Making a Bold Statement with Oversized Shutters in Australia

Shutters have long been a popular window treatment in Australia. Whether made of timber, aluminum or synthetic materials, shutters not only function to control light and privacy, but also make a bold statement in home décor.

In recent years, oversized shutters have emerged as a trendy option for those looking to make a dramatic impact. Going above and beyond standard sized shutters, oversized shutters can transform a room and really showcase the windows.

Why Choose Oversized Shutters?

There are several reasons homeowners and interior designers alike are opting for oversized shutters:

1. Maximize Natural Light

One of the primary benefits of oversized shutters is their ability to maximize natural light in a space. With larger louvers that can be opened wider, oversized shutters allow more sunlight to permeate the interior. For dark rooms or homes with limited windows, oversized shutters are an excellent solution for brightening up the space.

2. Increased Visibility

Standard sized shutters can obstruct exterior views by covering up sections of the window. Oversized shutters eliminate this problem by extending beyond the window frame to offer unobstructed outdoor vistas. For rooms with panoramic views, oversized shutters are the perfect choice.

3. Make a Bold Statement

Oversized shutters provide a dramatic, eye-catching look that standard sized options just can’t compete with. Their striking silhouette makes them a focal point of any room. For homeowners looking to make a bold design statement, oversized shutters do just that.

4. Allow Flexible Louver Positions

With their wider louvers, oversized shutters permit more flexibility in louver positioning. Homeowners can opt to have louvers completely closed, partially open, or fully open depending on desired light control and privacy needs. Standard sized shutters often limit how much louvers can be adjusted.

5. Customizable to Any Size

One of the best aspects of oversized shutters is their total customizability when it comes to size and shape. They can be made wider, taller or both to fit any window perfectly. Oversized shutters can be tailored specifically to your unique windows and spatial dimensions.

6. Increased Airflow

The wider louvers and overall size of oversized shutters allow for improved airflow compared to standard sized options. When louvers are open, oversized shutters usher in fresh breezes. This makes them ideal for hot Australian climates.

Oversized Shutters Styles

Oversized shutters come in a variety of styles to complement any interior aesthetic. Here are some of the most popular oversized shutter options:

Plantation Shutters

The quintessential shutter style, plantation shutters feature wide horizontal louvers in an elegant, traditional look. Constructed of timber, plantation shutters bring a timeless sophistication well-suited to formal spaces. Oversized plantation shutters make a dramatic statement in entryways, dining rooms and living areas.

Cafe-Style Shutters

Cafe-style oversized shutters have narrow, vertical louvers that can be adjusted to filter light as desired. With a clean, modern appearance, cafe-style oversized shutters give a minimalist look well-suited for contemporary homes. They work especially well in kitchens and home offices.

Board & Batten Shutters

Board & batten oversized shutters have the rustic appeal of wider vertical boards paired with narrow battens layered on top. The resulting texture adds charming character that complements casual decor. Ideal for bedrooms, studies, and relaxed family rooms.

Tier-on-Tier Shutters

Tier-on-tier oversized shutters feature horizontal louvers stacked atop one another in rows. This layered effect provides enhanced light control and privacy. The dimensional look makes a bold statement in any room. Great option for living rooms, media rooms and master suites.

Track Shutters

With horizontal tracking panels that glide side-to-side, track oversized shutters offer the most flexibility for controlling light. Homeowners can adjust the movable panels to reveal as much or as little of the window as desired. Track shutters bring modern appeal with their smooth operation.

Choosing the Right Size

When opting for oversized shutters, determining the appropriate size is key for maximizing their visual impact. Here are some tips on selecting oversized shutter dimensions:

• For width, choose shutters that extend 8-12 inches beyond the window frame on each side. This maintains pleasing proportions without overwhelming the window.
• For height, opt for shutters that reach within 6-12 inches of the ceiling. Going all the way to the ceiling can sometimes look awkward. Allowing some space at the top keeps proportions balanced.
• Consider the size of the wall the window is on. Oversized shutters shouldn’t dominate or overwhelm the surrounding wall. Leave adequate wall space around the shutters for proper scale.
• Take into account ceiling height. Rooms with higher ceilings can accommodate larger shutters without looking out of proportion. In rooms with standard ceiling heights, scale back shutter sizes slightly.
• For a dramatic look, oversized shutters can cover the window frame completely. This enveloping effect makes the shutters a true focal point. Ensure the room decor can support such an eye-catching statement.

Configurations for Oversized Shutters

One of the advantages of oversized shutters is the range of possible configurations:

Full Height, Wall-to-Wall

Covering the window wall from floor to ceiling makes a bold design statement. The wall-to-wall, full height treatment emphasizes the architecture with its expansive scale. For a seamless, enveloping aesthetic, install the shutters without any trim or framing.

Full Height With Trimming

Another take on the full height look is including trim or framing around the oversized shutters. Architectural details like crown molding, baseboards and side trim can accentuate the grand scale. The trim gives definition while still allowing the oversized shutters to dominate.

Wide Without Added Height

Emphasizing width over height also makes an impact. Oversized shutters that extend wide beyond the window frame on both sides attract attention through their broad horizontal expanse. Keeping height traditional maintains balance.

Covering Multiple Windows

Use oversized shutters to cover groupings of windows for a unified wall treatment. Spanning multiple windows, horizontally oriented oversized shutters create the illusion of one expansive window space. They make the area feel more open and seamless.

Asymmetrical Arrangements

Get creative by making shutter elements different sizes to form asymmetrical arrangements. Varying the scale adds architectural interest. Try pairing wider oversized shutters on one part of the window with standard sized shutters beside them.

Material Options

Oversized shutters come in a variety of materials to suit your decor. Consider these common oversized shutter materials:

Timber

Traditional timber shutters have an elegant, timeless look. Timber options like basswood and cedar offer strength and durability. For a classic appeal, timber oversized shutters are hard to beat. They bring warmth that complements all styles from modern to traditional.

Synthetic

For a streamlined contemporary look, oversized shutters made of synthetic materials like vinyl and ABS plastic have visual appeal. They resist warping and require less maintenance than wood. Synthetic shutters come in endless colors for design flexibility.

Aluminum

Sleek and modern, aluminum oversized shutters have a lightweight durability ideal for large sizes. Aluminum is easy to maintain and resists rust. With the look of metal but none of the wear, aluminum oversized shutters bring contemporary style.

Composite

Combining wood, plastic and aluminum, composite oversized shutters offer the best attributes of all three materials. Composite balances the warmth of wood with the resilience of synthetics. For gorgeous, durable oversized shutters, composites are ideal.

Making a Statement in Specific Rooms

Here are some ways oversized shutters can transform specific rooms with their dramatic impact:

Entryways

Greet guests with eye-catching curb appeal by using oversized shutters flanking your front door or on prominent entryway windows. They make a bold first impression.

Living & Family Rooms

Add panache to casual living spaces with oversized shutters that function as an elegant focal point. Their grand presence spices up the everyday.

Dining Rooms

For formal dining rooms, oversized shutters bring stately sophistication. Their opulent scale and ability to filter light perfectly complements fine dining.

Home Offices

In home offices, oversized cafe-style shutters allow abundant natural light while maintaining privacy. Their clean, minimalist look aids concentration.

Bedrooms

For an ultra-luxurious feel in bedrooms, install oversized shutters from floor to ceiling. The enveloping cocoon effect makes sleeping a dream.

Setting the Mood with Adjustable Light Control

One of the top benefits of oversized shutters is their unparalleled ability to regulate natural light. With their wider louvers and expansive scale, oversized shutters offer enhanced light filtering options to set the perfect mood in any room:

Louvers Closed

Fully closing the louvers creates privacy while permitting a gentle glow along shutter edges. The small amount of seeping light sets a tranquil ambiance.

Louvers Slightly Open

Cracking louvers open a few inches splashes the interior with strips of illumination. The staggered stripes of sunny highlights bring an uplifting brightness.

Louvers Half Open

At halfway open, louvers flood the room with ample daylight. The balance of light and shadow provides an atmosphere that is both cheerful and focused.

Louvers Mostly Open

Wide open louvers wash the interior in the vibrant fullness of daylight. This flooded brightness energizes and invigorates the space.

Fully Open Louvers

For the maximum influx of natural light, open louvers entirely. The unfilteredbrightness creates an airy, outdoor feel that stimulates creativity and productivity.

With oversized shutters’ unmatched versatility, it’s easy to set the perfect light level for any activity or mood.

Maintaining Oversized Shutters

To keep oversized shutters looking their best:

• Clean wood or composite shutters with a damp cloth and mild detergent. Avoid harsh cleaners.
• Hose down aluminum or vinyl shutters to remove dirt and debris. Clean with a soft brush if needed.
• Use a vacuum attachment to remove dust from louvers and frames.
• Inspect shutters annually for any damage, loose joinery or hardware issues. Address any problems immediately to prevent worsening.
• Consider re-staining or repainting timber shutters every 2-3 years to refresh the color. Vinyl and aluminum shutters may need new coats of paint over time as well.
• Have shutters professionally cleaned if excessive dirt builds up. A thorough clean can restore shutters to like-new condition.

With proper care, oversized shutters will remain beautiful additions to the home for many years. Their striking presence never goes out of style.

Contact Our Expert Team

Oversized shutters offer superior light control, unparalleled drama and endless design possibilities. If you’re considering installing these on-trend showstoppers in your Australian home, contact our team of experts. We specialize in helping homeowners select the ideal oversized shutters to match their space and style. From precise measurements to professional installation, we take care of everything while offering exceptional customer service. Bring your oversized shutter dreams to life with the knowledgeable pros who know this product inside and out.