Interior shutters are a classic window treatment, providing privacy and light control while helping to tie together your home decor. Whether you’re looking to liven up a space or improve energy efficiency, interior shutters come in a range of styles and materials to fit your needs. In our guide, we’ll go over a few popular interior shutter designs and what rooms and home designs they may work best in.
Paneled
Paneled shutters bring a sense of traditional charm that works well in formal living rooms, dining rooms, and primary bedrooms. Historically, they were found in Federal or Greek Revival-style homes. These shutters are typically made from solid wood and have raised or recessed panels. They’re also very durable, making them a practical investment.
Arched
Arched shutters are specifically crafted to fit windows with curved or arched tops. This ability to accommodate unique window shapes is great for homes with distinctive architectural features.
Many companies offer custom arched shutters that can be tailored to fit nearly any window shape. These shutters can serve as a focal point in a room due to their nontraditional shape.
Woven Inserts
Woven insert shutters are made of woven bamboo or wood strips, creating a shade-like effect that adds texture and visual interest to a room. Unlike traditional roller shades, woven insert shutters swing open.
These shutters are particularly well-suited for spaces where you want a natural, organic look, such as sunrooms, breakfast nooks, or coastal-themed interiors. The woven material lets filtered light in, creating an inviting atmosphere while maintaining privacy. Woven shutters are usually made with sustainable materials.
Louvered
Louvered shutters are the most popular interior shutter type. They feature adjustable slats (also called louvers) that can be tilted to control the amount of light and air entering a room. Louvered shutters work particularly well in bedrooms, living rooms, and home offices, where light control and privacy are important. Their classic design helps them match many interior styles, from modern to traditional.
Combination
Combination shutters incorporate the elements of louvered and woven shutters into a single design. This gives you more flexibility when controlling light, airflow, and privacy.
Combination shutters are ideal for rooms where you want different levels of light control and privacy throughout the day. The louvered portion can be opened to let in a breeze or adjust light levels, while the woven section keeps out prying eyes. This dual functionality makes combination shutters great for street-facing windows in living rooms or bedrooms.
Vinyl
Vinyl shutters offer a durable and low-maintenance alternative to traditional wood shutters. They’re warp-resistant, making them an excellent choice for areas with high humidity or temperature fluctuations. They’re also easy to clean and provide a clean, crisp look that complements various interior design styles—although your color options are often limited to white.