A Guide to Different Types of Exterior Shutters

A Guide to Different Types of Exterior Shutters

A set of exterior shutters doesn’t just add charm and color to your home’s appearance. It also comes with a series of different functions that can further protect your home from weather damage and energy leaks. However, not all models are made equally—some come with different benefits than others. Check out this guide to different types of exterior shutters to find the best match for your needs.

Panel Shutters

These shutters are built from two solid panels. Their closed design offers additional insulation for the home while increasing security and privacy when they’re shut. For these reasons, panel shutters are most commonly used in areas with colder climates. If you’re interested in these shutters but you’d prefer a slightly different aesthetic, they’re also available in raised panel, flat panel, and recessed panel designs.

Louvered Shutters

More traditional in style, louvered shutters are characterized by two sets of slats separated in the middle by a center rail. You can adjust these slats to accommodate different levels of lighting or fix them in place to create a more design-focused piece than a functional one. Whether you choose exterior movable louver shutters or fixed ones, both models regulate internal home temperature and allow air to filter through the slats.

Bahama Shutters

A subcategory of louvered shutters, Bahama shutters attach to the top of the window rather than along the sides. This alternative application lets additional light and air into a home, and you can quickly shut them in the event of a heavy storm. For these reasons, Bahama shutters are mostly used in tropical regions.

Board and Batten Shutters

Board and batten shutters give off a distinct rustic vibe that goes great with any ranch- or country-style home. Their design often consists of one to three painted boards bound together with a thin cross-panel piece of wood. These panels can lay horizontally across the top and bottom of the shutters, or they can sit diagonally for a barn-style look.