Your home is the single most important investment you can make in life. Little wonder then that homeowners are on a never-ending search for home improvement ideas to pamper their investments. The way you treat your home will show not only in the state of the interior décor but also on the exterior appearance. With time, even the most magnificent properties need a makeover to keep it looking great.
A Guide to Fit Exterior Shutter Styles to Your Home’s Architectural Design
One of the greatest albeit overlooked home improvement techniques that can redefine your home’s aesthetic appeal is the installation of exterior shutters. This might not have been on top of your projects but after reading this, you might need to reconsider that.
Outdoor shutters are multi-purpose installations, and in this article, you will learn what they achieve for your home and how to match them with your home’s architectural design. Read on.
Why Install Outdoor Shutters?
Like with any other home improvement project, you need to consider the benefits you get from shutters for your home. Some of these include:
- Protection: Sturdy window shutters protect against adverse weather especially in stormy areas. They protect the windows from damage during a storm and occupants are also safe from debris during such weather.
- Aesthetic appeal: If you want to give your home a stylish look, you should consider outdoor shutters. They instantly become the focal point of your home’s exterior décor. If you choose the style, color, material and finish properly, it is possible to add a touch of glamour to your house using this home improvement project.
- Privacy: Window shutters offer privacy while still allowing the flow of light and cool air.
- Light/air control: You can control the flow of light and air to suit your needs using innovative shutters.
- Increased home value: Home buyers are on the lookout for houses with additions and shutters will impress them a lot. It adds value to your property.
There are many other reasons to install shutters in your home. They are affordable and easy to install compared to most other home improvement ideas.
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Main Types of Shutters
The most common types of house shutters in the market are:
Board and Batten (BnB):
They consist of one-to-three boards bound together by thin cross panel passing horizontally across the shutters. Owing to their simple construction, they give your property an Old World and rustic character.
Louvered Shutters:
A type of shutter style featuring angled slats to allow air and light through. They boast a defined appearance which makes them perfect to add a stylish appeal to your home.
Raised Panel Shutters:
Similar to paneled doors or kitchen cabinets and have a low profile to suit any home style.
Bahama/Shutters:
Bahama Shutters A type of louvered shutters fixed on top of an opening. They let air and light into the room while also offering protection during a storm. They are popular in tropical regions.
Mission or Craftsman Style Shutters:
A shutter style that features clean lines and classic simplicity in their unique construction.
Plantation Shutters:
Originate from the old Southern plantations and feature wider and taller louver shutters. Work best for aesthetic appeal, privacy, and protection against poor weather.
Choosing Exterior Shutters for Your Home’s Architectural Design
Now that you appreciate the value of outdoor shutters for your home, it is time to choose the best style. Before you start this search, you need to appreciate there are many options in the market and picking the ideal one is a daunting task. The trick is to find a shutter style that complements your home’s architectural design.
This means you get a cohesive outdoor décor outlook to give your property a dash of style. The shutter styles on the market have a rich history and they suit specific types of properties. With this in mind, you can now start examining the options available.
Shutters For Cape Cod Homes
These homes originate from New England bit today, you will also find them in all parts of America. The most common shutters to use with Cape Cod homes are board and batten exterior shutter styles but you can also experiment with louvered shutters.
Spanish/Mediterranean Revival Homes
The main characteristics of Spanish or Mediterranean Revival homes include frequent arches, smooth stucco siding, low pitched tiled roofs, and rounded edges. They don’t normally require shutters but they work perfectly with board and batten shutter style.
Shutters for Greek Revival Homes
The outstanding features of Greek Revival homes include asymmetrical shape, anterior columns, pediment gables and bold moldings. They have narrow windows which work best with paneled or louvered exterior wooden shutters.
French Country Homes and Tudor Homes
If you own one of the beautiful French country homes with a feel of the old world, you can give it a fresh look using durable rustic board and batten shutters. These homes feature multi-height rooflines and an asymmetrical design and the BnB shutters work perfectly with them.
Ranch and Split-Level Ranch Homes
Ranch and split-level ranch homes boast a modernist touch and they became popular in the U.S throughout the 20th century. In keeping with the informal American style, they have minimal ornamentation and low profile. While the windows normally take no ornamentation, you can opt for any window style to give your home a stylish look.
Colonial and Federal Homes
For both architectural styles, you will find raised panel shutters on the first floor and louvered shutters on the upper floor. However, you can go for a uniform look by using louvered shutters on both floors.
Georgian Style Homes
For these homes, you can add a touch of aesthetics using louvered or raised panel shutters. These work best with the home’s characteristic look of rectangular style, paired chimneys and a little overhang from the medium pitched roof.
Arts & Crafts/Craftsman Homes
Mission shutters work best for Arts & Crafts/Craftsman homes due to their simple and clean lines, but you can also use board-and-batten shutters, louvered style, and Bermuda shutters.
There you have it; whatever your home style, it is possible to use Exterior Shutters for protection, aesthetic appeal, privacy, light control and natural ventilation. It is time you gave your home that makeover using this amazing home improvement idea.
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