Initially an element of function, exterior shutters have become the design icing on your home’s decorative cake, the crux of the biscuit, the cherry on top. They complement your home’s aesthetic and oftentimes are the staple of a particular architectural style. Choosing the right shutter can transform your home’s appearance and even improve insulation.
So what are the different types of exterior shutters and how do I decide what’s right for me?
We’re breaking down each type of shutter and how to pick the most suitable style for your home.
Open Louvers
If homes are human and window shutters blood types, louvers can be categorized as universal donors. Suitable for most homes due to their simplistic design, open louvers are slat shutters that operable open and close. If you’re located in a cold climate, closed shutters provide insulation. Live in Florida? Keep your shutters open for natural ventilation.
While they suit most home styles, open louvers are popular with Victorian homes as they add a subdued element to an already fanciful style. Due to their unique ability to provide shade, open louvers are also commonly used on styles that originated in warm climates such as Spanish Colonial and Mediterranean.
Raised Panel
Raised panel shutters are solid panels with a deep definition for aesthetic appeal. Because they’re thick (and typically wooden), raised panels are common in colder climates where homeowners prefer additional insulation. They also complement European Colonial homes as they were designed in that era to prevent draft.
Board & Batten
Born in the countryside where most builders were far removed from modern design trends, board and batten shutters are a row of planks (boards) aligned lengthwise with connector planks (batten) running horizontally along the top and bottom. Because of their simple design, board and batten shutters complement farmhouse style homes, cottages, mission-style homes, Italianate as well as French Country, Mediterranean, and Spanish Colonial.
Questions
What are other types of shutters?
Other popular variations include Bermuda shutters, or raised panel shutters that offer shade, ventilation, and are synonymous with tropical climates. Mission style shutters incorporate clean geometric lines and are perfect for Craftsman homes.
You can also find varieties of panel and louver shutters. Closed louvers are fixed shutters that offer no ventilation and are primarily used for aesthetic purposes. Flat panel shutters have definition but don’t exude the same raised design as their counterparts.
While the above include more popular styles, there are dozens of variations within flat, louver, and beyond.
What fits best with Cape Cod style homes?
If open louvers are universal donors, Cape Cod homes are universal receivers. While these homes often look incomplete without shutters, almost anything will go. Add board and batten shutters for a rustic look or raised panel shutters for something a bit more refined.
What other considerations should I take into account when choosing a style?
Some find it beneficial to consider design trends in their neighborhood. What’s common around you? What seems to match the homes in your block? The design of your exterior shutters can have an impact on your home’s value based on regional trends.
This may sound obvious, but it’s also important to consider window shape. Frame your round windows with arched shutters and rectangular or square windows with straight-line shutters.
Can I combine styles?
Yes! It’s fairly common depending on a home’s style. For instance, Colonial homes tend to feature panel shutters on first-floor windows and louver shutters on the second floor.
Victorian homes typically contain a variety of styles – generally one panel section and one louver.
If you’re set on combining styles, your best bet for a clean look is to combine another style with flat panels. Due to their utilitarian features, any style will complement panel shutters without creating a cluttered visual.
Summary
Whether you’re looking for a rustic look, a refined finish, or something in between, the perfect exterior shutter awaits. More questions on shutter styles? Please don’t hesitate to contact us.
EAP Shutters can help you pick the perfect shutter for your home! Your choices are limitless. We have a wide range of designer colors, shutter accessories, toppers and designs to choose from. And it all can be done on-line with Free Shipping available.
Happy home improvement!