Functional shutters were intended to shield windows from the elements and protect them. While decorative shutters may add character, their use outside could actually detract from your home’s appearance.
Walk around your neighborhood and make note of which homes feature shutters that complement their architecture and those without. Any shutters you add should complement the style and character of your home, if at all possible.
Curb Appeal
One of the main advantages of adding shutters to your house is their immediate and dramatic curb appeal, acting like the decorative finishing touches to complete its exterior look. This is especially evident if they match or complement any greenery present around it.
Even with shutters installed, not every home will suddenly look more appealing; according to Lindsay Daniel Architecture, poorly sized or placed shutters may actually reduce curb appeal. Lindsay Daniel suggests using shutters only on windows where their style and proportion match those surrounding them for optimal results.
If you own a classic brick or clapboard home with a picket fence and front garden, light brown shutters will bring warmth to your space while unifying its look with interior window treatments to create a coherent, coordinated appearance.
Insulation
Shutters have historically been used as an effective way of protecting glass windows from storms and controlling light and shade before electricity was widely available, while providing ventilation in non-air conditioned homes. Shutters also serve to insulate against drafty winter weather as well as scorching summer heat rays, making shutters the perfect insulators.
Although shutters may not provide total protection from rainstorms (they may rattle), for an added layer of defense against wind and weather damage consider adding thin wooden shims between moving parts to add another level of defense against damage to your shutters.
Shutters differ from other window covering options in that they’re built directly into the frame of the window, making them stronger and more resilient than blinds. As permanent fixtures, shutters also increase your home’s resale value and could help sell for a higher price should you decide to move; plus they require much less upkeep.
Privacy
Shutters provide an extra level of privacy from passers-by and are an excellent solution to make the home even more private. Their slatted design enables light into your home while still allowing viewing out, without neighbours being able to peer inside. Furthermore, shutters can act as an additional physical barrier between your family and outside world noise sources such as passing cars.
However, when choosing shutters for your home it’s essential that you work with an experienced specialist so as to prevent an “Shutterpocaplyse” style windows that look awkward or worse unattractive. Properly sized shutters that match both window casings and home styles will look fantastic and add value.
Light Control
Open shutters allow in only as much or as little light as you require, providing either protection from direct sunlight or allowing its gentle glow to fill the room with natural illumination that prevents furniture and wall hangings from fading over time.
Shutters are also simple to maintain. A quick wipe down makes them cleaner than curtains or blinds and there are no cords dangling around when young children are present in your home. Shutters will increase the resale value of your property should you decide to sell in the future.
Window shutters come with numerous customizable options to complement any home, ranging from louver size, hinge type, color selection and tilt rod length to create the look that best reflects you. Shutters can be mounted outside or inside window frames and work with arched, round, angled windows as well.