What is the best louver size for plantation shutters?
The best louver size for plantation shutters depends mostly on the interior design style you want for your home. However, there are some criteria that a window treatment expert will consider before designing the best options for a client’s home.
The modern 4 1/2″ louver is our most popular option as it provides the best view-through and light control. The 3 1/2″ louver is a safe route as it is the perfect combination of not feeling too big, but still allowing a good view out. The one size that is fading out in our industry is the 2 1/2″ shutter louver.
In this article, we will guide you through the options available by SunCoast Blinds and give you some of the pros and cons that we see with each size.
What are louvers?
The louvers on plantation shutters refer to the horizontal slats located within the frame of the window and shutter. You can tilt these louvers up and down to increase or decrease the light source and
privacy.
Plantation shutters from SunCoast Blinds come with three different widths: 2 1/2 inch, 3 1/2 inch, and 4 1/2 inch louvers.
2 1/2 inch louvers
2 1/2″ louvers are creating a traditional look to your window. Among SunCoast Blinds clients, this size is the least popular option. A smaller louver means more louvers filling up the frame creating an obstruction to your view and making it the hardest option when it comes to cleaning and maintaining.
When would you choose a 2 1/2″ louver?
- Do you think it is aesthetically pleasing
- The view is not of importance
- Privacy is your main concern
- You want to cover a smaller window
3 1/2 inch louvers
The 3 1/2″ louver is a popular choice within the industry. In The last couple of years, there has been a swift towards the contemporary 4 1/2″ louver among SunCoast Blinds clients.
This medium size provides enough light and privacy to fit most homes. The plantation shutter louver can create a traditional or modern look, depending on the design options like tilt mechanism and frame design. This size works for large windows and small windows and is a good compromise for a popular look.
When would you choose a 3 1/2″ louver?
- You love the traditional look
- When clearance would be an issue choosing 4 1/2″
- Matching existing windows in your home
4 1/2 inch louvers
There is no denying saying that 4 1/2″ plantation shutters are by far the most popular selection at SunCoast Blinds. The window treatment specialists love it, and so do our clients.
A large louver creates less distraction in the window: offering a great view-though while still allowing light control and privacy. When fully open, the 4 1/2″ shutter lets you see outside and brings maximum of light into your home.
This size is best for bedrooms as it lets in less light due to fewer louvers and gaps in the window.
There’s a wrong perception that the large louvers don’t work in a small window. This is incorrect. Larger louvers make a small window look larger.
When would you choose a 4 1/2″ louver?
- You love natural light
- You value your view
- You want to create as much darkness as possible in the closed position
- Creating an illusion of larger windows
- Easy cleaning and low maintenance
- Do you like a contemporary look
Conclusion
One of the attractive features of interior shutters is the design variety and how they will live in your windows once they’re installed. When choosing your design, it is important to consider how much light and privacy you want as well as aesthetics. Unlike a window blind, the shutter will live on your window at all times. Make sure the louver size works throughout the day, in various situations.
Are you still unsure or ready to schedule an in-home consultation?
At SunCoast Blinds we have designed window treatments for our clients since 1992.
