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
Rudden|Bobruska Team
Gary Rudden, Lisa Rudden, and Nick Bobruska
RUDDEN BOBRUSKA TEAM
What sets your team apart from other real estate teams?
There is no team out in the market that offers what we do. All of us are Realtors, but
we each have specialized roles, which make our team so unique!
After decades of living and selling real estate in the DMV, we have established
ourselves as one of the top real estate teams with our market expertise and
cutting-edge technology. Our savvy high-tech marketing is on every website
and social media source. We have a huge network with other top agents, which
helps to premarket homes and discover homes for buyers before they reach the
open market. Our services include professional in-house staging services, broker
expertise in negotiating and navigating contracts, and buyer representation in all
price ranges. Each client has different needs and we create a marketing plan based
on those needs.
Our most distinct feature is our in-house construction and renovation team. We
are literally a full-service, one-stop shop when selling or buying a home!
How does the in-house construction and renovation team work?
All work is managed and completed through our licensed and bonded construction
crew. No need to call outside contractors. We are like “HGTV,” but we just don’t
have a show! Whether it’s a small makeover or a major renovation, we do it all. Our
sellers love this aspect of our team because we make preparing your home for the
market so seamless. Our buyers love the advice and insight we can give for future
renovations and repairs.
Having a licensed Maryland Home Improvement contractor as part of our team
along with the knowledge, experience, commitment and services that we offer, truly
puts our team as a vanguard in the real estate industry.