All About Shutters: Louver Size Pros & Cons
All About Shutters: Louver Sizes and More
Shutters are incredibly popular and stand the test of time. There’s never yet been a period where shutters weren’t popular, and their timelessness makes them a wonderful investment for homes. The clean lines, easy functionality, and curb appeal from the outside make shutters a wonderful choice for just about any home. Quality shutters even raise your home’s value.
There are multiple terms to learn if you’re considering adding shutters to your home. Understanding the differences in louver sizes and materials will help you make a more educated decision if you’re choosing shutters on your own.
What Does Shutter Louver Sizes Mean?
Louvers are the wooden slats that go across your shutters. The width of each slat is the louver size. They tend to range from around 2 inches wide up to a solid 4-1/2-inch wide slat. Smaller slats exist, down to only a mere inch-wide louver. The decision of louver sizes is based on privacy, light, and personal tastes. Functionality, room use, and materials also play a factor.
A Large Shutter Louver Size
The larger the slats, the larger the space between them when they’re tilted open. If you have a large window, you typically want larger louvers simply from a visual point of view. If your window’s frame is shallow, however, larger slats won’t have room to open without hitting the window. It’s important to ensure they have proper clearance if large louvers are your preference. Large louvers visually are the more popular choice for shutters. They allow plenty of natural light in and give you a clear view of the outside when tilted open through the large open spaces. If you have a beautiful view, louvers that are 4-1/2 inches apart offer 108% more outside visibility than 2-1/2-inch louvers. You can, of course, simply open your shutters for a full view instead if larger louvers aren’t your style.
Large louvers across large windows offer more stability than narrow options. If you go too narrow but wide, you run the risk of sagging. The material you choose also plays a role in the stability, so getting expert help from a custom shutter company is important if your window is particularly large to ensure longevity.
Small Shutter Louvers
Smaller louvers require more to cover the same space, much like blinds. Some people dislike this look and consider it “cluttered” or not nearly as clean as larger versions, especially on smaller windows. On wide windows, the thin slats may not have the stability to resist bowing over time. They’re also more difficult to clean as you have to get between many more small spaces.
Medium Shutter Louver
If you’re not sold on large or small louvers, and your window allows for them, mid-sized shutter louvers are a perfect option. They’re a good choice if you choose a softer or more flexible material than hardwood and you’re covering a larger window but don’t like large louvers. The stability of louvers is important for the longevity of your shutters.
Does the Shutter Louver Size Affect the Style?
Small Shutter Louver Size (2-1/2 inches and smaller)
Smaller louver sizes are the most common for a classic look. When styling your home with matching blinds, it’s common to aim for a similar louver size to the blind slats for a consistent appearance.
Medium or Mid-Sized Shutter Louver Size (3-inch through 4-inch)
Mid-sized louvers can also lend to traditional design but have a more elegant look. Many people claim they’re the perfect contemporary look. They’re a great option if you love the larger look, but your window’s depth won’t allow you to go big.
Large Shutter Louver Size (4-1/2 inches and larger)
Modern shutters tend to lean towards the large louvers where practical. They provide a contemporary feel or even elegance. If you have very large windows or a beautiful view, these are your go-to. The coastal design style is incredibly popular, and these lend perfectly to that choice.
What Are California Shutters, Colonial Shutters, and Plantation Shutters?
While they aren’t official definitions, these terms are pretty common. Some people apply the term to any shutters, regardless of feature or louver size.
California Shutters
California shutters typically have small- to mid-sized louvers. However, if used in a coastal style, this would refer to large louvers. Usually, these shutters are painted white, light, or stained. This is the most modern nickname for any shutter style.
Plantation Shutters Louver Size
Plantation shutters are usually mid- to large-sized louvers but may also refer to small louvers. People think of the old plantation homes in the South where shutters were often on the outside of windows instead of on the inside. However, this term is used just as often in modern times to refer to beautiful interior shutters that offer plenty of benefits, no matter the style of the home.
The best louver size for plantation shutters depends on your aesthetic goals, the size of your windows, and any features surrounding the window (such as hand cranks or window panes).
Many people choose small 2.5-inch louvers for their plantation shutters as they are versatile and have a traditional appearance. Small louvers can also fit window frames with shallow depths. However, smaller louvers are close together, which can impede sunlight from entering your home.
Medium-sized louvers at 3.5 inches allow more sunlight to enter your home while maintaining privacy.
Large 4.5-inch louvers give you a beautiful view of the outdoors while maximizing airflow and sunlight.
Colonial Shutters
Colonial style harkens back to the New England area, where shutters were common on homes since the pre-Revolutionary period. This phrase is often used in reference to a country or Americana style but doesn’t refer to any specific louver size.
These words aren’t industry words, and they don’t have a specific meaning. They simply refer to an overall style of décor or architecture where shutters were commonly found.
That’s it for today! We’ll be writing about shutter material options and the amazing level of customization you can achieve with shutters through uses on specialty shapes, French doors, or even split options soon, so keep an eye out.
Learn More About Louver Window Treatments
If you’re in the Greater Los Angeles area and would prefer a professional to help you select your shutter louvers or other window treatments, reach out to Galaxy Draperies. Our design consultants can explain more about the different types of window treatments and how louver sizes work in conjunction with them. We can discuss your interior design ideas and figure out a plan to customize your new window treatments and achieve your goals. Whether you’re looking into plantation shutters, California shutters, or some other style, we will work with your vision and show you our vast selection of shutter styles, colors, textures, and finishes. Our specialists will be able to find a combination of features that suits your tastes and matches your preferences.
Reach out to Galaxy Draperies today to learn more about shutter styles, louver sizes, and more. We’d also be delighted to tell you about our beautiful draperies and blinds. Contact us or fill out our form to schedule your free design consultation.
We would be delighted to customize your window treatments and deliver the perfect vibe you’re looking for in your home.