Me again -- these are my shutters closed.

Please advise as whether to keep or delete. Thanks!

Delete. They look a bit odd when opened, and while I think they look very nice closed, you say you don't need the privacy. Plus, you have 5 'cons' above and no 'pluses'. :-)

Can you take them out and put them in the attic? :)

Why are you worried about resale? Do all your other windows have shutters? Will the lack of shutters on the bay make the exterior look off? Can you accordion fold them when they are open or do the just hang in space?

I would take them down, clean them up and store them. It gives you the option of putting them back for resale or whatever.

They do look nice when they are closed.

I like them when closed but if you are not using them that way I would than store them for a future buyer if you decide to sell. They are not that hard to repaint when they are off the windows. I had my BM dove white made into a spray paint at the hardware store and then just sprayed them outside. If they need sanding that is the labor intensive part..

Open or closed, I don't like them with the chandelier and, as you said, they are not quite right with the bay window, either.

Thanks folks -- great advice.

Yes, they do fold up but they DO NOT stay folded so I had stuff propped up against them (a wine rack on one side and an antique chair on the other).

About resale -- this house is a country ranch and I want an upscale cottage look on a budget. I just don't want to deviate too much from the original design elements as most houses in our small sub are really, really country. There are no interior shutters anywhere else and this is the only bay window. Actually, I think the glass or windows on this bay need upgrading too. I'll tackle that later.

I'll definitely store/save them. I wanted everyone's advice now because it will determine if I take all the hardware down now too (clasps, magnets, etc.).

Love the point My3Dogs made about my 5 negatives. LOL.

Thanks folks -- I'll be needing more advice on this room and the adjacent Living Room as I make progress.

Roarah -- thanks for the spray paint idea -- if I use them elsewhere that will be my plan!

Javachik -- should I keep that chandelier -- I don't know about that either. Those crystals are expensive (I looked at replacements). I'm thinking about deleting that too and going with a high-end ceiling fan (no a/c).

Keep the ideas coming -- I love it!!

I'm a shutter fan, but not caring so much for those (and they don't look like they're hinged properly to fold and stay in place). Take everything down and start fresh would be my advice.

If you don't enjoy them, take them down. The next owner can reinstall if they like.

I like the chandelier and I like the shutters; just not together. Assuming you remove the shutters, if the chandelier goes with the rest of your furniture and décor keep it. If not, sell or put it in the attic with the shutters.

No A/C? Hope you live somewhere cool and not humid. Summer's on its way!

Annie & Snookums -- thanks so much. I think I will start fresh and just take these down and store them. The hinges are way too small for the weight on these and leaving them open just stresses them more. I don't love them enough to paint them and fix the hinges.

Thanks too Javachik -- I'll get the whole room done (ripping off wallpaper now) and check back with you decorators on that chandelier and lighting in general.

Because of base board heating -- can't install central air so we have two portable AC units in key rooms. Not so bad because we have a nice tree canopy that keeps "most" of the house cool.

Thanks again all !!