Shutters or No Shutters? Which is Better for Your House?
I recently moved into my new house and was trying to decide which type of shutters to use. My next-door neighbor has shutters, and they make the house look nice. But, my cousin doesn’t like them.
So, I started to do some research, and I discovered both sides have pluses and minuses for each. Finally, I decided shutters are the better option for my house because they provide protection from the direct sun and blend in with the exterior color scheme.
But which is better for your house: Shutters or no shutters? It depends on your house and your choice. However, I will share my experience to help you make a better decision.
What Are Shutters?
Shutters are usually made of wood. They are positioned across the windows to cover and protect them from the sun, wind, rain, or other elements.
Most of the time, you’ll see two or more shutters in each house window. However, there are single or triple-shutter windows available too. The most common colors for shutters are brown, black, and white.
Are shutters outdated?
Window shutters are one of many traditions that various countries and cultures adhere to, where they’re placed across homes and businesses to protect property.
I don’t think Shutters are outdated. They are still used in many modern windows, particularly in the USA. Global shutter market values CAGR increased by 6% in 2014-19, and in 2021 global shutter industry values USD 3.2 billion.
In the UK, 50% of homes have shutters on their windows to keep out the weather and security. China & Japan are the biggest purchasers of these shutters, and it’s a tradition to use them across homes and businesses.
Are shutters out of style?
Shutters are pretty crucial for any home, not just for the aesthetic. Most homeowners believe that the presence of a shuttered window adds aesthetic value to their property.
They provide punctuation and balance to a home’s design and offer protection from extreme weather conditions.
An old friend who owns a house with shutter windows said she didn’t understand why homeowners would want to have no shutters when their old ones were more stylish.
I think shutters are a great way of adding visual interest to your home. That is one of the reasons that many people today are opting for shutters in their installations.
What Are The Different Types Of Shutters?
Shutters are categorized into many types. These categories differ in terms of size and usage.
01. Raised Panel
A raised panel shutter is a type of shutter primarily used for decoration rather than protection. They are available in different shapes, such as rectangular, square, and round. Raised panel shutters are found in various architectural styles, including Colonial, Georgian, Victorian, and more.
Features
- Cutout designs including classic, colonial, and contemporary
- Shutter capping resists the seeping of water
- Configurations to complement varied architectural styles
- Mouse Holes and Tilt Rods for remote operation
02. Louvered
It is a shutter that consists of multiple vertical slats and many layers of material. The slats are hinged at the side with a tilting option. It is perfect for keeping out the sun’s heat, rain, and glare.
Features
- Huge ledges help to keep the shutters in place
- Panels are made of glass, wood, or aluminum and have a variety of various shapes and sizes
- The tilt lets you see out of a window from the inside, but from the outside, vision is blocked
03. Bahama
Bahama shutters are very simple in design. They are made of wood, and louvers and slats can be painted or stained in different colors and designs.
Features
- Expanded view and sunlight filtered through louvers
- Welded frame for sturdiness and heat resistance
- Tilt for opening and closing
- Horizontal slats for airflow
- Solid backing resists damaging moisture
04. Board And Batten
These shutters are very similar to a clapboard in appearance. They are made of thick vertical wooden planks on the frame’s surface or on both sides. The shutters are hung from the top and bottom, called boarding.
Features
- These shutters are made of thick board (more than 1 inch)
- Boards are spaced apart with a thin veil of wood to create an airway
- Simple design, quiet in style, and suitable for home decor
05. Tier on Tier
Tier-on-tier shutters have a separate set of vertical louvers, which allow air to pass through and sunlight to filter in. These louvers are located at different levels, thus giving them a layered appearance. I personally like this design as it gives my room more character.
Features
- Plain or louvered slats made from wood
- Vertical louvers placed in 2 or more tiers
- The bottom set of louvers is hidden behind the top set
- Horizontal latch for easy opening and closing
Do shutters increase home value?
Home prices continue to increase, and new home builds continue to rise. There are various ways people try to boost their home’s worth.
One is installing shutters on the windows. Shutters make a property look more appealing and chic, thereby increasing its perceived value.
Shutter installation cost varies depending on the number of windows in a given house and how many square feet they cover. The average cost per square foot is $20 to $45.
| Traits | Cost |
|---|---|
| Wood shutters | $200 to $350 |
| Composite shutters | $80 to $260 |
| Min cost | $390 |
| Average cost | $1,450 to $3,360 |
However, shutters will increase the value of an existing home by $3,000 to $7,000. This is because, in the minds of many prospective buyers, shutters can add a degree of exclusivity to an otherwise ordinary property.
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Top Questions About Window Shutters
When should you not use shutters?
While shutters are a great way to add beauty to your home, they’re not the best option for everyone. Here’s when you should think twice about installing them:
↠ Windows with casement windows inside them
↠ Double mulled windows with a single mull on top
↠ Windows whose length is shorter than the width
↠ Bifold windows (ones you can open like a door, not just slide up)
↠ When you have unusually shaped windows
Do houses look better without shutters?
Shutters vs no shutters are a big debate. But it all depends on what you’re trying to do. Most homeowners like their houses better with windows dressed in wood or aluminum from head to toe.
I think the house doesn’t look better without shutters. But, it’s important to understand what you’re looking for. People want their houses to look more historic, like a house in the country.
Those people think shutters make the house look more like a house. And that’s great if that’s what you want. But, some people don’t want the house to look old or unpretentious because they don’t like anything historical or rural. That’s fine too because people have different tastes and preferences.
Do all houses need shutters?
House with shutters vs without shutters is a matter of taste. Not all houses need shutters, but if you live in a humid area, it is recommended that your house have shutters to help prevent condensation.
In addition to preventing water damage and mold growth, they also serve as an aesthetic feature of the home.
In some countries like French, Spain, Greece, and Italy shutter is a required thing for houses.
Last Words
There are many things you can think about when it comes to window shutters. Most of them are just preferences, but there are a few things that can make or break the value of your house. So what are you thinking, shutters or no shutters? I will suggest shutters.
They are a very important part of a house’s design, from helping to protect your home from pests to keeping it cool in summer and warm in winter to add visual appeal and interest. So why not go out and get shutters?
