Hey, there friends! It’s been a busy weekend for us. We just about killed ourselves on Saturday getting the fence sprayed, but I’m happy to say, it is finished! It went a lot faster having the spray gun and I’ll be sharing that project soon. It feels good to check that one off the list too!
In the meantime, over a week ago we had some exciting happenings going on at our house. We had new plantation shutters installed in the living room, dining room, and Mark’s man cave. And wow, at the difference they make.
Plantation shutters are not inexpensive and I really never thought I could afford them, but we do save up for our projects around here and pay cash for them, so I’ll tell you all about this one. I am working with a sponsor, Sunburst Shutters, but we had the dining room comped and we paid for the rest, so even though that was a big plus, we still had a pretty penny to pay.
Just as a back story, I did have a company come out and give us an estimate a few months ago for plantation shutters. Their price was $2500 for all 8 windows we were covering. That seems to be about the norm, I’ve heard around $300 per window is to be expected. We ended up paying more than that with Sunburst Shutters, but we are really happy with the results.
Why Get Plantation Shutters?
I’ll be the first to admit that I knew practically nothing about plantation shutters and the particulars about how they are made and put together. So, I really didn’t do a lot of research. When I had the first quote done last year, I had a quote for all wood shutters. I’ve since heard that all wood can be problematic as they can warp and crack over time.
So when Sunburst Shutters contacted me about their Polywood line of shutters, with 100% lifetime warranty and the fact that these are non-wood shutters made of a solid engineered wood substitute that won’t chip, crack, warp, or split, well, that sounded really good to me. I knew we wanted the widest slats available and 4″ slats did the trick!
The owner of the local Sunburst Shutter company, Dan Taylor, is a super nice guy and came out first and measured all the windows precisely and did the installation himself. In our initial meeting he showed me shutters from a competitor that were no more than laminate covered pressboard. The coating had been chipped away in spots and they looked terrible. So just be aware when you’re looking at shutters exactly what they are made of. It took about 3 hours to complete the job and get our windows shuttered.
We were walking around the house oohing and ahhing over our new plantation shutters and could not be happier. I took lots of pics, so please indulge me. We waited several months to get this done and are so happy with the outcome.
Shutters offer energy efficiency too and I think they will definitely keep the heat out more in summer when they are closed. We got the traditional style with the rail in the middle and the tilt rods, but you can choose different configurations now, including no tilt wand and no middle rail.
They really do make the living room so much better and high end and a great way to welcome people into our house, looking to the living room and then to the dining room.
It’s very hard to photograph windows properly, but I tried to give you a good idea of the size and feel of these. The 4″ slats are so bold and beautiful.
The view from the dining room to the living room is outstanding and stunning! Those 3 windows with the transoms are just all kinds of pretty in my book. Such a nice architectural detail now!
Now let’s peek into the dining room. The 2 dining room windows are the ones that were comped and they are valued at about $850 (with a discount offered). We paid right at $2500 for the remaining 6 windows in the living room and Mark’s man cave, which I will hopefully be showing you later. He’s actually going to write a post for me about his man cave and I’m so excited to read that myself!
Just for fun, let’s look back at the house when we bought it, the BEFORE shot!
Quite the change, isn’t it?!
Oh dining room, you are so pretty to look at! Even though the vintage buffet has to sit in front of the windows, what a back drop it makes to all my things.
The architectural interest that plantation shutters bring is second to none. My lamps even look better in front of these shutters.
Here’s a close up look at the casing detail, the frame that the shutters sit in. Dan showed me a few different styles of frames and this one really fit our house well and looked great with our existing moldings. There are several whites to choose from and we chose the one that went best with our white trim. I love how chunky this frame is and it mounts right on top of our trimwork.
Aren’t they gorgeous?
Another look at the frame and white hinges. I can’t photograph this really well, but there are pieces of weather stripping on the sides of the frame and in the middle of the shutters when they shut that helps keep out cold and heat from the windows. I really liked hearing that part too. They just impressed me so much with the quality and how they felt, so I’m very happy with our decision.
I tilted the slats at different angles so you can hopefully see how they look. Again, it’s hard to really capture a window without blowing it out with the camera.
Here’s a shot with the slats all closed.
And tilted up. I had originally planned to put up drapes with the Plantation Shutters, but after getting them installed, I’ve changed my mind and won’t be putting up any other window treatments. I just love the clean and classic look they bring to the room.
Slats closed and wow what a pretty room! We are more than thrilled with our plantation shutters from Sunburst.
Again, they are not inexpensive and when I hear people say they have them all over their house, I’m amazed, because that would be quite expensive. So, that’s why we decided to use them in a few key rooms to add architectural interest and detail to those rooms. I still love my bamboo shades in my other spaces too, but there’s room for both in a home. Of course, plantation shutters would look great throughout a whole house (makes me think of Cape Cod style), but most of us are cost conscious and have to consider the budget too.
If you’re in the market for plantation shutters, I’d defiitely tell you to check out Sunburst Shutters.
Dan Taylor is the local Sunburst Shutters rep and you can reach him at 404-962-8517 Office. You can check out Sunburst Shutters website as well, to see if there’s one in your area. We could not be happier!
Sunburst Shutters comped the dining room windows in our house and we paid for the remaining windows in the living room and man cave. All opinions are my own!
Judy Clark says
They are beautiful Rhoda. You know that I am a huge fan of plantation shutters. I did have them in every room of that cape cod when we lived in Marietta.
Your house looks so pretty….as always!
Judy
Rhoda says
Thank you, Judy! I remember your Marietta house and those shutters, it was the perfect house for them too!
Mary says
Loving the plantation shutters in your home. Adds such a finished look to it!
Dana McCurdy says
These plantation shutters are beautiful. Your home is really amazing and so put together. I have recently moved out of 4800 sq ft into 810 sq ft and now have a clean slate to start over, I may incorporate some plantation shutters in the future. Baby steps! How fun that Mark is going to write a post, that should be a fun read.
Rhoda says
Hi, Dana, thank you, they have been on my radar for years, but I never went for them. They are the perfect highlight for these rooms we put them in.
Lori says
I absolutely love shutters and agree it pulls the whole look together and that your furniture looks great in front of them. Dusting not so much fun but worth it. Such a classic look. Just beautiful !
Rhoda says
Hi, Lori, thanks so much, we just love them!
Kathy says
These made a huge difference. It elevated the whole room.
Rhoda says
Thank you, Kathy, we sure love them!
Stacey @ Poofing the Pillows says
They look fabulous, Rhoda! We have plantation shutters in our whole house except for the family room windows. We love them! They add so much character to a space and they are so easy to clean.
Rhoda says
Hi, Stacey, lucky you! your new home is gorgeous and I know those shutters make a difference. They really are architectural candy!
Molly says
Oooo they are gorgeous! I am soooo jealous! I did get a quote on shutters for our home too but had to settle for 3” blinds…too many other projects to do to a 1956 home! Maybe one day…after refinishing the floors, repairing 2 chimneys and replacing a worn out deck. Lol. I need to win the lottery!
Rhoda says
Hi, Molly, I get it, they are expensive. I never really thought I’d be able to afford them, so that’s why we did 3 rooms instead of the whole house, I do like the mix too.
Deanna Rabe says
The Plantation Shutters add classic elegance to your home Rhonda! Congratulations! They look just perfect in these rooms, and I can’t wait to read Mark’s post about his mancave, and see how the shutters look in there!
I saw your Instagram story about spraying your fence and with the heat your having I was so glad it went quickly! It looks great too!
Rhoda says
Hi, Deanna, thank you so much! Yes, thouse outdoor projects are about to kill us, so I can’t wait to finish the deck. We are so happy that fence is finished!
Rita C at Panoply says
Wow! Do those ever look smart! Really nice, Rhoda.
Elizabeth says
We also did wood plantation shutters in our new Garden Home when we moved in 11 years ago. We had them installed in every window except the Master bedroom. There I have drapes and mini blinds. We have found that the shutters not only look great but are amazing insulators on the front and west side of our house. We also have the 4” and love them. Great addition to your lovely home.
Rhoda says
Hi, Elizabeth, I can see why some have them throughout the house, but they sure are pricey. I think we will really enjoy them on the front of the house to help with heat and glare coming in.
jeannette says
I’ve always loved plantation shutters and was lucky enough to have them in one of my houses. At the time, 3 inch was the widest you could get, so its been awhile! When we sold that house that was the one item I hated to part with. Now in our retirement home that we had build, we couldn’t justify the cost to have it done again. However, if I could I would in a heartbeat! They are so easy to care for and you can’t beat how terrific the look.
Rhoda says
Thank you, Jeannette, we are so thrilled to have them and I’ve waited years to be able to do this. I can see why it would be hard to leave them.
Debbie Barr says
My husband and I recently retired to Savannah, GA and I’m in love with plantation shutters as well!!! Classic design at its best…… I’m also “crushing” on your gorgeous bamboo inspired lamps. Can you share your source? Thank You.
Rhoda says
HI, Debbie, thank you so much! Those lamps were a very lucky find from Homegoods. I had no idea at the time what a deal I was getting, but they are from Couture Lamps and very much designer style. I found them at a few places online, including this one, but they are way more than I paid which was $60 each. (affiliate link) https://rstyle.me/n/c6gjv6bme3f
Rhoda says
HI, Debbie, thank you so much! Those lamps were a very lucky find from Homegoods. I had no idea at the time what a deal I was getting, but they are from Couture Lamps and very much designer style. I found them at a few places online, including this one, but they are way more than I paid which was $60 each. (affiliate link) https://rstyle.me/n/c6gjv6bme3f
Mary L says
At the house we had before this one I really had to do some convincing to get my hubby to agree to plantation shutters for the entire house. We had just built the house and gone quite a bit over budget. Later when we sold the house we recouped all the money we spent on the shutters when it was appraised. With blinds, custom window treatments, etc the appraiser told us you do not get any thing back on those when your house is appraised, but with plantation shutters you can expect to recoup 100% back.
Needless to say when we built this house hubby was on board from day one when it came to adding plantation shutters to all the windows. Plus, they are a dream to clean as compared to cleaning blinds. Enjoy your shutters, we will never have anything else in our home
Andrea says
They are beautiful Rhoda, as are both rooms! Please tell me where you found the little round table between the chairs in your living room!
Rhoda says
Hi, Andrea, that little metal and glass table is from Ballard Designs. Pretty sure they still have it on their website.
Rhoda says
Hi, Mary, that is good to know! I would imagine that these shutters do add some value to a home, since they are custom and you can’t take them with you. We are thrilled to have them, something that’s been on my bucket list for years.
Sue says
We have plantation shutters in one room- the only room that has windows on the front of the house. We had them installed 14 years ago when the house was new and I know the shutters were much more than $300. Per window. So you really got a deal! Five years ago, I wanted to cover the half-moon windows above the shutters and I think the quote was over $800 per window. I could not justify that so I had stationary pleated shades installed. Yours look wonderful and some builders in South FL have the interior shutters as an upgrade.
Rhoda says
Hi, Sue, they are definitely not cheap. I was told by a few people here in this area that $300 per window is about average. So we paid a little more than that, but I’m very happy with the quality. The other quote I got last year came out to about $300 per window (not pair, but each window).
Patty Depasquale says
Love the look of your rooms. So fresh and cheerful. Where did you get the lamps on the dining buffet? They pop against the shutters
Rhoda says
HI, Patty, I mentioned them in another comment above, but here it is again:
Those lamps were a very lucky find from Homegoods. I had no idea at the time what a deal I was getting, but they are from Couture Lamps and very much designer style. I found them at a few places online, including this one, but they are way more than I paid which was $60 each. (affiliate link) https://rstyle.me/n/c6gjv6bme3f
jae says
I love plantation shutters and your wide ones are just gorgeous. What an extra upscale look they add to your already lovely home!
I was fortunate enough to install them on most of the downstairs rooms when we moved into our house. Great for blocking the hot sun. Only thing is, the installer did an inside mount on ours, and now I cannot open the doublehung windows in for cleaning. Never thought of that! Fortunately I can stand on the porch and clean the outsides of the windows, but glad I didnt have the money to do the upstairs. 🙂
Rhoda says
HI, Jae, oh that’s too bad. I do like the ways these are mounted on a bold frame and the shutters open out so we can definitely open and clean the windows when we need to.
Willard Ford says
Congratulations, Mrs. Rhoda and Mark! Plantation shutters are like icing on the cake. They are so much better than frustrating Venetian blinds and makes the perfect cozy cottage look.
Lea Culp says
Oh, absolutely love our Plantation Shutters and you are so right, they are truly an investment! We have them across the front of the house and I could not be happier. We have the Polywood as well but we did not go with the middle rail. Ours are the 4″ wide too and to tilt we just tilt one and all the rest do the same. Ours are by Graeber. And, the best part, we’ll never have to replace them.
Yours are just beautiful and I can see why you are so happy with them.
Rhoda says
How nice for you! I went back and forth on the middle rail or not, but decided to go ahead with it. The middle rail hits the window frame too so that’s nice. Mark is a traditionalist on these things and wanted the middle rail in his man cave, so I went ahead and did it downstairs too.
Sue says
Hi Rhoda, plantation shutters are on my bucket list. Love your shutters , they look good with Mark’s cabinet and the dining room is beautiful.
Rhoda says
Thank you, Sue! It’s been so fun to watch those rooms transform and I can say they are officially done now.
Lee says
Wow! I am so jealous! They look fabulous and really do pop against the wall color of your dining room. I do have a question…Is the frame deep enough can you tilt them either way? I am having a hard time envisioning how the frame works.
Congratulations on a beautiful home!
Rhoda says
HI, Lee, yes the frame is deep and sits off the window so they do tilt back and forth. He made sure of the fit when he came and measured everything and they fit perfectly. The 4″ slats tilt up or down.