It is a great idea to pair plantation shutters with curtains to achieve style & functionality. Among the list of window dressings, plantation shutters stand out for their aesthetics, practicality, and, most likely, their visual appeal. You can expect all the features of a well-designed window dressing from plantation shutters.
In addition, you can adjust the intensity of light and privacy with these shutters. If you prefer a lesser amount of light, you can tilt the louvers. If you prefer complete darkness, you can shut them. However, most people still prefer curtains because of their versatility in color, design, and style options. Well, there is no doubt that curtains look great on windows, and you have a wide selection of ways to decorate them.
Pairing curtains with plantation shutters will integrate functionality, upgrade your windows’ appearance and make them more attractive. The following are some tips and tricks for incorporating curtain and shutter combinations into your home as one of the latest window treatment trends.
Understanding The Different Types Of Plantation Shutters Available
Traditional Wood Plantation Shutters
Traditional wood plantation shutters exude elegance and sophistication, making them a classic choice for many homes. Crafted from high-quality wood, such as basswood or cedar, these shutters offer natural insulation, adding to the energy-efficiency of your home. With various wood stains and paint finishes available, you can easily match them to your existing interior decor.
Vinyl Plantation Shutters
Vinyl plantation shutters are an excellent option for those seeking durability and affordability. They are resistant to moisture, making them suitable for humid environments like bathrooms and kitchens. While they might not have the same warmth as real wood, technological advancements have improved their appearance, making them a popular choice for modern homes.
Composite Plantation Shutters
Combining the best features of wood and vinyl, composite plantation shutters offer the look of real wood with the durability of vinyl. They are engineered from MDF (Medium Density Fiberboard) wrapped in a polypropylene coating, making them resistant to chipping, fading, and warping. If you want an affordable yet stylish option, composite shutters are worth considering.
Cafe-Style Plantation Shutters
Cafe-style plantation shutters cover only the lower portion of the window, leaving the top half exposed. This design not only adds a touch of European charm but also allows for more natural light to enter the room while maintaining privacy. Cafe-style shutters are a great choice for rooms where you want to strike a balance between openness and seclusion.
Full-Height Plantation Shutters
For a clean and cohesive look, full-height plantation shutters cover the entire window. They offer maximum privacy and light control, making them suitable for bedrooms and living rooms. Additionally, these shutters can enhance the visual height of your room, making it appear more spacious.
How To Choose A Curtain Style That Complements Your Plantation Shutters
You should always choose curtains after you’ve chosen shutters. Since curtains are typically drawn back in the day, you have the option of choosing an intricate or bold pattern without overpowering the room.
When putting shutters and curtains together, you should make sure you use high-quality curtains that are not transparent or opaque and choose floor-length curtains as a general rule.
Depending on your requirements, sheer or see-through curtains may work, for example, if you are never planning to close the curtains. Opaque curtains can also look elegant and soften your space, especially if you will never close them.
Choosing The Right Color Combination For Your Curtains And Plantation Shutters
Shutters in neutral colors will brighten up a room and make it feel more open. Neutral shutters can easily be incorporated into other room decorations and curtains.
You may opt for light shutters and darker curtains for contrast. However, if you would like the shutters to be the focal point, choose darker shades, although this may restrict your fabric options.
Choosing too dark shutters or fabric could make your space feel smaller. However, if you need to sleep during the day, darker colors might work. Ultimately, you’ll need to consult a design professional to fully understand your color and style options.
Tips On Hanging And Installing Curtains That Work Perfectly With Your Plantation Shutters
If you want your curtains to look great with your plantation shutters, you must use a curtain rod that allows you to push them all the way to the side to open the shutters. A curtain rod should also be mounted well above the window frame, according to design best practices. Mounting a rod closer to the ceiling will actually make your windows appear taller than they actually are, giving your room an additional visual height.
According to interior designers, it is recommended that the curtain rod be mounted at least six inches on each side and six inches above the window frame. Others mount it just below the ceiling, drawing the eye upwards.
Creative Ways To Layer Fabrics For Maximum Effect
For a more formal appearance in curtain ideas, consider adding a top treatment to your curtain’s style. You can add any type of window decor such as a scarf, or a valance in many harmonizing styles such as a balloon valance, a shaped valance with scallops, a swag valance in many different styles or a beautiful swag valance with trumpets on the sides for the ultimate in formality. These additional layers will enhance your home aesthetics and make your windows shine for a home improvement project with design inspiration.
Benefits Of Incorporating Curtains Into Window Treatments Along With Plantation Shutters
When deciding whether you should pair plantation shutters with curtains, knowing the benefits of layering both window treatments is essential.
Visual Appeal
A pair of curtains complements plantation shutters nicely for your window coverings. Their elegance and decorative pattern contrast nicely with the shutters’ sturdy practicality.
Curtains enhance and highlight the focal point of a room (the window or door). Long, printed curtains can complement both traditional and contemporary styles.
Excellent Light and Privacy Control
The wide slats of plantation shutters allow sunlight to pass through when closed. Layering plantation shutters with curtains provides extra flexibility and privacy.
Enhanced Energy Efficiency
With both plantation shutters and curtains, you can open them to let in fresh air and close them to keep in heat during the winter months. Shutters are excellent at insulating a room. A second layer of curtains at the window will prevent chilly air from entering your room during the cold weather and keep your room at an ideal temperature. When your room is insulated, you won’t have to use as much air conditioning and central heating, which reduces your energy costs.
Increased Sound Dampening
As a result of their thick louvers, frames that tightly seal your windows, and materials that absorb sound, plantation shutters effectively block out outdoor noise when they are closed. If you live in a noisy neighborhood or in a high-traffic area, they make good window treatments. You can increase the sound insulation properties of your shutters by covering them with curtains.
Elevate Your Home with Perfect Window Treatment Combinations
The combination of indoor shutters and curtains in a window gives you many benefits of sound dampening, energy efficiency, great light, and privacy control, and they look outstanding as well. The combination of lovely timeless and classic shutters with a style of curtains that is more formal gives you a great focal point in any room of your home. Contact us at Blinds and More for a FREE in-home consultation for decorating tips and to find out all the wonderful combinations possible with our huge assortment of fabrics and a full line of shutters from which to choose.
