Shutters were originally made to keep out bad weather, animals, and noise. But today, house shutters are often used to add interest, texture, or color to a home’s exterior. Shutters come in a variety of styles and colors and can be made from a wide range of materials. In this post, we’re going to focus on wood shutters and the many ways wooden window shutters can add to your home’s curb appeal. Keep reading to see some of our favorite home designs featuring wood shutters.
From house shutters to covered patios, brick&batten can help you see what various components will look like before you commit to renovations.
Learn more about our virtual exterior design services.
Which is Better: Wooden Shutters or Vinyl Shutters?
If you want timeless elegance and natural beauty, wood shutters are a great choice. They are also extremely versatile when it comes to style and color.
Moving beyond simple aesthetics, wood shutters can be incredibly durable, particularly when well-maintained. However, wooden shutters do require a bit more care than vinyl options.
Vinyl shutters, on the other hand, are valued for their practical benefits. They are often more affordable and demand less upkeep, and they also easily resist the wear and tear from weather exposure. These qualities make them a strong candidate for areas experiencing extreme climates.
While they are less customizable and might not match the refined look of wooden shutters, the longevity and cost-effectiveness of vinyl shutters are a huge selling point.
Choosing between wooden shutters and vinyl shutters ultimately depends on what matters most to you: the authentic charm and customization of wood or the durability and ease of maintenance offered by vinyl.
How Long Do Wood Shutters Last?
While shutters have evolved from their original protective purposes to become more of a decorative element in home design, their durability remains a significant consideration for homeowners. When it comes to wooden shutters, their lifespan is a testament to their quality and the care invested in them.
With proper maintenance, wooden shutters can last for decades. The longevity of wood shutters hinges largely on the type of wood used and the quality of their construction. Hardwoods like teak, mahogany, and cedar are known for their resistance to decay and can withstand the rigors of outdoor conditions better than softer wood varieties, making them ideal for crafting wooden window shutters.
Maintenance is important for extending the life of wooden shutters. Regular cleaning to remove dirt and debris, along with periodic applications of protective finishes, can prevent moisture penetration and UV damage. These steps help to avoid the common pitfalls of warping, rotting, or fading.
In ideal conditions, wooden shutters can add charm and character to a home’s exterior for 20 years or more. Wood shutters not only enhance the aesthetic appeal but also represent a lasting investment in your home’s curb appeal and value.
Ten Ways To Incorporate Wooden Shutters
#1 // Fill Blank Space with Wood Shutters
The front of this home felt a bit bare, so our designers dressed it up with wood shutters and a wood front door, plus brick skirting, copper gutters, a new portico, and new siding. This is an excellent example of how wooden shutters can help fill a blank space on your home’s exterior and add interest to an otherwise plain façade.
#2 // Match Various Wood Elements
This homeowner desired a look featuring plenty of wood accents and a juxtaposition of various cladding materials. Our team delivered with a design featuring vertical and horizontal siding, plus stone skirting, as well as board and batten wooden house shutters stained to match the home’s other wood details.
#3 // Second-Story Wood Shutters
We love this design because it shows how you can incorporate wooden shutters without putting them around every window. For this home, our designers suggested using wood shutters on the second-story windows and painting them black. Opting for a darker shade instead of keeping them natural really helps the shutters pop against the light siding.
#4 // Add Warmth with Wood Shutters
Originally, this home’s design felt choppy and incohesive. To solve this, our designers recommended limewashing the stone and brick and painting the siding with Sherwin Williams’ Caviar for contrast. Wood items throughout — including the unchanged wood shutters on the window above the entryway — add warmth to the home’s exterior.
#5 // Rustic Farmhouse with Plenty of Wood Accents
This client mentioned that they loved wood elements, so incorporating wood shutters into their design felt like a no-brainer. The wooden window shutters tie in perfectly with the wood columns, front door, and headers above the garage doors and other windows. All of these warm details paired with the light siding come together to create a rustic farmhouse feel.
#6 // Shutters that Stand Out
The wooden shutters on this home are front and center and pop against the gray brick and siding. The wood shutters — along with other small wood features throughout — create some warmth, too.
#7 // Red Brick, Black House Shutters Combo
While we love the look of natural wood shutters, painting them is also a great option. In this design, we recommended Sherwin Williams’ Black Fox to match the trim, soffit, eaves, and garage door. This striking shade makes these aspects pop against the home’s red brick exterior.
#8 // Charming Main-Level Wooden Shutters
The board and batten house shutters and gorgeous glass front door help create a charming, inviting entry area for this home. New siding and updated stone give this 1960s Mediterranean style home a fresh look.
#9 // Nature-Inspired Design
This homeowner was attracted to earth tones and natural elements and wanted her home to fit in with the farmland surrounding it. Our designers suggested pairing siding painted with Sherwin Williams’ Pewter Green with wood shutters, columns, and fencing. The wood pieces add to the nature-inspired feel of this home.
#10 // Updated Victorian with Wood Shutters
In the design above, dark stained wooden shutters draw the eye up to the second story. Built in 1906, this Victorian home was in need of some updating, and that’s exactly what our designers provided. In addition to the wooden window shutters, we gave this home a fresh coat of paint, a new front door — stained to match the house shutters — and other updates that make it feel fresh while staying true to its roots.
The Bottom Line on Wood Shutters
Incorporating wood shutters into your home’s exterior is a fantastic way to add visual interest and boost your curb appeal. Leave them natural, paint them, put them on some windows or all of them — the possibilities are nearly endless.
