Window Shutters – Instant Curb Appeal

Homeowners have long appreciated the functionality and aesthetics of window shutters. These fixtures offer a unique blend of practicality and style, providing privacy, protection, and enhanced curb appeal to homes. Through different styles and materials, shutters can add beauty to any residential setting.

Empire Window Company is Widely Known for Our High Quality Exterior Products for the Home: Vinyl Replacement Windows, Vinyl Siding, Gutters, Gutter Guards and Shutters.

Brief History About Window Shutters

Exterior shutters originated as a purely practical home feature designed to provide security and protect against harsh weather. As technology and architecture have advanced, the function of shutters has evolved, and they now primarily serve as decorative elements. Shutters not only enhance the appeal of homes but also contribute to their character by reflecting the architectural style, historical context, and personal taste of homeowners.

Styles of Exterior Window Shutters

There’s a broad array of shutter styles to choose from, each with its unique appeal and cultural connotations:

Open Louvered Shutters:

Louvered shutters are composed of slats (or louvers) arranged in a frame. Louvered shutters offer excellent ventilation and light control. These shutters exude a timeless elegance and are ideal for homes with a classic or colonial design.

Board & Batten Shutters:

Board & batten shutters consist of vertical boards held together by horizontal battens. This rustic design is commonly associated with the farmhouse or cottage style home, and is perfect for those seeking to add character to a rural or relaxed style.

Bahama Shutters:

Bahama shutters, also known as Bermuda shutters, are hinged at the top and designed to open away from the house. They provide excellent shade from intense sunlight, making them a popular choice in warmer climates.

Raised Panel Shutters:

Raised panel shutters feature one or more raised panels and echo the design of traditional interior doors. They create a formal, sophisticated, traditional feel to homes.

Combination shutters:

As the name suggests, these shutters combine different styles (such as louvered and raised panel) into one shutter. This style is versatile and allows for a high degree of customization.

Shutter Materials

The material of a shutter not only dictates its longevity and maintenance needs but also contributes to its overall appearance. Various materials include:

Vinyl:

Vinyl shutters is a cost-effective alternative to wood. Vinyl shutters are low maintenance and weather-resistant. Empire Window Company’s vinyl shutters feature SolidThru™ colors so they always look great. Even if a shutter is scratched due to storm debris, your shutter color will remain and will not be adversely impacted.

Wood:

Wood is a classic material for shutters and offers a natural, warm, and traditional appeal. Popular choices include cedar, pine, and mahogany due to their durability and resistance to decay. Wood shutters are the most costly, higher to maintain and have to be painted if stained.

Composite:

Composite shutters are made from engineered wood and generally more durable and resistant to weather conditions compared to natural wood.

Aluminum:

Aluminum shutters are lightweight, durable, and resistant to weather conditions, however they are typically more prone to damage or dents. They can be powder coated in various colors to match the home’s exterior.

The Impact of Shutters on Home’s Character and Beauty

Shutters play a pivotal role in accentuating the beauty and enhancing the character of a home:

Architectural Coherence:

The style and color of shutters can be chosen to complement or contrast with a home’s architectural style, creating a harmonious and visually appealing exterior. For instance, open louvered shutters look striking on a colonial classic style home, while board & batten shutters accentuate the charm of a rustic farmhouse and also often used on modern home styles.

Added Texture and Depth:

Shutters introduce an additional layer of depth to the exterior of a home, breaking up flat surfaces and adding interesting details, shadows and lines.

Color and Contrast:

Shutters offer an excellent opportunity to introduce color to a home’s exterior. Whether homeowners opt for a traditional contrasting color or a subtle matching shade, the impact can dramatically increase curb appeal.

Historical Authenticity:

For historical homes, the right shutters can help maintain and emphasize the property’s period character.

Shutters are more than a decorative afterthought. They are integral to a home’s design, providing a blend of functionality and style that can transform the look and feel of any home. By carefully considering shutter style, homeowners can invest in fixtures that not only serve a practical purpose but also make a powerful aesthetic statement. As tangible symbols of a home’s character and history, shutters add depth, color, and personality to an exterior façade, enhancing the overall beauty and charm of the property.

Installation, Operation, and Maintenance of Shutters

While style selection is important, proper installation, operation, and regular maintenance are equally essential for shutters to maintain their character and beauty over the years.

Installation is best left to professionals at Empire Window Company, to ensure every shutter is correctly hung and functions as they should. Our highly experienced team of professional installers are skilled in installing different types of shutters and can often customize installations based on the architectural features of your home.

After installation, proper operation is vital. While many shutters today are fixed or decorative, operable shutters must be maintained to ensure they can close properly. This function adds not only to the home’s aesthetic but also to its storm-readiness.

Our vinyl shutters require far less maintenance than wood shutters, but should be cleaned periodically to prevent buildup of dirt and grime.

Customizing Your Shutters

Customizing shutters can further enhance their impact on a home’s character and beauty. Homeowners may consider:

Custom colors:

While black and white are traditional choices for shutters, some homeowners opt for customized colors to match or contrast with their home’s exterior paint, enhancing the overall aesthetic appeal.

Hardware:

Decorative hardware such as hinges, clasps, and shutter dogs can add a distinctive touch to your shutters, enhancing their authenticity and charm.

Cutouts:

Especially popular on board & batten shutters, cutouts can be a fun way to display your personality, with designs ranging from simple geometric shapes to thematic motifs like trees, stars, or anchors.

Shutters and Home Value

Beyond aesthetics, beautiful vinyl shutters can also impact a home’s value. Shutters provide a finished, well-maintained look to any property, which will enhance its curb appeal, and make a positive first impression on potential buyers. As a result, homes with well-maintained shutters often sell for a higher price than comparable homes without shutters.

Shutters provide homeowners with an effective way to express their personal taste, accentuate their home’s architectural style, and enhance its overall aesthetic appeal. Moreover, by selecting the right shutters and ensuring their proper installation and maintenance, homeowners can protect their investment and enjoy the added character and beauty that these features bring to their homes for years to come. Vinyl shutters offered by Empire Window Company, represent an ideal combination of practicality and elegance, making them a valuable addition to any residential property.

Consider Replacing Your Shutters When You Order Replacement Windows or Vinyl Siding. Your Home Will Look Amazing With New Vinyl Shutters. Call Empire Window Company Today to Schedule a Free In-Home Consultation!