Deciding which style is right for your home
If you think choosing your home’s exterior shutter style is a small decision, think again. Details can make or break a home’s aesthetic. Because there are two predominant shutter styles – open louver and raised panel – we’re outlining the similarities and differences as well as the home style that each is best suited for.
So, what are the differences between open louvers and raised panel shutters?
There are a seemingly endless number of home styles, but if you’ve narrowed your exterior vinyl shutters down to open louver and raised panel, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about both styles to crack the tie-breaker.
Open Louvers
Think of open louvers as the universal donor because they’re suitable for all home styles. A simplistic design, open louvers are flat, horizontal slats that allow light and cool air to pass through while keeping out rain, noise, and direct sunlight. Some open louvers are operable and adjustable meaning they can be open or closed manually. Louvers that close provide insulation for homes in colder climates while open louvers are a fantastic fit for homes in warmer temperatures due to the extra ventilation.
Because of their historical roots as a home’s primary source of ventilation, open louvers are commonly found on Spanish Colonial and Mediterranean style homes that originated in warm climates.
If you’re looking for a funkier exterior, open louvers can help in unexpected ways. Some designers like to combine exterior shutter styles and because of their simplicity, open louvers are a great shutter to combine with another shutter style.
Some homeowners feel a bit exposed with open louvers due to their transparency. If you’re concerned about privacy, solid or raised panel shutters may be the better choice. Because of their textured shape, open louvers are also trickier to properly clean. Unlike raised panel shutters, cleaning open louvers takes longer than one quick sweep with a duster.
Raised Panel
Raised panels are another simple design with Colonial roots that complement and are commonly found on – you guessed it – European Colonial homes. Raised panels are solid panels with a deep definition, similar to that found on doors.
Not quite as simplistic as open louver, raised panel shutters aren’t as universally complementary. However, raised panels are great for saltbox-style and Georgian homes in addition to colonial styles.
Because they’re thick (and typically wooden), raised panels are common in colder climates where homeowners and prospective buyers prefer additional insulation. Raised panel shutters also offer maximum privacy.
Questions
Can I combine the two?
Yes! In fact, it’s not unusual to see a combination of open louver and raised panel. As previously mentioned, open louver goes with everything. Colonial homes often feature solid or raised panel shutters on the first floor and open louver on the second.
What other factors should I take into consideration?
There are a number of factors to consider when choosing an exterior shutter style. For instance, what’s trending in your neighborhood? What sizes are your rooms?
If you’re looking to sell your home, taking neighborhood trends into consideration may be the way to go. Louver shutters look less dramatic so they’re typically a better fit for small rooms.
What about price?
Raised panel shutters tend to be more expensive, but only because they’re often made from wood, a pricier product than the vinyl open louvers are typically made from.
Summary
Both styles are classic and simplistic. If you’re really stuck on shutter style, consider hiring a consultant to guide your design process.
Just remember, at the end of the day, the design of your home is in your hands. You’re the painter behind your home’s easel and should consider both practicality and aesthetic preference when making a shutter style decision.
Still uncertain about which shutter style is right for you? Don’t hesitate to reach out!
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. Call us for a consultation!