Plantation Shutters & Window Shutters

Shutters | Custom Interior Plantation Shutters

Interior window shutters, often referred to as plantation shutters, are the ultimate investment in custom window coverings. Unlike temporary shades, shutters are considered a permanent upgrade that offers long-term value and can actually increase the resale appreciation of your home.

Blindsgalore offers its own signature series of high-quality shutters for windows in three distinct materials:

• Real Wood Shutters: The classic choice for rich texture and lighter weight on large windows.
• Composite Faux Wood: A durable blend that resists warping, perfect for humid climates.
• PVC Vinyl: Waterproof and virtually indestructible.

Composite and vinyl materials are more durable than traditional wooden shutters, allowing you to confidently install them in bathrooms, kitchens, and high-traffic children's rooms without fear of water damage. Add the Old World charm of shutter blinds to your home and enjoy the architectural beauty they bring to your interior decor.

How to Order Custom Shutters

Ordering shutters window treatments is slightly different from ordering standard blinds. There are a few key steps to consider. The first, and most important, is deciding how you want to mount them.

Inside vs. Outside Mount

Inside Mount: These fit completely inside the window opening. If your window is deep enough and has no obstructions (like a crank handle), they can sit flush with the wall for a sleek, built-in look.

Outside Mount: If the window is shallow or you prefer a bolder look, the shutters are mounted to the wall surface or trim. This frames the window like a picture.

For a detailed breakdown of which mount is right for you, read our guide on Plantation Shutters vs. Blinds.

Customization Options

Customize your plantation blinds to match your lifestyle.

• Louver Size: Choose from 2 ½", 3 ½", or 4 ½" louvers. Larger louvers provide a clearer view out, while smaller louvers offer a more traditional cottage look.
• Tilt Options: Choose a standard tilt rod (the visible bar in the middle) for a classic look, or upgrade to a Hidden Tilt (gear-driven system) for an unobstructed view and modern aesthetic.
• Divider Rails: For tall windows, a divider rail allows you to operate the top and bottom louvers independently—perfect for keeping privacy at the bottom while letting light in at the top.
• Motorization: Yes, you can even motorize the tilt of your louvers for the ultimate in convenience.

Addressing Window Obstacles

Shutters for windows with unique features require specific planning:

• Windows with Cranks: Casement window cranks will likely interfere with inside mount shutters. You will typically need an outside mount or a specific frame that provides clearance.
• Small Windows: For very small windows, an inside mount might restrict light. An outside mount with a larger frame can make the window appear larger and allow more light when the louvers are open.
• Windows with Trim: If you have beautiful trim you want to keep, we can size the shutters to fit inside it (if deep enough). If you want to cover old or damaged trim, an outside mount with a decorative frame is the perfect solution.

Understanding Shutter Frames

The frame is the "skeleton" that holds your shutter panels. Choosing the right frame is critical for installation.

Z-Frame (Inside Mount)

This decorative frame overlaps the corner of your drywall, hiding any uneven gaps and creating a perfect, finished look.

L-Frame (Inside or Outside)

A versatile square frame that sits flush with the window casing and can be used for both inside and outside mounts.

Hang Strips

For windows that are perfectly square, you can mount panels directly to the jamb using hang strips, though frames are generally recommended for easier installation.

For help measuring your frame, visit our blinds and shades for common window sizes and measuring tips page.

What Do Plantation Shutters Cost?

Shutter pricing depends on a few key variables, and the range is wide enough that a one-size-fits-all number wouldn't be helpful. Here's what actually drives the cost so you can budget with confidence.

• Window size is the biggest factor. Larger windows need more material, more louvers, and heavier frames. A standard 36" x 48" window costs significantly less than a 72" x 84" opening. Sliding door shutters (bi-fold and bypass styles) require additional hardware and panel construction, which adds to the total.
• Material affects the price point. PVC vinyl is the most affordable and virtually indestructible. Composite faux wood sits in the middle, offering the best balance of durability, appearance, and value. Real wood shutters typically carry the highest price tag, with their natural grain texture and lighter weight on larger windows. For most homeowners, our Blindsgalore Faux Wood Shutters: 3 1/2" Louvers hit the sweet spot between premium appearance and practical pricing.
• Louver size matters. We offer 2-1/2", 3-1/2", and 4-1/2" louvers. Larger louvers provide a cleaner, more contemporary look with a better view through, but cost slightly more than smaller louvers due to the additional material.
• Customization options add up. Upgrading to a hidden gear tilt (no visible tilt rod), adding divider rails for independent top-and-bottom control, selecting a specialty frame type, or choosing a custom paint color can each increase the final price. Standard options like front tilt bars and basic white finishes keep costs down.
• Think long-term, not just upfront. Shutters are the only window treatment typically considered a permanent fixture by home appraisers. Quality faux wood shutters can last 15 to 20+ years with basic care, compared to 8 to 12 years for high-quality blinds. Calculate the cost per year of ownership and the gap narrows fast. Shutters also add to your home's resale value in a way that blinds and shades simply don't.

Every Blindsgalore shutter comes with a 25-year warranty. We don't list specific prices on this page because dimensions and options change the total significantly, but our online customization tool shows real-time pricing as you build your order. Enter your measurements, choose your options, and see your exact cost instantly. No hidden fees. For multi-window projects, call (877) 702-5463 to discuss your full scope with our design experts.

Shutters vs. Blinds: Which Is Right for You?

Both shutters and blinds control light, provide privacy, and look good. But they do it in very different ways, and the right choice depends on your priorities.

Durability

Shutters win by a wide margin. Solid panels with thick louvers handle daily use for decades. Faux wood shutters resist warping, cracking, and moisture damage in bathrooms and kitchens. Blinds are lighter-duty by nature. Slats can bend, cords wear out, and mechanisms fail over time. Even high-quality faux wood blinds will likely need replacement once or twice during the lifespan of a single set of shutters.

Light control

Blinds offer more precise slat-by-slat adjustment. Narrow slats tilt to exactly the angle you want, directing sunlight up, down, or anywhere in between. Shutters tilt too, but with wider louvers creating broader light patterns. The real advantage of shutters is that the entire panel swings open like a door, giving you a completely unobstructed window. Blinds always stack at the top, partially blocking the opening. For rooms that need total blackout darkness, blackout roller shades or blackout cellular shades outperform both shutters and standard blinds.

Energy efficiency

Shutters provide better insulation thanks to their solid construction and tight fit against the window frame. When closed, they create a sealed air pocket between the shutter and the glass that slows heat transfer in both directions. Blinds have gaps between slats that allow air movement. For maximum insulation from a non-shutter product, cellular shades with double-cell construction offer R-values of up to R-4.

Maintenance

Shutters are easier to clean. Fewer surfaces, wider louvers, and no cords or mechanisms to work around. A quick wipe with a damp cloth handles most cleaning. Blinds have more slats and more dust-catching surfaces. Not difficult, just more tedious. Never submerge either product in water.

Appearance and home value

Shutters become part of your home's architecture. They look built-in, feel permanent, and are the only window treatment that appraisers typically consider a fixture. Blinds are viewed as temporary treatments that most buyers expect to replace. If resale value matters, shutters are the stronger investment.

Cost

Blinds are more affordable upfront, making them a practical choice for renters, budget-conscious projects, or rooms where you change decor frequently. Shutters cost more initially but rarely need replacing. For a deeper dive, read our full guide on Plantation Shutters vs. Blinds.

The bottom line: Choose shutters for rooms where you want a permanent, high-end upgrade that adds value, lasts decades, and requires minimal maintenance. Choose blinds for flexibility, lower upfront cost, and spaces where you want easy replacement down the road. Many homeowners use both shutters in living rooms, dining rooms, and primary bedrooms, with blinds or shades in secondary bedrooms, offices, and utility spaces.