The Benefits of Exterior Window Shutters

Outside of being a lavish and stunning addition to your home, interior and exterior window shutters offer many key benefits over other window treatments. For example, outdoor shutters can protect your home from storm damage, depending on their construction. 

There is a shutter for everyone as well. With so many styles, colors, and material to choose from, they can match every style and every window. 

The most common shutter styles include:

• Louvered shutters
• Raised panel shutters
• Board-and-batten shutters
• Shaker style interior shutters
• Plantation shutters
• Cafe Style (interior) shutters
• Cut-Out Shutters (exterior) shutters
• Scandinavian (exterior) shutters

For this blog, we’re going to focus on the exterior shutters on this list and the benefits they bring to your home. 

Why Choose Outdoor Shutters?

For centuries people have been using shutters to transform their house’s exterior and add curb appeal. 

Historically, outdoor shutters were used to protect the interior from atmospheric agents and parasites. They were made of solid wooden boards for optimal protection. But from the 19th century onwards, people decided to use them not only for protection but also for decoration. 

Outdoor shutters are among the most classic window coverings. They are easy to operate, envelop the space, and add to the value of the property at the time of purchase and sale. Not to mention, they add a bit of a spark to a home that may otherwise be plain — without breaking the bank. 

Benefits of Exterior Shutters

Outdoor shutters give you the same privacy as interior ones, though they may be a little more annoying to open and close if you want to use them for this purpose. However, if you’re living in a high-rise or close to the street, they’re amazing options that boost your privacy, elevate your home’s appeal, and protect your windows. 

Not to mention, shutters are slated. Which means you can open then and still let in as much light as you want without compromising privacy! 

Exterior Shutters Block Extra Light

Natural light adds an element to your home that can’t be replaced or faked. While some window treatments are designed to block light out entirely, shutters allow you to choose how much you want in your home. 

Here in Arizona, there is one thing many of us want to avoid — being in the same room as a east-west facing window, especially in the summer. Exterior shutters negate this problem almost entirely! The shutters are designed to stop the sun from hitting your window, which will drastically reduce that room’s heat gain. 

Many exterior shutters are finished with a UV-protective layer which protects your house from extra lighting too! 

If you’re not a fan of exterior shutters, interior shutters can accomplish similar effects. However, the difference is that the light is being let into your home and blocked on the inside by the shutters, instead of being kept out. 

Gives Additional Security and Protection 

Nothing beats the added layer of passive security than outdoor shutters. Whether it’s a thunderstorm with heavy rain pounding down on your home, blazing bright sun, or its being pelted with hail, high-quality outdoor shutters can protect your home and windows. 

If you’re close to the road or if there are trees around your home, they’re amazing at stopping road debris, branches, and leaves from hitting your glass windows too. All of this without compromising fresh air and sunlight!

On the security end, exterior shutters can be fixed (for optimal rigidness and protection), waterproof, and secure. They provide a cost-effective solution to prevent theft and provide security for the security-conscious owner. This has always been the main reason for the popularity of blinds.

Lastly, Exterior Shutters Look Stunning

Picture a white brick, single-story home. It has an attached one-car garage to the left side, and a rather flat shape. There is a little concrete porch, but no covering, and a gorgeous dark wood front door. There are a few windows along the front of the house, but that’s it. 

Now, imagine shutters next to the windows. They’re the same dark wood as the door and in any style you choose. They can be slated, or similar to a barn door in construction — with two large vertical back borders held together by smaller, horizontal ones. Notice the grain on the shutters against the white brick. 

All that house is missing is some landscaping and it looks completely different than what it once was. All of that, and you just added some shutters and flowers!

You can also order their own customized shutters according to their preference. If you want to match the colors and patterns of your room wall, give direction to the shutter makers to design a shutter that can beautifully go with your walls.

So from protection, to efficiency, and style, outdoor shutters add another layer to home that brings out its functionality and beauty. Want exterior shutters for your home? Give us a call for a free design consultation.