Whether you are building a custom home or remodeling your current residence, exterior shutters provide the perfect finishing touch. Depending on the type you select, the shutters will protect your windows, add insulation and privacy, or simply function as exterior decor. To ensure the right decision for your home, follow the tips below.

Top 4 Design Tips for Exterior Shutters

1. Color & Style

Choose a color that complements your home, such as black shutters on a white house or white shutters over a brick exterior. Whatever color you select, remember that light-colored shutters look best on dark exteriors and vice-versa. Shutters also come in a range of styles, including board and batten and louvered. Board and batten shutters complement ranch, Mediterranean, and French country-style homes, while louvered options work well on Victorian, Colonial, ranch, and Greek revival abodes.

2. Size

Measure the windows to ensure you purchase shutters that cover them completely without overlapping. They must line up with the rail or other architectural features. If your house features siding, the shutters should not exceed the corner board. The idea is to make the addition look like a natural part of your windows, even if they only exist for decorative purposes. 

3. Hardware

Purchase decorative hardware that suits your chosen style, such as bolts or tie-backs, and lets the exterior decor pieces swing out for cleaning purposes. Shutters that do not swing out, even if they are solely for decoration, allow dust, cobwebs, insects, and other debris to build up behind them and possibly stain the siding.

4. Material

Think about your home’s architectural style when choosing exterior shutter materials, such as wooden, vinyl, or composite options, including pultruded fiberglass, engineered wood, and high-density PVC. Wooden shutters provide an authentic, naturally-beautiful look, but they are subject to the elements, while synthetic options such as vinyl are designed to withstand weather changes. Engineered wood and other composite shutters combine beauty with durability to add character and curb appeal to your home.

Window Trends is an award-winning supply, design, and installation company in Kalaheo, HI. Their impressive inventory includes blinds, drapes, and shutters, among other window treatments, including exclusive Hunter Douglas® selections. If you want to outfit your home with some new additions, they will help you. Give them a call today at (808) 332-9844 to schedule a free consultation, and visit their website for a complete list of their products and services.