Exterior shutters are more than just decorative accents – they’re one of the easiest ways to add depth, balance, and architectural style to your home. Whether you're renovating a historic property, designing a new build, or simply refreshing your exterior, choosing the right shutter can dramatically elevate your home's curb appeal.
At Southern Shutter Company , we’ve been handcrafting high - quality exterior shutters for decades – ser ving homeowners, builders, and designers across the U nited States . Each shutter is made to order using premium materials like Western Red Cedar and engineered to last for generations with minimal maintenance.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through six of the most popular types of exterior shutters andhelp you find the one that’s right for your home and your local aesthetic.
1. Fixed Louver Shutters
Best for: Colonial, Georgian, Southern Traditional, and Transitional homes
Fixed louver shutters feature angle d slats that are set in place. They don’t open or close, but they create a classic look with beautiful shadows and clean lines that suit both historic and new homes.
- Material & Build: Crafted from premium wood with fixed louvers and a durable frame.
- Mainte nance: Exceptionally low – our shutters are factory - finished to withstand the elements with minimal upkeep.
- Design Tip: Use on symmetrical window layouts to emphasize formality and balance.
2. Movable Louver Shutters
Best for: Colonial, Lowcountry, Traditional, and Custom homes
Movable louver shutters are a timeless staple of American architecture. With operable slats, they add both function and style — though most homeowners choose them for their historic authenticity and versatile look.
- Material & Build: Precision - crafted with adjustable louvers and quality tilt mechanisms.
- Maintenance: Low – built with durable materials and long - lasting finishes.
- Design Tip: Great for homes where you want the look of operability, or the flexibility to close them for privacy or added shade.
3. Paneled Shutters
Best for: Federal, Georgian, Tudor, and Traditional homes
Paneled shutters offer a st ately, structured appearance with solid raised or recessed panels. They provide strong visual weight and are especially fitting for brick or stone exteriors.
- Material & Build: Made from solid wood, designed to match your home’s proportions and character.
- Maintenance: Minimal — our finishes are built to hold up over time, even in harsh climates.
- Design Tip: Perfect for adding sophistication to more formal architectural styles.
4. Board & Batten Shutters
Best for: Farmhouse, Cottage, Craftsman, and Rustic homes
These shutters feature vertical boards joined by horizontal or diagonal battens, offering a rustic, charming feel that fits naturally into many reg ional styles — from mountain cabins to coastal cottages.
- Material & Build: Built using traditional joinery techniques with hand - selected cedar boards.
- Maintenance: Very low. Our shutters are engineered to resist warping and weather damage.
- Design Tip: Try a natural wood finish or muted paint color to complement organic exteriors.
5. Combination Shutters
Best for: Custom, Transitional, and Modern Farmhouse homes
Combination shutters mix panel and louver elements — commonly louvers on top and a panel below — for a look that’s both balanced and unique.
- Material & Build: Fully custom - built to match your home’s dimensions, color palette, and design vision.
- Maintenance: Just as minimal as any of our single - style shutters thanks to durable craftsmanship.
- Design Tip: A great way to highlight unique architectural features or create harmony across mixed materials.
6. Bahama Shutters
Best for: Coastal, Lowcountry, Caribbean, and Modern Tropical - inspired homes
Bahama shutters ar e hinged at the top and prop open at an angle, providing shade and a distinctive architectural presence. While originally designed for tropical climates, their style has gained popularity in sunny and modern homes across the country.
- Material & Build: Avai lable in wood or aluminum with adjustable support arms and top hinges.
- Maintenance: Very low. Designed to stand up to sun, wind, and rain with minimal effort.
- Design Tip: Ideal for sun - facing windows or upper - story accents. Adds bold dimension to modern and coastal exteriors alike.
How to Choose the Right Shutter for Your Home
The best exterior shutter for your home depends on:
- Your architecture – Traditional homes often lean toward louvers or panels; rustic homes love boards and battens.
- Your regional aesthetic – A mountain home in Colorado and a cottage in South Carolina may call for different styles.
- Your personal design preferences – Whether you prefer bold contrast or subtle elegance, the right shutter is the one that completes your vision.
Find Southern Shutter Company Products Near You
Southern Shutter Company partners with trusted dealers and showroom s across the country. Whether you're working with a builder, contractor, or sourcing shutters for your personal home project, you can get expert advice and hands - on service through your local dealer.
Find a Dealer Near You
Let us connect you with a trusted Southern Shutter dealer in your area to help you explore options, take measurements, and order the perfect shutters for your home.
Have a question? Our team is always happy to help. Contact us and we'll point you in the right direction.