Plantation Shutters

I hate plantation shutters and everyone on here knows that. IMO the best way to keep heat and UV out is solar shades you get to keep the view and in the daytime they provide privacy the downside is at night you need something for privacy if that is an issue. If you must have shutters then it really depends on the space whether you need drapery too. Since the LR window is proably large i would do the solar shades and nice full drapes and in the nook solar shades and roman shades in the same fabric as the drapes in the LR if they seen together. You can inside mount the solar sahdes and outside mount the roman shades

What about Plantation blinds?

I have both, plantation shutters on most windows, LINED Roman shades (bamboo looking ) in two rooms. Both look great & work well. The only window treatment that I really don’t like are mini blinds ...

Shutters do not seal out the drafts as well as roman shades do, esp with insulated fabric. So the question really is one of where you live. Do you have to shut out more heat from the sun when it's hot? Or do you need to insulate more when it's cold. I'm in the NE and cold is definitely the bigger issue for us.

Another consideration is the view. Even when open, the frames around the shutters block a lot of the light and view vs. the romans that will essentially clear the entire window.

Also romans offer an opportunity to add color, pattern, texture, softness and noise deadening to a room vs. shutters which are traditionally just white wood. Roman-type shades come in a variety of styles so there are a lot more to choose from: flat roman, relaxed roman, cloud, balloon, pleated, tulip, hobbled, austrian, banded, shaped bottom, etc.

Shutters do provide better light control for how much sunshine comes into a room and night time privacy while allowing outdoor air to circulate in the room. They are a better solution if you like to leave your windows open but need privacy.

I was in a B&B once that had shutters over the sliders to the outside which was all nice except that some were loose and the only way I could get them to stay open to the light was to jam a book in between the slats. I also detest cleaning slats. To me it's right up there with tom sawyer's picket fence painting.

So while my preference for many reasons would be romans, YMMV.

Where in the world does this misperception come from that “the frames around the shutters block a lot of the light and view “ ? .... as I’ve stated before my shutter frames line up perfectly with my window frames & I wouldn’t have them if they did because I want as much light as practically possible in my home & I certainly don’t want anything to impact my view ( the ocean ). Maybe I just got lucky on the company I chose to make them....

K Laurence, that's what I'm wondering, and that is exactly why I'm hesitant in my decision. Most people I've spoken with tell me not to use shutters in this space but Roman Shades, sillhouettes, woven shades, because I'll lose all my light and it will seem even darker than it does now, and it's a dark house with not much natural light, but it does get a harsh glare in this space as the day goes on and in the summer it gets hot. I just thought shutters would be the cleanest look and easiest to take care of, and most insulating in the summertime, but I do worry about losing the window sill and space. We have 8 windows to cover, and I wonder if having 8 roman shades would look like too much going on, and then I'd have to keep them all the same level or it would bug me. :)

I appreciate everyone's input.

Jan Moyer thank you for your advice. This is what I feel in my gut, but I listen to everyone else coming in our home and they all have opinions, even if we don't ask for it. :) Makes me second guess myself. What do you have in your home? What do you recommend for the little windows on the side of the front door? We get heavy sun coming through in that area in the summertime and I don't want our furniture or floor to fade. Plus would like a little more privacy.

I have both and love them both but the best $ ever spent on our home was the white plantation shutters in all the bedrooms and baths. They are timeless. I like our Roman Shades too but they're more window decoration in our kitchen and great room and don't serve much other purpose. I'm glad we have BOTH.

@RHM

There is no home, (nor mine), that is YOUR home, other than your own home.. Tightly gathered sheers are generally best for sidelights, or have the sidelights tinted. I am not generally for covering them. What privacy? Who is peeking in other than the UPS man? : )

Do the thing that makes you happy, fits your style, your windows, and ignore all others.

I must be old school. I use just panels and close them at night for privacy. It's great "bang for the buck" I love windows around a door personally. It lets in great light. In my past house, these gorgeous windows were 185 years old, and right up against the sidewalk, so again, I added large panels and closed them at night. Great for cold nights. Is it hard to keep shutters dust free? That would be my only worry.

@ Patricia Colwell...wondering why you feel the need to offend the OP with YOUR dislike of her choice? She clearly stated that she has plantation shutters in her home. That is just rude. You could have given helpful advice without the offensive comment?

K Laurence, I would love to see pics of your shutters that don't block light. I've only ever seen them that do.