Control
While plantation shutters offer great control over light and privacy, they do have their limitations.
The slats (also known as louvres) can be tilted to adjust how much light they let in or block it out, but they don’t offer the same versatility as window blinds or curtains. For example, if you want to let in natural light while still maintaining privacy, you might struggle to find the perfect angle to allow your preferred amount of sunlight in.
In contrast, with blinds or curtains, you can easily pull them up or down, or adjust them to your exact preference.
Cleaning Can Be a Chore
Let’s be honest – no one enjoys cleaning window shutters, the task can be particularly tedious.
The slats collect dust easily, and because they’re fixed, you can’t simply throw them in the washing machine as you would with curtains. Each slat needs to be dusted individually, which can be time-consuming, especially if you have several windows and a dark colour where dust and dirt will show more.
If you’re someone who dreads household chores, the upkeep required for wooden shutters might be a significant drawback.
They’re Not Blackout
People quite often assume that standard shutters provide complete darkness when closed. They don’t – they’re pretty good at blocking out light, but direct sunlight will still bleed through. This is because to protect the integrity of the product, its many moving parts cannot touch.
We do always highlight this to potential clients and suggest that if a darker bedroom is required – perhaps for a nursery, or shift workers who sleep in the day – then our blackout shutters, incorporating a blackout blind behind the shutters themselves, offer a great practical solution. The addition of a blackout blind behind the shutter will give you the darkness you need. But obviously, this comes at an additional cost – which again, can rack up.
Potential Resale Issues
While plantation shutters are often seen as an upgrade, they’re not everyone’s cup of tea. If you plan on selling your home in the near future, potential buyers might not share your enthusiasm for window shutters. Some might prefer the flexibility of blinds or the softness of curtains, and removing plantation shutters from a window frame can be a hassle.
If you’re thinking about resale value, it’s worth considering whether plantation shutters will appeal to the broadest range of prospective buyers.
Conclusion
So then, what are the cons of window shutters? Are there any? They’re not without their downsides for sure.
From the initial cost and installation to cleaning and potential resale issues, there’s a lot to consider before you decide to go all-in on this popular window treatment. If you’re looking for a window solution that’s flexible, easy to maintain, and doesn’t break the bank, you might want to explore other options before settling on plantation shutters.
There are as many pros of shutters as there are cons – their energy efficiency and timeless appeal to name a couple. But the best window treatment is the one that suit both your style and your practical needs. So, weigh the benefits of plantation shutters against the cons carefully during your decision-making process, to ensure you make the best choice for your home.
P.S. We still love them.
If you’d like to know anymore, check out our comprehensive guide to plantation shutters, or reach out to the team. You can grab us on hello@shuttertec.co.uk
