The Best Exterior Shutter Ideas to Add Instant Curb Appeal

Last Updated on October 17, 2024 by lindseymahoney

Exterior shutters are a classic feature that can instantly boost your home’s curb appeal, adding charm, character, and even a pop of color to your facade. Whether you’re looking to achieve a traditional look with wooden shutters or a sleek, modern vibe with custom designs, shutters are a versatile way to enhance any architectural style. In this post, I’ve gathered some exterior shutter ideas and inspiring images of homes with beautiful exterior shutters.

Exterior shutter ideas that add instant curb appeal to a home

My home was built in the 1960s and still has the original shutters on the exterior of our home. Sometime in the near future I plan on replacing or painting the shutters, depending on our budget.

In an ideal world, I would love to replace our current, louvered shutters on the house with new ones that are properly attached with hardware.

In the meantime, I thought it would be fun to share all of the exterior shutter ideas that are inspiring me for this future project.

What was the original purpose of exterior window shutters on a home?

Originally, exterior shutters were a functional addition to homes, serving multiple practical purposes. Before the widespread use of glass windows, shutters provided protection from inclement weather, such as harsh sunlight, wind, and rain.

They helped regulate indoor temperature by blocking heat during the day and keeping warmth inside at night. In addition to weather protection, shutters also offered security, allowing homeowners to safeguard their property from intruders or wildlife. Over time, as window technology evolved, shutters became more decorative accents, while still preserving their historical charm and traditional architectural significance.

16 Gorgeous Houses with Shutters | Home Exterior Inspiration

These exterior shutter ideas add instant curb appeal to a home!

1 | Classic Colonial

My brother and sister-in-law lovingly restored this 1920s Colonial and the home’s exterior is my favorite transformation. The black gutters and black shutters look so good against the crisp, white house! Exterior shutters were a popular choice when early American homes were first built.

These days, we tend to use vinyl shutters for aesthetic appeal since functional shutters are not really needed. They installed a beautiful storm door and stripped the paint off the original door to expose the lovely wood.

The American flag is the cherry on top of this stunning house.

*Check out the budget-friendly kitchen makeover we tackled at their new historic home!

2 | Blue on Blue Exterior Color Combo

This cheery little bungalow is the most charming house on the block. Pairing two shades of blue for the siding and shutters is genius! The board and batten shutters are designed with vertical boards attached at the top and bottom of the shutter. These are technically operable shutters with hinges used to attach them to the window.

The happy green door greets visitors and the white trim tops off the look of this perfect exterior.

3 | Historic Brick House

It is easy to be inspired by the beautiful manor house at the Wildwood Metropark. The Colonial brick house has black paneled shutters framing the windows.

The house is a stunning backdrop to the meticulous gardens surrounding the entire property. One of my favorite activities is walking through the park and visiting the Manor House garden.

If you are ever in the Toledo area, I highly recommend a trip to Wildwood to tour the house.

4 | French Country Charm

The pale blue shutters against the stone and wood shingle exterior create the perfect touch of rustic elegance for this new build. It’s architectural design includes many elements found in historic homes, giving it a timeless and classic feel.

Wrought iron accents in the front complete the look of this charming French country style home.

5 | Charming Brick Bungalow

In 2019, Chris and I purchased a cute brick bungalow to renovate and flip. When we bought the house, the decorative shutters were a weathered blue. I decided to paint the shutters black to match the garage and attic vent.

In addition to replacing the front door, I also painted it a gray-green color that looked fabulous against the brick. The side porch was painted the same color to match.

6 | Red, White, and Blue Bungalow

I am obsessed with every detail on the exterior of this house, including the dark blue shutters. The Gas Lantern Cottage is an Airbnb you can rent in Toledo, Ohio.

Not surprisingly, the owner of the property is a local interior designer who has made this house the star of Main Street.

THIS is how you use red, white, and blue on the exterior of a house without looking kitschy.

7 | Perfect Autumn House

Maybe it’s the bright orange leaves or the classic woody car out front, but this house is making me feel some things! Adding a pop of color with shutters to a white house is a simple solution to breaking up an all-white exterior.

The rich blue shutters against the white siding of this house really are the perfect backdrop for fall foliage and seasonal decor.

8 | Traditional White House with Black Shutters

I had the pleasure of selling this beautiful house and it was a dream! This house oozes curb appeal with the black louvered shutters against the white siding and red front door.

We had multiple offers to buy this house within hours of it hitting the market.

9 | Cape Cod Charm

The cottages on Cape Cod will always have my heart. The bright blue shutters are the perfect complement to the grayed cedar shingles.

The blue hydrangea bushes complete the quintessential Cape House that I dream of owning one day.

10 | Fairytale House with Shutters

Source | Harbor Blue House via Instagram

I have been leaning toward a dark color on the shutters but this exterior space has me rethinking that!

Similar to our home, this house has a cedar shingle roof and a white, German schmear brick exterior. I am really digging the light blue shutters and garage doors! The flowers in the window box are pretty charming too.

11 | Green and White House

White house with green shutters — Source | Patrick Ahearn Architects via Instagram

I love this view because it is similar to the exterior of our current home. The dark green shutters paired with the copper gutters look so nice.

12 | Monochromatic House with Shutters

This monochromatic look at our friend’s house is so visually striking, especially with the spring bulbs in the window box. The homeowner customized these paneled shutters by adding a design cutout on the top raised panel portion.

You can never go wrong with rich earth tones!

13 | Blue and White House

Source | Patrick Ahearn Architects via Instagram

Similarly to my love of blue and white interiors, I also love this color combo on the exterior of homes, too!

14 | Black House with Black Shutters

Saltbox house with black siding and black shutters — Source | Kristynewengland via Instagram

Even though black exteriors are having a moment right now, this black house with black shutters looks so timeless! This classic New England home would not look complete without louvered shutters flanking the windows.

This image is so visually beautiful with the falling snow and pop of red with the woman walking down the street.

15 | Father of the Bride House

How many people saw this house in Father of the Bride and fell in love!? Nancy Meyers has a way of making every home feel so welcoming and idyllic.

16 | House with a Picket Fence

I have come to the conclusion that I am in love with any house that has shutters, rambling rose bushes, and a white picket fence. Add an American flag to the porch I am completely sold!

Yes, it is the stereotypical “American family” home, but I love it just the same.

What are the Different Styles of Shutters?

The four most popular designs of exterior shutters are:

Board and Batten Shutters

Board and batten exterior shutters are a rustic and timeless style, known for their simple yet sturdy construction. These shutters are made from vertical wooden boards that are fastened together with horizontal or diagonal “battens,” creating a solid, paneled look.

Typically, they have a farmhouse or cottage aesthetic, making them perfect for traditional, rustic, or country-style homes. The wide, vertical boards can be customized in various widths, and the battens add both structural strength and decorative charm.

Solid Panel Shutters

Solid paneled shutters are a robust and traditional style, featuring a flat or raised panel design without any slats or openings. These shutters are crafted from solid pieces of wood or composite materials, giving them a sturdy and substantial look.

Historically, solid paneled shutters were used to provide full protection against harsh weather and enhance home security, as they could completely block out wind, rain, and light when closed. Their solid construction offers excellent insulation, making them both functional and decorative. Today, they are often used to add a classic, sophisticated feel to traditional, colonial, or Victorian-style homes, and they can be customized with various panel patterns and finishes to suit the architectural design.

Louvered Shutters

Exterior louvered shutters are a classic and elegant style known for their horizontal slats, or louvers, which are angled to allow air and light to pass through while still providing privacy and protection. These shutters have a timeless appeal and are commonly found on colonial, Georgian, and traditional-style homes.

Louvered shutters can be both functional and decorative, offering ventilation in hot climates and shielding windows from rain or sun. They are available in different materials, such as wood, vinyl, or composite, and can be painted or stained to match a home’s exterior.

Bermuda Shutters

Bermuda shutters, also known as Bahama shutters, are hinged at the top of the window and extend outward at an angle, giving them a unique tropical look. Originally designed for coastal homes, these shutters are perfect for providing shade and protection from intense sunlight while still allowing cool breezes to flow through.

Bermuda shutters are typically made from durable materials like wood or aluminum, making them ideal for storm-prone areas, as they can be quickly secured against the window in bad weather. Their casual, breezy style adds a relaxed, island-inspired charm to homes, especially those with coastal or tropical architecture.

I hope you are inspired by these exterior shutter ideas and gorgeous homes!

Now that I have my inspiration images I am going to buy a few paint samples and test them out at our house. Wish me luck!