With a shift in mindset toward green design, many modern homeowners are now searching for ways to maximise natural lighting inside their living spaces. There is a certain beauty in allowing natural light into your home, making it more warm and inviting. In addition, there are various energy and environmental benefits to this particular design. But instead of taking down walls to allow more natural light in, there are more practical and cost-efficient ways to maximise natural light inside your home. One example is through window treatments, such as plantation shutters.
What Are Plantation Shutters?
Plantation shutters are a type of window treatment reminiscent of the Southern plantation homes in the US; thus, the name. These shutters have become popular among homeowners for their aesthetic appeal and insulating properties. However, there has also been massive demand for them in other parts of the world, including Australia. This type of window treatment is also a practical choice in Australia, given the extreme weather conditions.
Plantation shutters are notable for their tilted wooden louvers that look like slats on window blinds. However, they are fixed onto the window frame. Therefore, you can operate plantation shutters like doors rather than with a pull-string.
You can find various materials for plantation shutters, and among the most popular ones are made of vinyl and MDF materials. These materials are known for their affordability and durability; hence, their popularity. It is possible to find more materials, including teak and other wooden materials. The latter are more suitable for period homes wherein contemporary materials might look out of place.
The Value of Natural Lighting in Homes
Did you know homes with lots of natural light sell 6.3% faster than those without adequate natural light?
Several nuances are involved in selling a home, which makes the home-selling process more complicated than it is. However, real estate experts have identified natural lighting as one of the factors that can work to a home seller’s advantage.
Interior design experts agree that lighting can make a home more visually appealing. It can also help set the mood inside your home. But why invest thousands of dollars in lighting fixtures when you can maximise natural lighting? It’s something that potential home buyers appreciate, especially if it means less energy cost and maintenance in the long run.
As a result, homes with natural lighting sell faster because they are functional and appealing. Home buyers won’t have to worry about paying additional hundreds on energy bills per month when there is a natural light source they can tap. And when you want to dim your space, there is an easy solution: window treatments in the form of blinds and shutters. These factors give you more flexibility in creating a living space that suits your needs and brings more value to your lifestyle.
Benefits of Installing Plantation Shutters
With many homeowners desiring to have a home that utilises natural lighting, it’s essential to install fixtures and solutions that maximise the natural light source in your living space. Plantation shutters provide the perfect solution because they are easy to control. They’re timeless light controllers that no modern lighting fixture could replace.
Large Louver Sizes Allow Maximum Natural Light
First, plantation shutters invite as much natural light into your home. If you want to maximise the sunlight in Australia, especially during the summer months, you can opt for plantation shutters with large louver sizes. These maximise the amount of sunlight into your home to achieve that warm, inviting glow. It also means you won’t have to switch on your lighting fixtures during the day because the light from the sun is sufficient to brighten the interior of your home. Imagine how much you could save on your energy bill!
Various Tilting Options for Maximum Privacy & Lighting Control
If you’re worried about privacy, plantation shutters are the solution for that, too. The louvers are adjustable, just like a traditional window blind. Depending on your chosen style, you can incorporate a split-tilt and hidden tilt option. This feature on plantation shutters gives maximum flexibility in adjusting the amount of light that enters your home. It is a game-changing feature that helps you control the light and privacy in your home.
You can adjust the angle of the louvers to control the amount of natural light that fills your home and to give you some privacy. If you want total privacy, you can install curtains to provide additional cover and keep your home more private. But the most important thing here is that you can adjust the lighting to suit your needs. After all, your lighting needs could differ throughout the day, so a plantation shutter is the best solution for this dilemma.
The different tilting options also enable you to achieve your desired style. Hence, plantation shutters become a part of the style of your home and more than just a practical feature.
Higher Energy Efficiency
Nothing compares to the feeling of basking in the glow of the sun in your home. If you want more lighting fixtures to keep your home interior bright, it means you have to spend more on energy bills. However, you don’t have to worry about increasing energy bills with plantation shutters. These shutters are naturally energy-efficient while bringing a high degree of lighting control. In addition, it helps to insulate your home to keep you comfortable without using up more energy.
Therefore, plantation shutters make an excellent investment in your home. They harness the power of natural light to make your home bright and inviting and also ensure you have a comfortable living space throughout the year. And it does not hurt that plantation shutters deliver added aesthetic appeal. The benefits of installing plantation shutters add up over time, so they are a worthy investment for homeowners.
In terms of style, they are also highly versatile. You can choose styles that fit a modern condo or a traditional home in Australia. You can pick the design that best fits your needs and budget. It’s guaranteed that you will enjoy the aforementioned benefits.
