Plantation Shutters For Bathrooms: What Material Should You Use?

Compared to the bedroom or other dry areas of the house, the bathroom is subjected to frequent exposure to moisture from various sources. Ordinary wooden shutters are subject to rotting and splitting from excess humidity and may cause peeling of the paint. In a wet area, the best option is to use shutters made of synthetic polymer materials, such as PolySatin, since they are guaranteed to resist water penetration.

Nevertheless, the best material for blinds in your home is determined by how close the window is to water, how well-ventilated the room is, and the level of general humidity. So, when it comes to choosing the perfect blinds for your sliding windows, Blinds by Design can help Australian homeowners select the ideal products that will remain durable and resistant to moisture in the long term.

Can You Use Plantation Shutters in a Bathroom?

It depends on the material. Bathrooms are notorious for high levels of moisture, humidity, and water vapour. This can be particularly challenging for timber plantation shutters. However, PolySatin and other high-quality plastics are completely resistant to water damage and can therefore be used in ensuites and wet areas.

Bathrooms are one of those places where you can witness an unparalleled indoor climate. Every morning, you can feel sweltering hot water forming unhealthy spikes in room humidity. Water evaporates during the hot shower and clings to your bathroom window, which is especially noticeable in winter when you live in the mountains or anywhere in the central west of NSW.

When moisture gets trapped in porous materials, trouble ensues. From mildew growing in standard fabric window treatments, to untreated or sealed wood swelling with the absorbed steam, both situations can create issues. However, plantation shutters are a great option for bathroom windows, as they allow for the adjustment of privacy and light while allowing the trapped steam to escape the room.

What Is the Best Material for Bathroom Plantation Shutters?

PolySatin (high quality polyresin) is the smart material choice for bathroom plantation shutters. This synthetic is much more resistant to moisture than timber or other composite materials. So, it is less likely to warp, buckle, bubble or promote the growth of mold in a high-humidity environment or be subjected to direct water exposure.

When choosing a material for the shutters, it is important to consider how they will hold up to the conditions in the room. Bathroom window treatments are exposed to potential splash damage near showers and tubs, and to more subtle humidity from hot showers or baths.

Although timber is a popular choice for use in your living room as well as your bedroom, places with high levels of humidity require a more sophisticated solution. Modern polymers allow the creation of products that will remain unaffected by changes in humidity, such as the innovative Luxaflex PolySatin shutters. Unlike low-quality PVC shutters that will deform when exposed to sunlight, high-quality polyresin will keep its structural integrity as well as neutral color palette even after years of exposure to harsh Australian weather conditions.

Plantation Shutter Materials Compared

The table below outlines how common shutter materials perform in moisture-prone bathroom conditions:

Timber Plantation Shutters

Hardwood shutters provide the natural grain, beauty and warmth of timber. However, the timber material itself is quite porous, and even sealed wood can absorb the occasional stray water vapour when exposed to high humidity for extended periods of time. In an enclosed small area such as an ensuite bathroom, the wood in your louvre shutters will inevitably soak up some of the moist air, causing swelling of the joints and cracking of the veneer finish. Timber plantation shutters are best suited to areas with a dry climate, such as your main bedroom or living room. However, wood is generally not a good material choice for humid bathrooms.

PolySatin / Polymer Shutters

PolySatin shutters are made from a polyresin compound that has been specifically developed for wet and high UV exposure conditions. Due to the material’s non-porous surface, water cannot penetrate and saturate the shutter which means they can be installed next to showers and bathtubs without blistering, peeling or cracking. Luxaflex PolySatin plantation shutters offer the crisp appearance of painted timber with the added benefit of being completely waterproof and highly resistant to moisture making them perfect for bathrooms throughout Australia.

PVC or Composite Shutters

Extruded PVC and composite polymer are excellent materials for the production of interior shutters. Compared to natural wood, synthetic polymers are more resistant to the effects of indirect steam. Nevertheless, standard PVC louvers require internal steel reinforcement bars to resist the sagging forces of long louvers over a greater span.

On the other hand, if the bare metal parts of such shutters are exposed to environmental humidity, rust may develop on the inner surface of the panel frame. Finally, it is worth noting that the quality of work is of paramount importance when choosing synthetic shutters.

Why PolySatin Shutters Are Worth Considering for Bathrooms

At Blinds by Design, we often suggest PolySatin plantation shutters for bathrooms, ensuites, laundries, and coastal areas in Lake Macquarie and the Central West.

Key advantages supported by product engineering and manufacturer specifications include:

• Complete Moisture Immunity: Due to the polyresin construction, this product will not absorb atmospheric moisture, steam, or splash, maintaining the integrity of the shutter’s shape.
• UV Resistant & Won’t Yellow: Finest PolySatin will not yellow, flake or chalk when exposed to the harshest sun conditions, tested and proven to perform under Australian Standard AS 2047 for windows.
• Hygienic & Simple to Clean: Water-repellent finishes allow for simple cleaning with warm soapy water leaving no unsightly watermarks.
• 20 Year Manufacturer Warranty: Blinds By Design supply Luxaflex PolySatin shutters with a 20 year Manufacturers warranty for your wet areas.
• Variety of Configurations: Choose between Tilt bar or clearview options with a variety of louvre widths (64mm, 89mm or 114mm) all in neutral shades to compliment your bathroom tiling & fixtures.

What About Timber Shutters in a Bathroom?

Homeowners often wonder if natural timber shutters can stand up to the powerful exhaust fans found in bathrooms. While timber can withstand the dry conditions of a guest powder room with just a toilet and basin, it is simply too much of a gamble for a main family bathroom or ensuites.

Steam will eventually work its way through the paint or sealant to the wood. Once the wood is saturated, it will expand, and then shrink back as the room dries out. This constant movement places undue stress on both the joints and the paint, resulting in decreased performance of joinery, flaking paint and squeaky louvres.

If you want the appearance of timber throughout your home, but in moisture prone areas, consider using white polyresin shutters. They provide an uninterrupted aesthetic and avoid the issues associated with moisture laden air.

What Should You Look for When Choosing Bathroom Shutters?

Consider these ten criteria when shopping for bathroom windows:

1. Moisture resistance rating: Make sure that it is waterproof, not just water resistant
2. Material: Stay away from raw or painted wood and go for polyresin or other synthetics.
3. Window location: Determine whether your window is set in a shower niche, mounted above your tub, or on a high spot on an outside wall.
4. Air circulation: See how much your exhaust fan can do and whether the louvers can stay open to help dry the air.
5. Cleaning Effort: Choose non-porous materials that wipe clean easily without needing special oils for timber.
6. Privacy Control: Check that louvre tilt allows you to block vision from outside while still letting in light from above.
7. Louvre Proportions: Match the size of louvres (e.g. 89mm) to the window for visual harmony, plus practical cleaning access.
8. Hardware Composition: Specify stainless steel or non-corrosive finishes for hinges, tension screws and operating fittings.
9. Precision Installation: Ensure correct measuring to avoid water pooling on window sills within shutter frames.
10. Warranty Coverage: Confirm that the warranty policy includes installations in wet areas without any water resistance exclusions.

Do Plantation Shutters Work Near Showers and Baths?

Installing window treatments in direct splash areas such as in the shower or next to the tub necessitates the absolute waterproofness. The fabric shades, blinds, or wooden shutters will be damaged by constant exposure to water.

PolySatin Plantation Shutters are the right choice for areas of the home where water is a frequent issue, such as near showers and tubs. Water simply runs off the synthetic surface, unable to penetrate the louvers. Stainless steel hinges are also non-corrosive, so they are not inclined to rust, even when exposed to moisture.

How to Maintain Plantation Shutters in a Bathroom

Maintaining bathroom plantation shutters requires simple, regular care:

• Remove any loosened dirt by weekly dusting of the louvres with a clean dry microfibre cloth.
• To clear any water marks or soap film, simply use a soft cloth lightly dampened with warm water and a little dishwashing liquid, then dry thoroughly.
• Do not use abrasive scouring pads, bleach or solvent-based cleaners, which may erode the finish of synthetic materials.
• Leaving the louvres slightly open after a hot shower allows for better ventilation through the glass panes and shutter, reducing humidity.

Plantation Shutters vs Blinds for Bathroom Windows

For many homeowners, the choice between installation of plantation shutters and other types of blinds comes down to price versus performance. In this regard, water resistant roller blinds provide an inexpensive way to obscure windows from view.

However, compared to custom made plantation shutters, they cannot provide the same degree of control over lighting and screening. Similarly, aluminium venetians can warp out of shape, allowing dust to penetrate deep into the folds of the fabric, while fabric blinds tend to hold moisture in their frame and promote mould development.

When considering window treatments, consult our Plantation Shutters Vs Blinds: Which Adds More Value To Your Home comparison guide to understand the benefits of custom window shutter installations in relation to home value preservation, curb appeal and ease of use. Throughout our full range of plantation shutters, our polyresin shutters allow total louvre rigidity, complete privacy control and absolute resistance to water damage.

Which Bathroom Shutter Material Should You Choose?

Use this decision framework to narrow down your choice:

• Select PolySatin (Polyresin) Shutters if: The window is located close to a shower, bath or vanity splash zone, the bathroom is subject to excessive steam, or you want the ultimate in long lasting shutters with a 20 year warranty.
• Consider Quality PVC / Synthetic Shutters if: The bathroom is well ventilated with mechanical extraction, the window is some distance away from any potential water course, and you want an economical option in synthetic material.
• Avoid Hardwood Timber Shutters if: The window is in a main family bathroom, or ensuite or enclosed area where the timber would be subjected to regular steam and humidity which would raise the timber causing irreparable damage to the finish.

Why Choose Blinds by Design?

At Blinds by Design, our blinds, shutters, and awnings experts possess the necessary industry know-how to supply and install custom-designed blinds that will suitably complement the home of any regional Australian residence. From brand new builds in Bathurst to upgraded ensuites in Orange and age-old Blue Mountains homesteads, Blinds by Design can provide accurate measure and quote services to guarantee a tight-fitting, perfect looking finish.

Thanks to our network of preferred manufacturers, we can also supply wet-area-safe shutters that will be able to stand up to the unique demands of the local climate.

Key Takeaway

Choosing the right material for bathroom plantation shutters depends on their resistance to the effects of steam, water splashes, and humidity. Although timber is an excellent material for use in residential buildings’ internal dry areas, synthetic polyresin such as Luxaflex PolySatin is suitable for wet rooms, bathrooms, ensuites, and laundry. Thus, the material which will resist the damaging effects of moisture in the air and water should be chosen to maximise the shutters’ benefits.

Looking to buy Shutters for your bathroom window? Contact our team for a free local estimate in the Central West, Blue Mountains or Lake Macquarie area.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are plantation shutters suitable for bathroom windows?

Actually, yes. They can be made from a water-resistant material such as PolySatin polyresin or top-quality PVC. It will not be damaged by the increased humidity or splashed water, making it a perfect choice for controlling both privacy and airflow in the bathroom.

What is the best material for bathroom plantation shutters?

PolySatin (polyresin) is an innovative material that is perfect for bathroom plantation shutters. The material is completely waterproof, UV resistant, and has a non-porous surface that prevents water absorption, cracking of paint finish, and mould development.

Are timber plantation shutters suitable for bathrooms?

Timber plantation shutters are usually not recommended for the main bathrooms and steamy ensuites. Wood tends to absorb atmospheric moisture and subsequently, it can swell and warp, causing the paint or varnish to peel off. Timber plantation shutters are better suited for dry areas such as the living room or a dry powder room without a shower.

Do plantation shutters withstand bathroom humidity?

Synthetic plantation shutters made of polyresin or high-grade vinyl can resist the increased humidity of the bathroom. Unlike wood or fabric, polyresin is not sensitive to atmospheric moisture and does not absorb water vapour. Moreover, tilting the louvres in an open position will help remove excess condensation after taking a shower.

Can plantation shutters be installed near a shower?

Yes, our waterproof PolySatin plantation shutters can be installed inside or adjacent to your shower. This premium blend of polyresin and the non-corrosive stainless steel hinges allow these shutters to be splashed by water on a daily basis without rusting, swelling, or deteriorating.