The most important distinction between traditional shutters and plantation shutters is the size of the louvers. Louvers are slats that can be adjusted to control both the amount of airflow and natural light. Traditional shutters typically have smaller louvers, around 1 1/4 inches. Plantation shutters typically have larger louvers, ranging from 2 1/2 inches to 4 1/2 inches.

Plantation shutters were originally designed with larger louvers to cover the large windows and doors of plantations in the southern United States. They allowed both better ventilation and natural light control in a hot and humid climate. Today, the larger louvers are a defining characteristic of plantation shutters, which provide a better view and a more modern look.

The materials used to craft traditional shutters and plantation shutters may also differ. While traditional shutters may be made out of faux wood or composite, the best material for plantation shutters is real hardwood. That's why at LMR Custom Shutters, our plantation shutters are made from the finest basswood to ensure quality, function, and beauty.

Want to learn more about plantation shutters?

• What are plantation shutters?
• Plantation shutter maintenance
• How plantation shutters add value