The 6 Types of Exterior Shutters Every Stylish Homeowner Should Know

When it comes to elevating curb appeal, few design elements make as lasting and beautiful an impression as exterior shutters. These classic architectural details bring depth, balance, and visual interest to your home’s façade – instantly boosting its charm.

At Dwell Shutter and Blinds, we handcraft every shutter in our Montgomery, Alabama mill using the highest-quality materials, like Western Red Cedar. Our shutters are fully custom, built to last, and require minimal upkeep. In this guide, we walk you through the six most popular types of exterior shutters, so you can find the perfect fit for your style.

1. Fixed Louver Shutters

Best for: Colonial, Georgian, Southern Traditional homes

Fixed louver shutters feature angled slats that are set in place. While they don’t open or close, they add structured, classic appeal to any traditional home.

Material & Build: Custom-crafted from premium Western Red Cedar with hand-assembled louvers.
Maintenance: Extremely low. Our finish systems resist peeling, warping, and weather damage.
Design Tip: These shutters bring beautiful depth to symmetrical homes or windows with divided lights. Their clean lines suit nearly any traditional architecture.

2. Movable Louver Shutters

Best for: Colonial, Lowcountry, Traditional, Transitional homes

Movable louver shutters feature horizontal slats that can open and close. This style, along with fixed louvers, is one of the most traditional shutter types, making it a timeless choice that works on nearly any home.

Material & Build: Precision-built with adjustable louvers and high-quality tilt rods; available with storm-rated hardware.
Maintenance: Very minimal thanks to durable materials and weather-resistant finishes.
Design Tip: Adds functional elegance to a range of exteriors—from historic homes to new builds with a classic touch.

3. Paneled Shutters

Best for: Georgian, Federal, Historic, Formal Traditional homes

Paneled shutters feature solid wood panels, either raised or recessed. They offer a stately, refined look that complements more formal architecture.

Material & Build: Made from solid wood with traditional edge profiles and a flawless finish.
Maintenance: Low maintenance; engineered to resist cracking, bowing, or fading.
Design Tip: Paneled shutters pair beautifully with brick, stone, or stucco exteriors, especially on symmetrical facades.

4. Board & Batten Shutters

Best for: Farmhouse, Craftsman, Cottage, Rustic homes

Board & batten shutters are one of the oldest shutter styles, offering rustic charm and authentic craftsmanship. They’re composed of vertical wood boards held together by horizontal or diagonal battens.

Material & Build: Hand-assembled from wide cedar boards with customizable batten configurations.
Maintenance: Practically none – built to weather beautifully with minimal attention.
Design Tip: Use to add texture and warmth to wood-sided or stone exteriors; they’re especially striking in natural tones or muted color palettes.

5. Combination Shutters

Best for: Transitional, Modern Farmhouse, Custom homes

Combination shutters blend two or more styles—most often louvers on top with panels on the bottom—allowing for creative design flexibility that still feels rooted in tradition.

Material & Build: Fully custom-crafted using the same premium materials as our classic shutters.
Maintenance: Just as low as our other shutter styles thanks to long-lasting finishes and expert craftsmanship.
Design Tip: A great choice for custom builds or homes with mixed materials, combination shutters tie together multiple architectural elements.

6. Bahama Shutters

Best for: Coastal, Lowcountry, Caribbean, Mediterranean homes

Bahama shutters are top-hinged and prop open at an angle, providing sun protection and a relaxed coastal look. Originally developed for tropical climates, they’ve become a favorite for coastal homes of all styles.

Material & Build: Constructed from marine-grade wood or aluminum, with adjustable arms and corrosion-resistant hardware.
Maintenance: Low-maintenance design with long-lasting finishes – just occasional hardware checks and seasonal surface cleaning to keep them looking sharp in salty, coastal environments.
Design Tip: Ideal for second-story or west-facing windows; add a pop of personality with bold colors or contrast tones.

Choosing the Right Exterior Shutter for Your Home

All of our shutters are custom-built to suit your home’s unique style, proportions, and finish needs. When choosing your shutter style, consider:

Architectural style – Choose a shutter that aligns with your home’s heritage and materials.
Color and contrast – Shutters can blend in for subtle elegance or pop for bold curb appeal.
Level of detail – Louvers add rhythm and texture, while panels and boards offer strong visual structure.

No matter which style you choose, you can count on Dwell’s shutters to deliver unmatched craftsmanship, effortless style, and enduring performance.

Designed to Impress. Built to Last.

Our exterior shutters are handcrafted in Montgomery, Alabama with care, precision, and an unwavering commitment to quality. Every set is made to order using the finest materials and backed by a lifetime warranty—because great design should never be temporary.

Talk to a Shutter Pro and let’s bring your exterior to life.

October 8, 2025