Shutters Do’s & Don’ts

Shutters are a very popular exterior home feature, but, they only look good when they’re done right. So, here’s a quick guide to shutters and if they’re right for your home’s exterior.

PHOTO: ALISON MIKSCH

Don’t put shutters on double or bay windows

Even though shutters aren’t used the same anymore the original intent of them was to cover the window. So, even though our homes don’t have functioning shutters, they should still appear as is they could be closed to cover the window.

The home above executed shutter placement perfectly. They left the shutters off the double and bay windows and placed them on the single windows on the ends.

PHOTO: LAUREY W. GLENN

do match the shape of your window

Don’t put arched shutters on a rectangular window or rectangular shutters on an arched window. Your shutter shape should match your window shape. Otherwise it will not appear as if it can close over the window properly.

Notice how this home above used arched shutters on the lower arched windows and used rectangular shutters on the top windows. The style and color match so it still has a cohesive look.

PHOTO: LAUREY W. GLENN

Don’t use shutters longer or shorter than your window height.

Once again, shutters should look as if they can close over the window. You shutter height should match the window height.

See this home in the above picture. Long windows= long shutters. If your home has short windows- use short shutters.

PHOTO: LAUREY W. GLENN

Do choose a shutter color that relates to your homE

Your shutters should not be an off-the-wall color. They should relate to your home. The best place to start is the roof. That’s usually where you’ll find your shutter color.

PHOTO: LAUREY W. GLENN

DoN’t use shutters if they’re not right for your home

Shutters are not right for every home. There are plenty of gorgeous homes that don’t have shutters. This home pictured above has opted for no shutters and they made the right choice. Most of their windows don’t meet the shutter rules. It would look awkward to place shutters on the one window they would fit on.

Other reasons to skip shutters:

• Single windows that are too close together.

• Small windows

• Round or other uniquely shaped windows

• Doesn’t fit home’s style

PHOTO: LAUREY W. GLENN

If you’re still unsure if shutters are right for your home you can work with me: Services and Consults