Quick Summary:
Decorative shutters for indoors offer a charming, versatile way to enhance your home’s style. Discover how these adaptable accents can add character, texture, and a touch of rustic or modern flair to any room, transforming blank walls into focal points.
Ever look around your home and feel like something is… missing? Maybe your walls feel a little bare, or a certain corner needs a pop of personality. You’ve considered art, but it doesn’t quite capture the cozy, finished feel you’re after. That’s where decorative shutters for indoors come in! They’re like hidden gems, ready to unlock a whole new level of charm and character in your living space. Don’t worry if you’ve never thought about indoor shutters before; this guide will walk you through everything you need to know to pick the perfect ones for your home.
We’ll explore the different styles, how to choose the right size and material, and even some creative ways to use them. Get ready to transform those plain walls into something truly special!
Why Choose Decorative Shutters for Indoors?
Bringing the charm of exterior shutters inside your home is a fantastic way to add architectural detail, warmth, and a touch of nostalgia. They’re not just for windows anymore! Decorative shutters for indoors are incredibly versatile, acting as unique wall art, practical dividers, or even functional headboards. They evoke a sense of history and craftsmanship, instantly adding character to even the most modern spaces.
Think about the rustic appeal of a farmhouse kitchen, the rich detail of a traditional study, or the breezy feel of a coastal cottage. Shutters can help you achieve these looks and more. Their slatted design allows light and shadow to play, creating dynamic visual interest. Plus, they’re a surprisingly adaptable decorative element that can be tailored to almost any aesthetic.
Adding Architectural Interest and Texture
Often, modern homes can feel a bit flat. Walls can be vast expanses that, while clean, might lack a certain depth. Decorative shutters bring a sense of history and dimension. The raised panels, the texture of the wood (or other materials), and the distinct lines of the louvers all contribute to a more layered and visually engaging space. They are a fantastic way to break up large, empty walls and create focal points that draw the eye.
Versatility in Design
The beauty of decorative shutters for indoors lies in their adaptability. Do you lean towards a rustic farmhouse vibe? Consider distressed wood shutters. Prefer a more clean, contemporary look? Opt for sleek, painted shutters with minimal hardware. They can be used in almost any room, from the living room and bedroom to the dining room and even hallways. Their ability to complement various decor styles makes them a safe yet stylish bet for many homeowners.
A Touch of History and Charm
Shutters have a long history, originally serving functional purposes like controlling light and temperature. Bringing them indoors as decorative elements taps into that rich heritage. They can evoke a sense of quaint villages, historical homes, or even a specific regional style, adding a story and character to your home’s interior design. This connection to the past can create a cozy, inviting atmosphere that mass-produced decor often struggles to replicate.
Types of Decorative Shutters for Indoors
When you think about decorative shutters for indoors, a few styles likely come to mind, but the options are more varied than you might imagine. Each type offers a unique aesthetic and can significantly impact the overall feel of your space. Let’s explore the most popular styles:
Barn Door Shutters
These are a beloved choice for those embracing the modern farmhouse aesthetic. Typically made of wood, often with a distressed or reclaimed finish, they mimic the look of old barn doors. They can be hung on a sliding track to act as a functional door for closets or room partitions, or simply mounted to the wall as a statement piece. Their chunky, weathered look adds instant rustic charm. You might find them in various wood tones or painted in classic farmhouse colors like white, gray, or navy.
Board and Batten Shutters
This style features wider boards with narrower strips (battens) placed over the seams. It creates a visually appealing, structured look that works wonderfully in both farmhouse and slightly more transitioned decors. Board and batten shutters can be painted to match your existing color palette or left in a natural wood finish for a more organic feel. They offer a clean, architectural element that adds visual weight without being overwhelming.
Louvered Shutters (Raised Panel & Flat Panel)
Louvered shutters are perhaps the most classic design. They feature horizontal slats (louvers) that offer a sense of depth and ventilation, even when used decoratively.
- Raised Panel Louvered Shutters: These have a slightly raised inner panel, offering a touch of dimensionality and elegance. They work well in traditional, transitional, and even some modern settings.
- Flat Panel Louvered Shutters: Simpler in design, these offer a cleaner line. They are fantastic for achieving a more minimalist or Scandinavian-inspired look. The louvers themselves can vary in size, from thin and delicate to wider, more robust slats.
Cafe Shutters
Smaller than full shutters, cafe shutters typically cover only the lower portion of a window. While traditionally used on windows, their scaled-down size and charming appearance make them excellent decorative elements for smaller wall sections, alcoves, or even as accents above furniture. They add a quaint, European-inspired feel.
Decorative Window Panes or Grilles
While not technically shutters, these often serve a similar decorative purpose, mimicking the look of window frames or grilles. They can be made of wood, metal, or even molded composite materials. Their intricate patterns can add a delicate touch to walls, especially in more formal or vintage-inspired interiors.
Choosing the Right Material and Finish
The material and finish of your decorative shutters for indoors play a huge role in their overall aesthetic. They determine the durability, the look, and how well they complement your existing decor. Here’s a breakdown of common options:
Wood Shutters
Wood is the classic choice for a reason. It offers warmth, natural beauty, and can be easily customized.
- Solid Wood: Offers the most authentic and durable option. Pine, poplar, and oak are common choices. Solid wood can be stained to showcase its natural grain or painted in any color imaginable. It lends itself well to rustic, farmhouse, and traditional styles.
- MDF (Medium-Density Fiberboard): A cost-effective alternative to solid wood. MDF shutters are typically painted and provide a smooth, consistent finish. They are less prone to warping than some woods but can be damaged by excessive moisture. They are excellent for achieving clean, painted looks in modern or transitional homes.
- Reclaimed Wood: For ultimate rustic charm and eco-friendliness, reclaimed wood shutters are a fantastic choice. Each piece has its own unique history, knots, and imperfections, adding incredible character.
Composite and Vinyl Shutters
These materials are often used for exterior shutters but can also find their way indoors for a budget-friendly and low-maintenance option.
- Composite: Often made from a blend of wood fibers and resins, these can mimic the look of wood but with increased durability. They are usually painted and can be a good choice for high-traffic areas.
- Vinyl: While less common for purely decorative indoor use, vinyl shutters can be a very affordable option, especially for a casual or playful look. They are easy to clean and water-resistant.
Paint vs. Stain
The finish is just as important as the material.
- Stained: Stains penetrate the wood, enhancing its natural grain and color. This is ideal for showcasing the beauty of solid or reclaimed wood and fits perfectly with rustic, farmhouse, or natural decor styles.
- Painted: Paint offers a solid color finish and can totally transform the look of the shutter. White, black, gray, and bold accent colors can be used to match or contrast with your walls, making them a versatile choice for virtually any style, from contemporary to cottage. Distressed paint finishes add an extra layer of vintage charm.
Where to Use Decorative Shutters Indoors
The beauty of decorative shutters for indoors is their sheer versatility. They can enhance almost any space, adding personality and style where you least expect it. Think beyond just covering a window – these are wall accents, room dividers, and so much more.
Living Rooms
In the living room, shutters can serve as a stunning focal point.
- Accent Wall: Mount a pair of large shutters on a blank wall above a sofa or fireplace. This adds architectural interest and a unique decorative element that traditional art might not achieve.
- Behind Furniture: Place shutters behind a console table or against a large piece of furniture to add texture and depth.
- Room Divider: Hinged shutters can be used to create subtle divisions in an open-plan living space, adding a decorative touch while still allowing light to pass through.
Bedrooms
Bedrooms are a perfect sanctuary for the cozy appeal of shutters.
- Headboard: Use two full-size shutters as a unique and charming headboard behind your bed. This is a fantastic DIY project that can save money and add major style.
- Above the Bed: Mount shutters on the wall above the bed without the bedframe touching them for a decorative accent similar to a living room setup.
- Dressing Area: In a walk-in closet or dressing area, shutters can add a touch of vintage glam.
Kitchens and Dining Rooms
These spaces often benefit from a touch of rustic or traditional charm.
- Backsplash Accent: A small pair of shutters on either side of a range hood can add a farmhouse feel.
- Mantle Decor: Place shutters on a dining room mantlepiece.
- Wall Decor: In a breakfast nook or dining area, shutters can break up wall space and add character.
Hallways and Entryways
Make a great first impression with shutter accents.
- Entryway Statement: Flank your front door (on the inside, of course!) with shutters for an inviting look. Mount them on the wall, not the actual door.
- Hallway Gallery: Use smaller shutters as part of a gallery wall in a long hallway.
Bathrooms
For a spa-like or vintage feel.
- Above Vanity: Small shutters can add a charming touch above a bathroom vanity, especially in a powder room.
- Linen Closet Door: Consider using shutters as decorative doors for a linen closet.
How to Choose the Right Size and Style
Selecting the perfect shutters involves a bit of thoughtful consideration. It’s not just about picking ones that look pretty; it’s about ensuring they fit your space and your design vision. Here’s how to get it right:
Measure Your Space
Before you buy, measure carefully.
- For Wall Art: Decide where you want to place the shutters. Measure the wall space you intend to cover. Consider the scale of the surrounding furniture and decor. A large wall might need two tall shutters, while a smaller nook could be perfect for a single shutter or a pair of smaller ones.
- For Headboards: Measure the width of your bed. Aim for shutters that are slightly wider than your mattress, or at least cover the main sleeping area.
- Proportion is Key: Think about visual balance. If you have a very large sofa, you’ll need larger or multiple shutters to balance it out. Small shutters on a huge wall can look lost.
Consider Your Existing Decor
The shutters should complement, not clash with, your home’s style.
- Farmhouse/Rustic: Distressed wood, barn door style, board and batten shutters work best.
- Modern/Contemporary: Sleek, painted shutters (often in solid colors like white, black, or gray), flat-panel louvered styles can fit well. Minimal hardware is key here.
- Traditional/Transitional: Raised panel louvered shutters or painted board and batten styles are highly versatile.
- Cottage/Shabby Chic: Lightly distressed or whitewashed shutters, especially those with intricate details, can add charm.
New vs. Vintage
This is a stylistic choice that impacts budget and character.
- New Shutters: Offer a clean, consistent look. They might be easier to find in specific sizes or styles. They are readily available at home improvement stores, online retailers, and specialized decor shops. Many companies offer custom-sized shutters. For example, Lowe’s offers a wide selection of interior shutter styles.
- Vintage/Antique Shutters: Bring unparalleled character and history. You can often find them at architectural salvage yards, antique shops, flea markets, or online marketplaces like Etsy and eBay. Be prepared for variation in size, condition, and potentially the need for some refinishing. This requires a bit more hands-on effort but results in a truly unique piece.
DIY Decorative Shutter Ideas and Installation Tips
Getting creative with decorative shutters for indoors can be a rewarding and budget-friendly endeavor. Many projects are simple enough for beginners to tackle. Here are some ideas and essential tips:
DIY Project Spotlight: Shutter Headboard
This is a popular and relatively easy DIY project that adds immense character to a bedroom.
What You’ll Need:
- Two decorative shutters (ensure they are clean and sturdy)
- Mounting hardware (heavy-duty D-rings or French cleats, depending on shutter weight and wall type)
- Screws and wall anchors suitable for your wall material (drywall, plaster, etc.)
- A level
- A drill
- Measuring tape
- Optional: Wood filler, sandpaper, paint or stain for touch-ups
Steps:
- Prepare the Shutters: If you’ve found vintage shutters, clean them thoroughly. Sand down any rough edges and fill any large holes if desired. Paint or stain them to match your bedroom decor.
- Determine Placement: Position the shutters behind your bed. They should be centered and ideally extend slightly beyond the width of your mattress. Use a level to ensure they are straight.
- Mark Mounting Points: Decide how you will attach them. If using D-rings (one on each shutter), attach them to what will be the top edge of each shutter. If using French cleats, attach one half to the wall and the other half to the shutters for a very secure fit. Mark the wall where the hardware will attach, ensuring both shutters will be at the same height.
- Install Hardware on Wall: Use your drill to create pilot holes at your marked spots. If you are not drilling into a wall stud, insert appropriate wall anchors. Attach the corresponding hardware (e.g., screws for D-rings, the wall half of the French cleat).
- Hang the Shutters: Carefully hang the shutters onto the wall-mounted hardware. Double-check with your level to make sure they are perfectly straight.
- Secure (if needed): For added stability, especially with heavy shutters, you might want to add a small bracket or strap at the bottom to secure them to the wall, preventing any tipping.
Other Creative DIY Uses
- Faux Window: Mount shutters on a wall and add a vintage-style lantern or a mirror behind them to create the illusion of a window.
- Picture Frame: Use a single shutter as a backdrop for a collection of photos. Clip or attach pictures directly to the louvers or boards.
- Corner Shelf Support: Mount shutters on either side of a corner and add shelves between them for a unique display unit.
- Pot Rack (Kitchen): For a rustic kitchen, a sturdy shutter can be mounted horizontally and used to hang pots and pans with S-hooks. Ensure it’s securely fastened to studs.
Installation Tips for Wall Mounting
Regardless of the project, secure installation is crucial.
- Identify Wall Type: Know whether you’re drilling into drywall, plaster, or solid wood. This determines the type of anchors or screws you’ll need. For heavier items, always aim to mount into wall studs if possible. You can find studs using a stud finder. A reputable guide on finding studs can be found on This Old House.
- Use Appropriate Hardware: Don’t skimp on hardware. Heavy-duty D-rings, keyhole hangers, or French cleats are good options for hanging shutters. Always use screws that are long enough to penetrate the wall material sufficiently.
- Level is Your Friend: Always use a level when mounting shutters.
