Do shutters look better with or without curtains?

When designing or updating window treatments, a common dilemma is deciding whether to pair shutters with curtains or use shutters alone. Both approaches have pros and cons in terms of aesthetics, function and effort. Should you combine shutters and curtains or let shutters stand alone? How you decide often comes down to window location and personal priorities.

Combining Shutters and Curtains

The layered look of shutters and curtains has traditionally been popular for good reason – the combo maximizes style and function. Here’s how shutters and curtains work well together:

More options for light control

Shutters on their own allow some light through slats. Adding curtains in front gives you total blackout capability by blocking remaining light. This is ideal for bedrooms.

Extra privacy

Closed shutters offer privacy during the day. Drawn curtains provide full privacy at night when interior lights are on. The layers prevent views or light escape.

day and night options

Open shutters let daytime light filter in. Closing lined curtains at night helps limit heat loss through glass windows for added insulation.

Softens hard window lines

Crisp shutter lines look more relaxed and approachable softened by the draping fabric of curtains. This creates a welcoming atmosphere.

Heightens the focal point

Framing a window with shutters draws the eye to this architectural focal point. Elaborately detailed curtains provide further emphasis.

Design flexibility

More design choices open up with two elements. Contrast shutter and curtain styles like bold shutters with sheer curtains or combine complementary looks.

Noise reduction

Shutters muffle sound while thick lined curtains provide further sound dampening. This is ideal for rooms facing busy streets.

Tradition

The familiar look of shutters flanking draped curtains provides a classic, timeless style. Many associate this with refined, formal spaces.

Shutters and curtains just seem to belong together in many homes. Their combined strengths give you the best of both function and beauty.

Potential drawbacks

There are a few caveats to the layers:

• Cost – You pay for two window treatments instead of one which can get pricey
• Effort – Layering means twice the installing and twice the decorating effort
• Light blockage – Too many layers can overly darken a room with natural light blockage

Overall though, the benefits tend to outweigh the downsides for rooms where optimized function and soft elegance matter most.

Stylish Shutter and Curtain Combos

If you opt to pair shutters and curtains, some pleasing combinations include:

Plantation shutters and sheers

• Elegant look combining crisp lines with softness
• Sheers filter natural light beautifully
• Plantations offer privacy; sheers give added daytime softness

Natural wood shutters and linen curtains

• Earthy, organic pairing pleasing to the eye
• Both have a casual texture that coordinates
• Warm wood tones and natural fabric suit many rooms

Black shutters and bold patterned curtains

• Eye-catching contrast adds excitement
• Makes the window a dramatic focal point
• Balances vivid curtains with grounding black shutters

White shutters and muted solid curtains

• Timeless and versatile for many spaces
• Fresh yet understated
• Allows shutters to stand out against subdued curtains

Finding the right balance of shutter style, curtain design, color and texture creates a window treatment that really makes a stylish statement.

Do Shutters Look Good on Their Own?

While the shutter and curtain combo has traditionally reigned, a move toward minimalism has sparked a shutter-only trend. Going curtainless showcases the clean appeal of shutters.

Shutters all alone can look stunning when done thoughtfully. Here are some of the benefits to shutters solo:

Streamlined look

Shutters on their own have a crisp, seamless aesthetic. Their simplified look gives a room an airy, uncluttered feel. This suits modern and minimalist spaces beautifully.

Spotlights architectural details

Without curtains competing for attention, shutters solo place emphasis on the windows themselves and their architectural details. This celebrates intricate stained glass or ornate trim.

Lets in natural light

With no curtains blocking rays, shutters allow sunlight to stream in unfiltered. This brightens spaces naturally for an uplifting mood.

Easy maintenance

Skipping curtains eliminates the need to constantly adjust them, launder them and press wrinkled fabric. Shutters on their own require minimal fuss.

Cost effective

Only buying shutters saves on the additional materials and labor costs curtains add. Achieving a finished look for less keeps projects within budget.

Modern appeal

The unadorned look of shutter-only windows exudes a sleek, contemporary vibe fitting current design trends favoring simplicity.

For the right room, shutter-only windows make a gorgeous, fuss-free statement.

Rooms Suiting Shutters Alone

While the curtainless trend works for many areas of homes, some spaces particularly suit a shutters-only look:

Kitchens

Kitchens benefit from maximum natural light. Shutters avoid impeding light while offering privacy and decoration. Their streamlined look suits sleek, modern kitchens.

**Bathrooms **

For natural light and ventilation, shutters allow bathrooms to feel open without sacrificing privacy. The simplified style keeps baths from feeling overly fussed over.

Dining rooms

Letting light shine on dining tables creates an inviting mood. Clean-lined shutters complement minimalist dining spaces for understated elegance.

Entryways

Directing attention outward, shutter-framed windows beside front doors make pretty statements without competing details.

Offices

Floor-to-ceiling shuttered windows maintain views and filter light without distractions for a productive workspace.

Libraries

Shutters beautifully frame built-in bookcases without detracting from the shelves’ grandeur in gracefully elegant libraries.

For these spaces, shutters alone simply feel fitting.

Making Shutters Shine Solo

When using shutters without coordinating curtains, keep these tips in mind:

Choose room-appropriate shutters

Lightweight plantation shutters suit airy rooms, while bold boarding shutters make better statements in cozy dens.

Size properly

Shutters that are too small get overwhelmed by larger windows and look imbalanced on their own. Custom full-length sizes maximize impact.

Install at optimal placement

Mount shutters close to window frames so they don’t float awkwardly alone. Keep clearance narrow for stability when curtains won’t help anchor them.

Consider operable shutters

If functions like light control and ventilation matter, opt for shutters that open and close to avoid gaps in performance from skipping curtains.

Use other accents thoughtfully

Minimalist window valances, simple drapery rods or sleek solar shades can subtly fill voids over or between windows for better balance.

With careful styling, shutter-only windows look their best and avoid feeling stark and unfinished.

The Verdict on Shutters vs. Curtains

At the end of the day, combining shutters and curtains versus using shutters solo comes down to personal preference and window purpose.

Some final factors to help decide:

• Privacy needs – If full privacy is a must, layers are ideal. If modest privacy suffices, shutters alone can work.
• Room aesthetics – Formal living rooms often suit shutter-curtain combos while sleek, modern kitchens shine with shutters alone. Match the intended vibe.
• Effort tolerance – Eliminating curtains cuts laundering and seasonally switching work for those who want simplicity.
• Budget – Skipping curtains saves significant money over buying two treatments.
• Light control – Dark rooms like bedrooms often need multiple layers for blackout capability.

Ultimately, you can’t go wrong pairing or not pairing shutters and curtains as long as you thoughtfully weigh the factors that matter most for each individual room. This ensures the final look elegantly suits both design style and functional needs.

Contact the Shutter Experts

Ready to decide on your perfect window treatment combinations? The professional designers at ShutterCraft have the expertise to help you determine whether to layer shutters and curtains or let your shutters shine solo. Contact us today to get started creating beautiful windows tailored to your unique home and style.