I have always loved classic plantation shutters. I installed them in my last two houses in Portland, and they were consistently one of my favorite features. Shutters give a room substantial architectural character while letting in soft, filtered light. They offer privacy control, are easy to clean, and lend a timeless, coastal feel—like living on a plantation with ocean breezes and palm trees rustling outside.
For years I wanted shutters in several rooms of this house, 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. It felt like the right time to finish those spaces and add the lasting detail I’d been picturing.
Our dogs get anxious watching people and other dogs pass by the front windows, so shutters promised a simple way to reduce traffic stimulation and make the house feel quieter. In the dining room, we wanted shutters primarily for privacy without sacrificing daylight.
The shutters are from Bali Blinds. I’d meant to order them years ago when Bali generously offered to partner on a project, but life got in the way. When I was finally ready, I visited JC Penney to review options and appreciated how helpful the salesperson was, especially about measuring. Bali sends a professional installer to take precise measurements and handle installation, which is important because a perfect fit makes a big difference in appearance and performance.
Our home is a newer craftsman with high ceilings, so I wanted wide slats for a bold look. I tested samples against our white trim and chose 3 1/2-inch slats in a “snowstorm” white to complement the woodwork without matching it exactly.
There’s an option to hide the tilt bar at the back for a cleaner appearance, but I preferred the traditional center tilt bar—it felt more appropriate for our home’s style. Functionally, the tilt bar location doesn’t affect how the louvers operate; it’s mainly an aesthetic choice. My mother chose the hidden bar and loves the look, so either approach works depending on your preference.
Because our windows are double, each window got two shutter panels, and each panel splits in the middle so you can open sections independently to clean the glass or admit extra light. I generally keep them closed with the louvers slightly tilted to maintain privacy while letting daylight filter through.
We opted to have the shutters installed only up to the lower window because the view above—mature trees and sky—is lovely, and we didn’t want to block that or lose natural light. Keeping the upper panes open preserves the airy feeling while providing privacy where it matters most.
I’m thrilled with the result. Every time I walk in the front door I find myself admiring the shutters and how they change the look and feel of the rooms. They add an architectural element that few other window treatments do. I enjoy adjusting the louvers for light and privacy—opening them wide each morning has become one of my favorite small rituals.
I had hoped to continue installing shutters throughout the house—in my office and the TV room—but since we are likely moving, I’ll probably add them in the new house instead. It’s hard to leave these behind after all the time and care we’ve invested in the home. Still, knowing how much quieter they make the dogs and how much joy they bring, I won’t wait as long to add shutters in the next place.
Thank you to Bali Blinds for partnering on this project.