Shutters Buying Guide

The phrase "window shopping" has always implied a dreamy casualness, a leisurely fairy tale-like stroll through a bright forest of commercial products. "Window shutter shopping" may sound comparatively purposeful and dull, but there's no need to sacrifice the pleasures of window shopping just because those windows need shutters. Our shutter buying guide will help you keep the fun in functional.

Outside
Exterior shutters and interior window shutters can vary somewhat in material and style. Exterior window shutters are most often made from polymers, vinyl, plastic, or metal. Wood is always a great-looking choice, particularly pine or cedar, but it will require more maintenance than other materials, i.e. refinishing.

Play around with color, size, and style when choosing exterior shutters. Traditional paneled shutters are thinner and well suited to smaller windows. If you have crosshatched window frames, an exterior shutter with fixed louvers would provide an appropriate visual complement.

Inside
Interior window shutters give you more options to play with in terms of style. Flat or raised panels, fixed or operable louvers, arched panels, double tiers, panel inserts, board and batten: the possibilities are numerous, so take full advantage of them.

Most people choose interior window shutters with operable louvers, but there are two styles we like that tend to get less attention. The first is panel inserts. Modernize traditional paneled shutters by replacing the center with fabric or woven bamboo. The other overlooked style is combination shutters. Look for shutter units that are paneled on top and louvered below, or on larger windows, add interest to double tiers by alternating louvers or raised panels with board and batten shutters.

A Few Practical Considerations
Your window shutters will need to be functional also, so keep window usage in mind as you're shopping. If your windows are in a room that's on the small side, opened shutters will only add to the congestion. Consider buying plantation shutters that remain closed but have movable slats to let in air and light.

Another thing to watch is louver width. The louvers on plantation shutters, for example, can be anywhere between 2 1/2 and 5 1/2 inches wide. Settle on a louver size that allows you to enjoy your window but still looks natural within the context of the room and window frame.