Window Shutters

When it comes to purchasing interior or exterior window shutters, the possibilities seem endless. They are available in a variety of types, styles, brands, sizes, materials and colors and range in cost depending on each of these factors. Shutters are used for a variety of reasons, from enhancing the looks of your home to protection from the elements as well as for privacy and light control. Some of the most popular types of shutters for windows available on the market today include plantation, hurricane, colonial, cafe and accordion. Where some consumers may take on the job of installing these themselves to reduce cost, others opt to have them installed by a professional. Regardless of which option you choose, if done properly, your window shutters will add style, functionality and beauty to your home and should last for many years to come.

Plantation shutters are considered to be a contemporary type of interior shutter and are suitable for any room in the house. Available in sizes ranging from 1-7/8 inches to 5-1/2 inches, the louvers of this style are movable and come in two shapes, elliptical and flat. These can be opened or closed, depending on the amount of outside light desired in the room and are available in a variety of materials and finishes. Outdoor window shutters can either be custom made or pre-manufactured. Custom made designs are more expensive than pre-manufactured ones that are purchased in a store.

Hurricane shutters are used for protecting window openings during storms. They are available in steel, aluminum or wood and come in a variety of styles and sizes including panel, accordion, colonial, Bahama and roll-down. These products range in price from $7 per square foot to $55 per square foot, depending on the brand, type and style desired.

Interior colonial or traditional styles commonly consist of wedge shaped louvers 3/4" thick by 1-1/4" wide with a vain running down the center. They are constructed of wood and are available in different sizes. The most popular style of this wooden shutter consists of two panels per shutter resulting in a four panel unit when positioned side by side. Colonial style is also available for exterior use for moderate protection against storms. Exterior colonial shutters are a hinged shutter mounted on either side of the window, covering the entire window when closed. They are available in wood and synthetic materials.

Cafe typed shutterettes are an interior shutter that covers only the bottom or top portion of a window and can be used in most any room of the house. They are designed with small louvers and are available in traditional, plantation or colonial styles. They are mostly used for decoration and for light control as well as for controlling visibility. This type of style is usually less expensive than other larger types of shutters and comes in a variety of materials and finishes.

Accordion shutters are an interior folding design consisting of two panels hinged together. They are commonly made of wood and come in a variety of finishes. They are mostly used for decoration and to control visibility and light. Another type of accordion is an exterior shutter that resembles an accordion when opened or closed. These are used for storm protection and are available in different sizes to cover windows, sliding glass doors, or in some cases, total balconies. Exterior accordions are usually available in steel or aluminum.

No matter which types or styles of window shutters you are shopping for, it's important to take the time to research, compare prices and brands and shop around for the ones that best suit your needs. Doing a little research will go a long way in ensuring that you purchase durable designs that will give you satisfactory results for several years to come.