The Architect’s Guide to Shutters
Our Austin Architects Explain What to Look for When Choosing Exterior Shutters for Your Home
Shutters add that final finishing touch to a home’s exterior for any style, from Colonial to Cottage architecture. Many design considerations go into choosing the right exterior shutters for your home. In our guide to shutters, our Austin architects review the top design factors to keep in mind, including shutter styles, materials, and scale.
A Brief History of Shutters
The first shutters date back to Ancient Greece. Shutters provided privacy, protection, insulation, and light control before the invention of glass pane windows and blinds. Through the centuries, designers have refined materials. Today, double-pane windows and window coverings reduce the need for functional shutters. However, their beauty and charm have endured, making them a popular decorative feature. In coastal areas prone to hurricanes, many homeowners still rely on the practicality of storm shutters.
Fixed Mounted vs. Functional Shutters
Most new build homes today feature fixed-mounted shutters. These shutters are purely decorative and are fixed to the home’s facade in a permanently open position. However, many older homes have functional shutters fastened to the window frame with hinges allowing them to open and close.
Selecting fixed or functional shutters for your home comes down to a decision between aesthetics and function. Most homeowners opt for fixed shutters to save on costs and because they don’t anticipate the need to close them. However, homeowners in areas susceptible to high winds or storms may opt for functional shutters to close during severe weather.
The Architect’s Tip: Pay Attention to Shutter Scale
Scale is one of the most important factors when selecting shutters for a home’s exterior. The window's width determines the scale for functional shutters because they need to span the entirety to close. However, fixed shutters don’t necessarily need to equal the window’s full width. While they should appear proportional to the window, their scale will also be determined by other elements of the home’s exterior, such as the width of the wall, window spacing, and more. You don’t want your shutters to appear too large or too small. So, get the most out of working with your architect, and lean on their professional expertise on scale and proportion.
6 Types of Exterior Shutter Styles
Selecting your exterior shutter style is one of the most fun choices regarding shutters. There are six main shutter designs to choose from, and your selection should coordinate with your home’s architectural style.
1. Louvered
Louvered shutters feature rows of horizontal louvers or slats. In the case of functional shutters, these louvers allow light to pass through when closed. Fixed louvered shutters add a textural element to the home’s facade. Louvered shutters are a traditional style perfect for Colonial homes.
2. Raised Panel
Raised panel shutters look similar to raised panel doors or cabinets. They feature a solid construction front with curved or beveled edges rising to an elevated relief. Raised panel shutters also have a traditional feel and work across various architectural styles.
3. Shaker
Shaker shutters resemble shaker cabinet fronts, featuring a solid panel framed with square edges. These shutters have a cleaner look while maintaining a classic appearance, making them perfect for Transitional exteriors.
4. Board and Batten
Board and batten shutters feature linear boards joined together by batten crosspieces. These shutters are more rustic, lending themselves to architectural styles like Ranch or Hill Country.
5. Cutout
Cutout shutters feature a solid panel with a decorative cutout pattern. This cutout could be any shape customized for the home, such as an anchor, pine tree, or crescent moon. Cutout shutters add unique charm, making them an excellent option for Cottage or Adirondack architecture.
6. Bahama
Bahama shutters are louvered shutter panels mounted over a window with a hinge at the top to open or close. Bahama shutters provide shade, shield the window from rain, and offer plenty of privacy. However, they can obstruct the view outside.
Available Shutter Materials
Here are some of the top shutter materials to consider for your home.
Vinyl Shutters
While vinyl shutters are cost-effective, they come with many cons. One of the biggest cons is they can melt in hot climates — especially here in Texas! Even in cooler temperatures with proper maintenance, vinyl has a short lifespan and can warp and discolor easily.
Composite Shutters
Composite shutters are made from engineered wood fiberboard wrapped in a protective coating. Composite shutters are beautiful, durable, and easy to maintain, making them a great choice for home exteriors across various climates.
Wood Shutters
Wood shutters are a classic for a reason. Wood offers unsurpassed beauty and customizability. Unfortunately, while wood shutters are beautiful, they can be expensive and require routine maintenance.
Steel or Aluminum Storm Shutters
Storm shutters are often made of steel or aluminum to protect a home’s windows from high winds and flying debris. Steel or aluminum shutters are a practical option if you live in an area prone to storms. However, this material isn’t necessary for decorative shutters.
Choosing the Right Shutters for Your Home
As you can see, there are many factors to consider when selecting shutters for your home. Choosing the best shutters comes down to evaluating function, style, scale, and budget. Remember, you may not necessarily want shutters or the same style of shutters on every window. Seek the advice of a professional residential design team if you need help making the final call. Our Austin-based architects would love to help.