The Comprehensive Guide to Choosing the Right Shutters for Your Home

Shutters are a classic window covering that can instantly transform the look and feel of a room. With many options to choose from, selecting the right shutters for your home may seem daunting. This guide will walk you through the key factors to consider when shopping for interior and exterior shutters.

Interior vs. Exterior Shutters: Key Differences

Functionality

Interior shutters are mainly decorative and used for controlling light and privacy. Exterior shutters serve a more functional purpose, providing protection against weather elements like rain, wind, and UV rays.

Materials

Interior shutters are commonly made of basswood, poplar, red oak, and composite materials like vinyl and faux wood. Exterior shutters are constructed from heartier materials like cedar, cypress, and vinyl to withstand outdoor conditions.

Styles

You have endless style options for interior shutters like cafe, full height, tiered, and sliding panels. Exterior shutters are typically louvered or paneled styles for a traditional look.

Installation

Interior shutters can be hung with hinges to the window jamb or mounted directly to the window frame. Exterior shutters require sturdy mounting into the home’s siding or onto the window casing.

Popular Types of Interior Shutters

Cafe Shutters

Cafe shutters only cover the lower half of the window. They allow light in through the top portion while maintaining privacy below. Perfect for kitchens, bathrooms, and offices.

Full Height Shutters

Full height interior shutters cover the entire window when closed. Choose wide panels for a dramatic look or narrow louvers to control light and airflow.

Tiered Shutters

Tiered shutters have two stacked sections that allow you to cover the bottom and top portions separately. Convenient for maximum light and privacy control.

Sliding Panel Shutters

Sliding panels glide side to side on a track, allowing you to open and close off sections of the window. A versatile choice for large windows.

Interior Shutter Materials

Wood Shutters

• Basswood: Affordable hardwood that can be painted or stained; prone to warping
• Poplar: Lightweight and affordable; takes paint and stain well
• Red Oak: Hardwood that resists warping; more water-resistant than other woods

Composite Shutters

• Vinyl: Durable, moisture-resistant, and low maintenance
• Faux Wood: Mimics the look of real wood with a moisture-proof vinyl cap layer

Customization Options for Interior Shutters

• Size: Order shutters in exact window measurements for a custom fit
• Louvers: Adjustable louvers to control light and privacy
• Tier Height: Specify custom tier heights for a perfect fit
• Color/Finish: Match any paint color or select a stain that suits your decor
• Hardware: Choose hinges, handles, and knobs in different finishes
• Cutouts: Add unique shapes like arches, angles, and curves

Exterior Shutter Styles and Materials

Louvered Shutters

The most common style with angled horizontal slats. Allows airflow while providing privacy and shielding windows.

Paneled Shutters

Flat panel shutters create a smooth, seamless look. The panels can have decorative cutout shapes or be plain.

Specialty Shutters

Get creative with arched, circular, and corrugated metal shutters for a custom exterior.

Wood Shutters

Western red cedar and cypress are naturally resistant to rot and insects. Require regular repainting.

Vinyl Shutters

Never need repainting and won’t crack, peel, warp or rot. Come in matte, satin, and wood grain textures.

Composite Shutters

Blend vinyl, acrylic, polyurethane, or reclaimed wood fibers for durability. Offer more color and style options.

Key Considerations for Choosing Exterior Shutters

Climate

Select materials that can withstand humidity, intense sun, oceanfront conditions, or heavy snow depending on your location.

Mounting Surface

Determine if shutters will be mounted onto siding, stucco, brick, or directly to the window frame.

Wind Load

Choose heavy-duty mounting hardware and close-fitting shutters rated for the wind speeds in your area.

Aesthetics

Match the architectural style of your home, whether it’s rustic, modern, colonial, etc. Accent the exterior color scheme.

Window Size

Louvers should be sized to equal the full width of the window and one-half the height when open.

How to Measure for Shutters

Follow these steps for precise shutter measurements:

Interior Window Shutters

1. Measure inside the window frame opening from side to side for the width.
2. Measure from the top to the bottom of the frame for the height.
3. Note the depth of the window frame to select appropriate shutter thickness.

Exterior Window Shutters

1. Measure the outside edge of the window frame side to side for width.
2. Measure the outside frame top to bottom for height.
3. Write down the mounting depth if shutters will be inset on a casing.

Door Shutters

1. Follow the interior frame measurements for width and height if mounting indoor shutters.
2. For outdoor door shutters, measure the outside edge of the door all the way around.

Accurate measurements ensure your shutters will have a custom fit. Always measure each window individually since sizes can vary in a home.

Shutters Maintenance Tips

• Keep wood shutters sealed and repaint every 2-3 years
• Rinse vinyl or composite shutters with a hose 1-2 times per year
• Vacuum louvers regularly with a brush attachment
• Immediately clean any condensation or moisture
• Ensure shutters are securely attached to wall/window
• Check for damage after severe weather
• Repair broken louvers, hinges, and hangers right away

With proper care, both interior and exterior shutters can grace your home beautifully for years. Contact our experts to get help selecting the perfect shutters for your needs.