Last week I recieved an email from a reader who has plantation shutters throughout her whole home. She wanted to know how to still incoporate some type of window treatments with her shutters.
This is actually a challenge I run into quite a lot with my own clients. You probably know that I LOVE window treatments so I’m constantly trying to think of ways to get around the plantation shutter issue and still get some pattern and color on the windows!
One idea is to just do curtains. You can still open your shutters if needed but you still get all the pretty pattern and texture of fabric!
photo from the Salt Lake Parade of Homes designed by Ivory Homes
The curtains and shutters are working seamlessly together in the above pictures.
Another option is to do a roman shade over the shutters.
This photo is from a space I’ve been working on a for awhile. My client and I decided to built a custom window bench in her bay window. Because we brought the seat to the base of the windows it made it feel like there was SOOOO much space between the top of the window and the ceiling. So we made extra long window shades and had them mounted about two feet above the window to make the windows appear taller than they actually are.
You can totally use a roman shade on a window with plantation shutters. Since they really are only for looks and not for function you don’t even need to use as much fabric. Just use what you need to create that nice folded shade look.
photo from the Salt Lake Parade of Homes designed by Ivory Homes
The other thing to keep in mind is that you’ll have to do an outside mount. You can’t mount the shade inside your window or you won’t be able to open your shutters.
photo from the Salt Lake Parade of Homes designed by Ivory Homes
Window treatments know no bounds!
Do any of you have plantation shutters and if so how have you addressed this issue?
I know people don't want to give those up so this is a great idea of how to work with them and add fabric! Great post.
xo Nancy
Powellbrower.com
Thank you for this post. We have plantation shutters throughout our house so this is extremely helpful. I am a big fan of your work.
very nice and creative idea of window treatments with plantation shutters. Information above helped me a lot. Thank you for providing such useful information. I would also suggest to visit Shuttersco-interior shutter
This is an interesting blog that you have posted. You shared a lot of things about plantation shutters.
Nice. I will apply every tips that you have given but it's with my newly installed custom shutters. Aside for protection, when paired with right colors and designs of other window treatment, a shutter could make your home elegant.
I want custom fabric window treatments for my new home but I am afraid they will not keep all of the sun out so I have been looking into some shutters to match. This post will give me a lot of ideas to help make my decision, thanks!
We recently moved to a home that has interior shutters like the ones pictured here. We were struggling with the exact same question as some of your clients! I love the roman shades, I hadn't thought of using that style before. Thanks for the inspiration!
I came lately to your website and have been reading along. I thought I would leave my initial comment. Keep writing, cause your posts are impressive! Doesn't it take up a lot of time to keep your blog so fascinating???
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Hi, Kirsten! I wonder how many window treatments you’ve made in the past. With the tips you've mentioned above, I can tell that you really are an expert when it comes to creating beautiful shades and shutters. From choosing the right kind of fabric and style to how they will match with the home fixtures – you know everything! Thanks for sharing this!
Roxie Tenner @ Allure Window Treatments
Hello, Kirsten. I encounter many people who order wood window shutters, yet want to keep a softness to the room. Shutters are such a rigid monotone fixture and do occasionally benefit from addition of a fabric element.
Tip: If a homeowner wishes to frequently swing the shutters open, a top valence or shade may impede that function. Curtains shown in the first two pictures are ideal.
One of the awesome information about the How to Use Window Treatments with Plantation Shutters.Thanks for your great job on it.
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I know about this blog information, Its nice for window treatments with her shutters.
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If you ask me, I usually prefer valance over plantation shutters because it makes the window look wider and inviting. Not to mention that the frills are really stunning. Haha! Anyway, I think your idea is really great!
Blake Bennett
We have plantation shutters in our new home we built three years ago. I love the way they look and the fact that I don't have to do anything else to the windows as far as window treatments go. They are a classic, simple style all alone. The problem I'm having is they don't totally block the light in my bedroom. I can only sleep well in a totally dark room. The situation is complicated by the fact that our bed faces the window. I added light blocking panels that helped with all the small vertical lines of light. The major problem now is the light that comes from the top of the shutters. Does anyone know of a simple solution to block this light? I thought of a cornice board, but then I wouldn't be able to open the shutters. I don't open them very often, but if I needed to I couldn't. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated! HELP PLEASE!!!
Hi Rhonda, What about a treatment with a flexible valance instead of fixed.
http://www.pinterest.com/pin/107593878567144615/
Thanks, Kirsten! I have thought about that but don't know exactly where to look for this. I checked the link in your comment and there's one photo. Do you know where I could find more?
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Nice articles always attract the viewers. And your article is very attractive and informative. Keep it up and do post regularly please…
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I really love the way those shutters look! I want to get shutters for my home. I need to see if I can buy them somewhere in my area. I'm sure that I can find cool shutters for a good price.
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Your work is really influential. Your information in this blog is very helpful for every visitor of this page. Thank you very much for share such a great information with us.
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Great article! I love plantation shutters but never of thought of using a window treatment with them. Thanks for sharing!