Many associate traditional plantation shutters with the historical height of the south, reminiscing about old plantations and huge, grandiose mansions. Although plantation shutters did gain their popularity and unique style during this time, shutters in general date back to ancient Greece. Shutters were originally designed to serve three basic functions: light control, ventilation, and protection. Although they still serve these purposes today, modern shutters also serve a much more decorative function. In this blog post, we will be discussing the history of plantation shutters. Keep reading to learn more and if you are interested in adding plantation shutters to your home, get a free estimate today!
History of Plantation Shutters
Shutters in Ancient Greece
In ancient Greece, the first shutters were actually made of marble, not wood, making them quite solid and strong compared to other window coverings. Marble, as you could imagine, was quite difficult to work with and was not conducive to the average consumer at the time. With the rise of their popularity also came the rise of their efficiency, as woodworkers mastered their craft and improved design and functionality. Throughout the years, shutters rose in popularity and even became an important royal accessory when Ling Louis XIV of France insisted on their presence in his domicile. They enabled the women to nap comfortably without shutting out air circulation and allowed the cooks to control the sunlight heating up the kitchen.
Shutters in America and The South
By the 18th and 19th centuries, the shutter fad had made it over to America. The south, in particular, adopted the trend and integrated shutters into the large plantation manors, hence the name “plantation shutters”. Southern plantations were known for their elegance and grandeur and shutters were an integral part of their design.
Many today integrate plantation shutters into their home for both the aesthetic aspect and the conveniences that they offer. Shutters now come in many shapes and sizes and can be created using several different materials. Design flexibility is another convenience that plantation shutters offer as they can be created to fit any unique space on the interior or exterior of your home. To learn more about the other benefits of having plantation shutters, check out this blog post which talks about the four main benefits!
Are you interested in adding plantation shutters to your home? Shutters of the Strand can help! As a top-rated, window shutter company, we are committed to providing high-quality products that you will love. With many different options to choose from and the ability to get custom plantation shutters for your home, we have something for everyone! Our team is dedicated to helping you have the best experience possible, so if you have any questions about what is available for your home, please contact us. If you are ready to transform your home into the beautiful oasis that it is with plantation shutters, get a free estimate today!