I have always loved classic plantation shutters. In my previous two Portland homes they were among my favorite features. They bring a coastal, plantation-like charm to a room, suggesting ocean breezes and swaying palms. Beyond their aesthetic appeal, shutters add substantial architectural detail, provide adjustable privacy, and still allow natural light to filter through. They’re also easy to keep clean, durable, and timeless in style.
Several rooms in this house felt like they would benefit from shutters, but other projects kept taking priority. A few months ago we finally decided to move forward and install shutters in the two front rooms—the gathering room and the dining room—and I couldn’t be more pleased with the result.
One practical reason for adding shutters was our dogs: they love watching passersby out the front window and get excited easily. Being able to close the shutters calms things down and gives us more privacy in the dining room. The shutters we chose are custom from Bali Blinds, who offer professional measuring and installation—something I appreciated since a precise fit is important for a clean look and proper function.
Because our home is a modern craftsman with high ceilings, I wanted wide slats for a bold, proportionate look. I took samples home to compare them with our white trim and finally selected 3.5-inch slats in the color “Snowstorm” white so the shutters would complement the existing woodwork without standing out awkwardly.
There was an option for a hidden tilt bar, which creates an especially sleek appearance, but I chose the traditional center tilt bar because it felt right for the overall style of our home. Functionally, the tilt bar’s location doesn’t change how the louvers operate, so the decision comes down to personal preference. (My mother chose the hidden bar and her shutters look beautiful as well.)
Because the windows are double units, each side has its own shutter panel. Each panel splits in the middle, allowing the shutters to open for easy cleaning, to let in more light, or to frame the view. I usually leave them closed with the louvers slightly tilted to maintain daytime privacy while still allowing natural light.
I opted to have the shutters installed only to the lower sash so the beautiful treetop view above the windows remains unobstructed and the rooms retain as much daylight as possible. Keeping the upper portion open made the rooms feel brighter and maintained the connection to the outdoors—an important consideration for our front-facing rooms.
I’m thrilled with how the shutters look and function. Every time I enter the house and see them I can’t help smiling—they truly elevate the rooms and add a level of architectural interest that other window treatments don’t provide. Operating the louvers to balance privacy and light has become a small daily ritual I enjoy. Opening them each morning feels like a fresh start to the day.
Ideally I would continue installing shutters throughout the house—in the office, TV room, and other spaces—but because we’re planning a move, I’ll likely add them to our next home instead. It’s bittersweet to leave these behind after investing so much care into this house; the shutters are one of the features I’ll miss most. They’ve also proven helpful in keeping our dogs calmer, so I won’t hesitate to add them to our future home much sooner.
Thank you to Bali Blinds for partnering on this project.
Note: my dining room copper lantern is pictured in the room.