Shut out extreme weather and intruders with the right style shutters
Exterior window shutters aren’t only an attractive design element—they can offer protection from harsh weather and even intruders. There are plenty of exterior shutter styles to choose from to match your home’s look and provide the protection from the elements you need. Before choosing your new shutters, learn the pros and cons of some of the most popular styles available.
Louvered shutters are what typically come to mind when you think of traditional shutters. A center rail separates two sections of slats (louvers) for each shutter, which is installed on either side of the window. They can remain fixed in that position or closed over the window. Since air can filter through the slats, louvered shutters are more popular in warmer climates.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Classic look | Little protection from the elements |
| More affordable | Often fixed and can’t be closed |
| Extensive design choices | Not visually interesting |
Best For: Homes in warmer climates
Paneled shutters are built from two panels made from solid material. When installed, they can be closed over a window to offer security against intruders and against harsh weather. The panel designs might be raised, flat, or recessed, depending on your preference. Panel shutters are a good choice for homes in colder climates because they provide some insulation when shut.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Energy-efficient | May not match house style |
| Protection from weather | Many are decorative only |
| Simple design | Lack visual appeal |
Best For: Homes in colder climates
Board and batten shutters are created by single boards held together with cross pieces of wood that are fastened either horizontally or on an angle. It is constructed not unlike a fence that has the boards tightly up against each other.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Rustic look | May clash with some house styles |
| Protection from elements | Prone to warping |
| Sturdy design | Wood will need repainting |
Best For: Farmhouse-style homes
Bermuda shutters, sometimes known as Bahama shutters, are a type of louvered shutter. However, unlike it being installed on the side of the window, this type of shutter is installed from the top. When closed, this type of shutter can protect a home against stormy weather, but not cold weather, as air can easily circulate through the slats.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Easy to open and close | Won’t prevent heat loss |
| Sun protection | Limits light into home |
| Allows airflow | Support arm prone to damage |
Best For: Homes in warm locations
Like the name suggests, these shutters come in clutch during hurricanes and tropical storms. When closed properly, they can protect windows from being damaged during extreme winds. They are made from hardy materials like steel or aluminum, though plywood is also an option, particularly when preparing quickly for an approaching storm. They are designed in such a way that one panel covers the entire window. They can be removable or permanently mounted, depending on the style, and the cost of hurricane shutters can vary based on the material used. A local window shutter company will be able to help you choose the right hurricane shutters for your home.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Protection from high winds | Can be bulky |
| Durable | Not visually appealing |
| Often removable | May require storage |
Best For: Homes in hurricane-prone areas
Shutters aren't just for residential properties. Rolling security shutters provide security for storefronts, office buildings, health care centers, or other commercial buildings. Not only do they keep out burglars, but they can protect windows and doors in extreme weather. For this reason, rolling shutters for residences are becoming more available for homeowners. Rolling shutters may be manually operated or electric; keep in mind you won’t be able to close electric shutters easily during a power outage!
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Increased security | Industrial look |
| Protection from weather | Require frequent maintenance |
| Energy-efficient | Manual shutters are difficult to operate |
Best For: Homes in areas that experience extreme weather
These shutters combine board and batten design with elaborate cutouts for a stylish exterior shutter, often in bright, contrasting colors. Originally made to keep out heavy snow, these shutters are designed to cover the entire window when closed.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Colorful | Thicker than other styles |
| Stylish | Not commonly sold |
| Full-window protection | Can be visually “busy” |
Best For: Homes in snowy areas
These shutters consist of horizontal slats, or louvers, that sit inside their own frame and can be tilted open or closed to control the amount of exposed window. Plantation shutters are more often used as interior shutters, but when installed on the exterior, provide protection from the sun. Because these shutters have more complex mechanisms than other shutters, they require more frequent maintenance and are more prone to breaking.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Energy-efficient | Expensive |
| Sun protection | High-maintenance |
| Elegant looks | Can break easily |
Best For: Homes that get a lot of full sun but little extreme weather
Combination shutters don’t just stick to one design—they allow you to mix and match to get the exact style you’re looking for. Most combination shutters combine louvered and paneled shutters, offering you the best of both worlds when it comes to design and function.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Customized style | Cost more to customize |
| Multi-functional | Limited manufacturers |
| Matches various home styles | Expensive to replace |
Best For: Homeowners who want an upscale, customized look
If your home has arched windows, you’ll want shutters that match the window shape and offer full coverage when closed. Arched shutters are available in various styles, including paneled, louvered, and board and batten. When closed, arched shutters fully cover the window surface, protecting it from weather damage.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Full window coverage | May need to be custom-fit |
| Wide variety of styles | Difficult to install |
| Classic look | Expensive |
Best For: Homes with arched windows
When it comes time to add or replace your shutters, you have a lot of styles to choose from! To find the best shutter style for your home, consider the following factors:
Budget: Your budget will help point you in the right direction—the cost of exterior shutters in common styles like louvered or paneled shutter are more affordable than specialty shutters.
Material: Choosing the right material is important. Wood is more customizable, but prone to rot. Vinyl is inexpensive, but needs to be replaced more often than other materials. Composite shutters are durable but may not have the look you want.
Your home’s style: You want a shutter style that compliments the look of your home. Board and batten shutters will look out of place on a Mediterranean-style home, so pick a style that complements your home’s design.
Functional vs. decorative: If you live in an area without extreme weather, you might not need your shutters to close. Fixed shutters may offer more design choices than functional ones.
Local climate: If your home is frequently subjected to hurricanes, blizzards, hail, or other extreme weather, you’ll need shutters that are up for the job. Choose a style that offers the kind of protection your windows will need.
Barbara Bellesi Zito contributed to this piece.
