Timber and Aluminium Plantation Shutters Melbourne

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Upscale your windows furnishings with plantation shutters

Plantation shutters are sought-after window furnishings, as their elegant, timeless look and feel complement traditional and modern interiors. Custom plantation shutters are versatile and can be installed in every area of your home, from the kitchen and home office to the bathroom and the living room. SOM Blinds offers a selection of award-winning plantation shutters from Norman Australia which are expertly made to measure and can be motorised and automated for extra convenience. We supply durable and stylish sustainably sourced timber and aluminium plantation shutters in Melbourne, for both residential and commercial properties.

Timber vs wood plantation shutters: Is there a difference?

SOM Blinds supplies plantation shutters in aluminium or timber. In Australia, ‘timber’ and ‘wood’ refer to the same product, and the terms are often used interchangeably. Norman Australia supplies our timber shutters made from sustainably sourced timber, including the popular Woodlore and Normandy ranges. They are light in weight, high quality and durable, thanks to the protective coating that shields them against rot and damage.

Aluminium plantation shutters for Melbourne properties

Our aluminium shutters are also extremely lightweight, but they are robust and can successfully withstand UV light, making them an ideal shading solution. Generally used outside, they are stylish and contemporary, yet lightweight and can be motorised and automated for easy operation. We especially recommend aluminium plantation shutters for enclosing your outdoor entertainment areas. External aluminium shutters are custom-made to match the requirements of your property and can last you a lifetime! Aluminium shutters are non-corrosive and are available in different colours to coordinate with your facade. Many aluminium shutters are powder-coated, which increases their durability and adds a protective barrier to prevent anything from compromising the surface of your shutters.

Why choose timber plantation shutters for your property?

Durable elegance

What’s not to love about plantation shutters—they look fabulous whether you are renovating a period property or building a new home from scratch. We have an extensive range of internal and external plantation shutter styles and options to choose from.

If you would like to use plantation shutters on hard-to-reach windows, we can motorise and automate their operation, which makes opening and closing them as simple as picking up your phone. Our supplier, Norman Australia, has some award-winning motorised shutter options that we can show you.

Window shutters made from timber are our preferred option for good reason—they are light in weight yet strong and durable, meaning blinds with a greater width will not sag. Made in various colours, they look elegant and are great insulators.

Custom made to size

SOM Blinds supplies timber plantation or louvre shutters in various timber types and finishes, depending on how each room is used. Timber plantation shutters can be custom-made to suit any window shape and size. Plantation shutter blades are available in varying widths and sizes and can be colour-matched to your interior paintwork.

Our experienced team can expertly measure and create manufacturing templates for arched or angled windows. We always measure your windows perfectly to ensure the precision installation of your shutters. Our supplier, Norman Australia, will then shape the blades of shutters and frames to match your window shape, avoiding the odd-stepped profile you sometimes see on shaped shutters.

Make sure you discuss how your shutters will be mounted onto your windows before choosing your shutter supplier. Many suppliers mount a frame over your existing window and architrave, as this is the quickest and easiest install option. While this installation method is sometimes necessary, it does not always provide the most aesthetic result. Our skilled installers know how to mount shutters without using frames on most windows.

Reputable suppliers and manufacturers

SOM Blinds only works with reliable and high-quality suppliers, so we choose to partner with Norman Australia as our preferred supplier of plantation shutters. With almost 50 years of experience in manufacturing custom-made window furnishings, Norman stocks an impressive range of innovative shutter styles, designs, textures and colours for your windows and doors, all of which can be motorised and automated for your convenience.

All Norman products have a 5-year warranty, and their custom-made timber plantation shutters come with the only ‘NQA Warranty’ offered on the market. This program even covers life’s little mishaps—if you somehow break one of your Norman shutters, Norman offers you a one-time repair or replacement for free with no questions asked! Norman timber plantation shutters are also free from soluble heavy metals and lead, and meet international and European standards for releasing harmful chemicals. Norman’s shutters are beautifully designed and sustainably manufactured for unmatched quality and ultimate peace of mind.

Woodlore shutters from Norman

Norman’s most popular shutters are from their Woodlore range, made from eco-friendly engineered wood composite (EWC) for the best finish, durability and water resistance. EWC is more stable than solid wood shutters, as it is free from wood’s naturally occurring imperfections and has a higher resistance to heat damage. The slats are coated with a UV inhibitor that also resists fading from the intense Australian sun. Make your choice from nine contemporary white and earthy shades to add an elegant touch to your interior.

Normandy shutters from Norman

Normandy is a 100% premium hardwood Norman shutter. You can create a unique finish for your home or office, as shutters are available in up to 51 solid colours, multiple timber stain choices and custom colour options. Normandy has wider panel options for more open views and offers a range of special shapes. The sophisticated look of these shutters has a one-of-a-kind natural beauty. They are made from phoenixwood, with a natural grain that adds depth and character to your shutters. Norman plantation shutters made from phoenixwood have one of the highest strength-to-weight ratios of any shutter, making Normandy the ultimate exclusive choice.

Norman-trained technicians

Our Norman-trained technicians always discuss exactly how your timber plantation shutters will be mounted into your window frames. This is especially important if your windows aren’t perfectly square or have decorative architraves, window latches or locks that could affect how they need to be mounted. Many companies only offer shutters with an additional frame surrounding them, making installation much easier and quicker for the installer, especially in older homes. We agree that these are the better option for some windows—but not always. If you have beautiful, decorative, period architraves that you would still like to be able to see, make sure you discuss mounting options when comparing quotes from different suppliers.

SOM Blinds provides you with a solution that matches your requirements instead of simply recommending the quickest and easiest option for us to manufacture or install. Where possible, we prefer—and have the skills—to mount your shutters the traditional way, which is directly hinged within your existing window frames. Discuss how your screens will be mounted with our designers, who can show you exactly what that means.

What to consider when choosing your plantation shutters

Plantation shutters are a beautiful, functional addition to your home. Think about these factors when choosing this type of window treatment:

Privacy and light control

Plantation shutters provide a high level of privacy from the outside while allowing in light. You can also regulate the distribution of light in a way that blinds and curtains simply cannot. By rotating your shutter blades, you can easily control the amount of light and privacy you want during the day, while reducing glare on your TV and computer screens. Your plantation shutters can also be motorised and automated, making them a versatile choice for controlling visibility and illumination to create the perfect ambience.

Optimal views

If you have a large garden or yard you want to admire throughout the day, shutters can maximise the view by allowing you to control the amount of visible outdoor space. Split blades give you the best of both worlds, allowing you to open the top blades for light and visibility while keeping the lower blades closed for added privacy.

Customisable aesthetic

Choose from different blade widths, operating styles (with or without a tilt bar), and panel configurations to suit your preferences. One of the most outstanding features of plantation shutters is their ability to suit both modern and traditionally decorated interiors. They can be made in a variety of designs and colours to match the aesthetic of your home, whether it’s modern, minimalist or period-style.

Smooth operation

Shutters are easy to operate, especially when motorised and automated. To ensure proper functionality, avoid placing fixtures near the shutters that could interfere with their opening and closing. These may include locks, handles, joinery, benches, taps or fly screens.

Suitable materials

When considering shutters that are suitable for Melbourne’s weather, we find that PVC is less effective than other materials. In Australia, where temperatures can become extremely hot, PVC does not perform as well. Large panels with PVC components may be risky because they can change form, shrink, expand, bow or twist due to heat. This distortion can affect both the appearance and the functionality of PVC shutters. Weather aside, other reasons why we avoid PVC shutters are addressed by Norman on their website.

Installation

Some companies only offer shutters installed with a frame, which may unnecessarily conceal your decorative architraves. At SOM Blinds, our installers are trained to measure and install shutters expertly in the most appropriate way to suit your windows, not our schedule.

Advantages of plantation shutters for your Melbourne property

Durability

Plantation shutters are manufactured using robust materials for durability. Timber window shutters are solid and hard-wearing. They can retain heat inside your home to help keep it warmer during cold weather. Aluminium window shutters are lightweight but also long-lasting and retain their strength.

Easy maintenance

Opting for plantation shutters means you don’t need to spend much time, energy or money on maintenance. Unlike curtains and Roman blinds, which require some effort and careful handling when cleaning, window shutters only need to be wiped down with a damp cloth. In fact, plantation shutters are sturdy enough to be gently vacuumed with a brush attachment.

Motorisation

The only thing better than a plantation shutter is a motorised plantation shutter! Much like all our motorised blinds in Melbourne, automating your shutters gives ease and comfort to your everyday living. This is especially useful for hard-to-reach windows and for people who find it difficult to open and close their shutters manually. Operate your plantation shutters while away on holiday or at work via remote control or through your mobile device.

Safe and secure

Window furnishings with cords or other loose accessories pose a risk to young children and pets. Plantation shutters work with levers attached to the shutters, meaning there are no cords or accessories to worry about—great news for parents and pet owners. Norman is an active participant in the WCMA ‘Best for Kids’ certification program and shutters in their range that are marked as ‘Best for Kids’ are certified to have been rigorously tested and are safe.

Temperature control

Window shutters are great at conserving energy cost-effectively, as they can insulate against the heat during the summer and the cold in the winter.

Peaceful atmosphere

Whether you’re at home or in the office, silence is precious. Window shutters, especially timber ones, act as a natural sound barrier to instantly make your space quieter. Work in peace without noisy interruptions, live in a more peaceful home and, quite possibly, enjoy a more peaceful sleep as well.

Frequently asked questions about plantation shutters

How long do plantation shutters last?

Plantation shutters are known for their durability and minimal maintenance requirements. They can last anywhere from 15 to 30 years. Additionally, our shutters are designed to withstand Melbourne’s UV levels and are protected against sun damage for longer-lasting wear.

Can plantation shutters block out light?

While effective for reducing light, they don’t completely block it out. Some light may seep through the edges of the frame and between the louvres. However, shutters with a frame can include an optional L-shaped edge to help minimise light leakage. Alternatively, combining a honeycomb cellular blind into your shutter frame will provide almost 100% light block, perfect for east-facing bedrooms. Speak to us about what you would like, and we’ll advise you on the best type of window treatment to match your preferences.

Do plantation shutters provide insulation?

Yes, they provide great insulation. Plantation shutters act as a thermal barrier that helps reduce heat loss through your windows. When closed, the louvres provide an extra layer between the window and your home’s interior, keeping out heat and maintaining a comfortable indoor temperature. When combined with honeycomb blinds, the shutters will provide even more insulation.

Premium plantation shutters in Melbourne

With over 21 years of experience, SOM Blinds are experts in providing complete window furnishing solutions. We work with leading suppliers such as Norman Australia to offer an extensive range of high-quality plantation shutters that meet our high standards of quality, performance, sustainability and elegance.

Let’s discuss your plantation shutter requirements and the plans for your home improvement project or new build. We collaborate with homeowners, builders, architects and interior designers to give our clients the best plantation shutter solutions for their Melbourne homes. Book an appointment to visit our showroom in Burwood to see our wide range of window shutters in action. Here, you can see the best options for your home in person. Alternatively, we can come to your home or office with examples that best suit your project.

Call us or contact us online for a complimentary quote. We service Melbourne’s inner suburbs and the Mornington Peninsula by special appointment. From Port Melbourne to Brighton, Sandringham, Caulfield, Glen Iris, Malvern, Camberwell, Kew and Glen Waverley—we offer premium window furnishings for distinguished Melbourne properties.