The Comeback of Louvered Shutters on Modern Homes
Louvered shutters, with their distinctive horizontal slats, have been an exterior fixture on traditional homes for centuries. Historically, they served the very functional purposes of regulating light, providing privacy, and protecting from storms. But in recent years, these charming shutters have made a major comeback, now enhancing modern homes with their beauty and customization.
While louvered shutters conjure up imagery of stately plantation homes and seaside cottages, they can work surprisingly well on contemporary architecture too. The slats add texture and visual interest to sleek, minimalist exteriors. Their traditional style balances out industrial or modern elements. And because they're so adjustable, louvers allow personalization and functionality not always found with trendy building materials.
Benefits of Louvered Shutters
Adjustable and Functional
One of the biggest benefits of louvers is their adjustability. The horizontal wood or composite slats can be tilted open to varying degrees, closed completely, or left in a fixed open position. This allows homeowners to control light and airflow while still maintaining some privacy.
Forgot to close the shutters last night? No problem - just tilt the slats shut from inside in the morning. Want to let in fresh air but not be seen? Angle the louvers just so for optimal breeze and discretion. Louvered shutters give you customizable control over your environment.
Enhance Architecture
Louvered shutters beautifully complement homes with traditional architecture like farmhouse, cottage, and craftsman styles. The louvers enhance the charming vintage aesthetics. They also work well for historical renovation projects, balancing new additions with original design elements.
Even on modern homes, louvered shutters can provide visual interest and depth. Their horizontal lines break up flat, unadorned exteriors. The slats create shadow lines and textures that add warmth and character to minimalist styles.
Curb Appeal
There's no doubt louvers boost curb appeal. Their handsome style makes homes look cared for and welcoming. The characteristic slats add a polish that sleek, contemporary materials can lack. Well-styled louvers say "Come on in!"
Shutters also draw the eye to windows, accentuating their shape and trim. They frame doorways and highlight entries. Their proud proportions enhance facades and break up blank walls or garage doors.
Customization
From size to materials to color, louvers allow for extensive customization options. They can be sized to fit windows perfectly, or made wider to flank doorways. Choose real wood for character or composite and vinyl for low maintenance. Go bold with color or classic white.
You can even mix and match. Try wood louvers on upper windows with vinyl on the lower level. Front windows could be navy while the back is cherry red. Let your personality shine!
Louvered Shutter Styles
Traditional Louvered
This classic louver style features adjustable horizontal wood slats sized about 3-4 inches wide. Some newer composite versions mimic this traditional look while adding weather-resistant durability.
Wider slat louvers are also common. They allow more visibility and light transmission while still providing privacy. Traditional wider louvers create inviting facade accents.
Bahama Louvered
Bahama shutters have hinges along their tops with props or tension rods at the base to keep them open. This allows warm breezes and sunlight in while blocking direct heat and rain. The partially open louvers create inviting focal points.
They're perfect for covered patios and porches. But Bahama louvers work well surrounding other exterior windows and doors too. Keep your view unobstructed while controlling shade and airflow.
Board & Batten Louvered
This style features wider vertical board louvers with narrow horizontal battens covering the seams. Board and batten louvers have a charming nautical or cottage vibe. They evoke breezy beach homes.
Groupings of board & batten shutters look great flanking oversized windows. They also beautifully accent front doors. Opt for contrasting colors on the boards and battens for added flair.
Modern Touches
While louvers maintain a traditional charm, they can take on a more modern vibe with the right design choices. Here are some contemporary louver shutter ideas:
- Mixed materials like sleek metal combined with natural wood slats
- Dramatic lighting installed behind the louvers
- Unexpected colors like navy blue or coral pink
- Oversized wall-height louvers as room dividers
- Unique curved, circular, or geometric louver shapes
Don't be afraid to have some fun and push the limits! Louvers offer so many possibilities to showcase your unique style.
Choosing Louvered Shutters
When selecting louvers, first consider your home's architecture. Measure window sizes. Take note of existing trim and details. This will help you choose sizes and styles that enhance (rather than overwhelm) your facade.
Next decide between real wood or low-maintenance composites. Wood offers unparalleled character but requires staining and other upkeep. Vinyl and composite resist moisture, rot, and insects.
Determine the privacy level you want. Narrower louver slats give greater discretion while wider ones allow more light transmission. Find the right balance for your needs.
For color, you can match your home's siding or exterior paint. But no need to play it safe - vibrant, bold hues work wonderfully too. Complimentary accent colors also pop.
Finally, pick hardware that fits your home's style, like classic wrought iron for traditional homes or sleek stainless steel for modern spaces. Let the louvers reflect your personality!
Louvered shutters offer customization, functionality, and beauty perfect for any home. Their adjustable horizontal slats provide customizable privacy, airflow, and light modulation. Louvers complement both traditional and contemporary architecture, adding charming focal points.
Personalization is possible with many options for materials, sizes and colors. Homeowners can choose classic white louvers matching trim or make bold statements with colorful oversized styles. However you decide to use them, it's clear these stylish shutters are back in a big way, enhancing modern homes with their beauty and practicality.