Plantation Shutters

If you’re considering plantation shutters for your windows, you’re probably aware there’s a lot to think about. At Altra Home Décor serving the greater Phoenix and Peoria areas, we’ll be happy to help you sort through all of the options. Just talk to one of our trained professionals!

How to Select the Right Louver Size for Your New Plantation Shutters

When purchasing plantation shutters, the most important decision is selecting the louver size. Shutter louvers from Hunter Douglas come in 2-1/2″, 3-1/2″, or 4-1/2″. Depending on the style, view, or architectural feature you’re looking for, louver size is often a personal preference.
The beauty of plantation shutters is that you can get great visibility and light control just by slightly adjusting the louver angle. Of course, if you have a beautiful view, remember, the larger the louver, the greater the view. Keep in mind that it is difficult to see into or out of the room when louvers are tilted no matter which size they are so privacy will not be an issue. Also, don’t think you must go with a smaller louver just because you have a smaller window.

Plantation Shutters Provide Curb Appeal at Any Size

When selecting the right shutter louver size for you, consider the design style of your home, outside view, and desired natural lighting. Keep in mind, smaller louver sizes may look heavy and congested in the window, where a larger louver size can add aesthetic value to a room.

• 2-1/2 inch Louvers – This narrow-width louver is typically selected for the more traditional look. Consumers are drawn to this size for smaller windows that are three feet high or less. However, you are not restricted to this size just because you have a smaller window.
• 3-1/2 inch Louvers – The 3-1/2″ larger-size louver is the most requested of all louver sizes. Looking through this size louver provides a dramatic difference in what you see and how much natural light flows into the room. This is an ideal size if the majority of your windows are 36″ high or greater. Keep in mind, you can still use this louver size on smaller windows as well.
• 4-1/2 inch Louvers – When you look through this large louver size, your eye is immediately drawn to the outside view. It provides the fewest number of louvers for any given window. It is popular for taller windows and rooms with oversized ceiling heights. If you enjoy your outside view, this is the louver size for you.

Other Considerations

Available space in the window opening is another consideration when choosing your louver size. This is the space from the outside wall to the window pane. You need to determine if the louver will be obstructed from properly opening and closing due to obstacles. This would include window cranks or space being minimized due to double-hung windows. As an example, if you have 1-1/2″ of unobstructed space, you can easily use the 3-1/2″ louver. Once mounted, over half of the louver will project into the room when being operated with the remaining operating cleanly in the window opening. Shutters frames can always be built out from the window to accommodate the louver size of your choice.

Hunter Douglas Shutter Collection

Hunter Douglas has the right plantation shutter to work perfectly in any room of your home. Select from:

• Heritance® Hardwood Shutters – handcrafted to accentuate the inherent characteristics and colors of natural wood.
• NewStyle® Hybrid Shutters – combines a wood style with the strength and stability of man-made materials for beauty and durability
• Palm Beach™ Polysatin Shutters – constructed from a UV-resistant polysatin compound that is guaranteed not to fade, crack, or warp

Plantation Shutters in the Phoenix and Peoria, AZ Areas

Altra Home Décor is your source for window treatments, custom drapery, flooring, and more! We serve the greater Phoenix area, including Peoria, Sun City West, Anthem, Buckeye, Vistancia, Trilogy, Glendale, and Scottsdale, with a showroom in Surprise. Stop by our locally owned store to view our full-size window treatment displays and sample books. Contact us today to schedule an in-home design consultation!