Do Shutters Have To Be On Every Window? (Three Considerations)

Homeowners usually install shutters on windows for several reasons, including sunlight control, privacy, and general home beautification.

There are both interior and exterior window shutters of varied types, materials, and sizes. The choice of which suits you best depends solely on your preferences.

Considering the many reasons for installing shutters, many homeowners often ask….

Do Shutters Have To Be On Every Mobile Home Window?

Well, while you can technically install shutters on all windows, it is unnecessary to put shutters on every window. In fact, having shutters on all windows makes them seem awkward and unpleasant at first sight. That said, you may want to have some windows naturally shutter-less and leave your home appearing beautiful.

When installing shutters, it is highly discouraged to install a shutter on one side of the window, especially when the window is near a door or house corner that prevents you from putting a mate shutter.

Further, before installing shutters, you should keep in mind that some shutters may make your house look smaller.

For instance, black shutters may make your house appear smaller, despite the fact that they do not reduce the size of your original home.

Just like when you install white shutters, the house may appear bigger, but in reality, it is not.

If you are contemplating the idea of whether or not to install shutters, this post will cover more about putting shutters on your windows.

After all, you need to know the functions of shutters in a house and the different shutter types in the market before making the big decision.

What Are Window Shutters?

Window shutters are stable solid window covering that consists of a frame of vertical stiles and horizontal rails.

They may have louvers within the frames, where the louvers can be fixed or operable. Shutters are normally fixed on windows for various reasons.

These may include helping control the amount of sunlight entering a room, for security, privacy, protection against bad weather or unwanted intrusion, as well as to improve aesthetics.

There are both interior and exterior window shutters, and each of them will uniquely treat your windows.

Interior shutters are mainly used to place curtains and blinds, add design to your interior space, and regulate light getting to your room.

The exterior shutters, on the other hand, will boost energy efficiency in your home, improve the general outlook, and enhance privacy.

However, the extent of service that window shutters will give to you and your home depends majorly on the type you install.

There exist different types of shutters, both interior and exterior.

They differ either in the material used to make them or in their design and thus give your houses a varied shutter experience.

Therefore, you need to consider a few factors before choosing which shutter to install.

Three Factors To Consider Before Buying Window Shutters

There are many varieties of window shutters, and unless you weigh them accordingly, you may end up buying something you will never like.

Here are three important things you should keep in mind before selecting a certain shutter for your windows.

1. Material

Window shutters are available in different materials, including vinyl, metal, wood, and composite wood.

Depending on the room’s conditions where it will be installed, you can get a clear guide on which material to use.

For example, if a room has appliances that get wet frequently, you should consider a material that will not be adversely affected by that wetness (for interior shutters).

Wood materials can be painted to fit the existing interior décor of a room.

Additionally, the wood has some natural strength making it suitable for any window space. Unfortunately, wood is prone to warping and cracks.

Vinyl materials, both natural and synthetic, are more durable and can be maintained with ease.

Unlike wood, vinyl materials come with predefined colors, which are limited to grey shades, white, and beige.

2. Cost

The total cost of buying and installing shutters should be considered.

It is advisable first to determine your budget and then start seeking shutters that fit the money you have.

Find out the standard prices of window shutters and choose the best money value shutter to avoid any regrets or overspending.

If you are well off financially, you may choose to buy the custom-made shutters; otherwise, you may opt to buy off-the-shelf if you can’t adjust your financial capability.

3. Ease Of Cleaning And Maintainable

Cleaning installed shutters is important to make them last longer.

Keep dusting the shutters regularly and wash them once in a while to prevent dirt build-up and keep them as clean and new as they were.

If you have wood shutters, you may use some specifically designed solutions for cleaning wood to avoid damaging them.

Cleaning all window shutters in the house at once is usually tiring and time-consuming, so you should at least choose the materials that are easy to clean.

The Five Types Of Window Shutters

The following are the most common types of window shutters.

1. Plantation Shutters

As the name suggests, these shutters were mainly used on plantations in homes.

They are made of tilted wood louvers that are responsible for proper ventilation and light regulation.

They cost between $50 up to $350 per pair, depending on the material used to make them.

You can choose to DIY your plantation shutters or employ a professional to do it.

2. Cut-out Shutters

These shutters are an excellent example of custom exterior window shutters.

They can either be board and batten or raised panel shutters but have a cut-out pattern design.

The most common cut-out designs include stars, palm trees, hearts, and other common significant figures like squares and rectangles.

The price of these shutters depends majorly on the complexity of the patterns. Since they are customized, they are usually more expensive compared to other off-market shutters.

However, they are known to add a more personal feel to your home and can easily fit in with your home décor.

3. Louvered Shutters

They feature angled slats that allow light and air to pass. They were initially meant for rain protection on traditional houses.

They are either fixed or movable and are mainly made of wood, vinyl, aluminum, and steel.

They cost between $35 and $100, considering their size and material.

At times the shutter slats can get in the way and block enough light from entering a room.

Their theme fits well on Victoria, traditional and Colonial houses.

4. Raised Panel Shutters

These appear more like kitchen cabinets. They literally enhance the beauty of your home.

Raised panel shutters cost $32 to $44 per single pair.

They are of various brands, and their pricing is based on what brand you are purchasing.

If you have tilt-in windows, these shutters may not be ideal for you. They are best on country-cottage, Victorian homes, and Georgian houses.

5. Board And Batten Shutters

They are commonly known as B&B shutters, and they consist of several boards held together against a z-shaped or horizontal panel.

They are commonly wooden, but you might find a few made of vinyl.

They are sold at $100 to $450 per pair.

They are normally not the best option since they require more time to install and require careful and consistent maintenance processes.

They are mostly installed on country bungalows, barn-style buildings, and cabin homes.

Conclusion

Installing window shutters on your house may serve as a way of enhancing the appearance of your home, but this does not mean you must or should add shutters on all your windows.

Try first to weigh out the available window shutter options in the market and choose one that fits your needs.

Be cautious not to install shutters that may interfere with your home’s indoor and outdoor décor.

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