The Striking Combination of Black Shutters on Tan Houses

There's something captivating about the look of bold black shutters against tan colored houses. This high contrast exterior color scheme has recently surged in popularity, and for good reason. Black window shutters can transform the entire aesthetic of a tan home and provide many practical benefits as well.

We'll cover how black shutters enhance tan houses, ideal color pairings, shutter styles, costs, installation, and much more. By the end, you'll see why this simple update can dramatically modernize the curb appeal of your home.

Benefits of Black Shutters on Tan Houses

Let's dive into the top reasons you should consider installing black shutters on your tan colored exterior walls:

Creates a Bold, Modern Look

Without a doubt, black window shutters instantly give tan houses a bold, dramatic flair. The high contrast between the dark shutters and lighter walls creates incredible visual interest. It makes beige and tan exteriors stand out in striking fashion.

Black is inherently modern and stylish. It has a polished, sophisticated effect that freshens up traditional tan houses. The bold black provides a contemporary edge. You'll find black shutters adorning all different architectural styles from Queens Anne Victorians to sleek modern farmhouses.

Enhances Architecture

Strategically placed black shutters have an architectural enhancing effect. They highlight the lines, shapes, and details of your tan home. Black shutters provide definition for the windows, doors, and interesting facade elements.

With darker shutters, the lighter exterior walls recede so your eyes naturally focus on the windows. This makes the overall proportions of your home look well balanced. Black window shutters essentially frame and accent your architecture.

Low Maintenance

Another major perk of black shutters is that they are far easier to care for than white or brighter shutter colors. The dark color effectively hides dirt, grime, and imperfections. You won't have to spend time spot cleaning or touching up paint.

Since black doesn't show wear and tear, you avoid frequently having to repaint or replace the shutters. Black is the most durable, long-lasting finish. If simplicity and minimal maintenance matter to you, black shutters are the way to go.

Improves Curb Appeal

Curb appeal is vital for home values and neighborhood aesthetics. Black window shutters give tan houses serious wow factor. The contrast immediately catches people's eyes. It gives off a polished, high-end look according to real estate agents.

While tan siding alone can appear washed out, the addition of black shutters makes the exterior much more vibrant and eye-catching. Front doors also look especially striking when painted black to match. Improving your home's curb appeal can potentially impact its value at resale as well.

Ideal House Colors for Black Shutters

Black shutters pair beautifully with most light to medium neutral exterior siding colors. Here are some ideal shades to try the black shutters with:

• Tan
• Beige
• Light brown
• Sand
• Cream
• Gray
• White

Essentially any light, warm, or subdued wall color provides enough contrast for black shutters. The darker shutters make those hues pop without clashing.

We'd avoid black shutters on houses with bright, heavily saturated siding colors like pink, coral, mustard, or lime green. Black could potentially be overpowering or create too much contrast there. But for light tan, brown, white, or neutral tones they are ideal.

Placement and Size Considerations

To achieve the best aesthetic effect, keep these placement and sizing tips in mind:

- Proportion the shutters to match the size of your windows visually. Avoid having shutters that are too small or too large relative to the windows they flank.

- Align the shutters vertically so they frame the windows evenly on both sides. Having them hung at an angle looks sloppy.

- Position shutters just wider than the window frames or located right within the frames depending on the look you prefer. You generally don't want more than about 5 inches of wall space showing between the edges of the window trim and shutters.

- Make sure the two shutters on a given window are the same width and hang evenly. Consistency looks more cohesive.

Material Options

Black window shutters for tan colored homes can be crafted from several material options:

Wood

- Natural wood like poplar or cedar with a black stain - Can get an authentic wood-grain look - Requires thorough prep and sealing

Composite

- Made of wood mixed with polymers - Very water-resistant and durable - Cost-effective

Vinyl

- PVC shutters with acrylic finish - Affordable, weather-resistant option - Wide variety of textures and surfaces

Aluminum

- Lightweight but very sturdy - Resists warping or swelling - Low maintenance

Fiberglass

- Extremely durable, won't crack or warp - Mimics the look of wood - More expensive

Consider how much maintenance you want to do, along with the durability and longevity of the material. Vinyl and composites offer affordable low-maintenance choices, while real wood provides a luxurious authentic look with more required upkeep.

Costs

On average, expect to pay:*

- $25 to $100 per shutter, depending on materials and quality

- $500 to $2,000 to install new shutters on an average sized home

Vinyl and composites shutters cost less, starting around $30 per shutter. However, wood shutters deliver more value long-term despite their higher initial investment of $80 to $200 per shutter.

The curb appeal and resale value benefits also mean new shutters can be a wise investment. Ultimately, black shutters provide a high return, recouping much of their cost when it comes time to sell your home.

The Installation Process

Replacing old shutters or installing new black shutters on your tan house involves:

Hiring a Contractor vs. DIY

Consider hiring a professional contractor for a complex installation. However, if you have basic DIY skills, installing vinyl or composite shutters yourself is entirely feasible. Just follow all safety precautions.

Prepping the Walls

Proper prep work entails repairs, priming, and painting the exterior walls if needed. Ensure the mounting surfaces are smooth and even.

Removing Old Shutters

Take down existing shutters safely. Scrape away old caulk and make any necessary siding repairs where they were attached.

Hanging the New Shutters

Use the manufacturer's specified hardware to hang shutters level and secure. Consider using a detachable hinge system for easier future removal.

Caulking and Painting

Seal gaps with exterior caulk. Paint or stain the shutters as needed to get your desired black finish. Allow proper drying time.

Seeing Black Shutters on Tan Houses

Pictures speak louder than words when it comes to exterior home updates. Here are a few stunning examples of black window shutters outfitting light tan and brown houses:

[Insert photo examples here or describe in vivid detail.]

As you can see, black shutters indeed provide the wow factor on tan house exteriors. They give an undeniably eye-catching, polished finish.

Installing black shutters can completely transform the curb appeal of your tan, beige, or light brown home. The bold contrast creates standout visual drama. Black shutters also have practical benefits like easier maintenance, enhanced architecture, and modern flair.

You will enjoy your black shutters for many years with the right materials and installation. We hope this article has convinced you to try this striking exterior update. Just imagine the sleek modern aesthetic black shutters will bring to your warm, welcoming tan home.