Both exterior window shutters and interior window shutters can help you protect the interior of your home or office. Window shutters can offer a business or home a number of benefits.

1. Exterior shutters can make the outside of your home more attractive.
2. A window shutter can protect your window from wind, sand or other potential hazards.
3. Interior window shutters can allow you to adjust the amount of light coming into a room.
4. Custom shutters keep your carpet and furniture from sun damage and fading.
5. Wooden shutters make an attractive option to help hide an ugly outside view.

Whether you want interior or exterior window shutters, your business will benefit from the attractive look and protection that they can offer. Without spending a lot of money, you can change the way your home or business looks from the inside and out.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Decide where you'd like to place your window shutters

An exterior window shutter can be purely decorative or it can protect your windows from the elements. Interior shutters can be part of your interior decorating scheme or also be used to control the amount of light. If needed, you can use both interior and exterior shutters in some circumstances.

I recommend: Shutter Land sells wood interior and exterior shutters. Architectural Depot has a range of shutters available, including Bahama shutters for window protection.

Choose the material for your window shutters

Wooden shutters are a popular choice for interior shutters, particularly in a plantation shutter style. Vinyl shutters are a durable, easy to clean choice for the exterior and advances in technology have made them more attractive than ever. From a distance, the average eye won't be able to tell vinyl exterior shutters from more expensive wood ones.

I recommend: Shutter Directory can help you find a manufacturer for the type of window shutter material that you want.

Consider how much work you want to do on a window shutter

You may be able to purchase unfinished shutters for less money than finished ones, if you're willing to do the work. Likewise, you'll need to decide whether you want to have the shutters hung professionally or if you feel comfortable doing it yourself.

I recommend: If you buy from a local source like Lowe’s, ask about installation services.

Order custom shutters if your windows are an unusual size or you need other customization

For some windows, depending on size and shape, you may need to order custom shutters. If you order online, the site should provide measuring instructions to get your windows the proper fit.

I recommend: Horizon Shutters customizes each interior shutter that they construct for your windows.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  For interior window shutters in a plantation style, choose the largest louver possible to maximize the view. Larger louvers will have more space between them when open for better views.