And when you have ever pulled by a house and wondered, “That house just looks like it was put together” – there is a high likelihood that exterior shutters had something to do with it. They define window frames, provide an architectural dimension, and immediately improve the appearance of the home in the street.
It is not merely a matter of selecting an exterior shutter that you like. Style, material, size, and placement contribution to either an intentional or an afterthought look of your shutters.
In this guide, you’ll learn all you need to know before purchasing exterior shutters: types, materials, color choices, installation and the most frequently asked questions homeowners have.
What Are Exterior Shutters?
Exterior shutters are boards attached to the outside of the window, on either side of the frame. They may be functional, that is, they open and close and keep the window closed; or ornamental, that is, they are attached to the window, but serve no purpose.
A majority of the shutters that are currently available in the market to install in residential houses are decorative. They are made to match the design of the house, shape the window and provide contrast to the siding and trim.
Who Should Consider Exterior Shutters?
Exterior shutters are applicable to a variety of homes. Consider them when:
- The exterior of your home is flat or not visually appealing
- You just repainted your siding and would like to freshen the trim details
- You are renovating or selling and want to increase curb appeal quickly
- Your windows are out of place, there is too much open wall space
- You desire an affordable exterior update without significant building
They fit colonial, craftsman, farmhouse, traditional and even transitional modern home designs based on the type of shutters you set.
Types of Exterior Shutters: Which Style Is Right for You?
Exterior shutters have three major styles. Each has a very different visual impact.
1. Louver Shutters
Louver shutters have horizontal angled slats that cross the panel. They are the most popular type of shutter and operate on both the old and modern houses.
Best for: Colonial, Cape Cod, ranch-style, and most common American home designs
Visual effect: Classic, clean, structured
Why homeowners choose them: They are the most universally flattering of all designs, it is hard to go wrong
Louver shutters will be your safe and fashionable default in case you are unsure about the style you want.
2. Raised Panel Shutters
Raised panel shutters are constructed similar to solid flat panel shutters, except that the frame is slightly raised and is built into the surface. They appear more architectural and formal than the louver shutters do.
Best for: Georgian, Federal, colonial revival and formal traditional homes
Visual effect: Refined, elegant, polished
Why homeowners choose them: These lend a feeling of weight and permanence to the exterior but are not ornate
Raised panel shutters are a good complement to a home that is inclined towards formal architecture and has symmetrical windows and traditional detailing.
3. Board and Batten Shutters
Board and batten shutters are made of a vertical board that is fastened together by a horizontal crosspiece, known as a batten. They are very rustic in appearance, handmade.
Best for: Farmhouse, craftsman, cottage, and country-style homes
Visual effect: Bold, textural, earthy
Why homeowners choose them: They add character and contrast, especially on homes with natural stone, brick or wood siding.
Board and batten shutters provide the perfect personality to a casual and organic home.
Vinyl vs Wood Exterior Shutters: What Is the Difference?
It is the most frequent material question that the homeowners would like to know and the answer is quite simple.
Vinyl Exterior Shutters
Vinyl has taken the place of exterior shutters made of any material, namely vinyl, due to its practicality:
- Weather resistance: Vinyl is not a good absorber of moisture thus, it does not warp, rot or swell
- Fade resistance: Quality vinyl shutters have color embedded throughout the material, not just on the surface
- Zero maintenance: No painting, staining, or sealing, ever
- Lightweight: It is easier to work with during installation and causes fewer loads on the mounting hardware
- Cost-effective: Much less expensive than wood both initially and in the long run
The one trade-off: Vinyl shutters lack the authenticity of real wood but fail to provide the same texture and depth at close-up.
Wood Exterior Shutters
Wood shutters are aesthetically more authentic and may be fully operational (can actually open and close). However:
- They need frequent painting, or staining every several years
- They are sensitive to the wet weather, insects and weather changes
- They are more expensive initially and have high maintenance rates in the long run
Verdict: To the majority of homeowners, vinyl exterior shutters are offering 90% of the appearance at less than a fraction of the long term price. Wood will work when you desire totally operational shutters or own a historic house where authenticity is important.
How to Choose the Right Color for Exterior Shutters
Where the homeowners are the most second-guessed is in color. A basic structure is as follows:
Match to your trim, not your siding. Shutters appear to suit best when they are coordinated with the color of the window trim or are intentionally contrasting to the siding – not when they attempt to match the siding.
Classic combinations that always work:
- White or cream siding: Black, dark green or navy shutters
- Gray siding: Black, charcoal or white shutters
- Brick exterior: Black or dark green shutters or wineberry shutters
- Beige or tan siding: Brown, sage green or dark red shutters
Neutral shutter colors (white, black, gray, beige) are applied on almost every home and they never become dated.
Bold shutter colors (navy, forest green, deep red) make a powerful curb appeal and are best when the siding is a light neutral color.
When your shutters have a paintable finish, you can always begin with a neutral and repaint as the color story of your home changes.
Sizing Exterior Shutters: A Common Mistake to Avoid
The most frequent exterior shutter error is the purchase of too narrow shutters.
The rule: Two shutters should be about half the width of the window when they are closed together. When the shutters are just a couple of inches across a big window, it is wrong – though the colour and style may be all right.
How to measure:
- Measure the opening of the window (not frame)
- Calculate the width of the window opening and divide by two – you have the approximate width per shutter
Most manufacturers offer shutters in standard heights (39″, 47″, 55″, 63″, 71″, 79″) and widths (12″, 14″, 15″, 16″). Make it as close as possible to your real window size.
How to Install Exterior Shutters
Vinyl exterior shutters are DIY-designed. It is a simple procedure:
For vinyl siding: Shutter spikes (long screws that can be screwed through the shutter into the wall behind the siding) are used, and do not need to find any studs.
For brick or masonry: Masons screws with suitable anchors should be drilled into the mortar or the brick.
General installation steps:
- Position the shutter by attaching it to the wall and indicate your anchor points
- Punch pilot holes on your marks
- Stab the shutter with drive screws or spikes into the wall
- Ensure that the shutter is flat and in position
- Repeat again on the second shutter of the same window
The average time that most homeowners take to complete a pair of windows is less than 30 minutes. A complete exterior project with more than one window: estimate a half-day.
Maintaining Exterior Vinyl Shutters
Maintenance is actually minimal with one of the greatest benefits of vinyl:
- Cleaning: Mild dish soap in water using a soft brush or cloth and then run under water
- Frequency: Once or twice a year is generally enough
- What to avoid: Abrasive scrubbers, harsh chemical cleaners and pressure washers at close range can destroy the surface
Vinyl shutters do not rot, peel, blister or attract insects. They do not need to be sanded, primed or repainted.
Ready to Upgrade Your Home’s Exterior?
BuyHomeBlinds provides exterior shutters in the styles of louver, raised panel and board and batten in a complete color and size assortment. Be it that you are only refreshing a window or the whole exterior, the right shutters are visible to the street.
Need guidance on the appropriate style and size of your home? Schedule a free consultation – we work with homeowners across Maryland, Virginia, and Washington DC.
Frequently Asked Questions About Exterior Shutters
What is the primary purpose of exterior shutters?
The exterior shutters that are fitted on houses these days are mostly ornamental. They are placed on both sides of windows to increase the architectural look of the house, to frame windows and provide contrast and depth to the exterior.
Are vinyl exterior shutters better than wood?
Yes, to the majority of homeowners. Vinyl shutters do not need any kind of painting, or even sealing as it withstands weather, moisture, fading, and insects. Wood shutters have a more natural appearance and can be fully operational but need frequent repairs and will be more expensive in the long run.
How do I know what size exterior shutters to buy?
Check the height of your window aperture and compare it with the nearest conventional shutter height. In the case of width, two shutters should be about the same size as the window and when one is laid next to another.
Can exterior shutters increase home value?
Yes. New curb appeal has a direct effect on the perceived home value and buyer interest. One of the cheapest exterior upgrades that a home owner can make before selling a house is exterior shutters.
Do exterior shutters need to be installed by a professional?
No. Most vinyl shutters are lightweight and can be installed by the user with the help of shutter spikes (in the case of siding) or masonry anchors (in the case of brick). All that is needed are basic tools.
What shutter style works best for a farmhouse-style home?
Shutters that match the farmhouse best are board and batten. Their vertical plank construction and rustic nature goes hand in hand with natural siding materials and relaxed architectural features.
How long do vinyl exterior shutters last?
With little maintenance, quality vinyl shutters usually last 20-30 years and are a long-term investment in the exterior of your home.
Can I paint vinyl exterior shutters?
Certain vinyl shutters are paintable with exterior grade latex paint. Stock vinyl shutters with color in the material require no painting, and they are not intended to be painted.
What is the difference between louver and raised panel shutters?
Louver shutters possess inclined horizontal slats permitting air passage and a vintage appearance. Raised panel shutters are made of solid, flat paneling with a raised, rectangular frame to give the shutter a more formal appearance.
Are exterior shutters suitable for all climates?
Yes. Vinyl exterior shutters are actually made to resist rain, heat, cold, and seasonal temperature fluctuations without distorting, breaking, or fading.