Plantation Shutters Room by Room: Bedrooms, Bathrooms and More

Plantation shutters are one of the few window coverings that look at home in almost every room. What changes from room to room is how you use them, which material makes sense and how they are fitted. This guide walks through a typical Lake Macquarie home, room by room, so you can plan your plantation shutters with confidence.

Are plantation shutters good for bedrooms?

Yes. Bedrooms are one of the most popular rooms for shutters. Close the louvres fully and the room goes dim, tilt them and you get soft morning light without anyone seeing in. Shutters also help insulate the window, which helps on hot summer nights and cold winter mornings.

Shutters will not make a room completely dark, because a little light can pass between the louvres and around the frame. If you need true blackout for shift work or a light sleeper, a snug frame and closed louvres get you close, and some homes add a blockout blind or curtain behind. We talk through the options for each bedroom at the measure.

Can you put plantation shutters in a bathroom?

You can, but material matters. Bathrooms, ensuites and laundries deal with steam, splashes and condensation every day. Timber can swell or mark in these rooms over time, so moisture resistant materials are the safer choice.

Aluminium shutters are ideal for wet areas because the frame and louvres cope with water and are easy to wipe clean. PVC style shutters are another moisture resistant option often used in bathrooms. We recommend the right material based on the room's ventilation and how close the window is to the shower or bath.

• Choose a moisture resistant material for showers, baths and laundries.
• Tilt the louvres upward for privacy while still letting steam out.
• Wipe the louvres down regularly to prevent build up.

What works best in living areas?

Living rooms and family rooms usually have the biggest windows and the most sun, so the aim is control rather than darkness. Wider louvres give a more open view and a modern look, while tilting them cuts glare on the TV without shutting out the light.

For sliding doors and wide openings, shutters can be made as sliding or bi-fold panels on tracks, so you can open the doors without panels getting in the way. We installed plantation shutters in a Belmont living room that let the family manage the light through the whole day, and you can see more real installs on our projects page.

Do hallway windows need shutters?

Hallways, entries and stairwells often have narrow side lights, small high windows or glass beside the front door. Shutters work well here because they give privacy at the front entry and a neat, consistent look from the street. A single hinged panel or a fixed louvre panel is often all these windows need.

Matching the hallway shutters to the rest of the house gives the home a finished, cohesive look from the outside.

Are plantation shutters good privacy shutters for street facing windows?

They are one of the best options. With the louvres tilted, you can see out to the street while people walking past cannot easily see in. That makes shutters ideal for front bedrooms, lounge rooms and home offices close to the footpath. Unlike a sheer curtain, the privacy holds up at night with the lights on, as long as the louvres are angled correctly.

Should you choose shutters or curtains?

Some people search for curtain shutters when they are deciding between the two. Shutters give sharper light control, easy cleaning and a clean architectural look. Curtains give a softer feel and can go fully dark with a blockout lining. Many homes use shutters in living areas and street facing rooms, and curtains in bedrooms where softness matters more. You can compare all our options on the shutters page.

How do you plan shutters for the whole house?

• List each room and what you want most there: darkness, privacy, glare control or moisture resistance.
• Note any wet areas, sliding doors and odd shaped windows.
• Decide whether you want the same colour and louvre size throughout for a consistent look.

CBI Blinds is family and veteran owned and fully mobile, so we bring shutter samples to your home, check every window and recommend the right material and panel style for each room, with a fixed written quote.

We are based in Warners Bay and install plantation shutters right around Lake Macquarie, as well as Newcastle, Maitland and the Hunter, and Port Stephens.

Planning shutters for your home? Book a free in-home measure and quote or call 0406 755 878.