7 Shutter Mistakes You Don’t Want to Make

#1: Too Narrow

Whether operable or not, shutters must always be wide enough to cover the entire window when closed.

#2: Too Long

Shutters that overshoot the top and/or bottom of the window look silly.

#3: Attached to the Wall

Historically, shutters were always fastened to the window casing—never to the wall of the house.

#4: A “Flat” Appearance

Improperly mounted shutters lack depth and shadows.

#5: Mismatched Shapes

Shutters should match the shape of the window—not the casing around it.

#6: Improper Accessories

Adding balconies, railings, or window boxes around shutters impedes their ability to operate—and screams “McMansion.”

#7: Closed Louvers

Even if louvers are fixed, they should remain approximately 25 degrees open and have rods for historical accuracy.