Shopping for Plantation Shutters in Wilmington NC area

 If you’re looking for a versatile and stylish window treatment it’s hard to not look at plantation shutters.They will enhance both the inside as well as the outside look of your home, shutters can be made fit almost any window.  Most people when looking for window treatments love the look of plantation shutters, many are quite surprised sometimes when they find out how much they cost.

Price Range of Shutter in Wilmington NC area

Prices will vary from company to company,  a solid wood shutter a window sized 30" wide by 60" tall is likely to cost anywhere between $250 to $400.
If you are paying less than $250 you might well be advised to approach the sale with some caution.
The first thing you should check is what the shutter is made from. It is likely for pricing below $250 the productmay be MDF, PVC or some other composite shutter material.
A good indication of the quality of the shutter, is the warranty it offers.
Plantation shutters should last you a life time, so if anything less than a 10 year warranty is being offered, you should be asking some questions.
I mean, how would you feel if you spent all this money on shutters and then had to replace them after 4-6 years!
Buying the cheapest is not always the best deal.
On the other side of the price scale, paying more than $400 to $450 would really be excessive and overpriced.

Price or cost variation factors can be:

1. No of panels selected for each window.
2. The type of wood being used to make the shutter.  Basswood,poplar or composite
3. Type of frames used on the shutter.
4. The quantity of shutters you are buying.  You may be offered a better price for your plantation shutters if you are buying a larger quantity.
5. A unusual shape such as arch and oval window.
6. The experience of the installer job that takes many years to perfect.  A lot of companies cut their costs by using the cheap labor of inexperienced installers that can leave your plantation shutters looking in bad shape.
7. Having your shutters painted in a custom color to exactly match your own paint sample

So while your shutters initially appear to be one of the more expensive products to install on your windows, there are a few reasons why over time they are great value.

Quality Shutters are a Good Investment

1. Plantation shutters will last a life time, so you will never have to replace them.
2. Solid wood plantation shutters are amazing insulating product that will keep the heat out in summer and keep the heat in during winter, much better than any other blind or shade.
3. Because of this, real estate agents all agree that unlike blinds, plantation shutters actually add value to your home and increase the sale price.
4. After your plantation shutters are installed, you and your guests will be so impressed with the look and functionality of your plantation shutters that the price will soon be long forgotten.

So when shopping for the right shutter for your home be sure to look around from company to company and get a few estimates.  Most companies will come out free of charge and give you a written estimate.  You are know have the knowledge with all the information you need to go out and make an informed decision on buying your new plantation shutters in Wilmington, NC area 

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Having fun with wood blinds to woven wood shades

Blinds and plantation shutters are over overwhelming the most common window treatment options people choose for there home or office. There are so many different types of blinds that you can choose from – wood blinds , faux blinds, honeycomb shades, interior shutters. Wood blinds or shutters are great for a natural, earthy look. The attractiveness and soft glow of natural wood  makes any room just feel like you are home.

Wood blinds and wood shutters are also available in a wide variety of colors, from stain to a custom color to match your trim in your home.  Wood products will give you the most options when it comes to color range.  They offer different tints and in different grain choices as well. You have cordless feature and also the choice to add fabric tapes to your wood blind to make it really unique.

Woven wood blinds or "Bamboo Shades"

Woven wood blinds or some may call them bamboo shades are not like your regular wood blinds. Woven wood blinds are made from a wide range of natural fibers such as bamboo, grass and jute.  If you would like to bring the outdoors inside your home, woven wood shades are a good choice.  There are many different brands know that offer many different fabrics.  They will range from the very price conscious consumer with stock sizes to the very high end brands such as Conrad and Hunter Douglas which are custom made to fit your window.  With anything you buy you do get what you pay for.  So when looking for woven wood shades have fun and explore all your different options and fabrics. You will find woven wood shades are available in a wide range of colors and textures. Many options that you can add such as lining on the back for more light control in the room.  Also now available through B & W Window Fashions you have the choice of cordless.  So you no more have those annoying strings to pull the shade up and down.

So go and have fun exploring all the materials and options you have with woven wood shades. You are sure to find the one that is just right for your home.

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Roman Shade and Bamboo Shade Linings. Which is right?

Insulated roman shades are energy efficient window treatments that keep a room warm in the winter and the heat out in the summer. Roman shades can be stylish and elegant and can decorate any room in the house. You can really add some class to your room with roman shades.  Most companies will have fabrics to choose from and you can also use you own material to pull the room together. 

Light Filtering Shade Lining

 Light filtering roman shades are typically made with a semi heavy fabric that will cut out about half the light that will come through the roman shade. They offer protection as well as insulation properties. A light filtering lining on the shade will also keep your interior fabric from fading n the sun.

Blackout Shade Lining

  Roman shades that are lined with a heavy liner which blocks out all the light. Adding the blackout lining is great if you are one that likes to sleep late sometimes or work shifts and need it dark to sleep during the day.  You also gain a tremendous amount of insulating value when you add a blackout liner to your roman shades. You will also notice that the texture or pattern of fabric you are using is more visible during the day.

Bamboo or Woven Shades

In addition to the popular fabric roman window shades there are still common bamboo shades or woven wood  shades that can be made with many natural material from bamboo,jute and sea grass woven together. You can add edge binding to your bamboo shades which are usually not wider than two inches and come in very earthy colors that complement the bamboo. Woven wood shades can be lined with either blackout or light filtering lining.

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Deciding The Right Window Treatment Ideas & Help

Learn about the basics of window coverings (privacy, light control, function, and style). Then prioritize your needs for each window. Layer the treatments for the most versatility. For instance, put wood blinds next to the glass to control light and hang fabric panels for style and color.

BASICS OF WINDOW COVERINGS:

Part 1: Where Privacy is a requisite

Window treatments can baffle even experienced home decorators. Overwhelmed by a huge variety of choices in material, fabric, color, size, options, and hardware, where do you start?

You start with the basics: privacy, light control, function, and style. Paying attention to these four elements can give your project a sense of direction, and combining window treatments in intelligent ways can accomplish the necessary functional aspects as well as contribute to a room’s style.

Let’s take a look at each of the main factors in window covering choices and see which treatments can be most successful in each case. Privacy

Perhaps the only people who don’t need privacy in window treatments are those who have homes set back in the woods, far from prying eyes. For the rest of us, however, privacy can be a major issue.

If you have a bathroom window that looks directly into your neighbor’s hallway, you need privacy. When your dining room looks out on a busy sidewalk, street corner, or a community pool, you want privacy.

To get it you’ll need to choose window treatments that offer complete opaque covering. Here are some good choices for privacy:

* Pleated and honeycomb shades (in non-sheer materials) have full glass coverage for privacy. Many styles can be ordered with a “top down” feature, so a portion of the glass can be visible at the top of the window to let in light and have a view.
* Plantation shutters are one of the most popular window treatments on the market right now.  Plantation shutters can either be made from wood or composite material.  Composite shutters are mostly used today for the cost is slightly lower and the durability aspect.  However isf looking for a stained wood shutter because wood shutters will give you a much more finished look.
  * Fabric or Roller Shades generally offer complete window coverage. Most roller shades are made of vinyl or fabric that is usually opaque, while fabric shades (Roman shades) are lined and custom made to your exact window measurements.

* Curtains and Draperies, when closed, will also close off the view. Add linings that will add to the opacity and durability, and arrange the center overlap to eliminate open spots.

* Sheer curtains and draperies may afford a bit of daytime privacy, however at night most will turn practically transparent with indoor lighting. If you love sheers, but want privacy, then use shades underneath for privacy after dark.

*  Wood or faux wood blinds, and shutters will all provide a nearly private environment. Be aware, however, that with each of these there is a small possibility of seeing through the slats at certain angles. However there are new features with blinds where they do not have holes that can be seen through

* Honeycomb or cellular shades (in non-sheer fabrics) can add privacy and many have insulating benefits as well. Honeycomb shades are the most insulating products you can have in your windo.  I personally know that it gets very hot here in Wilmington NC area and honeycomb shades work great in my own home.  They also help those that might need extra insulating in the winter by also keeping the cold out of your home.

Part 2: Where Light Control is a requisite

Light Control

This factor has two elements. First, keeping glare down is necessary when someone is sleeping in the daytime or when watching TV or working at a desk near a bright window.

Second, UV rays from bright sunlight will adversely affect fabrics, furnishings, and artwork in your home. Full sun can quickly fade expensive upholstery and rugs, eventually causing some fibers to break down and rot.

Window coverings can be used successfully to control light. Consider these possibilities:

· Any of the opaque window treatments listed in the Privacy section above can also help with light control. However, since sunlight will eventually break down many fabrics, it can be helpful to use a non-fabric shade next to the glass, behind expensive draperies, valances, or fabric shades. For custom made draperies ask about special linings and fabric treatments that help reduce UV damage.

Light Control and Style

· Light blocking treatments can be installed for rooms that need to be fully darkened. Look for room darkening roller shades as well as light blocking linings for fabric shades and draperies.

· Metal or wood blinds can be tilted to keep direct sun out of your room, while still affording some view and light.

· Natural blinds such as bamboo shades or woven wood shades will filter the light and cut down on much of the glare, and can be ordered with an exterior privacy lining.

· Honeycomb shades in non-sheer fabrics will cut down on light and also have blackout fabrics as well.

· In areas of very strong sunlight, look into window tinting options where a film is attached directly to the glass. This will reduce UV rays and is available in several levels of tint.

Part 3: Where Function is a requisite

Function

Window coverings are practically useless without the element of function.

Consider your needs for window hardware, fit, wand options, placement, and safety considerations, both as you weigh your options and when you purchase.

There are window treatment solutions for almost any problem. Do you need cord controls on the left to avoid dangling near a baby crib? Will you require light blocking shades for a napping toddler? Are your windows so small that you’ll want to mount window treatments outside of the window frame?

Take a look at some of the problems and solutions in function for window treatments:

· To open or close, that is the question. Some treatments now are designed to be stationery. For draperies that open, however, choose appropriate hardware that opens and closes easily.

Function and Privacy

· Stationery treatments such as non-closing drapery side panels, cornices, and valances are installed to be permanently in place. Add under treatments of sheers, blinds, or shades to add function to these types of window decorations.

· Consider how (and if) you’ll need to operate blinds installed on very high windows.

· Long draperies can be a tempting plaything for pets and a hazard in a young child’s room as they learn to walk and grab anything in sight. It might be better to go with blinds or soft shades that stay up off the floor.

· Ask for the newer breakaway and safety window cord options when installing blinds in a home with children.

· Top down/Bottom up shades increase the possibilities for privacy and function, letting you control the height of your blinds from either direction.

· Transparent shades offer no privacy but will cut down on UV rays and glare. These are made from polyester and work like a regular roller shade.

· High end window treatments can be ordered with tech options that include light sensitive and remote control operation. Consult a window covering store or your interior decorator for more information.

Part 4: Where Style is a requisite

Style

Style is the fun part of window treatments. Here is where you can choose fabrics, colors, and styles that will add to the beauty and enjoyment of your room.

Add interest to windows by repeating fabrics and colors used in other parts of your room. Or, add a dash of style with contrasting borders, cording, or fringe.

The unique touches you add to your window treatments are a reflection of your personal style.

* Draperies have options in rod styles with tab tops, tie tops, many types of pleats, grommets, rod pockets (large or small), flouncy tops, or plain rings.

* Valances can be gathered, pleated, shirred, swagged, bundled, formal, casual, scalloped, lace, or flat.

*  Fabric Shades are found in flat Roman style, balloon, Austrian, bottom arched, pleated, and flat panels, in sheers or coordinating fabrics.

* Wood or faux wood blinds come in a variety of colors, finishes, slat sizes, and tape colors. Some are made without the typical cord holes in each slat for a cleaner look. Ask about choices for header designs and cord control options too.

* Honeycomb Shades, also called pleated and honeycomb shades, have a clean look and come in both sheer and non-sheer materials. Some styles have eliminated the cord hardware, some have loop controls, and most have some insulating qualities.

* Bamboo shades or woven wood shades are also called matchstick or bamboo blinds, but are materials available that have a natural fabric-like appearance. You’ll find options for valances, roll or fold up operation, edge binding, and privacy liners.

 * Plantation shutters are a great window treatment by them selves or with some stationary panels.  Usually people do not ad a topper to shutters being that they will interfere with the doors opening and closing.

Whatever your preference for window treatments, you’re sure to find many options to meet your home’s requirements for privacy, light control, function, and style.  If you are looking for any type of window treatments there are usually companies in your town that will do a free in home consultation to help you pick the right window treatment.

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Choosing the Right Window Treatment For A Wilmington NC Home

Choosing the Right Window Treatment For a Wilmington NC Home

When choosing window treatments solutions for the kitchen or bathroom there are some important factors to consider? The conditions in these rooms are slightly different than the rest of the house and although aesthetic appeal is important the window covering solution must also be durable and easy to maintain.

Composite plantation shutters or faux wood blinds have  been designed as the ideal solution for rooms that suffer from high moisture or humidity content such as kitchens or bathrooms. Faux wood blinds or shutters  blend with every design style from traditional to contemporary. They instantly transform the style of your home and complement any décor. The Composite and Wood Shutters or blinds are extremely resilient and the durable finish makes dents and scratches a rarity. Most custom plantation shutters or blinds have a lifetime guarantee against defects. The material, finish and manufacturing methods ensure they will look as perfect for many years as they do on the day you purchased them.

Built with energy conservation in mind.  Plantation shutters are proven to be up to 1600% more energy efficient than aluminum mini-blinds and have an R-Value of 4.63. When shopping for your shutters make sure they make the shutters with a astragal. A astragal on plantation shutters is a flap where the shutter doors come together on each stile (vertical sections of shutter) to help block out more temperature and light than any other louvered window treatment, and a finish that is UV coated for ultimate protection against the elements.

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Information When Buying Shutters in Wilmington NC

When you start looking for new plantation shutters for your home you have many options to consider.  I have had shutters in all my homes and just recently went through the process of purchasing shutters for our new home. Shutters are an investment in your home and I hope this information helps you.

Wood Shutters

Having your shutter made from wood is the one of the first choice you may think of when looking for shutters.  Although there are much new material that are available now each with its benefits and drawbacks wood is a great choice and gives you the most design options. Most wood plantation shutters today are made from a North American hardwood.  Wood shutters allow you to paint or stain them to any color you would like.  Wood shutters also are a very good choice when needing to cut out heat coming in the window. Wood is one of your best insulating materials for your window treatments. Wood shutters are available in a variety of finishes to complement your decor. You have a louver or slat sizes range from 1" to 5" wide. Typically you see a smaller slat in a traditional setting and larger slat take well with a coastal or modern decorating style. Wood shutter panels can be made wider than any of the other material available.  You can make wood shutters up to 42" wide. Wide panels go great with big windows and smaller slats take well to a smaller window. Wood shutters are able to fit just about any shape window from arch windows to sliding doors.  Motorization is available only with wood shutters.  If you choose to go with the motorization option on your shutters I would strongly suggest the solar power option.  The shutter has a small solar panel on the back that you can’t see form inside and constantly keeps battery charged.  No need to ever change the batteries every year or so.  When I shopped for my last shutter I was amazed at the finish that was offered from different companies.  It basically comes down to how many coats of paint they use and is it baked on finish. I looked at some wood shutters when shopping that the finish was horrible.  I would recommend staying away from national chains or franchise blind company’s because I found they all had poor quality and they were very expensive.  I would suggest asking some of your neighbors that might have shutters in there home and always give 2-3 estimates from different companies.  You can speed up the shopping process by simply calling around to different companies in town and ask how much does there shutters run a square foot.  When calling around you will find big difference is cost.  Most of the time a quality wood shutter in this area will cost anywhere from $24-$36 a square foot

Composite or Faux Wood Shutters

Composite material or as some may call it faux wood is the most popular material on the market now for having shutters made.  Over the last few years they have really perfected the composite material to look very close to wood.  There are a lot of advantages to using a composite material when having your shutters made. A big plus is the ability to wipe down or dust of the shutter easily.  The composite material is non porous material so it can be wiped off with a damp rag so dirt and dust can come right off.  It also is great for areas such as bathrooms and kitchen windows over sinks.  I have had some of my wood shutters that didn’t hold up that well on rooms or areas where humidity and moisture was a factor.  The finish on most composite shutters has a UV inhibitor in them so that they will not fade in the sun over time.  That would be one thing I would discuss with the salesperson when you are shopping for your shutters.  What does the warranty on this shutter cover and does it cover them discoloring or fading over time?  One thing you will find is that the composite shutters weigh twice as much as wood shutters.  I know it’s opposite of what you would think but composite shutters are very heavy.  So the shutter panels can only be made up to a maximum of 30” wide per panel.  If you want to go with a wide shutter panel look wood shutters might be a better choice depending on your window sizes.  Composite is a pre finished product so it cannot be painted.  I found there is a good amount of color choices available in the whites and off whites.  But very limited in a stain colors and they were not very realistic either.  Composite shutters typically cost less than wood shutters.  When shopping around you will find prices vary from store to store.  But you should expect to pay around $20 to $27 a square foot for a composite shutter.

Well I hope this information helps you when going out to shop for new plantation shutters for your home.  There are many places here in south eastern North Carolina and the Wilmington area that you can look for shutters. Shutters are an investment in your home so I would just suggest for you to do your research and get multiple quotes to see what the different stores offer. You will find some stores are much higher and some that are much lower priced out there.  Make sure you see a sample before you buy and don’t just assume that all shutters are the same. That way you know you made a good choice.