Window treatments give your windows and your home a stylish yet cozy look. And window shutters are an all-time favorite that look very elegant and bring comfort and security to your home. Shutters protect your home interiors from bad weather and elements like the sun, rain, wind, etc. They help keep the elements outside and the interiors clean and well-kept. They also provide a layer of security, albeit physical, when you shut them. You can even customize and install upgraded locks to make these shutters more secure. Shutters also offer privacy from the outside when you need it. Moreover, they are also useful as insulators. The panels in a shutter can be closed and opened at will. This allows you to keep them closed when the weather is cold and open when you need the air and cold in summers.
Generally shutters tend to give the place an old-world feel. However, they can also be used to give a streamlined and contemporary look to the decor. Shutters come in a variety of styles, shapes, sizes, and designs. Here are the various types of window shutters that you can use to enhance your home’s appeal.
Raised Panel Shutters
These types of shutters are pretty common especially in older designs. Raised panel shutters look similar to doors or kitchen cabinets and have a single or double raised panel. Their design is simple and pretty common. Hence, they blend easily with any style of interior design like the Victorian, Mid-century Modern, Georgian, Colonial, French Country, etc. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, about 30% of a home’s heating energy is lost through windows. The closed design of raised panel shutters provides ample privacy, security, and better insulation.
Louvered Shutters
Louvered shutters are designed with angled slats that overlap each other on the same frame. The detailed design of these shutters gives them a homey, country look. However, they can also look equally great in a contemporary setting. Louvered shutters come in many sizes, typically ranging from 1.25″ to 4.5″ and can also be custom built to suit your needs. You can install louvers to both the interior as well as the exterior of your home. These shutters allow air and light to pass through them. Hence, they can help regulate the temperature of the interior.
Plantation Shutters
Plantation shutters are a frame of upright stiles and horizontal rails that are permanent window coverings. They are a cost-effective and low-maintenance alternative to common window treatments. Plus, they look very elegant and trendy too. These shutters can increase your curb appeal and give your decor a southern country charm. They are easy to clean and maintain and provide insulation to help reduce your energy bills. For more information about these shutters you can go through this useful post. This will help you select what type of shutters to choose for your home and where to install them. They work equally well for exterior as well as interior windows, although many people prefer installing them inside.
Board and Batten Shutters
Board and batten shutters typically feature a series of wooden boards linked together through a series of battens which go either horizontally or at an angle across the shutters. The battens are crosspieces that extend over the boards. They are a very versatile option that can be cut into any shape and go well with rustic, Cape Cod, ranch, and cottage style designs. The typical design of the shutters gives them a rustic character and appeal. These shutters give your decor an old world charm and elegance. Board and batten shutters, also referred to as BnB, also look great with Mediterranean, southwestern and French country styles.
Shaker Style Shutters
Shaker style shutters have a flat body with a series of recessed indentations in the body that form a rectangular shape. They look similar to raised panel shutters with one simple difference. They have a flat body and defined design. The rectangular shapes are more detailed and go well with the shutter body instead of standing out. This allows the shutters to look plain and elegant. These shutters can be placed both indoors or in the exterior windows. They have a simple design that gives a uniform and balanced look to the decor.
Cafe Style Shutters
As the name suggests, this style of shutters is inspired by the many cafes in Europe and France that showoff this design. Simply put, the café-style shutters are plantation shutters in a better design added to the bottom part of the windows while keeping the top part shutters-less. This setup gives the windows a very focused and detailed look. This style is pretty popular in cafes as it provides some privacy while also letting in air and light. The top portion of the window lets in air and light while the bottom shutters offer privacy and protection. For those who love this look, it can also be replicated in your homes with the cafe-style shutters.
Scandinavian Shutters
This style is a combination of the board and batten style and the cut-out style. The style involves a series of cutouts or carefully cut designs in a board and batten style shutter. The shutter boards often feature elaborate design cutouts, sometimes covering the entire window surface. The shutter boards in this style are much thicker to sustain the cutouts and provide better insulation. When closed properly, they can keep out the adverse weather conditions or keep the warmth of the interiors from escaping outside. Moreover, the detailed design on the boards gives the design an artistic and ornamental look. The elaborate designs add a touch of sophistication and charm to the decor.
Tracked Shutters
When your windows are too large and require more than the recommended number of shutters, try going for tracked shutters. These work by placing a track system in the top, the bottom, or both parts of the window. The shutters are laid on these tracks and can be folded and opened at will. They are great for wardrobes or as room dividers. Also, they are the perfect option for patio or French doors. Track systems are of two types: Bi-fold or Bi-pass. You can select the best option for you depending on the length of your window or door, the location, and position.