The farmhouse design aesthetic continues to reign supreme, capturing hearts with its warmth, rustic charm, and focus on functionality. Every detail in a farmhouse design contributes to this inviting atmosphere, and shutters are no exception. Beyond offering potential sun control, shutters add a touch of architectural interest and complete the quintessential farmhouse look.
If you’re building a new farmhouse or revamping your existing one, this guide will explore 17 unique farmhouse shutter ideas to inspire you.
1. Classic Louvered Shutters: Timeless Beauty and Functionality
Louvered shutters are a timeless choice for farmhouse exteriors. These shutters feature horizontal slats that can be angled open or closed, allowing for airflow and light control. They come in various materials, with wood being the traditional favorite for its natural beauty and durability. Vinyl louvered shutters offer a more affordable and low-maintenance option.
For a classic farmhouse look, consider painting your louvered shutters a crisp white. This brightens the exterior and complements other farmhouse elements like board and batten siding or a welcoming porch swing. Distressed black is another popular choice, adding a touch of vintage charm.
2. Board and Batten Shutters: Simple Elegance with Versatility
Board and batten shutters offer a simpler yet equally charming option for your farmhouse. These shutters consist of vertical boards with a horizontal batten (strip) across the center, creating a clean and elegant look. Their simple construction makes them a great DIY project, or you can find them pre-made in various sizes.
Board and batten shutters are versatile and can work well with various window sizes. They add a touch of architectural detail without overwhelming the window. Painting them the same color as your siding creates a cohesive look, while a contrasting color like black can add a touch of drama.
3. X-Brace Shutters: Adding Visual Interest with a Unique Design
For those seeking shutters with a bit more visual intrigue, X-brace shutters offer a unique option. These shutters feature two diagonal boards that intersect in an “X” shape across the center. The X-brace adds a touch of visual interest and a subtle nod to traditional barn doors.
X-brace shutters work particularly well with farmhouse exteriors that incorporate other geometric elements, like board and batten siding or a modern farmhouse design. Consider painting them white or a soft gray to complement the farmhouse aesthetic.
4. Distressed and Weathered Shutters: A Touch of Vintage Charm
Distressed shutters add a touch of vintage charm and character to your farmhouse. This creates the illusion that your home has a rich history, even if it’s newly built. Achieving a distressed finish can be a DIY project for the adventurous. Techniques include sanding, using a wire brush, or applying a special distressing product. Alternatively, many manufacturers offer pre-distressed shutters for a more convenient option.
When choosing paint colors for distressed shutters, consider muted tones or colors with a hint of wear. Soft greens, blues, or even a warm gray can evoke a sense of age and history. White with subtle distressing can also create a charming farmhouse look.
5. Colorful Farmhouse Shutters: A Pop of Personality
Farmhouse design doesn’t have to be strictly neutral. While classic white and black shutters are popular choices, a pop of color on your shutters can add a touch of personality and unexpected charm. This approach works particularly well if you have a neutral-colored exterior or a vibrant front door.
Consider colors that complement your home’s overall color scheme or the surrounding landscape. For a classic farmhouse feel, try a soft blue, green, or yellow. If you’re feeling bold, a deeper red or teal can make a real statement.
6. Shutter Wreaths and Decorations: Seasonal Touches and Curb Appeal
Shutters aren’t just functional; they can also be a platform for seasonal decorations and add a touch of personality to your farmhouse exterior. Wreaths are a classic choice, whether you opt for a simple evergreen wreath for winter or a vibrant floral wreath for spring and summer.
For a more rustic touch, consider hanging metal stars, lanterns, or decorative signs on your shutters. You can even get creative and use old shutters themselves as a base for DIY decorations.
7. Repurposed Shutters as Decor: Bringing Farmhouse Flair Indoors
The farmhouse love for shutters extends beyond the exterior. Old shutters can be repurposed into charming and functional pieces of decor for your home’s interior. Here are some creative ideas:
- Wall hangings: Mount old shutters on the wall and use them as a display for photos, artwork, or decorative plates.
- Headboards: A pair of vintage shutters can be transformed into a unique and rustic headboard for your bed.
- Shelves: Add some shelving hardware to old shutters to create unique wall shelves for books, plants, or other decorative items.
- Mudroom or Entryway Organization: Repurpose shutters into a coat rack by adding hooks or knobs. You can also create a key holder or mail organizer by attaching small baskets or pockets to the shutters.
8. Board and Batten Shutters with Corbels: A Touch of Architectural Refinement
Elevate your board and batten shutters with the addition of corbels. These decorative brackets mounted beneath the shutters add a touch of architectural refinement and a nod to traditional craftsmanship. Choose corbels with simple curves or more elaborate designs depending on the level of detail you desire.
9. Half Shutters for a Casual Farmhouse Look
Half shutters, reaching only halfway down the window, offer a more casual take on the farmhouse style. They provide a touch of visual interest without overwhelming smaller windows. This option works well for basements, laundry rooms, or garden sheds that complement your main farmhouse structure.
10. Board and Batten Shutters with Cupola Cutouts: A Whimsical Touch
For a playful and whimsical touch, consider incorporating cutout designs within the panels of your board and batten shutters. Popular choices include stars, hearts, or even silhouettes of farm animals. This adds a unique detail that reflects your personality and complements a more whimsical farmhouse aesthetic.
11. Stacked Shutters for Grand Entrances
For grand entryways or larger windows, consider using stacked shutters. This creates a sense of balance and adds a touch of grandeur to your farmhouse exterior. Opt for symmetrical pairs of shutters on either side of the window or door for a classic look.
12. Functional Shutters with Window Boxes
Combine beauty with practicality by incorporating window boxes with your shutters. Window boxes overflowing with seasonal flowers or greenery add a pop of color and life to your farmhouse exterior. Choose shutters with a simple design to allow the window boxes to take center stage.
13. Shutter Alternatives: Board and Batten Panels
For a more minimalist approach, consider using fixed board and batten panels instead of functional shutters. These panels mimic the look of shutters but offer a cleaner and more streamlined aesthetic. This option can be particularly effective for modern farmhouse designs.
14. DIY Painted Shutters with Stenciled Designs
Embrace your creativity with DIY painted shutters featuring stenciled designs. Geometric patterns, floral motifs, or even house numbers can add a personalized touch to your farmhouse exterior. Choose stencils that complement your overall design scheme and use high-quality exterior paint for lasting results.
15. Mismatched Shutters for a Vintage Vibe
Embrace a touch of vintage whimsy with mismatched shutters. This approach works particularly well for a farmhouse with a relaxed and eclectic aesthetic.
- Color Mismatch: Use different paint colors for shutters on different windows. Opt for a cohesive color palette with subtle variations, like a combination of soft blues and greens.
- Style Mismatch: Combine different shutter styles like louvered shutters on one window and board and batten on another. Ensure the overall look feels collected rather than chaotic.
- Material Mismatch: For a truly unique touch, consider using shutters crafted from different materials like wood and reclaimed metal. This adds a layer of texture and visual interest to your farmhouse exterior.
16. Metal Shutters for a Modern Farmhouse Twist
While classic wood shutters are a popular choice for farmhouse design, metal shutters can add a touch of modern flair. Galvanized steel offers a sleek and industrial look, perfect for a modern farmhouse aesthetic.
For a more rustic touch, consider corrugated metal shutters. These add a touch of texture and a subtle nod to agricultural buildings, complementing the farmhouse theme.
17. Shutter Lighting for Evening Ambiance
Elevate your farmhouse exterior and create a welcoming ambiance with strategically placed shutter lighting. Small solar-powered lights or discreet spotlights can be mounted on the shutters or beneath them, casting a warm glow on your entryway or porch in the evenings.
This not only adds a touch of magic but also enhances your home’s security by providing additional illumination around entry points.
Shutter Maintenance Tips for Lasting Beauty
No matter which farmhouse shutter style you choose, proper maintenance will ensure they continue to add beauty and charm to your home for years to come. Here are some key tips:
- Painting: Regularly repaint your shutters with a high-quality exterior paint to protect them from the elements.
- Cleaning: Occasionally clean your shutters with a mild soap and water solution to remove dirt and grime.
- Hardware: Inspect and tighten any hardware like hinges or fasteners on your shutters to prevent them from becoming loose or damaged.
- Seasonal Considerations: If you live in an area with harsh winters, consider taking down your shutters during the coldest months to protect them from snow and ice buildup.
Final Words
From classic louvered shutters to colorful and playful options, there’s a perfect farmhouse shutter style waiting to enhance your home’s curb appeal. Consider the overall aesthetic of your farmhouse, your personal taste, and don’t be afraid to get creative! With a little inspiration from this guide, you can find the ideal farmhouse shutters to complete the charming and inviting exterior of your dream home.
Feel free to share your farmhouse shutter ideas and projects in the comments below! We’d love to see how you’re incorporating shutters into your farmhouse design.