The history of shutters dates back to medieval Europe, possibly originating in Greece, where shutters were crafted from marble. Early shutters were fixed in place and designed to protect interiors from rain and wind while also regulating the amount of light and air that could pass through. During a time when glass windows were not readily available, shutters served as the primary window covering for houses.
Even when glass became available, it was so expensive that it was sparingly used in window design, occupying only a small portion of the window area. Wooden panels were still commonly employed to cover the main window area. Over time, the design of these wooden panels evolved into what we now know as wooden shutters, and they became a prominent feature in European homes.
As Europeans migrated to America, they brought wooden shutters with them, and these shutters became an integral part of their architectural designs. This is particularly true for the southern states of the United States, where many plantation homes were constructed with windows featuring wooden shutters. The term ‘Plantation Shutter’ originates from this historical period and is still in use today.
The design of shutters has evolved significantly from the early fixed panels to what we have today. Modern plantation shutters are constructed from a variety of materials, including wood, aluminium, and, more recently, PVC.