While most modern homes don't use window shutters for their original purpose, they remain a popular way to decorate the exterior of the home. If you're thinking of adding shutters to your exterior, it's important to know your options. Here is a guide to the four main types of shutters you'll find on the market today:
Raised Panel
Raised panel shutters are sleek and simple. The aesthetic matches kitchen cabinet doors with a single or double raised panel. This type of shutter is incredibly versatile and can work well with almost any exterior design style, including Victorian, Colonial, Ranch, French Country and Cape Cod.
Louvered
Louvered shutters are a common type of shutter with angled horizontal slats. The slats let light through the shutter and also make a more defined statement than the simpler raised panel option. Louvered shutters are also very versatile and will come off great on a variety of home styles, no matter how casual or ornate.
Board and Batten (BnB)
Board and batten shutters, also called BnB shutters, have simple construction and rustic charm. Reminiscent of barn doors, board and batten shutters are made of several boards held together by a thin cross-panel. The cross-panel can be horizontal or placed at an angle. These shutters have a more specific design style and work best with Mediterranean, Cape Cod, Ranch and French Country homes.
Bahama
Bahama shutters are also called Bermuda shutters. They're similar to louvered shutters because they also have narrow slats to let air and light pass through. However, the major difference is they attach at the top of the window instead of the sides. They're a common feature on homes in tropical climates but work well with a variety of architectural styles.
Within these four main types you'll find a wide variety of styles, colors and materials. With this basic knowledge, you'll be able to tell the difference between various shutter styles and choose the best option for your windows.
About the Author
Carolyn Andrews
Carolyn Andrews has over 30 years licensed Brokerage experience in both California and Colorado. Born in England, Carolyn moved to California in 1980, then relocated to Denver, Colorado in 1991. Carolyn has also received recognition for Top Sales at RE/MAX Alliance Aurora in 2007-2008 and is a member of the RE/MAX Hall of Fame & Chairman’s Club, as well as a recipient of the ReMax Lifetime Achievement Award. Carolyn has sold over 2000 homes personally in her career. Carolyn has been actively involved in many aspects of the Real Estate business including investment property, luxury homes, mountain resort property, skiin/ski out, REO/default management, loss mitigation, valuations, and disposition. She has been a speaker and panelist at several conferences and has been consulted on many occasions by various organizations in the REO/financial industries for her expertise and served on many boards. She has attended numerous ongoing classes to stay abreast of changes in the ever-evolving Real Estate industry. She is the prior State Director for Colorado for VAREP(Veterans Association of Real Estate Professionals). She is a member of 3 boards of Realtors including Metro Denver, Colorado Springs and Summit County mountain areas. She heads up The Andrews Group and is or has been an active member of NAR, CAR,REOMAC, CIPS, CRS, AREAA, NAPW, NAHREP, and is an original member of the ELITEReal Estate network. She was ranked #1 for most homes sold in Denver 2007 by Denver Board of Realtors, #2 for 2008, and #2 for 2009, #5 in 2010 and #4 in 2011 and has been consistently in the top 10 ever since. Carolyn Andrews has been a top rated Endorsed Local Provider for the Dave Ramsey Organization and also a Top Producing agent for 2018 for the Homelight Company.
