Choosing Between Plantation and Traditional Shutters: The Perfect Window Treatment for Boston’s Historic and Modern Homes

Boston homeowners face a delightful dilemma when selecting window treatments: how to honor the city’s rich architectural heritage while embracing contemporary design preferences. The choice between plantation shutters and traditional shutters offers the perfect solution for both Colonial Revival homes dating back to the early 1900s and today’s sleek contemporary residences throughout the Greater Boston area.

Understanding the Key Differences

The most significant distinction between these two shutter styles lies in their louver size and historical origins. Traditional shutters typically have smaller louvers than the plantation style and are an excellent treatment for smaller windows or combinations of windows, with plantation shutters typically available with a 3 ½” louver but can also have 2 ½” or 4 ½” louvers. Traditional shutters originated in the New England area during the Colonial times, while plantation shutters get their name from the Antebellum style properties popularized in the south during the 1800s.

The charm of traditional shutters lies in their smaller louver size, typically measuring between 1 and 2 inches. This creates a more refined, historical aesthetic that perfectly complements Boston’s abundant Colonial Revival architecture. In contrast, plantation shutters are an excellent choice if you’re looking for a modern style that can brighten any space and add an elegant touch.

Traditional Shutters: Perfect for Boston’s Colonial Heritage

For homeowners in Boston’s historic neighborhoods like Beacon Hill, Back Bay, or Cambridge, traditional shutters offer authentic period appeal. Most modern Colonial homes on the South Shore and South Suburbs feature strictly decorative shutters. Traditional shutters are known for a more classic style and are a great fit in many different styles of homes, especially older or historic properties.

Traditional shutters excel in several key areas for Boston homes:

• Traditional shutters are a perfect solution for kitchen and/or bathroom windows, as well as for combinations of small windows in any room.
• They are particularly suitable for smaller windows, where their proportions align with the window size, enhancing the home’s architectural integrity without overwhelming the space.
• Boston shutters are known for having little ‘horns’ on the bottom corners of each shutter, meaning that when the shutter closed in the window opening, a horizontal gap between the two horns allowed for drainage and airflow when the house was closed up during storms.

Plantation Shutters: Ideal for Contemporary Boston Living

Boston’s growing number of contemporary homes, luxury condos, and renovated spaces benefit tremendously from plantation shutters’ clean, modern aesthetic. Plantation shutters are known for their clean, modern look, while traditional shutters have a more classic, timeless aesthetic. Plantation shutters are perfect for contemporary homes, whereas traditional shutters are better suited for more historic homes.

The advantages of plantation shutters for modern Boston homes include:

• Their larger louvers, variety of materials, and extensive color options offer an unmatched combination of style, light control, and privacy.
• We like to use the widest 4 1/2″ louver for transitional and contemporary homes. We combine this wide louver with hidden or “Invisible” tilt rods, so all you see is the openness of the large louver, which updates the traditional shutter look and brings it into today’s updated home interior.
• Shutters offer superb versatility and efficient coverage, making them suitable for large, custom windows.

Material Considerations for Boston’s Climate

Boston’s harsh winters and humid summers demand durable materials. For plantation shutters, the most common choices are vinyl, composite, and solid wood. Composite plantation shutters are made from a medium-density fiberboard that feels and looks like wood without the added cost. Wood plantation shutters are a top-tier choice for their classic elegance and durability. Basswood, in particular, is known for its strength and lightweight.

For moisture-prone areas like bathrooms and kitchens common in Boston’s older homes, Palm Beach™ Polysatin™ Vinyl Shutters are an excellent solution. These shutters are perfect for kitchens, bathrooms, laundry rooms, pools, and spas as they resist the harsher elements.

Energy Efficiency and Home Value

Both shutter styles offer significant benefits for Boston homeowners concerned about energy costs. One of the best ways to reduce your utility bills and save money is to simply cover your windows with plantation shutters. Additionally, A plantation shutter is the only window covering product that enhances your home’s curb appeal and boosts its resale value, making them a wise investment. Whether or not you plan to move soon, investing in shutters is worth considering because they are the only window covering that boosts house value.

Professional Installation Matters

For Boston homeowners ready to enhance their homes with either traditional or plantation shutters, working with experienced professionals ensures optimal results. Custom Shutters Boston installations require precise measurements and expert craftsmanship to achieve the perfect fit that these architectural details deserve.

Mohawk Shade & Blind is Boston’s trusted expert in custom shades, blinds, and motorized solutions in Boston, MA. Since 1986, we’ve been crafting window solutions that transform houses into homes. Industry veterans committed to making your vision a reality since 1986. Mohawk Shade & Blind Inc. is a locally owned and operated company with over 30+ years of industry experience. We pride ourselves on the quality of our work as well as our commitment to outstanding results. We look forward to building lasting relationships and guarantee your satisfaction!

Whether you choose the historical authenticity of traditional shutters for your Colonial Revival home or the contemporary elegance of plantation shutters for your modern Boston residence, both options offer timeless appeal, energy efficiency, and increased home value. The key is selecting the style that best complements your home’s architecture while meeting your functional needs for light control, privacy, and aesthetic preferences.