Top Plantation Shutter Trends of 2023: What’s In and What’s Out

May 10, 2023
By Darren Davison

Plantation shutters are a popular window covering option in Australia, providing a stylish and practical way to control light and temperature. As with any home decor, plantation shutter trends come and go.

Get ready to revamp your window game because we’re spilling the tea on the top plantation shutter trends of 2023 in Australia. It’s time to ditch the outdated styles and embrace the freshest and most practical options for your home. From simple and chic designs to eco-friendly materials, we’ve got all the inside scoop on what’s in and what’s out. Let’s get started!

Design

Simplicity and minimalism are popular design trends in Australian plantation shutters, with clean lines and sleek finishes leading the way. Bi-fold shutters that can be opened to let in light and air are also becoming increasingly popular, providing a versatile option for indoor-outdoor living.

Simple designs are more timeless and versatile. They can blend in with a wide range of interior styles and decor, so they don’t become outdated as quickly. Ornate designs require more maintenance, so many consider simplicity more practical and easier to clean regularly.

Simple designs can highlight the natural beauty of the materials used if you are going for wooden plantation shutters, where the focus is on the texture and grain of the material. Minimalism often means serenity too, while it's very easy to go awry with ornate designs and have a feeling of clutter when you look at a window.

Materials

Natural materials like hardwood and bamboo remain popular choices for plantation shutters in Australia, offering an eco-friendly and timeless look. However, more modern materials like aluminium are also gaining popularity for their durability and easy maintenance, especially in areas with high humidity and temperature fluctuations where vinyl fails to produce.

In a global push away from non-renewable fossil fuels and production processes contributing to greenhouse gas emissions, it was only to be expected vinyl popularity would stagnate. While it doesn’t seem it’s going anywhere, sustainable and eco-friendly materials took over as an increasingly popular option, and we expect to see more of the same.

Wood can provide a natural and organic touch to your window coverings. At the same time, so-called 'green metals' like aluminium have the same ground of sustainability to build on. Both can be painted to offer a warm and welcoming atmosphere, and vinyl does not provide that kind of adaptability.

Colours

While classic white shutters are still popular, there is a growing trend towards darker colours like black and navy for a more contemporary look. For those looking to add contrast and a colour pop, bold shades like red and blue can create a statement look in the home still might work, though.

With a turn toward modern and minimalist design aesthetics, where neutral and monochromatic colour schemes are common, darker colours create a more sophisticated look. They do better in blocking out light and are more versatile because you can mix and match almost anything around them.

If you have toddlers and pets, darker colour plantation shutters are also much easier to maintain. Dirt, dust, and regular wear and tear that parents are bound to see more of are less visible. While it's more of a matter of style and preference, it's also evident that darker colours suit modern homes slightly better.

Functionality

Safety and functionality are key concerns for Australian homeowners, with plantation shutters now offering a safe and secure window treatment option. Child-safe designs with no cords or chains are becoming more popular, as well as shutters with built-in insulation to provide energy efficiency benefits.

We’re thus seeing a further drive away from purely decorative plantation shutters, which offer no functional benefits like light control and insulation. This is because they are often even costlier than fully functional shutters, while regular maintenance remains the same.

Decorative plantation shutters are now mainly used with specific architectural styles and historic homes. Otherwise, many people go for functional shutters with the abovementioned benefits and added curb appeal as a much more well-rounded package nowadays.

Automation

As technology advances, more homeowners are turning to automation for their plantation shutters. Motorised shutters that can be controlled with a remote or smartphone app offer convenience and ease of use while also providing additional safety features.

This means no cords or strings that can pose a choking hazard, so many parents and pet owners like this option more. On the other hand, motorised shutters add to aesthetics together with improved convenience and ease of use that having remote controls surely means.

Lastly, motorised shutters can be programmed. This can significantly boost your energy efficiency if you want to let natural light and heat in at times while keeping your insulation to a maximum at other times. If you are away from home, automated shutters can also give the impression someone's at home and deter potential intruders.

Final Thoughts

So, there you have it – the top plantation shutter trends in Australia right now. Whether you’re looking for a stylish and practical way to control light and privacy in your home or want to give your windows a makeover, these trends will surely give you all the inspiration you need to take your window game to the next level.

The top shutter trends focus on simplicity, sustainable materials, darker colours, safety, and ultimately functionality. By keeping these trends in mind, you can create stylish and practical window treatments that will suit your taste and improve your home’s curb appeal.