Stylish Living Room Plantation Shutters

Living room plantation shutters are a popular choice to elevate the design and functionality of this important space in homes. With the ability to control light, insulate rooms, and provide privacy, plantation shutters offer solutions that drapes alone cannot. Their elegant and customizable look also allows homeowners to match any decor style from farmhouse chic to modern minimalism.

You'll learn about different popular styles, factors to consider when choosing shutters, tips for installation, and how to care for them. Read on to discover how living room plantation shutters can enhance natural light and your home's style.

Benefits of Plantation Shutters in Living Rooms

Plantation shutters offer unique advantages that make them a smart choice for living room windows.

• Let in natural light - Their adjustable louvers allow you to control light levels. Open them fully to usher in daylight or partially close to filter bright rays.
• Provide privacy and insulation - Fully closed, louvers block views and help insulate rooms. This allows privacy without sacrificing natural light when desired.
• Aesthetically pleasing and on-trend - With customizable sizes, shapes, and materials like wood, plantation shutters add style. Their clean, elegant look is always in fashion.

Unlike drapes that fully obstruct views, shutters allow homeowners to find the perfect balance of light, visibility, and beauty for their space. The ability to tilt louvers in different directions gives precise control over these factors.

Popular Living Room Plantation Shutter Styles

With many options, you can match shutters to your living room's size, shape, and decor.

Classic Louvre Shutters

The most common style, louvre shutters have adjustable horizontal slats. They're ideal for rectangular windows and allow full control over privacy and light entering.

Cafe-Style Shutters

Cafe-style shutters only cover the lower half of windows. They provide privacy while still letting light in from above. This is perfect for kitchens and family rooms.

Tier-on-Tier Shutters

Tier-on-tier shutters have two layers of adjustable louvers. This provides maximum control over light filtration and privacy for living rooms.

Track Shutters

Track shutters slide side-to-side on a track. They're ideal for unusually-shaped windows and picture windows in living rooms.

Factors to Consider When Choosing Plantation Shutters

Your living room's unique needs should guide plantation shutter choices.

• Window size and shape - Measure to choose shutters suited to odd-shaped or large windows.
• Desired privacy level - Room use and outside views determine needs. More louvers or tiered shutters increase privacy.
• Room aesthetics and color scheme - Match your shutters to create a cohesive look.

Professionals can help select custom-fit shutters matching your living room's decor and function.

Installation Tips for Living Room Plantation Shutters

Proper installation ensures living room shutters function as intended for years.

• Hire a professional - Experts properly measure and install using the right hardware for your windows and walls.
• Measure precisely - Even small mistakes result in poorly-fitting shutters, so accuracy matters.
• Allow time for custom shutters - Custom-sized shutters made to order take 2-4 weeks to produce.
• Consider embedded vs external mounts - Embedded mounts hide hardware for a clean look. External mounts are easier to install.

Embedded mounting provides a seamless built-in look, while external mounting is great for easier DIY projects. Professionals should handle any complex window or wall situations.

Caring for Living Room Plantation Shutters

With the right care, living room shutters will enhance your space for years.

• Clean regularly with a duster or vacuum - This prevents buildup and catches dust before it cakes on wood or PVC slats.
• Avoid harsh cleaners - Chemicals in heavy-duty cleaners can damage shutters over time.
• Operate gently - When adjusting louvers and tilts, move them carefully to avoid breakage.
• Repair loose slats immediately - Prevent further damage by fixing loose slats with glue or screws right away.

With occasional dusting and gentle operation, living room plantation shutters will provide beauty, functionality, and light control for years of enjoyment.

Different Shutters for Different Living Room Needs

Modern homes have open concept designs merging kitchens, dining, and living spaces. This makes controlling light in living rooms more challenging. The right plantation shutters solve these issues stylishly.

For media rooms, blackout film or light-blocking shutters prevent glare on TVs. They create dark spaces for daytime movie-watching. In formal living rooms, customizable cafe-style shutters only cover lower window portions. With the top open, these allow ample light while preventing views and glare. Track shutters are perfect for unusually-shaped bay or corner windows in open layouts. Their side-to-side movement provides privacy without sacrificing views or light.

Plantation shutters' adjustable nature ensures they work in any living room. You get functionality, beauty, and design harmony. The ability to modify privacy and light levels allows you to create bright, open spaces or intimate, cozy rooms as desired.

Energy Efficiency and Other Benefits

Beyond aesthetics, living room plantation shutters offer handy benefits that enhance function and comfort.

• Increased energy efficiency - Shutters form an insulating barrier reducing heat and cold transfer through windows.
• UV ray protection - Closed louvers block harmful ultraviolet sunlight that fades carpet and furnishings.
• Noise reduction - Shutters absorb sound keeping exterior noise from disturbing the living room's tranquility.
• Added property value - Stylish shutters add value by boosting a home's curb appeal for interested buyers.

These advantages make plantation shutters a smart long-term investment. In hot climates, insulating shutters prevent chilled indoor air from escaping and block heat gain. This reduces energy costs while keeping the living room comfortable. Closing louvers also protects expensive furnishings, carpets, and art from sun damage.

Choosing the Right Materials

Living room plantation shutters come in several material options, each with pros and cons.

Basswood Shutters

Basswood is a premium hardwood. It has tight, straight grains that stain well and create durable louvers. Basswood offers strength without warping over time. These are ideal for elegant living rooms but come at a higher cost.

Poplar Shutters

Affordable poplar shutters are a lightweight hardwood. They have a tighter grain than cheaper woods. Poplar takes paint and stain evenly. The wood is prone to dents over time but provides a cost-effective option.

Faux Wood Composite Shutters

Faux wood shutters are made from polymer composite materials. They mimic the look of real wood but don't warp or crack. Composite shutters are durable and moisture-resistant. However, they offer less customization in colors and finishes.

PVC shutters are waterproof, dent-resistant, and easy to clean. This makes them ideal for high-moisture areas like bathrooms and laundry rooms. However, PVC lacks the elegance of real wood. These are best for solely functional spaces.

The right living room shutter material comes down to budget, aesthetics, and needs. Your contractor can recommend the best options for long-lasting durability, beauty, and functionality.