Plantation Shutters Vs. Roman Shades: Which Is Right For You?

If you’re looking to upgrade your window treatments, you may be debating between plantation shutters and Roman shades. Both can transform the look and feel of a room, but they have some key differences.

Here’s an in-depth look at the pros and cons of plantation shutters and Roman shades to help you decide which is the better option for your home.

A Brief Comparison Table

Feature	Plantation Shutters	Roman Shades
Cost	$75-$100 per sq. ft. (expensive)	$25-$50 per sq. ft. (affordable)
Installation	Professional installation required	DIY installation possible
Aesthetics	Clean, modern, elegant	Softer, casual, relaxed
Light Control	Adjustable with louvers	Up or down only
Noise Reduction	Excellent when louvers closed	Good when fully lowered
Privacy	Adjustable; full when louvers shut	Full when lowered completely
Durability	Very durable; lasts decades	Less durable; shows wear faster
Safety	Potential child safety issue with louvers	Cordless options eliminate strangulation risk
Window Suitability	Not ideal for unusual windows	Best on wider, more rectangular windows

What are Plantation Shutters?

Plantation shutters are window coverings made from large louvered panels that can be angled open and closed.

The louvers are usually made from wood, vinyl, or composite materials.

Plantation shutters originated in the West Indies and were used extensively in the southern United States before air conditioning became common.

The angled louvers allowed owners to control light and airflow into their homes.

Today, plantation shutters are a popular window treatment choice for both practical and aesthetic reasons. Their modern style and customizable nature make them a versatile design element in any room.

Pros of Plantation Shutters

• Adjustable privacy and light control – The louvers can be adjusted to let in more or less outside light. Fully closing the louvers provides complete privacy.
• Insulation – Shutters add an extra layer of insulation, helping keep homes warmer in winter and cooler in summer.
• Noise reduction – Closed shutters can dampen outside noise by up to 25 decibels.
• Safety and security – Shutters are a deterrent and physical barrier for potential intruders.
• Customizable – Shutters come in a wide variety of colors and materials and can be made to fit any window size.
• Enhanced aesthetics – Shutters have an elegant, clean-lined look that complements many design styles.

Cons of Plantation Shutters

• Expensive – Because they are custom-made, plantation shutters are one of the pricier window treatment options. Costs range from $25-$100 per square foot.
• Not suitable for all windows – Shutters don’t work well on curved windows or windows close to the floor or ceiling.
• Limited insulation – Shutters provide some insulation, but aren’t as effective as insulating window treatments like cellular shades.
• Potential repairs – Shutters may need occasional maintenance if louvers or hardware become loose or damaged.
• Difficult to install – Installing shutters requires precision and is often best left to professionals, especially for homes with non-standard window sizes.
• Can look dated if poorly designed – Low-quality or outdated-looking shutters could detract from your home’s appearance.

What Are Roman Shades?

Roman shades are a classic window treatment that consists of a single sheet of fabric that lifts up into soft folds when opened. The back of the fabric features horizontally sewn ribs that help create the draped look.

Roman shades have been used for centuries and remain popular today due to their simple elegance and practical functionality. They work with many design aesthetics from traditional to contemporary.

Pros of Roman Shades

• Soft, elegant look – The gently draped fabric lends a soft and welcoming feel to a room.
• Light filtering – Roman shades diffuse and filter incoming light. Privacy liners can be added to block more light.
• Insulation – Roman shades provide insulation against heat/cold when closed. Some insulated Roman shade models have an R-value up to 7.
• Noise reduction – Similar to shutters, Roman shades absorb sounds from outside.
• Easy to raise and lower – Roman shades lift up smoothly and evenly with a cord, wand or motor.
• Child/pet safety – No exposed cords when using motorized Roman shades.
• Affordable – Roman shades cost less per square foot than many other window treatments.
• Easy installation – Roman shades come ready-to-install and easily mount inside or outside the window frame.
• Design flexibility – Choose from countless fabrics, patterns and colors to match any room.

Cons of Roman Shades

• Less adjustable privacy – Unlike shutters, Roman shades cannot be adjusted for variable light control. They are either fully up or fully down.
• Vulnerable to damage – Roman shades are made from fabric and are prone to stains, tears and wear-and-tear over time.
• Not suitable for all windows – Shades look best on wider, more rectangular windows. They may pucker on unusually narrow windows.
• Can sag over time – If the ribs are too far apart, the fabric may begin to sag. Higher quality shades have ribs closely spaced to avoid this.
• Cord hazards – Roman shades with pull cords can be a strangulation risk for kids and pets if installed incorrectly.
• Block views when closed – With shades down, you lose your outdoor view.
• Let in light around edges – Gaps can appear on the sides if shades aren’t wide enough for your windows.

Key Differences Between Shutters and Shades

Now that we’ve covered the pros and cons of each option, let’s recap the main differences between plantation shutters and Roman shades:

• Privacy control – Shutters offer adjustable light control, shades are either fully up or down.
• Aesthetics – Shutters have a clean, modern look; shades are softer and more casual.
• Installation – Shutters require professional installation; shades can easily be DIY installed.
• Durability – Shutters are very durable and long-lasting; shades are prone to damage over time.
• Cost – Shutters are a major investment; shades are relatively affordable.
• Noise reduction – Both provide good noise dampening when closed.
• Window suitability – Shutters aren’t ideal for unusual windows; shades work best on wider windows.
• Child/pet safety – No cords with motorized shades; potential cord hazards with manual shades.

Which is Better – Shutters or Shades?

Whether you choose shutters or shades depends on several factors:

• Design scheme – Do you want an elegant, contemporary look (shutters) or a softer, more casual aesthetic (shades)?
• Window type – Consider the shape and unusual aspects of your windows before choosing.
• Privacy needs – If adjustable light control is important, shutters are the better choice.
• Budget – Shutters are a major investment; roman shades are the more wallet-friendly option.
• Durability – Shutters will maintain their good looks for decades; shades show wear sooner.
• Noise reduction – Both effectively absorb sounds when closed.

There is no definitive “better” option. Each has advantages that make it ideal for certain homes.

Assess your needs, home style, and budget to decide which is right for you.

Many homeowners opt to install shutters in bedrooms for privacy and noise reduction and use Roman shades in living areas for their warmth and elegant look. Mixing window treatments throughout the home is an attractive, functional option.

When Not to Use Plantation Shutters?

While plantation shutters have many benefits, they aren’t the best choice in every situation. Avoid plantation shutters:

• If you have an unlimited budget – Vinyl or composite shutters can be cost-effective, but real wood shutters are very expensive.
• For awkward windows – Odd shapes, rounded tops, and unusual heights or widths make custom shutters either impossible or very costly.
• In homes with a casual style – Formal, clean-lined shutters may look out of place in a laid-back cottage or eclectic home.
• If window access is important – Shutters make windows harder to access since they cover the full pane.
• Where child safety is a concern – Little fingers can get caught in shutter louvers when open. Cordless Roman shades are safer.
• For maximum light control – Shutters have gaps between louvers even when closed. Blackout shades or curtains give complete light blockage.
• In rental properties – Installing permanent shutters in a rental you don’t own could be an unwise investment.

Consider your needs, style and budget carefully before pursuing plantation shutters. Roman shades are a versatile, affordable alternative.

FAQs About Shutters and Shades

Still trying to decide between plantation shutters vs Roman shades? Here are answers to some frequently asked questions:

Final Thoughts

Hopefully this overview has helped clarify the pros, cons, differences, costs and ideal uses for plantation shutters vs Roman shades.

Though initial investment is higher, many homeowners consider plantation shutters a worthwhile long-term investment that pays off in enhanced privacy, security, insulation and aesthetics.

For those on a budget, Roman shades provide beautiful softness and graceful functionality at a fraction of the cost of shutters.

Carefully assess your needs and home style before deciding which option is right for you. And remember, you can always mix treatments – shutters in bedrooms for privacy and noise control, roman shades in living areas to allow outdoor views.

With some thoughtful planning, you can take advantage of the best features of both shutters and shades.