DIY
Shutters or no shutters?
We're in the process of adding vertical board and batten siding to our house. Should we keep our old shutters or remove them? Or choose different shutters? AI renderings because we haven't finished. Thanks for any suggestions!
Discussion
The house looks a little plain without anything. The windows need something, not necessarily shutters. A moderate-width frame in a contrasting color might do it. Or awnings.
Yup you nailed the reason, trim would probably look better than shutters imo
yeah the shutters fill the empty space but i have a thing against non functional shutters.
Non-functional shutters are just a bugs (wasps mostly) wet dream. I don't ever recommend shutters and if you just have some pieces of plastic nailed to the side of your house, either take them down or have them sprayed and cleaned often.
Mobile home vibes
The 6th picture when I google image search "mobile homes".
Are those...OP's exact shutters?
You say that like a mobile home is a bad thing. Absolutely nothing wrong with them.
I grew up in mobile home parks my man. It wasn't a dig, it was the first thing that came to my mind
...Except that almost all of them look really cheap, a fact which we all universally understand, and which OP probably doesn't want for their home?
And also, all the other incredibly common problems mobile homes have, which are kind of besides the point.
Like, I'm not trying to shame anyone for their financial status. We're all just humans doing our best, from corrugated steel leantos to palatial estates. But we all acknowledge that mobile homes look cheap (in the context of constructed housing in the west), and that that's usually because they are cheap, right? And that "looking cheap" is generally undesirable for a lot of people?
And you are pretty much "investing" in something that won't add value, and most of the time paying rent for the plot.
as a place to live? they are cheap and stuff starts to fail at year 10.
As a financial resource? they have interest rates like a car and depreciate like one too.
they are much better than homeless, but often worse than renting
Agree a wood trim that matches the columns would be great. Maybe some window boxes if you want to start bringing in some black “eyeliner”
Trim or even some interesting landscaping or containers with a small trellis situation would be nice to the eye both outside and looking through the windows.
Just please no baby shutters
Shutters! It looks naked without the shutters, like all its eyelashes are missing
Like when a cartoon character takes their glasses off and it's just tiny black dots
My first thought was it looks like it forgot its mascara without the shutters
Real wood slat shutters would look so good on your house—really match the charming character of your house. More expensive than vinyl shutters, but a decent investment for the four windows.
Plot twist, install real shutters.
Either real shutters or no (fake) shutters.
This is the way. Don't be the person that put shutters on that don't work, or are not the correct size to work even if they are fake.
Agreed. Decorative but non-functional shutters are just lipstick on a pig. If you're going to have them, they better work.
I prefer no shutters because they're a dated visual to me. But you can still paint the window trim and door trim the same colour as your deck posts to add visual interest and contrast.
You can also get a different coloured door... Robin egg blue doesn't really fit because there's not much complimenting it.
Brush your roof off.
Here's an over the top AI render lol. It missed one of the window trims, but I like the brown trim around the windows and door to match your porch posts, and burnt orange door to get rid of the blue.
I was thinking the same with the window and door trim. Paint the trims with no shutters
Personally I would add real shutters to the home. Bad weather continues to occur more and more and may be helpful. I have plans to make storm windows out of hurricane polycarb sheets using the same plans from the solar screens I am making them for right now.
Shutters for sure. Without it, the house looks a little like shacky. Love the house
Shutters and clean your roof >:(
Haha thanks! This was made from an old picture. We replaced the roof last summer 🥵
I would personally say shutters, extra points if they are color matched to a darker color on the house, super extra points if they are real and functional.
Bigger shutters. The appropriate proportion is 1/2 the window width. Mount them so they look like they could close (or maybe even make them operable and throw on some shutter dogs. Less contrast would help too.
No shutters but consider painting window frame complimentary color to door
Maybe black window frames and doorframes then match the door color to the siding - the color frames will complement / repeat the wood overhang shapes
I’m always on team No Shutters.
1) If you’re going to have them, they should at least look like they can cover the windows. I will always accept actual functional shutters.
2) Your siding will fade at a different rate and most shutters will also get stains behind them.
3) It’s a nice clean look without them as long as you paint the trim a contrasting or complementary color.
Shutters have two purposes: practical and cosmetic.
If it's cosmetic? You do you.
Practical? Then form follows function.
👏👏👏
Just change the color of the trim. The windows will pop out with a different trim color.
Real shutters. Ones that actually close, actually lock, and actually block the light. Had some once and I keep wishing I still did.
Shutters. :)
Shutters are a lie.
Ideally use real shutters not those fake one size fits some shutters
Shutters, but different color.
Shutters but not black. Cedar would be better
I'm a fan of the no shutter look on certain houses, but this is not one of them. Definitely needs shutters for this one
Absolutely shutters, and while youre at it, actually make them REAL shutters. Might be handy in a storm to help protect the windows a bit. Batten down the hatches and all that.
Shutters of a more interesting color? (Or stained wood?)
Although it doesn't look bad either way, TBH.
No shutters but maybe paint the window trim black
Shutters the same wood and stain as the porch.
Shutters, but I would like to see what it looks like with shutters that are truly half the window width on each side, so they would be wider. Most decorative shutters are non functional, but have shrank to not be accurately sized because of it.
They do look pretty close to the right size, so it likely isn’t worth changing them
No shutters. I think framing with window trim looks so much better
No shutters but add black trim/molding around the windows.
And paint the porch swing
No shutters
No shutters!
Roof maintenance.
Definitely need to clean and inspect the roof.
Shutters are dated and functionally useless in most cases. No shutters!
I'm on team never shutters. Paint the trim the shutter color and it'll look good and you won't hate yourself later for having a very dated look since the shutters don't even do anything.
Either paint the trim for contrast or use shutters that would actually fit the windows. The ones in the first pic look too narrow.
The shutters look nice and would definitely work there, but I think there's a level of understatement to the house without the shutters that makes for a nice look too.
Personally I'd spend the shutter money on a bit of landscaping/tidying up that walkway.
Are they actually shutters that work or just decoration?
I would keep or add real shutters, if they are fake I wouldn't bother.
1st shutters that don’t look like they will cover a window sucks. I believe a wide painted trim would work hear.
Are functional shutters a thing? It seems like it would be useful to have functional shutters.
Fake shutters are dumb and always look that way. The pic without shutters looks anemic because there’s now contrast. Paint your trim that same black and you’ll look perfect
No shutters black window trim!!!!!!!!!
It's funny to think that shutters used to be functional.
Shutters
The shutters look good. No shutters is "okay" but the shutters dress it up and give it visual snap.
Shutters
What kind of psycho would go no shutters
I saw the shutter one, and then the one without shutters, and my dumb brain went "oh no, it's going through a chemo treatment".
Definitely with shutters! I love the pop of color on your door too.
Shutters for sure
Shutters, or paint the window trim dark. They look too plain with everything just white.
Shutters and preferably operable ones.
Functional shutters if possible.
Forget about the shutters, You should get a gas operated Red Chainsaw.
Yes to shutters
The shutters give the house a finished look. I feel like its naked without them, lol.
You have a super cute house. I love the big porch.
Shutters.
Functional shutters indeed but shutters look better fastened against wind
I vote no shutters. Absolutely hate fake shutters. So ugly. But it appears I'm in the minority. Seems like a compromise among all of us would be contrasting wider trim?
Shutters
Shutters add character.
Yes shutters.
Shutters
Shutters & please get rid of the brown paint on the porch posts & on the header above them - white would be much better.
Paint the door a darker shade.
Definitely shutters
Blue shutters
Either way looks nice. I'd be more worried about the roof.
Shutters
Are they functional? I always thought they made so much sense for hot sunny days, as you stop the hot sun before it gets into the window, and if angled right, they still allow a lot of light into the place. I say keep them either way, but if you can make them functional, that'd be best for the look and for your bills.
clean the trash off of your roof
Real shutters are neat, but I hate fake ones so much.
Shutters! Without them the house looks naked
No shutters, unless the shutters are actually functional
Can you actually call them shutters if they don’t shut tho?
If they’re purely decorative, I’d ditch them. But hey, you’ll be living there. It’s not our opinions that matter.
Functional shutter is the best. I get a chuckle out of these stucco-faux shutters out in California suburbs.
Shutters
No shutters. Add trim and paint.
100% shutters. You should not have had to ask this question
No shutters looks more modern.
Shutters. Not gonna lie looks awfully plain without. No curb appeal
Roof.
I’m team no ornamental shutters. They just look very artificial!
Shutters
Don’t listen to the “no shutters” team, they wear their shoes without socks on like psychos. Shutters all the way Jose!
Need to beef up the porch columns. They’re too slim. Shutters with shutter dogs too!
Shutters for sure, maybe paint door black too. Darn trees littering your roof.. go up with a broom n just knock it all off the side. That stuff holds moisture up there and that’s no good.
Love this house
Make the farm house style ones!
Shutters in pic look tacky imo.
Maybe a lighter colour or something else to add contrast would be better.
Shitters
Shutters. Wrong windows for sans shutter look to work.
Or window boxes with geraniums?
I'd focus on clearing that debris off the roof.
Shutters or some kind of contrasting trim around the windows at least. Pic 2 looks like someone without eyebrows lol
awnings might have a more functional use
Shutter yes, maybe not black 😅
Shutters. Not black
Shutters make it look like a friendly old woman who loves baking treats for her neighbors lives there.
No shutters make it look like the crabby old man that sits on his porch all day in shorts and a tank top and yells at the neighborhood children lives there.
Both vibes are valid but I'll let you decide which vibes you want to project.
Paint it black with white shutters.
You could consider awnings as well, if you are looking to dress up your windows. They're stylish and help to keep your home cool by blocking out the sun.
Link to the Technology Connections video if you would like to be convinced.
Will they be functional shutters?
I vote shutters but they better be functional
I would like to see a rendition with the wall under the porch painted the same color as the window trim. Leave the two ends same color (count over 5 panels from each end). Install a window awning over each of the 2 end windows with wood trim that pulls in the timber on the deck. Window Awnings: The Ultimate Guide to Why You'll Love Getting Yours in 2023 and Beyond - Lyrebird Enterprises
+1 shutters. Looks much better with.
Shutters.
i feel like shutters should only be there when functional. I like the plain look, maybe add real shutters with a lighter color
With, without the windows look narrow.
Shutters
Shutters matching the door color.
No shutters but paint the trim black.
with.
Shutters
Without shutters it looks like an old barracks or bunkhouse.
No shutters, paint the trim in a contrasting color
Shutters and a bright red door.
I find vestigial shutters to be annoying. A shell of what they once were. Instead of a useless appendage, I would either get real functional shutters or consider adding contrast to the facade by painting the trim around windows. I agree the facade looks blasé without some enhancement. Could also consider expanding the trim around the windows, adding a ledge with planters, I mean there really are a lot of options and since the house isn’t so large, you can really go fancy without having to consider 30 individual window treatments.
This image is AI
It is! I mentioned it in my post. The current look of the front is just the housing paper 😂
shutters but not black
Definitely keep the shutters
No shutters
That's like fake reliccing on a guitar... Shutters that aren't even wide enough to do the job.
Truly is a world apart, that country!
If no shutters, then definitely window boxes.
Just paint them the color of door
Remove them for now but save & see the new look then decide .
Shutters but make them the same color as your porch posts
Shutters for sure
Shutters. It isn't even close. It gives good contrast and texture? Also, clean the roof.
Never shutters. I despise fake shutters. I like it without them.
Shutters and more shrubbery.
Always shutters but real ones. Shutters are actually really great.
Paint the columns white and keep the shutters. The columns compete with the shutters and makes the front look busy.
Personally I would go with the very clean look of no shutters, then go hog wild with landscaping, because I love a nice clean background where the drama and beauty of nature can show off.
The shutters break up the line of the house, and if you do add more landscaping, it will start looking busy. Some people like that! I prefer a little breathing room.
Definitely shutters in my opinion
Shutters but ones that are sized appropriately, ideally ones that are even operable.
Shutters provide a nice contrast.
Shutters, easily. I wouldn't pick black, though.
Shutters 100%
Shutters in the same color as the door!
No shutters. I think the issue is that everything is white. With monochromatic painting, it does appear as if something is "missing", and people are assuming it's the shutters, since they were there before. It's not. It's contrast. Paint the trim around the windows and doors (dark green, maroon, brown — just not black or white) and the house will look complete.
Shutters 100%
Shutters. It matches the style of the home. No shutters doesn’t look right. And probably a nice coat of paint. Maybe light blue?
Shutters
Shutters
No shutters. They read as a lazy design non-decision and take away from your beautiful board and batten exterior.
Either painting the trim or adding slightly bigger trim would look less "naked" while highlighting the inherent beauty of your home. For extra oomph maybe add some sills and/or planters like this: https://imgur.com/a/5TXcIYy
no shutters is my vote
I detest nonfunctional shutters, so if you want to have more flair to your front facade, maybe get some dark color framing the windows that compliments another aspect of the front door/porch.
Now add stencilled window boxes.
Shutters
No shutters
I kinda like it without shutters! But either way it’s cute with or without!
Shutters
Definitely shutters
Shutters
Shutters
If shutters, make them functional, otherwise use the idea of thicker trim/awnings.
This guy has seared it in my brain to never look at fake shutters the same again!
I've never understood fake shutters. Watching all these homes with shutters around me getting broken windows from hail storms...if only there was a way to limit such an event 😂
Such a good point too. But mostly now I just notice how they don't even pretend to be the size of the window.
When do you have time to run around your house closing shutters though? In my experience, a hailstorm hits suddenly... like the time one stripped half the paint off the back of my house, but somehow didn't break any windows... or tears screens.
Tornado watch in effect until 10pm tonight. It's currently 3pm so ill go close those. My house is small though, but beside that fact they can also help cut your cooling bill.
Not just storms. Great for the summer too. I stayed with a friend in Portugal and nearly everyone closed their shutters during the day. It kept the houses sooooooo much cooler.
Indoor plantation shutters if you only care about the shade; easy to open and close whenever you want, and super effective at keeping the house cool.
My girlfriend is from the balkans. her family cannot wrap their head around all the fake shutters in the US. All of theirs back home are functional.
No shutters, just contrast window trim.
Shutters are the nipples of the house
And new roof.
We actually did replace the roof last summer haha but those are pine needles.
I recommend brushing them off regularly. It doesn’t take long for moss to start forming under them, since they hold in moisture. (Speaking from experience.)
We normally do! I appreciate the advice and totally understand.
My neighbor comes over with his ladder and yard blower and blows off my roof. If you are ok with heights, the blower is your friend.
Roof looks fine just needs to be cleaned off.
ok Mr. Moneybags.