How to Pick the Right Shutters For Your House

Looking to redefine your home’s exterior look? Well, there are many ways to do this but window shutters stand out for many reasons. This might not be top among your home improvement projects but it should be. It is a form of window treatment has a rich history dating back to the 15th Century in Ancient Greece. Shutters add a delightful look to your property while at the same time offering security against the weather elements. If you live in a windy place, you appreciate how important protection for your windows is. The best shutters also provide sound and thermal insulation making your home more comfortable to live in. If you choose the right shutters, they give privacy and still allow natural light and ventilation in your house. Simply put, these installations can revolutionize the look, comfort and security levels in your home.

However, there are many types of shutters in the market including raised panel, Louvered shutters, Board and Batten (BnB) and Bahama/Bermuda shutters. These come in a variety of materials such as faux wood and wood, MDF (medium density fiber), vinyl, synthetic foam. You can also choose from a wide range of colors to suit your needs. With all these available options, choosing the best shutters to complement your home’s building style becomes a tricky affair.

In this article, you will find ideas to help you choose exterior shutters that complement your home’s architectural design. Keep reading.

Choosing the Shutter Style

When you hit the online stores, you will find a variety of shutter styles and it is possible to match these with the architectural style of your home. These shutters also suit different geographical regions owing to their history and functional value. Some of these shutter styles include:

• Raised panel shutters: They feature a single or double raised panel and are similar to kitchen cabinets. Their low profile makes them perfect for a wide range of architectural designs including Victoria, Federal and Colonial, Georgian, Cape Cod, Ranch, French Country, and Greek Revival houses. If you have any of these homes, your raised panel will blend perfectly and give your property a touch of classical style.
• Louvered shutters: They have angled slats to allow free flow of light and air. Louvered shutters stand out and thus go with stylish, ornate, classical or casual architectural styles including Victoria, Federal, and Colonial, Georgian, Cape Cod, Ranch, Italianate and Greek Revival. If you want a shutter style that instantly redefines your home’s exterior look, louvered shutters will not disappoint.
• Board and Batten (BnB): This is one of the most popular shutter styles and it has an Old World and rustic character. If you want a vintage look to your home’s exterior look, got for Board and Batten (BnB) shutters. They work perfectly with Mediterranean, Cape Cod, Ranch, and French Country homes.
• Bahama/Bermuda shutters: This form of window treatment is popular in tropical areas. The construction is similar to that of louvered shutters but the installation is at the top of the window opening. Bahama shutters work best with Cape Cod, Ranch, and cottage homes.

Shutter Colors

Your home has probably two or more color themes. If you want to install shutters and make an impact on the overall decor, you have to choose a color that works with the rest. The last thing you want is a poor color choice for these beautiful installations making them stand out for all the wrong reasons. There are different ways of choosing the color for your shutters including using the accent color to give a seamless look to the exterior decor.

You can also opt for a contrasting color to make these installations stand out. For instance, black shutters on a white Colonial-style home will work magic and they will instantly become the focal point of your home’s exterior decor. For the more bold homeowners, vividly hued shutters will work perfectly to call attention to the home. If you don’t want something too bold, you can use darker or lighter tones for the shutters from the same color family as the rest of the house.

Shutter Materials

When choosing the shutter materials, you have to consider more than their aesthetical value. These installations face extreme weather elements, and as such, you need to choose a material that can withstand the type of weather in your area. Among the most popular options include real hardwood with basswood being the most popular. However, natural wood is the worst material for shutters and however much it suits your home’s architectural style, it will cost you a lot in the end.

You can choose alternative materials such as MDF (medium density fiber), Powder-coated aluminum, vinyl, synthetic foam or faux wood. When picking the material for your exterior shutters, make sure it works perfectly with the rest of the exterior decor. It is possible to give any of these materials a finish that blends well with the rest of your home’s aesthetic look.

Proper Shutter Sizing

The worst mistake a homeowner can make is to install poorly fitting shutters for their windows. You need to remember that these installations instantly become the focal point of your home’s exterior decor. As such, you need to take the correct measurements before ordering the materials. Make sure your shutters fit the length of a window’s trim. At this point, you need to use a professional to help with the measurements.

Shutter Hardware

You need to consider the minor details during shutter installation if you want a cohesive look. The hardware used including strap hinges, cast-iron shutter dogs and others must match with the rest of the home’s style. It is now possible to order custom hardware for your home installations to ensure it works well with the rest of your home’s decor.

When you consider these factors, it becomes easier to install house shutters that work well with the rest of your home’s style. The installations will rejuvenate your home’s exterior decor and redefine the entire property. Go on and give your home a fresh breath of life with these multi-purpose home improvement installations.