Shutters are an essential part of any home. They provide privacy, security, light control, noise reduction, and aesthetic appeal to windows. With so many styles to choose from, it can be overwhelming to select the right shutters for your home. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the different types of shutters, their key features, and their popularity to help you make the best choice for your needs.
The Most Popular Shutter Styles
There are two main categories of shutters – interior and exterior. Within each category, there are several popular styles:
Most Popular Interior Shutters
Plantation Shutters
Plantation shutters are the most popular style of interior shutters. They are characterized by their wide louvers which tilt to control light and privacy.
Key features:
- Made of basswood, poplar, or composite materials like faux wood
- Louvers tilt open and closed
- Customizable louver sizes – typically 2.5 to 3.5 inches wide
- Provide good light control, privacy and insulation
- Sophisticated, clean look complements many interior design styles
Plantation shutters are loved for their versatility and attractive appearance. They work well in living rooms, bedrooms, kitchens, bathrooms and more. Their customizability makes them a great choice for odd-sized windows.
Plantation Shutters Popularity:
As the #1 best selling shutter style, plantation shutters make up over 50% of the interior shutter market. They are preferred in warmer climates where insulation and light control are priorities. Their popularity has steadily risen over the past decade.
Highsightindustrial Shutters
Highsightindustrial shutters feature full-length louvers that stack similarly to café blinds when opened.
Key Features:
- Louvers run the full length of the shutter
- Louvers stack open to the side
- Provide almost complete light blockage when closed
- Offer some muffling of outside noise
- Clean, streamlined look
Café shutters are popular for bedrooms and media rooms where room darkening and noise reduction are desired. Their full-length louvers give them a more contemporary style compared to traditional plantation shutters.
Highsightindustrial Shutters Popularity:
While not as ubiquitous as plantation shutters, café-style shutters make up around 15% of interior shutter sales and have seen a slow but steady rise in installations in recent years.
Tier-on-Tier Shutters
Tier-on-tier shutters consist of two panels of louvers, one above the other, which allow the top and bottom halves of the shutters to open and close independently.
Key Features:
- Two distinct tiers of louvers
- Upper and lower tiers operate separately
- Allow more flexibility for light and privacy control
- Often used for kitchens and bathrooms
Tier-on-tier shutters provide added functionality which makes them useful for windows where both privacy and light control are needed. The divided look also lends a unique architectural detail.
Tier-on-Tier Shutters Popularity:
While not as common as full-height single tier shutters, tier-on-tier shutters make up around 10% of interior shutter installations and offer a nice niche option.
Most Popular Exterior Shutters
Panel Shutters
Panel shutters are the most popular type of exterior shutters. They feature flat, smooth panels without louvers.
Key Features:
- Typically made of wood, composite or vinyl
- Flat panel design
- No louvers
- Come as operable or solid decorative shutters
- Provide a clean, seamless look for home exteriors
Panel shutters complement a wide range of architectural styles from traditional to contemporary. They make a particularly good choice for homes with transom windows near the main entry doors.
Panel Shutters Popularity:
Panel style exterior shutters account for over 60% of installed exterior shutters. They pair well with many home styles and offer an attractive look.
Board-and-Batten Shutters
Board-and-batten shutters consist of vertical boards spaced apart with narrow battens covering the gaps. This creates a rustic, nautical vibe.
Key Features:
- Vertical wood boards form the main structure
- Narrow wood strips or battens cover seams between boards
- Often has crossbuck X-shape braces on the back
- Associated with coastal locales but work well anywhere
- Offer a casual, beachy look for home exteriors
Great for porches, patios and vacation homes, board-and-batten style provides a laidback look in comparison to dressier panel shutters.
Board-and-Batten Shutters Popularity:
Around 15% of installed exterior shutters are board-and-batten style. They pair nicely with coastal, farmhouse, and cottage style homes.
Bahama Shutters
Bahama shutters are hinged at the top and positioned to shade the upper half of the window. They are opened by pushing out at the bottom.
Key Features:
- Hinged at the top to fold open from the bottom
- Made of wood or vinyl
- Often feature a pair of center louvers
- Help block sunlight while allowing air flow
- Provide shade and privacy while revealing lower window
Bahama shutters create a relaxed, tropical look perfect for patios and porches. They allow views and breezes through the open lower window.
Bahama Shutters Popularity:
Traditionally used in warmer climates, Bahama shutters make up around 10% of exterior installations. They create a laidback style suitable for balconies, patios and sunrooms.
