There is an age-old misconception that shutters are metal fixtures that hang outside shops to stop intruders during hours of closure. In reality, this couldn’t be further from the truth. The word “shutters” can also refer to interior wooden shutters, which offer an excellent alternative window treatment to blinds and curtains.
As is the case with many other window decorations, shutters can easily be customized and changed to suit any room. This can be done in many ways, including through the use of paint, alternative finishes, handles and other pieces of hardware. These not only make them more appealing to the eye, but also serve a function too.
Paint and Finishes
Perhaps the easiest choice to improve the appearance of shutters is with a new lick of paint or a new finish. Both options allow a complete change in appearance and there are enough options to ensure you find the right choice for your window treatment.
Choosing the right finish totally depends on what you want to get out of your shutters. For example, someone wishing to make the most of the natural wooden effects would probably benefit most from a clear or translucent finish. Alternatively, those wishing to cover this up would achieve this best with a solid coat of paint. However, the decision shouldn’t be made solely on appearance. There are a number of wider factors to consider, including the age and condition of the shutter as well as how dedicated the homeowner is to the task.
In terms of condition, it’s not too big a deal if the shutter has previously been painted. The easiest way around this is to simply sand it down until it returns to its normal state. Additionally, you can further customize your home by coordinating the finish with a decorative mirror placed on an opposite wall or a wrought iron table lamp on a nearby table.
Hardware
There are many different pieces of hardware that can really enhance the appearance of shutters, including handles, hinges, knobs and many, many more. These are a great option for homeowners who don’t have much time or dedication to their shutters, but still fancy a change. Just like paints and finishes, the right hardware for your shutters totally depends on personal preference. For example, those wishing for a more modern, contemporary look would probably be best looking for brushed silver accessories.
Alternatively, those looking for a more vintage look may benefit from polished gold accessories. Once again, this doesn’t just come down to personal taste, but also the condition of the shutters. An example of this would be shutters that are showing their age, as these would most likely go well with brushed hardware which can hide the wear and tear.
There’s no right and wrong way to spruce up your shutters, and the eventual outcome will depend on a wide variety of things. The more thought you put into them, the more chance you have of making them stand out.
Jack Oldham is a recent journalist graduate who enjoys blogging about interior design, technology, and fashion.
