Should shutters be lighter or darker than house?
Once you've decided on a few options, take your color swatches outside. Colors intensify and look brighter in the sun, so always go a few shades lighter than the color you initially prefer indoors. Finally, for the overall look of your house, shutter colors should reflect the people who live inside.
What kind of exterior shutters are best?
Aluminum is the best material for exterior shutters when it comes to hot and humid climates, not to mention hurricane-prone areas. After more than 60 years in business, here's what we know to be true about aluminum shutters: No rotting, cracking, or warping due to sun exposure.
Should exterior shutters match front door?
Your home's shutters should coordinate with your front door. While it's a “safe” approach to match your shutter color with your front door, you can also simply go one shade lighter or one shade darker (without the risk of clashing!) to add some uniqueness and style to your home's appearance.
Should your shutters match your trim?
Typically, shutters are matched to the trim color so that it's hard to tell where the window casing ends and the shutters begin. But, there is nothing wrong with having two different colors, especially if you want the contrast or you don't want to make the room seem too dark or too light.
Which is better vinyl or PVC shutters?
MYTH: PVC Shutters are the Same as Vinyl Shutters However, when it comes to making exterior shutters, PVC far outlasts and outperforms vinyl. It's far more dense than vinyl and also considerably more attractive.
Are wood or vinyl shutters better?
When choosing between wooden shutters vs. vinyl shutters, wooden shutters are the better choice. They look authentic and are more durable and versatile than vinyl shutters.
What are the Popular front door colors for 2022?
It's black that's set to be the most popular front door color of 2022 with blue and green also favored. Some 56 per cent of experts surveyed for the Fixr (opens in new tab) paint and color trends 2022 report agreed that black will be the most popular front door color choice in 2022.
How do I choose shutter colors for my house?
Things To Consider For Shutter Colors Most shutters match a home's accent color. If you stray from the accent color, pick another color that complements the base color. You should also consider the size of your windows. Lighter shades make your windows appear larger.
When should you not use exterior shutters?
10) Shutters to Make You Shudder Proper shutters should at least appear large enough to cover the entirety of the window when shut (as that's, you know, the whole point of shutters). Shutters should be avoided on double-mulled windows, picture windows, bay windows, and most dormer windows.
Should shutters be longer or shorter than window?
Shutters should be the same size as the window opening. Whether one or in a pair, when held up to the window they should fit as if they were going to be closed.
Are shutters going out of style?
Plantation shutters won't go out of style anytime soon. They've been around for centuries, and they still look great regardless of whether they are used on traditional Victorian homes or in modern construction. These window treatments can last for years.
Should shutters be bigger or smaller than window?
For the most authentic look, we recommend measuring only the window opening not including any frame or trim around it. Typically, the width of your shutters should be half of your total window width.
Are Aluminium or PVC shutters better?
PVC vs Aluminium Both are durable plantation shutter materials however Aluminium alone is prone to corrosion and PVC will not rust or corrode, making it ideal for any room in the home.
What's better composite or wood shutters?
Wood shutters are very strong and surprisingly lightweight, but if you're looking for a nearly weather-proof set of shutters, composite is your best bet. Winner: Composite shutters!
When should you not use exterior shutters?
10) Shutters to Make You Shudder Proper shutters should at least appear large enough to cover the entirety of the window when shut (as that's, you know, the whole point of shutters). Shutters should be avoided on double-mulled windows, picture windows, bay windows, and most dormer windows.
What is the most popular type of shutter?
Exterior window shutters come in four basic types: raised panel, louvered, board and batten (sometimes called BnB) and Cut-Out Shutters. Basswood is by far the most popular type of material for exterior house shutters because it's affordable and available year round at your local home improvement store!
What type of shutters are used in Bermuda?
Because of their simplicity, these work well on brick or stone siding or farmhouse style homes. Bahama & Bermuda: Bahama shutters are louvered shutters that are fixed to the top of the window instead of the side. These are typically used in tropical areas to protect windows from storms and wind debris.
What is a luvered shutter?
Louvered: These shutters have angled slats that allow light and a breeze to pass through. Louvered shutters have a well-known and defined look, suiting any exterior. However, they’re traditionally paired with colonial, Victorian, Italianate, and other traditional style homes. Louvered shutters are fixed to the side of the window.
What are the different types of shutters?
There are five types of exterior shutters: louvered, raised panel, flat panel, board and batten, and bahama and bermuda. When choosing which type of exterior shutter your home should have, consider factors like proper size, preferred style, security, or protection from the elements. Louvered: These shutters have angled slats ...
What is composite wood shutters?
Composite Wood: Also called faux wood, this material has a wood-like feel, while requiring much less maintenance than real wood. Composite wood is a great option for very tall or wide shutters because it has high durability and stiffness. This also costs less than regular wood and comes in a variety of styles.
What is raised panel shutter?
Raised Panel: This style of shutters resembles the look of doors or kitchen cabinets. Since these have a simple design, they work well with country-cottage style homes.
What are shaker shutters?
They also shade rooms from direct sunlight and strong winds. Shop Bahama & Bermuda Shutters. Flat Panel: Also called shaker shutters, these have flat, solid panels. They are great for blocking out bad weather and bright lights.
What is the best material for shutters?
Vinyl: Vinyl is the most affordable material for shutters. Made from hollow PVC, these shutters are lightweight, moisture-resistant, and low maintenance. They are also resistant to fading, rotting, and cracking.
What is a three panel shutter?
Three panel shutters generally have a small panel on top, a larger panel in the middle and the largest panel on the bottom. Panel sizes can differ based on the size of the shutter. Bermuda or Bahama – These shutters are mounted much like an awning over the window.
What are shutters used for?
As window technology has improved, shutters are used less for these purposes and more as a decorative feature for your home’s exterior. Shutters are available in operable and non-operable styles.
Why do we need shutters on exterior windows?
Wood shutters served to protect the window opening, provide privacy, add additional insulation during winter and block the sun in the summer. As window technology has improved , shutters are used less for these purposes and more as a decorative feature for your home’s exterior.
What wood is used for shutters?
Shutters can be made with from woods such as cedar, cypress and African mahogany for decay-resistance while composite materials can offer you freedom from painting and other maintenance.
What is board and batten?
Board and Batten – Generally consisting of several boards mounted vertically with horizontal or “Z” cross bracing and traditionally used on barn-styled homes for a rustic country feel.
Do shutters mirror the window?
Also, the shutters should mirror image the window. Rails should line up with the lock rail, transom, muntin or other architectural elements of the window. Often, we see shutters mounted upside down…probably a careless reinstall after painting or maintenance.
Is a shutter historically accurate?
Match Your Shutter To Your Home Style. The shutter that is historically accurate for a Victorian home is not the same shutter for an Arts and Crafts home. Check out homes in your neighborhood and decide which style works best for your home. Many of today’s architectural styles are based on historic styles, so keep your home facade true ...
What are Exterior shutters
Exterior windows shutters are made to be installed on the outside of your home. You will frequently see them put next to exterior windows. Some types can also be installed around your exterior doors, patios, and lanais.
Types of Exterior shutters
There are three main categories of house shutters for the exterior of your house. These include decorative shutters, hurricane shutters, and security shutters. We detail each of them below.
Materials
Shutter materials will vary based on the type of shutter. For example, decorative shutters are usually constructed with cheaper, lower strength materials than shutters meant for hurricane or security protection. You can see the different material types for each classification of shutter below.
Custom vs. standard shutters
Standard shutters come in standard sizes and styles. They are usually found at big box stores or larger suppliers who sell them off the shelf or out of their warehouse. However, you may not have custom window sizes. You may also not be happy with custom shutter sizes. In turn, if you can see if standard shutters fit your needs.
Things to consider when choosing exterior shutters
Purpose you need them to serve: determine what purpose you want the shutters to serve. For example, if you need storm protection then choosing hurricane shutters is your best bet. On the other side, if you just want them to serve a decorative purpose then decorative shutters are a good choice.
Conclusion
Exterior shutters can help add style to your home. They can make your home look better and they can also add function, such as hurricane protection, security, shade and more. There are many types, styles and materials to pick from when you select your exterior shutters. Determine what purpose you want the shutters to serve.
What are decorative shutters made of?
They are designed to be permanently secured to the sides of the window and are manufactured in aluminum, vinyl, wood and resin materials .
Why are shutters important?
Shutters have a long history in home design as a defense from wind, weather and even attack. Before window glass was in use, hinged wooden shutters were the only way to "close" a window.
What is a colonial shutter?
Colonial shutters are split in the center of the window and are designed to pull open and closed. These shutters work best in rooms in which there is adequate space to open the shutters fully.
What is interior shutter?
Interior shutter designs provide a number of design and functional options. The styles of interior shutters range from simple small window coverings that only cover one section of a window to large shutters that are secured to the top of the window and hang to the floor.
Do shutters have slats?
Although many decorative shutters use a horizontal slat design, these imitate the appearance of a certain type of functional shutters. Actual louvered shutters have slats that open and close like venitian blinds. These shutters are commonly manufactured with wood but can be found in vinyl options also.
What are exterior shutters?
Exterior shutters have both aesthetics and functional value. They are the ideal home improvement idea. If you want to enjoy the benefits of shutters for your home, you have to choose the right material. Consider your needs first, check available materials on the market and seek your contractor’s advice. The bottom line is that the shutter material should suit your home improvement needs.
What wood is used for window shutters?
Some of the popular woods used include western red cedar, pine, redwood, cypress, basswood and African mahogany among others.
Where did shutters originate?
This window treatment dates back to the earliest civilizations in Egypt, Greece and Rome. Wooden exterior shutters were popular in home construction in Europe. The décor style crossed over to American colonial architecture. While the design of these shutters have changed the functions remain the same.
Is faux wood good for outdoor shutters?
Faux wood is now a popular alternative to real hardwood and it is a good choice for outdoor shutters.
What are the Different Types of Exterior Shutter Hinges?
These types can be further categorized into two groups of exterior shutter hinges: surface mounted and edge mounted.
How Should My Shutters Close?
Before deciding on the best shutter hardware for your home, first you need to choose how you want the shutters to close over the windows. Exterior shutters can either be inside mounted (fitted within the window frame) or outside mounted (completely covering the window frame).
What is surface hinge?
Surface hinges can mount onto your house with either a plate pintle or with a lag bolt pintle. Edge mounted hinges, or mortise hinges, look like a door hinge because they're placed on the exterior shutter closest to the window. There are also faux hinges available for people who want to achieve the look of decorative shutter hinges without ...
What is inside mounted shutters?
Inside Mounted Exterior Shutters. An inside mount is most common, especially in regions prone to high winds or storms. The inside mounts make the shutters less likely to be lifted by high winds. With inside mounted exterior shutters, you need to know what the material is that will be around your closed shutters.
What is exterior shutter hardware?
Quality exterior shutter hardware is one of those small details that can give a home major curb appeal. While your home’s appearance and functionality may motivate you to add exterior shutters to your house, you also have to know which shutter hardware is best suited for your home’s material.
Can you use outside shutters with shutters?
Outside Mounted Exterior Shutters. You may opt for an outside mount with your exterior shutters if there isn’t enough depth for the shutters to sit within your window frame. If you’re opting to use exterior shutters that will show no window frame when closed, using a surface mounted hinge is more effective.
Can you use faux hinges on exterior shutters?
There are also faux hinges available for people who want to achieve the look of decorative shutter hinges without the hassle and cost of installing real exterior shutter hardware. If you don't actually plan on opening and closing the shutters, decorative faux hinges might be the only hardware you want to install.
What is a tieback dog?
Shutter dogs restrain outdoor window shutters in an open position to either side of the opening. Tiebacks work in a variety of ways to lock and release the panels, with many in ornate designs to give the house added interest.
What is a divider rail?
A divider rail is a horizontal bar, much like the top rail, that creates top and bottom louver areas within the exterior shutter. A divider rail is optional on all louvered shutters and paneled shutters under 70 inches, and is required on combination shutters and all other panels in excess of 70 inches.
What is composite shutter?
Composite shutters can be installed with functional hardware, but have a flat non-decorative back, which will be visible when the shutters are rotated over the window in a closed position. All styles of composite exterior shutters are heavier than their wood counterparts.
How long does it take to measure for exterior shutters?
Expect to spend about 5-10 minutes per window to obtain proper measurements.
How wide should a shutter be for a window?
Windows measuring less than 32 inches wide may use a single shutter that opens to one side. For shallow window openings, measure from the outside left of the window casing, or trim, to the outside right. Divide this measurement by two for the individual shutter width. Measure Window Height.
What is the difference between vinyl and polypropylene shutters?
There is a slightly different process to measure for vinyl shutters. Polypropylene shutters are sold in fixed widths at various intervals. They also have a different installation method to consider.
Can shutters be installed in a permanent position?
Wood or composite shutters that will be installed in a permanent position can afford to be approximate in relation to the window size. This type of stationary installation can be accomplished with screws or bolts. Decorative panels may still look functional if they are installed with authentic shutter hardware.
How wide should shutters be?
Typically, the width of your shutters should be half of your total window width. However, vinyl shutters are available in a handful of sizes.
What width are vinyl shutters?
Keep in mind that the shutters should look like if they could close to cover the window. Vinyl shutters are available in 12" and 15" standard widths. Custom widths are also available. Window Width. Shutter Width.
What Do Exterior Window Shutters Do?
Exterior window shutters have been around for hundreds of years and are still a hot commodity among homeowners today.
What do you need to know about exterior shutters?
Everything You Need to Know About Exterior Window Shutters. Exterior window shutters may seem like a simple addition to your home that don’t really offer a ton of great value. However, that’s far from the truth. Shutters can make or break your home’s curb appeal and have many benefits that are often overlooked.
Why are window shutters used?
Window shutters are really only used as a functional element on homes around coastal regions to help protect against tropical storms and hurricanes. In the Midwest, exterior window shutters are, for the most part, used as an element of decoration.
Can you raise shutters to extend past the house?
However, you still want your exterior shutters to look functional instead of laying flat on your home’s exterior. To create the look of functional exterior window shutters, you can raise them to extend a little past your home’s facade.
Do you need shutters on the outside of your house?
Of course, your exterior window shutters will be installed on your home’s exterior next to the windows. Since homeowners in the Midwest don’t really need to have functioning window shutters, it’s perfectly fine to install them on the sides of the windows rather than on the window casings with hinges. However, you still want your exterior shutters ...
Do shutters make or break a home?
Shutters can make or break your home’s curb appeal and have many benefits that are often overlooked. It’s important to know what exterior window shutters are and what they do as well as why, where and how to install them on your home. We’ll go over the key points to installing exterior shutters so you don’t create an eyesore on your home.
Do you need a shutter for an exterior window?
If you already have beautiful, energy efficient windows, you don’t necessarily need something to add to your home’s functionality. This is where exterior window shutters come into play.
