When you think of curb appeal, you probably think of siding on your home or landscaping upgrades. But on the face of your house, there are some very important details you need to consider, even if it doesn’t immediately come to mind. We’re talking about shutters. They flank your windows, offering a nice bookend accent to the overall facade of your home and can, on occasion, be functional as well.
Which shutters are going to be the perfect accent for your home? Is there a difference in material? Design?
Ultimately it comes down to the look you want and there are three popular styles that you can’t go wrong with. Chances are, you aren’t often pulling your shutters closed as we did back in the days when shutters were functional more than aesthetic. So think about the look you want to be gracing the front of your house. Below are three popular styles you can start with.
Louver
Louver style shutters are fanned panels across the plane of the shutter. The result is nice ventilation as well as privacy. You can find louver style shutters for the interior of your home if you’re looking for functional shutters. But the aesthetic of these shutters is a great accent for the outside of the home. The louver style shutter is a popular choice across American style architecture. But they’re particular well utilized in warmer climate areas given the both the aesthetic and potential functionality of the ventilation aspect.
Raised Panel
These are probably what you picture when you think of shutters. They seem to be the default style on colonial and other popular American home styles. But don’t think that means they’re plain. Because the design is simple, it allows them to be utilized on virtually any style of home. Brick siding, panelling, stucco, or stone all go perfectly with raised panel. It is the most versatile of the shutter styles though mission style and other warm-weather designed homes probably won’t benefit from the minimal design of the raised panel.
Board & Batten
If you want flare on your home that makes a statement, board style shutters might be the way to go. They offer a real craftsman touch to the outside of the home create a personality for your home just by being there. This style can be as rustic or as elegant as you want, it’s very versatile that way. Board shutters go great with farmhouses, colonials with brick or stone siding, and several other American style homes. This is a shutter style that offers a personal touch to your home and will have a positive effect on your curb appeal.
Questions
Should I Install the Shutters Myself?
Depending on how savvy you are at home improvement, you may be able to do this yourself. It can take a few hours though and does require some experience in handyman style work. It’s a matter of getting the hinges in correctly and sturdy. Also, keep in mind, the siding of your house is going to affect how the installation process goes. But if you want to hire a pro, you can expect to pay around $70-$100 a window with additional labor and hardware fees.
When Should I Replace My Shutters?
It’s a good rule of thumb to take inventory of your shutters any time you go to check on any repairs needed for your windows. Generally a window will last you 20 years, shutters are not much different, usually getting 20-30 years of use before they need to be replaced. This all depends, of course, on the conditions they’re in. Harsher climate, more precipitation, dry air, any extreme climate can affect the durability of your shutters. Overexposure to sunlight can also cause fading of the color that might need touch ups before you hit the 30 year mark.
Picking shutters for your home can be a fun and creative process, and it doesn’t need to be a hassle. They provide an excellent accent to your home and it can feel a lot like picking the perfect accessory for an outfit. But when you get it right, it can make your home that much more physically appealing and you and your family that much prouder to call your home…home.
Our custom exterior vinyl shutters at EAP will last a virtual lifetime. Made with thick and durable vinyl components from MID-America USA and a limited lifetime manufacturer’s warranty, you can’t go wrong. Ordering your shutters is easy, we offer convenient and secure online ordering 7 days a week and Free Shipping on most sizes. Call us today at 866-778-0460 to learn more!