by Kate Frewerd

Created on: June 08, 2008   Last Updated: March 18, 2009

Now that you've made the decision to buy exterior window shutters for your home you might be wondering what the next step is. If you're looking for direction on how to chose a shutter style, material, and hardware then look no further. The following seven tips will help you on your way to choosing, ordering, and purchasing your homes new exterior shutters.

1. Shutter Styles

Finding a shutter style that will match your home is much easier than you may think. There are four basic shutter styles each with their own distinguishing characteristics. Read the following styles and their descriptions to help determine which shutter is right for your home.

LOUVERED shutters are a more traditional style shutter. With thin vertical lines in the center and a thick boarder that balances out the shutter. The Louvered style works well with older style homes as well as modern styles. Homes that have and interior and exterior design with traditional, or old style, features in mind will match well with this style shutter.

RAISED PANEL shutters sleek, simple lines give a contemporary/modern look and see more use on new construction homes as well as older homes that have been remolded to reflect todays modern design style. Unlike the Louvered shutter the Raised Panel is a solid shutter with, you guessed it, a raised panel in the center. Chose this shutter style if your homes has an updated interior and exterior design.

BOARD and BATTEN style shutters are typically seen on homes that have a French, Spanish, or Cottage style. This style consists of several thick, rustic looking, vertical boards and will give an old world feel to your home. They give a very old world, warm and modest appearance.

BAHAMA style shutters generally are used on homes in warmer tropical climate areas. This style is similar to the Louvered style shutter with its thin vertical lines, but the Bahama style shutter is one shutter panel that hinges at the top of the window; opening vertically instead of horizontally. When closed they give great privacy, and when opened they still allow protection from the elements.

The exterior style of your home should generally match, your homes interior style. This gives people a preview of what to expect when they enter your home. Selecting a shutter style that fits with your home's individual style will help you to achieve a much needed balance between outdoor and indoor spaces.

2. Shutter Material

Shutters are usually either vinyl/plastic or wooden. Some people like vinyl because

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