The durable design and unique versatility of plantation shutters make them a popular choice for any household. Their timeless elegance, functionality, and customisation options (particularly in size) allow for excellent flexibility in custom-designing interior shutters anywhere from classic to modern. That said, choosing the right size for your louvres can be tricky. Here’s a quick guide to help you make the right decision.
Why Choose Plantation Shutters?
Plantation shutters offer excellent light control. They can be adjusted for privacy and to let in as much or as little light as you want. They are also very energy efficient as they can help insulate your windows to keep your home cooler for summer and warmer in the winter. Moreover, they have that timeless and classic aesthetic appeal that looks great in any home style.
Understanding Louvre Size Options
Louvres are the horizontal slats on your plantation shutters. When it comes to size, there are three primary options: 2.5-inch, 3.5-inch, and 4.5-inch. Each has its own pros and cons that affect the functionality of the shutters.
Does Louvre Size Matter?
The size of the louvre affects both its aesthetic appeal and function; it affects your ability to see through your window, your privacy level, and the amount of light that comes in.
2.5-inch Louvres – Smaller Size for a Classic Colonial Look
The critical thing to remember about shutter louvres is the space between the open louvres is just as wide as the louvres themselves. 2.5-inch wide louvres work well in smaller windows, similar to those used in colonial-style homes.
Since they are smaller, these louvres are set closer together, meaning they have more lines when tilted open. They have excellent light control but can block some of the view when opened. This is why they are often used in bathroom windows or rooms that require more privacy.
A smaller louvre is also ideal for windows with limited clearance. Your window depth affects the size of the louvre you can use. You need to have enough clearance space to allow the louvres to tilt, or they will hit the window pane and restrict your ability to open them.
While classy and classic, smaller louvres are only for some. The gap between each louvre is smaller, making cleaning more tedious. So, if you want a low-maintenance window, you might opt for a bigger size. Also, since they are smaller, people often mistake them for blinds. And since it requires more louvres to cover a window, it looks more cluttered.
3.5-inch Louvre – Perfect Balance
The middle-size 3.5-inch louvre offers the best of both worlds, making it the most popular choice. It provides a good balance of view and privacy, making it suitable for most window sizes.
This size can be used for 36-inch-wide panels, so it can work for both medium and more enormous windows. The larger window panels and larger louvres mean a less obstructed view and more light, plus they are easier to clean. This is a great choice for people looking for a clean and modern contemporary look. If you still have to decide what to get, you can’t go wrong with this size.
4.5-inch Louvres – For Panoramic Views
The biggest louvre size you can get is the 4.5-inch louvres. They are bold and ready to make a statement, great for large windows and even sliding doors. They provide the best outside view and invite more light in. Since they require fewer slats, they are easy to clean.
This louvre is ideal for houses with panoramic views, such as large open spaces, highlands, or coastal homes. When opened, the shutters seem to disappear into the outside scenery. Thus, this is the ideal choice if you have a beautiful and big outside space or want an unobstructed view outside.
Matching Louvre Size to Window Size
Obviously, you need to consider the size of your windows when deciding on a louvre size. Smaller louvres are best for smaller windows. Larger louvres are better for larger windows. Simple, right? There are actually more things to consider.
Smaller louvres look delightful if you are looking for a more traditional look. The larger ones are ideal for modern and contemporary spaces. If the room requires privacy, such as a bathroom, get smaller louvres. If you want to maximise the light and get a better view of the beautiful outside space, get the larger ones.
Other factors you need to consider include:
Type of Room
Different rooms will have different needs. The bedroom and bathroom, of course, require privacy, hence, they need small louvres. For the living room, you want to maximise light and the view, hence, get the larger louvres. For the kitchen, you need enough ventilation, thus, you can go right with the mid-sized louvres.
Cleaning and Maintenance
Cleaning your louvres can be a chore, that’s a fact. The smaller the louvres, the more slats you need to wipe and clean. With larger louvres, there are obviously fewer slats. Thus, if you hate cleaning, opt for the larger ones.
However, it is also important to note that larger louvres show dust more easily. This means you will need to clean them more often too.
Aesthetic Appeal
The style of your home is also a huge factor that you need to consider. Traditional homes usually have smaller windows; hence, they work with smaller louvres. Modern homes usually have larger windows, thus, the 3.5 and 4.5-inch works best for them.
The Takeaway
You don’t need to settle for one size of louvre for your entire home, so feel free to mix things up. Sometimes, you may need a combination of different sizes to address the specific needs of particular spaces and rooms in your household.
Also, don’t forget about the customisation options for your plantation shutters. There are different colours, styles, and materials to fit the needs and personal preferences for your home. Wood may be beautiful and timeless, but it can be expensive. Faux wood is durable and affordable, but it doesn’t look as premium as wood. Composite material is a good middle ground.
Lastly, make sure to get professional help. Many louvre and plantation shutter providers offer free consultation so you can understand all the options available.
