All-Natural Shutters: Healthy Woods and Fabrics

More homeowners are seeking all-natural shutters made from organic materials for healthier indoor living. Wood species, fabrics, stains and paints can all contribute to improved indoor air quality when choosing conscientiously. Read on to learn about top options for pure, non-toxic shutters.

Natural Hardwood Shutters

Shutters constructed from solid basswood, poplar, ash and oak avoid the glues and chemicals found in some composite woods. Look for responsibly harvested, FSC-certified woods to ensure sustainable forestry practices. Unfinished hardwoods let you choose non-toxic stains and sealers.

Natural Softwood Shutters

Sustainably-sourced softwoods like pine and cedar make excellent shutters without glues or binders. Their naturally insect-repelling properties are also ideal for outdoor shutters. Look for untreated, kiln-dried pine boards or aromatically scented cedar.

Bamboo Shutters

For a highly renewable option, bamboo shutters offer durability and beauty on par with hardwoods. Bamboo needs no pesticides, fertilizers or irrigation to grow rapidly. Bamboo Haley Shutters from Australia crafts bamboo slats into lovely louvers, panels and tiered designs.

Natural Bark Shutters

Bring an organic look indoors with shutters made from tree bark like western red cedar bark. Bark House hand harvests bark in a way that preserves the trees. Bark shutters add outdoorsy texture for rustic cabins, lodges and beach houses.

Organic Cotton Shutters

On the luxury end, organic cotton composite shutters offer ultra-clean indoor air quality. Alethea Harampolis’ Alethia Shutters blends organic cotton with FSC-certified wood, natural adhesives and non-toxic stains. The artisanal shutters are handmade to order in California.

Natural Linen Shutters

Another upscale natural fiber, European flax linen, gets incorporated into tailored shutters by Binder. Its Scene collection integrates lightweight linen panels for noise absorption and blackout capabilities when closed. Linen has soothing respiratory benefits.

Natural Wood Stains and Paints

Responsible shutter makers avoid stains and paints with harmful VOCs (volatile organic compounds). Choose all-natural milk paint, plant-based stains, food-grade tung oil or beeswax finishes to keep indoor air pure. Prioritize zero-VOC formulas certified for purity.

Natural Shutter Cleaning Products

Maintain your natural shutters’ non-toxic integrity by cleaning only with natural ingredients like:

• Castile soap mixed with water
• Baking soda paste with essential oils
• Diluted apple cider or white vinegar solution
• Lemon juice with borax paste

Avoid chemical-laden commercial cleaners loaded with toxins and artificial fragrances.

Natural Insect Repellents

Deter pests and spiders naturally by applying essential oil mixtures to your wood shutters:

• Cedarwood, citronella and lemongrass oils
• Tea tree and eucalyptus oils
• Peppermint and spearmint oils
• Lavender and rosemary oils

Refresh treatments seasonally for safe, effective bug repelling.

Natural Fire Retardants

Responsible shutter makers avoid toxic flame retardants. To meet fire codes naturally, options like borax treatments, diammonium phosphate or baking soda can reduce flammability of natural wood and fabrics.

With growing health-consciousness, all-natural shutters made from organic materials make an excellent choice for clean indoor air and environmental sustainability. Discuss natural options with your eco-shutter retailer.