A Pro Buying Guide For Residential Window Shutters

Window shutters have been around for a very long time. They not only enhance a window's aesthetics, but they offer much-needed protection and privacy. If you're looking to set some up on the exterior of your home, keep this guide in mind. 

Size 

Before you start looking at the various styles available today, you must first understand what size you need. Otherwise, your shutters won't fit correctly and will interrupt the overall aesthetic scheme of your home. It's rather easy to find out what size you need. 

You'll simply need the dimensions of your windows, both the height and width. Shutters should be the exact same height as your windows. The width, on the other hand, needs to be roughly half the width of your windows. Placement is also critical. They need to be evenly spaced between each window, for a look that's in sync. 

Style

After getting the necessary dimensions out of the way, you can begin focusing on shutter style. Today, there are so many great options depending on your personal preferences. A general-purpose style that works with many different homes is louvered shutters. They feature overlapping slats that are uniform in shape. 

If you're looking for something a bit more decorative, raised panel shutters can provide that dramatic visual effect you're looking for. For homes that are older and made of brick, you might consider board and batten shutters. They come in many different tops, including square and arched, and are constructed out of individual boards. 

Material

Finally, you're ready to choose a shutter material. In terms of authenticity, it's hard to match the natural beauty of wood. Not only is it readily available, it comes in many different colors. The only downside is the added maintenance you have to put in to account for seasonal changes. 

A solid alternative to wood is vinyl. No matter what elements vinyl shutters are exposed to, they will retain their shape and color. You'll never have to worry about repainting shutters again. Perhaps the most durable option out of the material choices, though, is composite. It's made out of fiberglass, PVC, and wood. Composite shutters come with pre-factory finishes.

Whether your home is old or new, you can give it a warm, distinct look with the addition of shutters. There are many to choose from, but you can narrow down your choices by knowing what type of overall look you want for your home. To learn more, contact a company like Phoenix Window Fashions. 

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