Do you like and/or use the shutters? If so, keep them. If not, take them out (but I'd store them for future possible use if you can). In my opinion, they have no particular value past their usefulness, so it's up to you!

I doubt that removing them will change the amount of light that much. The covered patio is most likely the reason for minimal light.

Shutters are so expensive, I'd keep them. An appraiser told me they are the one window treatment that they can include in an appraisal because they are a fixture to the house. I think your issue is from the cover.

I had shutters through my whole house and they do make a space darker. If you put all your rails, styles, etc from your three windows and place them over one window, you are covering 1/2 of a window or more.

I do like them though and they look nice in your room. Do you need blinds or shutters for privacy or are they just decorative? Do you like them? Taking them down will make the room look slightly brighter.

I think they look great! They have a nice, substantial look.

The shutters are nice, but IMO the open window is better

I like the room as a whole better with the shutters closed. I would keep them. I think they soften the entire look of the room. Colors, texture everything looks prettier to my eye in the first picture....

before i removed them i'd try to work out why they were installed. did the previous owner have a tv in the room and wanted total darkness in daytime? another benefit, you can have the window open and the shutters part closed and get air flow without a window treatment blowing around.

Leave them they create a very nice look. I agree with above commenter (sorry I forgot the name) your covered porch is biggest light inhibitor. I could find a great floor lamp to put near the fireplace to add lighting and a chandelier as well. Lighting can be achieved by "layering" inside light so you have numerous sources of light. Very pretty room and you have it done very well.

any suggestions for a Chandlier? Thank you!

Nancy, I love the shutters but am somewhat biased since we have them throughout our home. Due to personal preference, I don't have any drapes or other window treatments with any of the shutters. I think the rooms look more open with just the shutters. Your shutters are lovely...hope you keep them!

How does the middle one open up? Are the cross stiles in the windows permanent? I wouldlike to see the middle shutter off and the windows stiles removed to make it all less busy.

I really like shutters so I'd keep them. It's a lovely room but I would consider adding a rug and some new pillows.

I like the shutters but I see your point. Can you add skylights in the covered porch to allow more light to flow in?

Dedtired suggests what I was thinking, too.

Love the shutters but you have to live there. I would personally keep them!

I like the shutters in your lovely room. They give an upgraded finished look. Also your bare windows are not that pretty. So its working.

Nancy, do you like the shutters? That's all that matters. You're probably aware they can add value to a home. Along with their appearance, I love how much easier they are than fabric to keep clean.

Thank you, Houzz Friends. I've decided to keep the shutters. Hubs will be happy.

Look into putting skylights on your porch. That will bring LOTS more light into your family room. I like the shutters.

Here are a couple lighting options picking up brushed nickel on table lamp and black of drapery rods but lots of options out there. Your ceilings look fairly low, like 8 foot. So I selected semi flush fixture. It looks like there might be some room to the side of your fireplace for this tower light.

Keep the shutters, add a hanging lamp, and if it's not light enough, perhaps a skylight on your patio. Beautiful room!

Your room is pretty. I see you've decided to keep the shutters. I would too. I agree, it's the patio cover that is causing the lack of light. But I'm sure it's needed for outside. I'd keep that too. I'd be careful about a sky light. JMHO.

I would personally keep them, they add some character to the space and are not very common in most homes I see.