Different types of shutters for your windows

Putting shutters on your windows is very stylish and on trend right now. Not only are they a fashionable option for home décor, they also serve several different important functions. Shutters protect your windows from the elements, provide a layer of physical security when shut and can help to insulate your home.

So which type of shutter should you go for on your home? There is a very wide range of styles, shapes, sizes and designs that you can choose from. You can also opt to put them inside your window or on the exterior of your home. Here are some of our favourite options that are trendy at the moment.

Solid panels on the exterior

This strong, bold look gives your home a bit of an old-world feel. There are two ways that you can go – a simple square to cover the window or something a bit more ornate with a dome design that will sit above the window. To complete the look, go for dark colours and small designs carved into the wood.

The solid structure of these shutters will allow you to block out the elements – sun, rain and wind – completely.

Café style shutters

Get the French bistro look with these cute little shutters. They are designed to be roughly half the height of your windows and are installed on the inside of your home. This is a great option if you have big ground floor windows that open onto the street or a busy area in your garden as the shutters give you privacy without blocking the sunlight.

These shutters are generally louvered, meaning you can adjust them depending on your needs. Close the slats completely for total privacy or tilt them open to let in the light.

California louvered shutters

Also known as Plantation shutters, this style has very wide slats that can be adjusted to let the sunshine in. Originally used on the outside of the home back in the deep south of the USA – on the plantations – these shutters became incredibly popular in the 1950s in California. They were adapted to be installed on the inside of the window as this was the popular look back then.

Today, this style of shutter is very popular in homes with large windows that get a lot of sun. You can shut the louvers tight when the sun comes round and keep the heat of the day out of your home. Then they can be opened wide to allow you to enjoy the view of your garden.

Combination solid and louvered

If you’re not interested in going for a set style, you can always create a one-of-a-kind look for your home. Start by considering how the room is used, how much light it gets and if you need any privacy from the outside world. Then you can plan the best design to let in as much sunshine as possible without heating up the room too much or letting nosey neighbours see in.

Browse our directory of Shutter suppliers in South Africa