Can You Put Plantation Shutters on French Doors? Your Ultimate Guide to a Stylish Home Upgrade

You’ve just wrapped up the final touches on your home renovation project, and you’re admiring your beautiful new French doors.

The sunlight delicately pours into your living space, casting shadows from the tree branches swaying outside. While the view is breathtaking, you can’t help but wonder: Can I put plantation shutters on my French doors? Is it even possible?

As a fellow home improvement enthusiast who’s been in your shoes, I’m happy to share that it is possible and a stunning and functional way to enhance your living space.

In today’s post, we’ll dive deep into the world of plantation shutters on French doors. We’ll discuss practicality, installation, design advantages, and so much more. Let’s begin!

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Demystifying Plantation Shutters on French Doors – What You Need to Know

 

Putting plantation shutters on French doors may seem like a complex task or even an impossible feat, but fear not!

By exploring these two elements’ unique features and compatibility, you’ll quickly realize that pairing them together is a stylish and functional choice.

Quick Definitions: What are Plantation Shutters? What are French Doors?

 

First, let’s start with a quick refresher on plantation shutters and French doors.

Plantation Shutters: These are interior window coverings characterized by their wide, adjustable louvres (slats). They are popular with many homeowners due to their elegant look, privacy control, and energy efficiency.

French Doors: French doors are double doors that feature individual panels of glass (called lites) separated by wooden or metal mullions. They often open outward and create a sense of elegance and sophistication, making them a popular choice for connecting indoor living spaces and outdoor patios.

 

The Benefits of Plantation Shutters on French Doors

 

Combining these two superb home improvement features doesn’t just result in an aesthetically pleasing look. It also offers a multitude of advantages that cater to your needs and lifestyle preferences. Here are some of the top benefits of installing plantation shutters on French doors:

 

Improved Privacy

 

While French doors provide a sense of openness and connection to the outdoors, they can leave you feeling a bit exposed. Plantation shutters allow you to easily control the level of privacy, offering you and your family the desired seclusion without compromising on style.

 

Enhanced Energy Efficiency

 

As many eco-conscious homeowners know, energy efficiency is crucial for reducing energy bills and minimizing your carbon footprint. Plantation shutters act as an additional layer of insulation, helping keep your home cool during hot summer months and warm during chilly winters. This energy-saving feature alleviates the pressure on your HVAC system.

 

Customizable Light Control

 

Does the afternoon sun turn your living room into a sauna? Or perhaps you’re looking for a way to ease your mornings with gentle daylight filtering. With adjustable louvres on plantation shutters, you have full control over the amount of sunlight entering your space. This feature is especially beneficial for rooms with electronics or artwork, as it reduces glare and protects against UV damage.

 

Timeless Style

 

When it comes to home design, few things are more disappointing than a trendy feature that quickly becomes outdated. Plantation shutters paired with French doors exude a classic elegance that seamlessly complements various interior styles, from modern minimalist to rustic chic.

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malist to rustic chic.

 

Installing Plantation Shutters on French Doors: The How-To Guide

 

Now that you’re well-informed on the benefits and compatibility of plantation shutters and French doors let’s explore the installation process. While working with a professional is always a safe bet, dedicated DIY enthusiasts can confidently tackle this home improvement project using the following steps.

 

Measuring the French Doors

 

Proper measurement is crucial to a successful installation. Ensure you have the correct dimensions by following these steps:

1. Measure the width of each door panel from the outside edge of the door jamb to the edge where the glass meets the mullions (ignore the handles at this stage).
2. Measure the height from the top of the door panel to the sill or the bottom edge (if your door has a raised sill).
3. Write down your measurements, keeping the width and height numbers separate for easy reference.

Note: Always double-check your measurements, as small inaccuracies could lead to poor shutter fit or frustrating installation.

 

Choosing the Right Plantation Shutters

 

Now that you know your French door dimensions, it’s time to select the right plantation shutters. Consider these factors:

1. Material: Plantation shutters can be made from wood, faux wood, or PVC. There’s no right or wrong choice — it all depends on your personal preferences, maintenance willingness, and budget considerations.
2. Louver Size: Louver sizes typically range from 1.5 to 4.5 inches. Wider louvres offer a more open view when horizontally tilted, so consider the balance of aesthetics, light control, and your desired level of visibility.
3. Mounting Style: Decide between an inside mount (installed within the door frame) or an outside mount (installed on the door or wall). Inside mounts offer a sleeker, more streamlined look, while outside mounts can be more forgiving for uneven or odd-shaped French doors.

Account for Door Handles and Hardware

 

To ensure your shutters won’t interfere with the operation of French door handles or levers, a cut-out in the shutter frame may be necessary. Keep this in mind when selecting your plantation shutters to avoid any heartaches or surprises during installation.

 

Ready, Set, Install!

 

If you’ve chosen to tackle the installation yourself, follow these general steps:

1. Assemble your shutter frame and install it on the French door.
2. Align any handle cut-outs to ensure the door operates smoothly.
3. Attach the shutter panels to the frame, then install the hinge pins.
4. Test the functionality of louvres, shutters, and doors before securing all screws and hardware.
5. Proudly admire your stylish and functional upgrade!

Remember, always consult the manufacturer’s specific instructions and don’t hesitate to seek professional guidance if needed.

 

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Top Plantation Shutter Brands and Suppliers

 

Here are some well-recognized brands and suppliers of plantation shutters to consider:

1. Hunter Douglas
2. The Shutter Store
3. Rockwood Shutters
4. Budget Blinds

 

A Stylish Solution: Plantation Shutters on French Doors

 

And there we have it! By pairing plantation shutters with French doors, you’ve created a visually stunning focal point in your home and introduced a practical and versatile solution to privacy, energy efficiency, and light control.

One last piece of advice: Listen to your instincts and do what feels right for your living space. Don’t be afraid to experiment, and let your creativity shine. After all, the goal is to enhance your home’s design and functionality, creating the perfect oasis for you and your loved ones.

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