Choosing Colonial Shutters
When you are building or remodeling a home, one of the last pieces of the puzzle is choosing shutters. These can be either decorative or functional, but will always add to the look of your home. Having a nice pair of colonial shutters can give a lot of curb appeal to your home, especially if you live in a traditional or historic area. These have been used on homes for hundreds of years, so they are a tried and true part of home architecture and design.
The following video provides an overview of colonial shutters:
In classic colonial design, louvered shutters have been generally used. These are usually made with a frame and a mullion panel crossing the middle. The remaining space is then filled with the shutter panels. Colonial shutters are still sold that are functional. These often are double paneled to accommodate actually being able to close the shutter over the window that it is attached to. When you see a single louvered shutter, it is likely a decorative effect. These don’t actually close, but instead just offer a visual appeal to the design of the home.
When you are looking for a traditional shutter design, there are many materials available. Colonial shutters are sold in fiberglass, composite wood, vinyl and even aluminum. There are advantages and disadvantages to each choice, with the main difference being in price and durability. Aluminum shutters are more inexpensive, but also may not last as long. They can be purchased for around two hundred dollars a pair. On the higher end, you may find a set of shutters for around double that price, but you can expect them to have a longer life.
All the options are available in a wide range of colors. Some have color in the actual shutter material while others are painted. The weather extremes in your area will likely determine which you will pick. Also, if you have standard sized windows, you can expect to pay less. Anything that you have custom designed will be more expensive.
When it comes to your home design, appearances definitely matter. Whether you need a functional shutter or are just looking for an decorative effect, colonial shutters will fit the bill. By taking the time to compare prices and features, you can get the best shutter for your home for the best possible price.
