How to Layer Different Kinds of Shutters for Design Interest

When it comes to window treatments, don’t be afraid to think outside the box and layer different shutter types together for added visual interest. By combining materials, textures and colors, you can create depth, emphasize architectural details and make a unique style statement in your home. Here are some tips on achieving an artistic layered shutter look.

Combine plantation shutters with other materials

Plantation shutters are a popular choice because of their clean lines and versatility. Why not spice them up by adding another element? Some ideas:

• Hang sheer curtains over plantation shutters to soften their hard edges and allow diffused light into a room. Go for lightweight fabrics like linen or silk that won’t overwhelm the shutters.
• Coordinate colored plantation shutters with patterned Roman shades mounted above the window frame. This allows you to control privacy and light with the shutters, while the shades add some graphical punch.
• Layer plantation shutters with easy-to-install vinyl peel-and-stick wallpaper on window frames for a whimsical or themed look in kids’ rooms or home offices.

Create visual depth with two-layer shutters

Overlap two shutter layers to make windows appear recessed and emphasize their architectural shape. Some shutter layering combos to try:

• Mount full-height roller shutters behind open-louvre shutters. Align them so the louvres conceal the roller shutters’ mechanism and guides.
• Hang tambour shutters inside casement shutters for a mixed material look when the casements are open. Keep them color coordinated for a cohesive aesthetic.
• Install cafe-style shutters behind etched glass shutters. Keep the glass shutters permanently open to display the cafe shutters and enable light filtering.

Vary material textures and patterns

Shutter materials like wood, vinyl, aluminum and acrylic all have their own unique grains and impressions. Mixing textured surfaces makes for interesting contrast. Consider these ideas:

• Combine the natural wood grain of basswood shutters with sleek aluminum shutters in metallic finishes like bronze or silver.
• Layer rough-sawn cedar shutters over woven bamboo Roman shades for an earthy look.
• Overlap vinyl shutters’ flat matte surface with the sheen of acrylic shutters.

Create color blocking effects

You can use shutters to ‘color block’ windows the same way you would block color on a canvas. Contrasting hues help different shutter layers stand out.

• Make plantation shutters pop by hanging blue-green patterned roller shutters behind them.
• Use white panel shutters to frame the window then mount red accordion shutters off the frame.
• Hang orange corrugated aluminum shutters in front of dark brown louvered shutters.

By thoughtfully combining different shutter types, colors, textures and positioning, you can come up with all kinds of creative window treatments. So don’t be afraid to mix and match to design shutters that reflect your personal style. The options are virtually endless!