Exterior Window Shutter Buying Guide: For Functional and Decorative Shutters
Key Takeaways:
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Decide between functional shutters for active weather protection or decorative panels for an uncomplicated, low-maintenance boost to curb appeal.
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Real shutter setups require mathematically exact dimensions to overlap and close cleanly, while decorative panels align straight with the overall window opening height.
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Match your home’s architectural lineage – from Victorian to Colonial – with specific designs such as louvered, board-and-batten, raised-panel, or Bahama profiles.
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Balance project priorities across ultra-low-maintenance vinyl, wood composite, architectural structural fiberglass, or traditional solid timber.
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Maintain historical realism for decorative mounts or proper physical support for functional shutters by calculating your hardware requirements based on precise panel heights.
Choosing the right exterior shutters involves balancing functional needs with aesthetic, architectural, and material considerations. This guide simplifies the process into key steps for selecting the perfect fit for your home.
Step 1: Functional or Decorative Shutters?
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Functional: Originally, shutters were used to protect homes from the weather and intruders. Today, that function is no longer a necessity, thanks to glass window panes. But if you want that added protection, functional exterior window shutters are a perfect way to add curb appeal and old-world functionality.
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Decorative: If you're looking for the authentic look but want them to be as maintenance-free as possible, decorative shutters are for you! With the proper size, placement, and hardware, no one will be able to tell they’re faux shutters. Or, if you simply want to add curb appeal and accentuate your windows, direct-mount options give the appearance of real shutters as well.
Step 2: Measure Your Windows for Exterior Shutters
Functional: When measuring for functional shutters, the measurements need to be precise so as to close over the window correctly. If your windows have a large offset or you want your real shutters to overlap, take those measurements into consideration as well.
Exterior Shutter Width = Window Width ÷ 2.
Decorative: When it comes to measuring for decorative shutters, it’s really a personal preference since you don't need to worry about closing them over the window.
Height of Window = Height of Shutters.
Step 3: Select Shutter Styles and Match Architecture
Choosing between the different types of exterior shutters relies on finding a style that beautifully complements your home’s architectural lineage. Review our style breakdown to select the perfect aesthetic expression for your window framework.
Louvered:
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Matches Victorian, Italianate, Georgian, Spanish, Ranch, and Greek revival-style homes
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For Federal and Colonial-style homes, install on the 2nd floor
Board & Batten:
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Matches Spanish, Ranch, and French Country-style homes
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For shutters measuring more than 54" in height and for double-hung windows, 3 battens will give a more balanced look
Raised Panel:
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Matches Victorian, Georgian, Ranch, French Country, and Greek revival-style homes
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Matches on the first floor of Federal and Colonial-style homes
Bahama:
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Bahama shutters match just about any style of home or commercial building
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Traditionally, used in tropical areas to protect windows from storms
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Work great for shading rooms from harsh direct sunlight and porches from strong winds, while also creating privacy
Combination:
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Matches Victorian, Italianate, Federal, Georgian, Colonial, Ranch, and Greek revival-style homes
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Combination styles include Louvered, Operable Louvered, and Raised Panel
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Customizations include Arched Top and Cut-Outs on shutter panels
Arched:
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Arched shutters add an even more personal touch to your home
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You can have Arched, Raised Panel, Board & Batten, and Combination shutters
Custom:
Looking for a 100% original look? You're in luck because we can make just about anything when it comes to custom shutters.
If you know what style, size, material, color, and quantity you want, give us a call and we’ll draw up an estimate for you. Then we can start making your shutter dreams into a reality. Or, if you don't know, give us a call so we can help.
Step 4: Which Material is Best for You?
Vinyl:
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Lowest Cost
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Decorative Only
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Lightweight, long-lasting durability
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Pre-finished wood grain so they're not shiny
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40-year warranty against cracking, fading, and structural failure
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Paintable option or pick from fade-resistant stock colors
Architectural Fiberglass:
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Maintenance-free; will not split, crack, or rot
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Long-lasting durability
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Ideal for climates with high variation in temperature and moisture levels
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Lifetime warranty
Aluminum:
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Storm-rated Bahama style
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Maintenance-free; powder-coated finish for long-lasting durability
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14 standard colors and custom color matching
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Ideal for any climate
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Functional hardware included with every Bahama shutter
Composite:
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Shutters with a real wood-like feel without the maintenance or cost of refinishing
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Won't split, crack, warp, rot, or fade
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No need for annual touch-ups or resurfacing
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Operable or direct mount available
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Available in standard colors or for color matching
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Can be painted with standard acrylic latex exterior paint
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Acceptable for most historical districts
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Variety of customizable options
Step 5: What Kind of Hardware Do You Need?
Functional Shutter Hardware:
Exterior functional shutters need to be able to cover the entire window, so measuring precisely is very important.
Important rules to follow:
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Shutter pairs from 14 to 48" in height require the use of 2 pairs of hinges/pintels
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Shutter pairs from 49 to 96" in height require the use of 3 pairs of hinges/pintels
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Shutter pairs over 96" in height require the use of 4 pairs of hinges/pintels
Decorative Shutter Hardware:
If your shutters are going to be for purely decorative purposes, measurements for hardware are not required.
But to make your shutters look as authentic as possible, follow the placement measurements as closely as possible.
Stainless Steel Shutter Hardware:
Stainless steel hardware supports the weight of operable exterior shutters.
Works best for operable exterior shutters.
Stainless steel lasts longest.
No maintenance.
Hopefully, we’ve now answered all your shutter questions, and you're ready to take the next step in your curb appeal project! If you do have any questions or would like to place a custom order, give us a call at 800-896-0978 or send us an email at sales@hooksandlattice.com. Please also see our Exterior Shutter Hardware Buying Guide.
Discover the rest of Hooks & Lattice’s collection of outdoor home decor and beautify your home today!
Frequently Asked Questions
What are shutters?
Shutters are functional or decorative window panels featuring parallel slats, raised inserts, or vertical boards designed to frame an exterior opening with classic architectural depth.
What’s the best material for exterior shutters?
It depends on your goals. Choose low-maintenance vinyl for cost-effective styling, high-strength pultruded fiberglass for extreme weather durability, or wood composite for historical compliance.
How do I know if my house needs functional or decorative shutters?
Functional styles protect against weather and require precise operational clearances. Decorative options mount flat against the wall, providing an identical appearance with simpler installation.
Can decorative shutters still use operational hardware like hinges and shutter dogs?
Yes. Installing non-functional hinges, pintels, and shutter dogs underneath direct-mount panels is highly recommended to accurately simulate an authentic, operable window layout.
What’s the mathematical formula for real exterior window shutter widths?
To allow your functional panels to fully close over the opening without a gap, calculate the total window width and divide that figure by two.
Which exterior shutter material offers the longest warranty protection?
Our lightweight, durable vinyl options feature a 40-year structural warranty, while our high-strength architectural structural fiberglass collections carry a limited lifetime warranty.
Is all mounting hardware automatically included with a shutter pair order?
No. Because individual exterior walls require distinct anchoring methods, all functional hinges, decorative stays, and custom fasteners are sold separately to allow full personalization.
