Adding shutters to a home is one of the most popular exterior home improvements done by homeowners, and it can add beauty and elegance or rustic charm depending on the style of house and whether you've chosen the right style to complement your house.
There are also certain home styles that just don't look right with them.
If you aren't sure and need some guidance, go for a drive around your neighborhood and take note of which houses have shutters that are proportional and appropriate and which ones have them seemingly stuck on as an afterthought.
Siding contractors who routinely install them can also give you valuable advice on style, proportion and overall appeal.
Keep these tips from local siding contractors in mind when you're ready to install them on your house: Some Homes Need Them, Others Don't Some houses look far better without shutters.
In fact, the lines of the home can appear cluttered and inappropriate if you try to add any kind of unnecessary trim.
The key is the term "unnecessary.
" If the architectural style doesn't call for them and they wouldn't have been included in the original design, you should probably forego shutters.
Some examples are Craftsman bungalows, many ranch houses, and mid-century moderns.
On the other hand, many architectural styles cry out for them, including colonials, Cape Cods, Greek revivals, saltboxes and Tudors.
These home styles would have needed shutters in their earliest forms to keep out the wind, cold or summer heat and they continue to look best with them today.
Getting The Details Right Once you've decided that shutters would improve the appearance of your house, getting the details right becomes crucial.
Keep in mind that they should always at least have the appearance of being truly functional, even if you will never use them as anything other than decorative trim.
Siding contractors with experience won't simply stick flat, fake versions onto the face of your house flanking the windows.
This looks too one-dimensional and doesn't give the appearance of being functional.
Instead, siding contractors should mount them on the side of the window trim with hinges so that they have some depth and appear as though they could be swung closed whenever needed.
The S-shaped brackets that hold them down at the outer edges, whether on the sides or at the bottom of each one, are a great way to add authenticity and depth.
Siding Contractors Can Help You Choose The Right Style With so many styles to choose from, it's best to talk to siding contractors about which ones will work best on your home.
Colonial and Cape Cod houses look wonderful with traditional, louvered shutters while a Tudor might look best with a board and batten version.
Raised panels can add elegance to the right house but look out of place on a rustic cabin.
Because siding contractors also often add shutters to homes, they will be familiar with the many styles available and can suggest the best look for your home.
Talk to an experienced exterior home remodeling professional in your area to learn more about the most attractive options for your house.
There are also certain home styles that just don't look right with them.
If you aren't sure and need some guidance, go for a drive around your neighborhood and take note of which houses have shutters that are proportional and appropriate and which ones have them seemingly stuck on as an afterthought.
Siding contractors who routinely install them can also give you valuable advice on style, proportion and overall appeal.
Keep these tips from local siding contractors in mind when you're ready to install them on your house: Some Homes Need Them, Others Don't Some houses look far better without shutters.
In fact, the lines of the home can appear cluttered and inappropriate if you try to add any kind of unnecessary trim.
The key is the term "unnecessary.
" If the architectural style doesn't call for them and they wouldn't have been included in the original design, you should probably forego shutters.
Some examples are Craftsman bungalows, many ranch houses, and mid-century moderns.
On the other hand, many architectural styles cry out for them, including colonials, Cape Cods, Greek revivals, saltboxes and Tudors.
These home styles would have needed shutters in their earliest forms to keep out the wind, cold or summer heat and they continue to look best with them today.
Getting The Details Right Once you've decided that shutters would improve the appearance of your house, getting the details right becomes crucial.
Keep in mind that they should always at least have the appearance of being truly functional, even if you will never use them as anything other than decorative trim.
Siding contractors with experience won't simply stick flat, fake versions onto the face of your house flanking the windows.
This looks too one-dimensional and doesn't give the appearance of being functional.
Instead, siding contractors should mount them on the side of the window trim with hinges so that they have some depth and appear as though they could be swung closed whenever needed.
The S-shaped brackets that hold them down at the outer edges, whether on the sides or at the bottom of each one, are a great way to add authenticity and depth.
Siding Contractors Can Help You Choose The Right Style With so many styles to choose from, it's best to talk to siding contractors about which ones will work best on your home.
Colonial and Cape Cod houses look wonderful with traditional, louvered shutters while a Tudor might look best with a board and batten version.
Raised panels can add elegance to the right house but look out of place on a rustic cabin.
Because siding contractors also often add shutters to homes, they will be familiar with the many styles available and can suggest the best look for your home.
Talk to an experienced exterior home remodeling professional in your area to learn more about the most attractive options for your house.
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