How Shutters can Complement the Interior of a Room

Both interior and exterior window shutters can add elegance to a home. Exterior shutters can be used to protect a home against the natural elements while giving it an aesthetically pleasing look from the outside, while interior shutters allow control over the amount of air and light entering a room at any given time. They can also be chosen so that they complement the interior décor.

There are many benefits to interior window shutters, in terms of both practicality and design. Home owners can control the temperature of a room by opening and closing the shutter louvres, also known as slats, as required to let in the optimum amount of air and light. There are a wide range of design and colour choices with shutters and, by choosing carefully, people can ensure their shutters fit well with the interior of a room.  

For rooms with a summery feel full-height shutters are a good choice. They cover the entire window, with louvres running from top to bottom. They are ideal for tall windows or exterior doors. They allow for letting in a large amount of sunlight when required, so they can complement the summery atmosphere of the inside of a room. These are ideally light colours, such as yellows or whites.

Light coloured shutters generally go well with interiors that are bright and cheery, such as pinks and yellows. In these instances dark shutters would not fit well with the décor of the rest of the room.

For a room with a homely and cosy feel the style of shutters should give a warm feeling. Solid shutters can work here, even though they may not be as practically beneficial. Wooden shutters work best, possibly with a natural wood colour. Solid shutters can also suit rooms with black or grey furnishings. Here though, darker colours, such as dark reds, may work best.

Where pine furnishing has been used, dark shutters will not work. Their colour should be similar to the furniture, with a natural wood colour working best. Louvred shutters will work better than solid ones, as light entering the room will complement the furnishing style. Traditional or old fashioned interiors will benefit from natural wood grain colours; if they are too bright they will clash with the rest of the room.

If shutters are to be installed in an office, then in the majority of cases white, or similar colours, will work best. They will give a clean, professional look. This is particular the case if the office is decorated in natural colours, as is usually the case.

There are many choices of design and colour for window shutters. If installed, they become a real part of the interior of a room to the same extent as a piece of furniture or the walls. Therefore, it is important to choose some that fully complement the interior of a room and improve its design. Both practical and design elements should be taken into consideration when choosing which window shutters to go for.

Andrew Marshall ©