Plantation shutters have been around since ancient Greece. They serve a dual purpose as they can help in both weather protection as well as style for your home. Since they are located ion the inside of your home they can be used as a shade and can actually be functional as opposed to the shutters that many of us are accustomed to that simply attach next to windows on a home and do not move. These were the precursor to glass in windows and actually kept out the elements and were opened to allow the flow of air. Shutters were a way of regulating the environment of the home as opposed to simply relying on a door and no other means of air flow.
Much of the architecture of the Southern US is drawn from the works of the ancient Greeks. This is evident not only in the use of shutters but in the use of columns in the structure and design of many of the homes. Much of this is a dual purpose service though. These columns are simply covers for supports throughout the home and the shutters are used for various protections and services. Some of these shutters that are used are known as hurricane shutters and with good reason. Their primary purpose is to protect windows from being blown out during a heavy storm or hurricane. Once again these are based on Greek architecture for both functionality and beauty.
Make sure that when you are selecting shutters for a home repair or improvement project that you consult with someone before doing so. You want to make sure that the shutters that you are going to install will not only meet your needs, but will match, fit and perform as needed. If you are simply purchasing your shutters to make your home more attractive then you will not have as much to worry about, however if you are looking for both performance and function then it will take more consideration and research to find what is the best fit for you and your home.
You do not want to get something that is not very strong or sturdy if it is to be hurricane protection. You also do not want to get a shutter that will not look right when installed on or in your home as well. So be wise and consult with someone to make sure you are getting what is best for both you and your home.