Exterior Shutters

As the weather warms up, many of us look to the exteriors of our homes with a fresh eye. If you find your exterior details look worn or are simply lacking, you might consider adding exterior shutters for a layer of personality and a pop of color. As you browse exterior shutter ideas from our photo section, keep in mind the following information to help make an informed decision:

What types of exterior window shutter ideas and designs are there?

Shutters come in all shapes and sizes, but the most common styles are the following:
• Board and batten: These feature vertical boards that are crossed horizontally at the top and bottom with boards that are called battens. They lend a warm, cozy feel perfect for a rustic, cottage or French country vibe. They can also give a twist to a modern space, so keep an open mind when perusing outside shutter ideas.
• Louvered: This style features a number of slats, making its aesthetic appeal perfect for a traditionally-styled home. You'll find this style featured in some of the most popular outdoor window shutter ideas.
• Raised-panel: Formed with raised panels in a symmetrical design, these shutters can enhance a colonial home.

Can my exterior shutters be opened and closed?

Depending on how they’re installed, some outdoor window shutters are operable. This means they can be closed over your windows to protect the glass panes. Hurricane shutters specifically are intended for this purpose and are typically found in locations that experience extreme inclement weather. Bahama shutters do just the opposite: they can be opened to allow more air circulation in hot climates. Operable styles also provide insulation, and can typically be opened and closed via a motor, crank or rod.

On the other hand, fixed styles cannot be moved and serve as a decorative accent to your home’s exterior. If you live in a location that doesn’t experience inclement weather, these may be a more appealing choice since they tend to be more affordable. Most house shutter ideas tend to be purely for show, so keep that in mind.

What materials can I choose from for my outdoor window shutters?

The most common materials include wood, fiberglass, aluminum, vinyl or plastic:
• Vinyl or plastic: For added durability and long-lasting color, vinyl shutters are a great choice. If you’re worried that these might look cheap, know that many vinyl or plastic styles feature a wood grain texture and dozens of colors to choose from. As you scroll through outdoor shutter ideas, know that the wood look can be achieved with alternate materials as well.
• Wood: Treated oak, maple, alder, pine, cedar or poplar can make quite a statement and hold up well to the weather. Cedar is a popular choice thanks to its bug- and warp-proof qualities.
• Fiberglass and aluminum: If you need protection against bad weather, fiberglass or aluminum are your best choices. Though they may cost more, their durable construction of these outdoor window shutters will hold up to strong winds and heavy rains.