Shutters are one of the best window treatments you can choose for your home interior. Not only are the slats made from solid materials, giving you optimal control over privacy and the amount of natural light coming in, but these products are sturdy and durable, providing the beautiful and long-lasting window dressings you prefer.
In addition, shutters add a traditional, timeless appeal to your home, along with a level of luxury and sophistication that elevates any interior design. Shutters are going to cost a little more than some other window treatments, but the classic appeal and long life will offset any additional expense.
If you’re interested in adding shutters to your home décor, there are a few factors you’ll want to consider first, from style and color to materials. At every step of the way, it’s wise to think about how these elements will blend with your current home style. Here are just a few tips for matching your new shutters to your home design.
Styles
The nice thing about shutters is that they work equally well in traditional and contemporary settings, so you can find options to match nearly any architectural style. Still, you’ll want to look at the different types of shutters available to find the ones the work best with your home.
There are two main styles to consider: cottage and plantation. Cottage style shutters are similar to the ones you typically see on the exterior of the home in that they are attached outside of the window frame. Cottage style shutters are generally made of wood and they are characterized by small slats, or louvers, that tend to be about an inch wide. This style of shutter is often found in older, east coast homes.
Plantation shutters, on the other hand, are generally situated within the window frame, they may be made from a variety of materials, and the louvers can range from about 2-5 inches, although 2.5-3.5 inches is standard. A sub-category of plantation shutters is west coast plantation, which tends to feature larger panels and louvers to compensate for the taller windows typical in California and other western homes.
Materials
Shutters are often made of wood, and this can either be natural, stained, or painted, depending on your preference. Plantation shutters may also be made from composite materials or even vinyl or aluminum.
The materials you choose will depend on the style of your home, your personal preferences, and where you put them. For example, you wouldn’t put wood shutters in a high-humidity area like a bathroom as they could warp or rot. Instead, you’d want composite of vinyl that can stand up to moisture.
Colors
There are a couple of considerations when choosing the right colors for your home design. Natural or stained wood shutters are best suited to traditional home styles. If you have a brick structure, for example, natural wood will complement the architecture.
If, on the other hand, you live in a more contemporary home consisting of a streamlined, minimalist aesthetic, white shutters in painted wood, composite, or other materials will better suit the overall design.
Your best bet when trying to match shutters to your home is to seek expert advice. Contact the experienced professionals at The Blinds Side today at 410-630-6940 or [email protected] to get started.