Looking for shutter ideas for your rooms? As an option for living rooms, bedrooms, kitchens and bathrooms, roller shutters look chic, are durable and also easy to care for.
Roller shutters can be combined with other window treatment ideas or used alone for a streamlined covering to create privacy and control indoor light, and they can even be attached to create shade on a porch.
There are a number of different closure designs to choose from, as well as different colors and finishes, and we’ve put together a selection of inspirational ideas.
shutter ideas
“Shutters can be made to fit all kinds of shapes, which means you can conform to any awkwardly shaped window or door,” says Sam Tamlyn, general manager, Shutterly Fabulous. They can also help insulate rooms in colder regions and keep the heat out when it’s warm. Check out these shutter ideas.
1. Team shutters with curtains
(Image credit: Future/Davide Lovatti)
For a stylish window treatment, consider pairing shutters with curtain ideas. The roller blinds can fulfill the role of privacy in a viewable space – and here only cafe-style roller blinds covering the lower part of the window are required – while the curtains add softness to the interior.
“Shutters plus curtains is one of our favorite bay window ideas,” says Lucy Searle, Editor-in-Chief of Global Houses & Gardens. “The curtains frame the elegant window, adding color and pattern, and the shutters prevent the room from being overlooked.”
2. Make a statement with black
(Image credit: Future/Damian Russell)
While roller shutter ideas often feature white or wooden finishes, think black to make an eye-catching statement with your window treatment. In this room, they’re part of a palette that combines black with gold accents in a contemporary living room design. When open, these solid shutters reveal the large window and ensure the space remains filled with natural light.
4. Match the shutters to the wallpaper
(Image credit: Shutterly Fabulous)
To create an interior that feels comfortable and cozy, complement wallpaper ideas in rich colors with shutters that repeat a hue of the design – this is one of the options available in any room where you use shutters as a window decoration.
“Consider whether you want your shutters to match and blend with the wall color and room décor, or whether you want a contrasting or vibrant color to make a design statement and focal point,” says Sam Tamlyn.
4. Control light and privacy with shutters
(Image credit: Future/Jan Baldwin)
Plantation blinds with adjustable slats provide control over light and privacy while adding a layer of insulation to the windows. They’re easy to wipe clean and “let in a lot more light because the light bounces off the louvers up to the ceiling, making a room feel brighter,” says Livia Gusman of Just Shutters.
5. Keep it natural
(Image credit: Shutterly Fabulous)
Wooden shutter ideas are a great alternative to painted finishes when considering living room color ideas. They are ideal for interiors with neutral tones, increasing the quotient of natural finishes in any space.
Do you want a natural element but a more dramatic effect? Opt for wood stains in bolder and darker tones.
6. Make a feature of solid wood shutters
(Image credit: Paper & Paint Library)
If you are lucky enough to own a property with beautiful authentic solid wood shutters, you should definitely celebrate. If they have an original wood finish, be sure to preserve it, or if they have already been varnished, try to highlight them with a bold color.
“Painting traditional wooden shutters allows for almost floor-to-ceiling color without going bold on the walls,” says Andy Greenall, design manager at Paint & Paper Library. “To maximize architectural detail on the shutters, opt for a satin finish such as Architects’ Satinwood, which is not only practical and durable, but also offers a 30-35 percent gloss that highlights the paneling and creates a beautiful light . reflective surface.’
7. Bring shade to a porch
(Image credit: Benjamin Moore)
Think of shutter ideas to keep a back or front porch cool and comfortable when the sun is high. Using them here can create a cohesive feeling between the inside and outside of a home if they are the window treatment of choice in rooms.
Choose a soft green color for her and the shutters will also blend in with the yard’s foliage, creating a soothing light for a space to relax in.
8. Ensure the perfect fit with custom made shutters
(Image credit: Thomas Sanderson)
Windows make up a large part of the character of a historic property and in order to preserve this it is important that they are given personable window treatments. If you choose a bespoke service, ensure that blinds or shutters can be designed to match the architecture of your home, even if your windows are shaped or curved.
9. Choose vinyl shutters for a bathroom
(Image credit: Hillary’s)
Roller shutters offer the ability to change light levels without sacrificing privacy and are a brilliant bathroom idea. However, it is important to consider the material as wood can warp in damp areas.
“For bathrooms, we recommend choosing vinyl shutters or faux wood blinds,” says Yvonne Keal, senior product manager at Hillarys. “Both mimic the look of real wood but are moisture resistant – giving you the best of both worlds.”
10. Choose flexibility
(Image credit: Shutterly Fabulous)
Row-to-row roller shutters are a flexible option for a space like a bathroom where varying levels of privacy are needed throughout the day. They make it possible to cover only the lower part of the window or the entire glass surface, depending on your needs.
A pink finish was chosen in this room, giving the space a welcome warmth.
What is the most popular shutter style?
In a home, shaker-style solid panel shutters are a popular option. They effectively block light when needed and are ideal when streetlights are a nuisance or to prevent daylight from interrupting sleep.
Blinds are also a good choice for interiors that are often preferred. They can be full-height to cover the entire window, or café-style across the floor, and allow fine light control, making them ideal for living spaces and home offices to eliminate glare on screens.
What goes with roller shutters?
Curtains pair well with shutters and create an elegant window treatment. The folds of the fabric bring softness that contrasts with the line and material of the shutters and they frame the window. In addition, the use of both in a cold climate leads to optimal insulation of the window.
Measure for floor-to-ceiling curtains to make the window look as high as possible, and adjust them so that they retract completely from the glazing, fully revealing the shutters when open.
Fit the roller blinds first to ensure they can be fitted when needed and their panels can be opened without the curtain rod being an obstacle.