Terminology to Learn When You're Ready to Shop for New Shutters

Posted on: 30 May 2017

New shutters can be a great choice for any home, as interior shutters can be more compact than billowy drapes and blinds, so they don't make a space feel crowded. They may also give you more control over the light and air circulation you have in a room, as you can open different sections as needed. Exterior shutters can add style to your home and also offer some protection for your home's windows during storms. When you're ready to shop for new shutters, note a few terms and phrases to learn so you know you get the right type and don't overlook any important features and details.

Types of shutters

Operational exterior shutters are those that actually close, versus those that are attached next to the windows just for decoration. Storm shutters will be very strong and are meant to give maximum protection to your windows in cases of high winds and rains. Accordion shutters fold like an accordion, usually from one side to another and are often meant to be left open, as they aren't typically considered very attractive. Awning shutters are hinged at the top and push out from the bottom of the window; these are often used one beachfront homes, where you may always need some protection from water spray and wind.

Colonial shutters are probably the most popular style of exterior and interior shutters. These are hinged on the side and fold in to cover your windows. Rolling shutters are less popular but very unique for interior shutters. These roll down from a track above your window, like a garage door. Panel shutters are simply a panel of wood. These may be used inside or outside, but are often used just as exterior shutters, as they block out all light when closed. Louvered interior shutters have slats that you can open and close so you can control the amount of light that comes through a window.

Shutter accessories

Slide bolts are the bolts that actually slide over both panels of shutters and lock them into place. Shutter dogs are the hardware attached to your home to keep exterior operational shutters in place when opened.

Dummy hardware refers to pieces of hardware that are attached for appearance alone and which don't actually work; for example, you might like the look of oversized hinges on exterior shutters, but don't have exterior shutters that actually close. Dummy hinges might then be added to the shutter panels. Dummy hardware may also include scrolls or other decorative pieces of metal that are added to the borders or edges of hardware to break up the look of wood and add more visual interest to the shutters.

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