A Classical Greek Tradition
Many sources point to shutters originating in Ancient Greece. Unlike the plantation shutters of today, these shades were made from fixed slats of marble, and due to the expense, were likely reserved for Greek elites. Due to their marble construction, they didn’t enjoy as much functionality as wooden shutters, which were later created as an affordable alternative. Interestingly enough, fixed louvered shutters similar in functionality to the original marble shutters remain popular in Greek architecture to this day!
Introduction To Europe
Later in history, the affordable wooden shutters were introduced to Europe, and the elegance one typically associates with plantation shutters began to be introduced to the design of shutters. Louvered shutters in particular became popularized by French royalty — in fact, the term ‘louvered’ shutters may have been derived from the royal Louvre palace, which is now a famous art museum. Additionally, the adjustable horizontal slats of shutters were introduced by French designers as European designers explored ways to make shutters more functional.
Where The Name ‘Plantation’ Shutters Come From
Eventually, shortly after the time of the colonization of America, shutters began to catch on in the States, particularly in the South. The climate of the southern United States has long been humid, hot, and muggy, and shutters became a very popular addition to plantation homes, thus where the term plantation shutters comes from. Plantation shutters provided homeowners much-needed ventilation, as well as protection from mosquitoes and other pests. Before the arrival of modern medicine, malaria was a huge health concern in the region, so the added layer of safety plantation shutters offered was very beneficial! This is why large windows with plantation shutters remain a staple of Southern home design to this day.
Get Custom Plantation Shutters For Your Home
Plantation shutters have evolved greatly since their original creation in Ancient Greece, but they have remained a symbol of both elegance and practicality throughout history. No matter whether it be Greeks, Europeans, or Americans, plantation shutters have proven themselves again and again to be the perfect marriage of form and function, the best window treatment in terms of both style and practical value.
If you’d like to enjoy the timeless benefits of plantation shutters in your Los Angeles home, connect with Shutters And More today! Visit our Los Angeles showroom or check out our Gallery page for examples of our tasteful design work.
