Plantation shutters are great, utilitarian and beautiful.  They keep out the harsh sunshine to avoid fading furniture, yet when open, they allow sunshine to flood the room.  At night, close the slats and you have a dark room for sleeping.

I’m partial to the 3-inch slats—the bigger, the better in my opinion. I’ve used plantation shutters in conservative traditional design as well as in a contemporary setting keeping the landscape clean. 

Shutters also conserve heat in the winter, by keeping out the cold. They are also easy to maintain and become a designer’s best tip for a beautiful finished look.

I recently traded tired, dark drapery panels for a natural cherry plantation shutter. The client was skeptical and cautious because of the price for this large window.   But, after comparing prices for semi-custom panels, I won her over. 

Custom drapery can ruin a designer’s budget, and some clients want to skimp when it comes down to the window treatments. That’s when I can honestly suggest plantation shutters, and it’s always a good choice.

So, if you’re updating your home, consider switching to gorgeous shutters for a look of continuity and big style.