Exterior Italian Shutters for Inspiration
Exterior shutters are found extensively throughout Italy. Unlike in America, Italian shutters are primarily installed for function over appearance. There is no denying that outdoor shutters contribute to the rich character of the architecture. More importantly, exterior shutters in Italy are the primary mediating barrier between the outdoor climate and the indoor environment.
Italian Exterior Shutter Styles
From Rome to Milan, Florence to Naples, and Venice to Turin, exterior shutters are readily found on houses, churches, businesses, and apartments. Most shutters have louvers to provide ventilation when temperatures rise. Yet raised panel, flat panel and board and batten shutters are also common.
Standard exterior shutters are installed with hinges to swing open and closed. A full-open window exposes the occupants to uninterrupted sightlines and naturareducel light. Closed shutters give privacy and reduces direct sunlight. Solid shutters can sometimes produce complete darkness.
Like most construction in the country, exterior shutters are built with traditional materials. Wood is extremely durable, functional, and reliable, thus the favored material for Italian shutters. Wood is easy to source and responsibly replenished.
Installation of Outdoor Shutters in Italy
Shutter hardware is essential to the function of outdoor shutters in Italy. Hinges pivot to allow the shutters to swing. One portion of the hinges adheres to the shutter and the other to the building. Shutter dogs hold shutters in an open position.
Italian Shutter Colors
The colors of exterior Italian shutters are typically earth tones. Black and green appear to be the most prevalent colors. Brighter shutter colors, like yellow, are occasionally used along the coast or close to water.
Some louvered shutters are built with the unique ability to prop out awning style when the panels are closed. When employed, this feature still shades the window while simultaneously giving access to an almost fully open window. It is almost like having both a standard colonial shutter and a Bahama shutter.
Shutter dogs in Italy and around Europe range from very bland to impressively unique. The ornate designs can be regionally influenced, with faces of influential people or items native to the area. Most shutter dogs rotate to the side to release the shutters to close. Others motion front to back with a latch system.
How to Close Window Shutters in Italy
Bolts and latches keep functional shutters closed. Handles are handy to help pull exterior shutters toward the window.
Life is on full display in Italy. It is not uncommon to see laundry drying outside. To access the clotheslines, exterior shutters must fully open.
Most exterior shutters perfectly blend into the patchwork architecture of the Italian landscape. They complement the primary building and help break up large expanses of the same color. Exterior shutters also don’t detract from the beautiful sculptures or fountains in the area.
If employeed correctly, exterior shutters can serve as the focal point. When the rest of the structure is relatively bland, exterior shutters painted an eye-catching color will instantly add intrigue.
City streets in Italy can be loud. Exterior shutters can help muffle the sounds of cars, scooters and pedestrians. Solid panel shutters prevent noise passage more than open louvers.
Opening exterior shutters is a morning ritual for many Italians. It signifies the beginning of a new day and anticipation of all that it has to offer.
Exterior shutters in Italy have been used for decades and will continue to be an essential building component. Italian shutters are some of the most beautiful in the world. They can and should inspire shutter styles and colors in America.
