Table of Contents
US homeowners spend over 1,000 dollars annually on energy costs. To save you money, install exterior shutters to boost energy-efficiency and curbside appeal.
How do you choose the best exterior shutters for your home? For the most benefits, you’ll need to consider your home’s architectural style and layout. Read on to discover the types of exterior shutters and how to make the most eye-catching choice.
Tips to Help You Choose Your New Shutters
Choosing new shutters for your home can be a fun and exciting home renovation project. If done well, it will transform the exterior of your home and boost curb appeal. Before you begin, consider these tips to help you choose the best shutters for your home’s style and design.
Size and Placement
If you’re planning on adding exterior shutters, the first thing to check is if there is room to accommodate them. You don’t want a shutter to stick out past the corner of your house or to overlap with siding. You also don’t want a shutter to be higher than its window.
A shutter’s placement can also be difficult if there’s no room between each window. You’ll want to make sure that the space between shutters is at least half the size of one shutter. Not allowing for enough space will leave your home looking unattractive.
The idea of your shutters is that they would perfectly cover the window if they could be closed. Although most exterior shutters serve an ornamental purpose, you’ll want them to appear as though they could be practical.
Hardware
The authenticity of your shutters should also extend to the hardware. Some homeowners choose to attach shutters to their home’s siding with screws, but it gives a cheap and unauthentic appearance.
Choose operable hardware for your window shutter installation. Use shutter hinges that allow your shutters to swing open and close. You can install shutter dogs to hold them in place when they’re open. You’ll likely never need to close them, but it’s handy for cleaning purposes and it will boost your home’s appearance.
Style of Shutter
The style of your shutters can either complement or compete with the architectural style of your house. In the past, different styles served their own purposes.
Solid shutters were needed in colder Northern climates. Slatted shutters were effective in hot areas where air flow was needed. In rural areas, craftsmen had limited supplies and created board shutters to add to their homes.
If you’re not sure which shutter style to choose, try researching American architecture. You can also talk with a professional who will have experience in choosing the perfect complementary shutters.
Materials Used
Adding shutters to your house is a project that requires the best high-quality materials. You’ll want your newly installed shutters to have a long lifespan, so don’t be afraid to invest in well-made shutters and hinges.
You can choose shutters made from real wood for a truly authentic effect. This type of material will need regular upkeep and won’t hold up well if you live in an area with severe weather. Another choice of shutter material is vinyl, which is sturdier and more reliable.
You may also choose to opt for composite shutters made of a combination of wood, PVC, and fiberglass. This type of shutter will last the longest while also looking authentic.
Color Choice
The color of your shutters is entirely up to you and your creativity. Most homeowners choose to paint their shutters with an accent color that matches the front door or windows. A good rule of thumb is to paint shutters a different color than your home’s siding and trim.
Types of Exterior Shutters
Ready to find the perfect exterior shutters for your home? Different shutter styles will meet various needs and complement certain architectural layouts.
Today’s homeowners install them for ornamental purposes, but you can choose to use them for energy-saving purposes too. Here are the five main shutter styles to choose from.
1. Traditional Panel Shutters
Panel shutters are solid panels that commonly chosen and traditionally used. In the past, they were installed on Northern homes where extra insulation was needed to protect homeowners from cold weather.
If you decide to opt for panel shutters, you can choose from a variety of designs. Some panel shutters are raised or recessed in a particular design. Panel shutters are a great choice if you’re looking for something that blends in seamlessly with a traditional-styled home.
2. Board and Batten Shutters
Board and Batten shutters are another good choice if you’re looking for solid-looking shutters. They’re made from a row of planks (boards) connected lengthwise and then attached by a horizontal plank (batten) at the top and bottom. This style of shutter looks great on cottage or farmhouse homes with a rural design.
3. Louver Shutters
Louver shutters were initially used for ventilation purposes in hot and humid areas. They’re made with a series of slats that can be opened or closed to let in light or shut out heat.
The functionality of louver shutters can also be applied to interior plantation shutters. Plantation shutters make a great alternative to blinds and raise the value of any home. If you’re curious about interior shutter options, you can read more about your options to learn what’s best for your home.
4. Mission Style Shutters
Mission Style shutters are a popular choice for Arts and Crafts Style homes needing an additional boost to their unique design. This type of shutter usually consists of layers of wooden planks and geometric designs.
5. Bermuda Shutters
Bermuda shutters are unique because they don’t open from the sides like traditional shutters. Instead, they open upwards like an awning. They feature small slats and are attached by hinges at the top.
This shutter style makes a great choice for coastal homes that need both shade and a breeze. It might be a good option for homeowners looking for a way to cut their power bills when the weather gets warm. For shutter installation, you’ll need hinges and rods to prop open your Bermuda shutters.
Install Shutters to Boost Your Curb Appeal
Installing shutters calls for minimal work while offering maximum benefits. Exterior shutters add an extra layer of style to your home and give it a more polished effect. It can boost your home’s curb appeal while increasing its value on the market.
You can choose from various types of exterior shutters to find the right design that fits your home. Some shutter styles blend in easily while others make a unique statement. Remember to choose high-quality hinges for exterior shutter installation and don’t be afraid to get creative.
Want more renovation projects to make your home the envy of the neighborhood? Read our list of nine patio landscaping ideas to transform your yard.
