Window treatments can have a significant impact on the overall aesthetics of your home. Plantation shutters are the best example of window treatments with functionality and style, showcasing their versatility. Another factor that adds to their versatility is the variety of materials available to match your home décor. But if you’re overwhelmed when choosing the right materials for plantation shutters, this guide is for you. Let’s explore the various materials available for plantation shutters in Melbourne and determine the best material for every room in your house.
Overview of Different Rooms & How They Influence the Choice of Material
Different rooms in the house serve different purposes. The living room is a social area where you welcome and entertain guests. Therefore, it’s essential to keep the living room well-lit, welcoming, and cozy. Adequate natural lighting boosts energy efficiency and keeps the space bright and airy.
Meanwhile, the bedroom is a space where you can relax and rejuvenate. It should be dimly lit to make it easier to fall asleep and relax. Privacy is also crucial in the bedroom. Other elements you want when choosing the best window treatments for the bedroom are insulation and light control.
Before buying plantation shutters, consider the usage and style of that specific room instead of looking at your home as a whole. Properly selecting the materials for plantation shutters enhances the functionality and overall design of the space. It ensures improved satisfaction, regardless of the intended use and purpose of each room.
With this in mind, you are better positioned to choose the best materials for your plantation shutters to match the specific requirements.
Overview of Plantation Shutter Materials
In addition to understanding the different needs of each room, let’s examine the different materials for plantation shutter and their properties. For this purpose, we’ll examine the most popular materials because they are readily available.
Wood
Wood is a popular choice for plantation shutters. Choose this material if you prefer the traditional look. Wood exudes timeless charm and elegance to your home, and depending on the type of wood, it also exudes natural warmth.
The most common types of wood for plantation shutters are cedar and basswood. If you prefer a lightweight shutter that can fit into large windows, cedar wood is extremely durable. It also offers excellent insulation capabilities that effectively regulate temperature.
The downside to using wood for plantation shutters is that it requires regular maintenance to prevent damage. Extreme elements can cause the wood to warp or crack, depending on where you live. Therefore, consider this vulnerability when deciding where to place wooden shutters in your home, and avoid high-humidity areas.
Composite Wood
Composite plantation shutters are made from engineered wood and covered with a PVC or vinyl coating. This material offers the aesthetic value of wood but with increased durability, as it proves more resilient to the elements than natural wood. One reason composite wood is more durable is that it has a higher moisture resistance, making it a suitable choice for high-moisture areas, such as the kitchen or bathroom.
Therefore, composite wood is the best alternative to wood in rooms where you want to achieve that wooden effect without worrying about its longevity.
Aluminum
Aluminium plantation shutters are becoming more popular because of their sleek and modern look. At the same time, aluminium is a highly durable material, which means it is resistant to corrosion and weathering. This material is ideal for plantation shutters in outdoor spaces or high-traffic areas. Although it is better suited to modern interiors, it is a practical investment as it requires low maintenance and upkeep.
Vinyl
Vinyl completes the list of the most common and popular materials for plantation shutters. So, when should you consider vinyl materials? It is the best choice when you want plantation shutters that are resistant to moisture, affordable, and lightweight. They are not as high-end in appearance as wood, but they are budget-friendly and require less maintenance, like aluminium.
Best Plantation Shutter Materials for Every Room
Now, let’s get into every room and guide you through choosing the best materials for plantation shutters. Use this guide when shopping for the best plantation shutters for your needs.
1. Living Room
The living room is the focal point of your home. It is the first room that family and guests will see upon entering. The best materials for plantation shutters in this room are those that foster a warm, investing atmosphere. Choose a material that welcomes maximum natural light, allowing you to create a bright and airy space. Aside from choosing materials that promote natural lighting, pick plantation shutters that enhance the aesthetics of your living room. Balancing natural light and aesthetics ensures that your living room is welcoming while maintaining a timeless and natural charm.
Wood shutters are the best option for the living room because they deliver in terms of aesthetics and functionality. However, this material requires regular maintenance, so you can choose composite shutters as an alternative. This material helps you achieve the wood look but offers more durability and less maintenance.
Whether you choose wooden or composite plantation shutters, expect these materials to keep your living room comfortable year-round. Consider the shutter style, too, as it impacts the insulating capabilities of your window treatments. If you want to make your shutters look unique to match your living room décor, you can choose stained or painted shutters for more visual appeal.
2. Bedroom
Next to the living room, the bedroom is another crucial room in the house when deciding on the right window treatments. Choosing the right plantation shutter materials for the bedroom is critical as it determines light control and privacy. The right material can facilitate your comfort level and ensure restful sleep.
Wood and composite plantation shutters are the best materials for the bedroom because of their capacity to block light. Also having excellent insulation capabilities, these will ensure that your bedroom stays comfortable no matter the season or time of day. With wooden plantation shutters, you can maintain privacy in the bedroom.
Wooden plantation shutters can easily be customised to suit traditional or modern bedroom styles. If you want something easier on the budget, you can choose vinyl plantation shutters. They are as effective as wooden shutters in blocking light and offering privacy.
No matter which material you choose for your bedroom, picking adjustable louvres is essential. They give you more flexibility in controlling the amount of light that enters the bedroom and creating your desired ambiance.
3. Kitchen
The kitchen is another important room in the house where people spend most of their time. However, it is known for its fluctuating temperatures and excessive moisture. You need to choose plantation shutter materials that can withstand the heat and moisture in the kitchen.
Composite shutters are the ideal choice for the kitchen environment because they are durable, can withstand extreme temperatures, and are moisture-resistant.
Since the kitchen is notorious for grease and food spills, composite shutters make the ideal choice for your windows because they make it easy to clean up the spills and stains. On the other hand, vinyl shutters are also perfect because you can enjoy the same benefits offered by composite shutters at a cheaper price. Like composite shutters, vinyl ones are moisture and heat resistant. You can easily wipe down the surface to keep your kitchen looking pristine.
4. Bathroom
Like the kitchen, bathrooms are known as high moisture environments. Therefore, it is crucial to pick a material for your plantation shutters that can withstand moisture.
Vinyl shutters are the best choice for the bathroom. This material can resist humidity and moisture without peeling, cracking, or warping. It is also easy to clean and wipe down, so it is perfect for the bathroom.
Aside from vinyl shutters, composite shutters are also a good choice of material for the bathroom. They have a moisture-resistant coating that makes them less susceptible to moisture and damage. And since the material looks like wood, it can add aesthetic value and longevity to your bathroom.
5. Home Office
The home office is a space where you want privacy to concentrate when working. This room is where functionality meets comfort. Choose plantation shutter materials with adjustable louvres to control the amount of light entering the room. Too much light can be highly distracting and cause glare on the computer screen. On the other hand, a home office that is too dark can make it challenging to stay focused at work.
You must strike a balance between functionality and comfort. Wooden plantation shutters have an aesthetic appearance that gives off warmth and a welcoming ambiance. They make your home office look cozy yet professional. Wooden materials also offer excellent insulation, which helps you control the temperature in the home office.
Another great material for the home office plantation shutter is a composite one which is durable and low-maintenance. An additional benefit to using composite plantation shutters for the home office is the light-filtering capabilities, which make it easier to focus and remain productive.
6. Children’s Rooms
Safety, durability, and easy maintenance are top priorities when choosing plantation shutter materials for the children’s rooms. Choose materials that can withstand wear and tear as you need them to protect the children who will be staying in the room.
For this reason, composite plantation shutters are the best option for children’s rooms. Thanks to their robust construction, they can resist scratches and damage. You won’t have to worry about dirt or smudges because this material is easy to clean—just wipe it down.
Vinyl shutters are also a great choice for children’s rooms. They are lightweight and durable, ensuring that they are safe for kids and will last for many years.
7. Dining Room
The dining room typically features large windows or glass doors. This room requires you to invest in durable plantation shutter materials with large louvres. It is crucial to optimise natural lighting in the dining area to make it more inviting and practical since you no longer have to use lighting during the day. Moreover, additional natural light can increase the openness of the space, making it the perfect spot for family and friends to gather around.
Additional Tips When Choosing Plantation Shutter Materials
Consider these key factors when choosing the best plantation shutter materials, regardless of the room.
Durability and Longevity
Consider the durability of the materials , especially when installing plantation shutters in high-traffic areas. Aluminium and composite shutters are the best options for durability and longevity. Choose them for rooms that require a sturdy material that can withstand damage without needing constant repairs or replacements.
Light Control (and Privacy!)
A new trend in home design focuses on promoting natural light into the living space. Consider light control when choosing plantation shutter materials to fit your needs. For example, you can open the louvres to optimise natural lighting or tilt them to block light. Wooden and composite materials are effective in blocking light for restful sleep, which also makes them suited for bedrooms. Aside from blocking light, these materials enhance privacy as they can minimise visibility from outside.
Aesthetic Design
While plantation shutters are a good investment for your home as they add functionality, you should also consider the aesthetic appearance of the material. Wooden shutters offer a timeless elegance, while aluminium shutters offer a sleek and modern feel. Choose composite and vinyl materials if you want something flexible that can be adapted to any interior style.
Budget
Budget is a practical consideration when choosing plantation shutter materials. In addition to the above factors, choosing a material boils down to how much you can afford. Wooden and aluminium plantation shutters are the most expensive options because they are the most durable. On the other hand, vinyl plantation shutters are the most budget-friendly option without compromising functionality. Composite plantation shutters are the mid-range point regarding the cost of the material.
This information may help you make an informed decision when installing plantation shutters in Moorabbin, Melbourne, and Caroline Springs areas. Use this guide to choose the best fit for your needs.
