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
Marsha Charles
Consistent top listing and selling agent receiving Chairman's Club award for superior sales achievement almost every year while associated with Preferred Properties, Inc. Consistently receive the International Presidents Premier award for sales volume since joining Coldwell Banker Realty and ranked in the top 1% of agents in Connecticut and Westchester County. In 2021 I received the International Society of Excellence award for sales volume in excess of $100,000,000. I have been named a Top Five Sales Agent for customer satisfaction since 2010 (longer than any other agent in Connecticut) and listed in Connecticut Magazine. Named one of the Top Agents in Connecticut by Real Trends since 2018.
I work with sellers and buyers and also have a strong understanding to needs of those who are relocating . Background and experience in advertising, public relations and photography offer creative and innovative marketing plans for sellers.
Realtor designations include: Graduate Real Estate Institute, Certified Residential Specialist, Certified Residential Marketing Specialist, and Pricing Strategy Advisor. Served as President of New Canaan Board of Realtors (two terms), Director (three terms) and currently serve on Professional Standards Committee. Named Realtor of the year by the New Canaan Board of Realtors in 1994and again in 2022.
Married and mother of other of four children who attended and graduated from the New Canaan School System, Member of New Canaan, Darien, Greenwich and Statewide MLS systems. Areas covered include New Canaan, Darien, Greenwich, Rowayton, Norwalk, Wilton and all of lower Fairfield County.
