Affordable Shutters: Low-Cost Style for Any Space

Shutters are a classic design element that can instantly elevate the look of any space. But traditional shutters made from materials like wood and composite often come with high price tags, especially for large windows. If you want to enjoy the visual style and functionality of window shutters without spending a fortune, read on for plenty of budget-friendly options. With a little creativity, you can find affordable shutters to suit any room in your home.

Faux Wood Shutters

One of the most affordable ways to get the look of real wood shutters is to opt for faux wood variants made from vinyl, PVC, or engineered polymers. These materials allow manufacturers to create shutters with the texture, grain and dimensional details of wood, but at a fraction of the cost. And unlike real wood, faux wood shutters won’t warp, crack or fade over time.

Faux wood shutters typically run between $20-$60 per shutter panel, making them easy to add to multiple windows without breaking your decorating budget. Even premium faux wood options with extra texture and woodgrain effects cost far less than real wood. Go for standard louvered or raised panel designs in versatile white or black shades.

When installing faux wood shutters, ensure you choose options with durable frames, hinges and hardware so they hold up to the elements. Carefully measure each window to order shutters sized just right. Avoid trying to make generic sizes work across all windows. Custom-fit shutters amplify realism.

MDF as an Affordable Shutter Option

Medium density fiberboard (MDF) provides a middle ground between real wood and vinyl or PVC. MDF offers some of the rich look of wood, but in sturdier compressed panels that resist cracking and moisture. Pre-primed MDF factory cut into louvered shutter panels runs about $30-$60 per shutter, making it very budget-friendly.

DIY-savvy homeowners can save even more by purchasing plain MDF boards and cutting their own custom shutters. This allows complete control over shape, size, and details. Just be sure to use proper outdoor rated paints and primers to finish your homemade MDF shutters for weather durability.

Creative Coverings: Faux Shutters from Fabric

An easy no-build way to get the shuttered look is by using coverings made from fabric. Heavy canvas, denim, or cotton fabric can be made to fit over existing windows and mimic the shape of shutters when closed. Hook and loop tape allows the “shutters” to open and close to reveal or cover the window.

Fabric covers are a genius budget solution for oddly-shaped or oversized windows. Tailor panels precisely to each opening for a polished finished look. Include design details like crossbeam straps, tiebacks, and trims. Fabric covers cost a fraction of real shutters.

Steel: Sleek and Economical

Metal shutters made from galvanized steel, aluminum, or tin provide an industrial vibe, and are quite budget-friendly. Steel shutters can be powder coated in any color for aesthetic versatility. Compared to wood, metal shutters require little maintenance beyond occasionally hose washing. Steel costs around $30-60 per shutter, making it ideal for cost-conscious projects.

Steel looks fantastic on contemporary style homes, industrial lofts, or commercial spaces. Look for sleek profiles like flat panel steel shutters or incorporate glass, wire mesh, or perforated metals for irresistible texture. Steel shutters lend rooms an edgy, eclectic feel.

Upcycle Old Doors into Shutters

Turn salvaged old doors into stunning DIY shutters for your windows. Hunt for discarded solid wood doors at architectural salvage stores, antique shops, or from old houses being renovated. Refinish and repurpose each door into two shutter panels with operable hardware added.

Upcycled wood doors have far more character than new mass produced shutters. Sand away old paint to uncover beautiful distressed wood grains before adding updated colored stains or fresh coats of paint. Allow the original wood details to shine through creatively.

Employ Easy DIY Shutter Techniques

There are many ways to mimic posh wood shutters using simple DIY techniques for a fraction of the price. With some creativity, inexpensive materials can be transformed into custom shutters that get the look you want. Consider these crafty ideas:

• Use plywood cut into louvered slats or decorative patterns and paint to resemble wood shutters
• Craft shutters from inexpensive PVC or composite boards for durability
• Cut and glue shutter-shaped frameworks from craft wood or baseboards, then wrap in fabric
• Use stencils and exterior paints to create the illusion of shutters on plain walls near windows
• Mount removable wallpaper with shutter designs directly onto window trim
• Score paintable foam insulation boards to mimic slatted shutters

The limits are only your imagination when it comes to faux shutters. Visit home improvement stores for shutter inspiration you can recreate with affordable materials on hand.

Style On A Budget: Shutter Alternatives

Standard rectangular louvered shutters are classics, but other styles offer visual interest while keeping costs low. Try arched shutters for cottage appeal or radius shutters for prairie-style homes. Board and batten shutters have rustic flavor. You can easily craft custom shutters from wood scraps or salvage materials.

Consider other creative alternatives like exterior Roman shades, roll-down bamboo screens, corrugated metal sheets, stacking glass doors, or painted plywood cut into abstract silhouettes or patterns. Style your windows affordably by thinking beyond ordinary shutters.

Repurpose Thrift Store Finds

Check out local thrift stores and antique shops for old shutter hardware or doors you can upcycle. Vintage shutters add one-of-a-kind character. You might find worn louvered shutters, hinged barn doors, or decorative iron grip hinges to inspire your own custom shutters on a dime.

Even vintage lace, curtains, or crocheted afghans can become shutters with dowel rods and creative mounting. Don’t disregard quirky items; disjointed items can spur inventive projects. Thrifted finds often cost you pennies on the dollar compared to buying new materials.

Only Shutter Where Needed

You probably don’t need shutters on every window to achieve the look you want. Be selective about adding shutters only where they’ll have the most aesthetic impact. Shuttering windows flanking the front door provides plenty of charm, without the expense of shuttering the entire house.

Likewise for interior rooms, just a few strategically placed shutters draws the eye. Rely on less expensive window treatments like curtains, blinds or shades on other windows as needed. Thoughtful minimal use of shutters helps maximize visual impact while minimizing costs.

Mix and Match Shutter Styles

Eclectic rooms call for creative shuttering solutions. You can easily mix and match materials, shapes and sizes. For example, hang elegant drapes beside whimsical plywood cutout shutters. Or blend louvered vinyl shutters with distressed wood shutters. Allow your imagination to pair complementary designs.

Grouping different shutters together adds layers of interest while allowing you to utilize affordable materials where it makes sense. Customize shutters to each window for a cohesive patchwork effect. Don’t be afraid to get creative with funky pairings.

Window Boxes Provide Instant Shutters

An inexpensive and easily removable way to mimic the look of shutters is by using window boxes for flowers, herbs or plants. Painted wood, composite, metal or plastic window boxes flanking a window create the illusion of shutters, no DIY skills required.

Best of all, window boxes soften architecture in an inviting way and don’t block views or light. You can switch out plantings seasonally for fresh appeal. No need to permanently affix fake shutters when window boxes do the job in a charming manner.

Embrace Eclecticism

There’s no need for all shutters to perfectly match when embracing an eclectic style. Improvise with what you have on hand rather than buying all new. Aged barn wood shutters offer rustic contrast beside clean-lined vinyl shutters. Mismatched sizes, shapes, and pairing indoor shutters with exterior ones also adds character.

Go bold with eye-catching colors to make shutters the focal point. Distressed finishes hide signs of wear. Change the look just by painting shutters a different color. Lean into the diversity for a lived-in vibe full of personality.

Lighten Up with Bright White

White shutters never go out of style and instantly freshen up surroundings. Crisp white helps rooms feel more open and airy. Play off white shutters with almost any wall color. White also makes small spaces appear larger.

White shutters with black accents lend a classic coastal vibe to bedrooms, baths, and kitchens. Try combining white shutters with light blue or sage green walls for timeless appeal. Crisp white shutters complement homes from quaint cottages to stately Colonials.

Size Matters: Go Smaller

Having standard full-sized shutters custom built to fit each window perfectly can become very expensive. Stay budget savvy by purchasing smaller, off-the-shelf vinyl or composite shutters sized around 25%-50% smaller than your windows.

The cost savings are significant, but small shutters still provide decorative window framing. Optimal sizing retains the look of operable shutters. Accentuate with trim details. Smaller shutters work especially well on homes with Craftsman, Tudor, or ornate window designs.

Privacy Solutions: Try Exterior Blinds

For privacy along with airflow, consider exterior window blinds rather than solid shutters. Blinds installed outside reflect heat while allowing light and views. Outdoor blinds operate via remote and come in materials like aluminum, vinyl, and wood.

Exterior blinds provide shade when you want it without sacrificing views when open. Costs range from $100-300 per window for DIY kits to blinds professionally installed. Outdoor blinds complement clean architectural styles. Add side trim for a visual effect reminiscent of shutters.

With a dash of imagination and these budget-friendly ideas, you can customize any space with affordable shutters. Balance splurge-worthy wood shutters on focal walls with money-saving DIY or faux shutters elsewhere. However you shutter on a budget, embrace your home’s unique personality.