Many of the homes in the southern United States are – like its people – warm, inviting, and full of whimsy. Porch swings, contoured balusters, Greek columns, and exterior southern shutters define the signature architecture. Many features of these elaborate homes have evolved out of practical necessity to stay cool in the hot, muggy summers. Optimizing airflow through and around the house in days prior to air conditioning was paramount. It is still a point of emphasis in new construction to invite gentle breezes into the living space. Functional exterior southern shutters are often utilized to reduce warming sunlight from entering the home, while still encouraging air channels past the open louvers.
Early craftsmen built wood southern shutters with primitive hand tools, techniques, and unique specifications. Old growth lumber was abundant, resulting in durable wood shutters with exceptional life expectancy. Some of those shutters may still be in operation today. Construction of modern day exterior shutters uses many of the same methods and design elements.
Louvered shutters were, and are, more desirable because of their versatility. Privacy and light control is easily obtained by swinging the house shutters over the window. Some homes opted for more secure rigid panels or board and batten style shutters. These can serve as solid hurricane shutters to protect from tropical storms. Original outdoor shutter styles are frequently used in historical renovation of plantation houses and period homes.
Shop for Outdoor Window ShuttersExterior southern shutters are not only practical, but play a significant role to the overall appearance of an estate. Black shutters provide a bold accent, or contrast, to white or light siding. Dark green shutters have historically been used in regions of the South. Shutters installed on brick add the perfect relief to a hardened facade. The louvers give texture to the structure and multiple layers add depth.
Witness wood outside window shutters gracing grand estates in the New Orleans Garden District, flanking windows of vibrantly colored cottages in Key West and lining porches of laid-back country houses in Charleston, South Carolina. No matter the style, exterior southern shutters add the perfect finishing touch.
ShutterLand regularly supplies exterior shutters for houses in Alabama, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, Mississippi, Louisiana, Arkansas, Tennessee, Kentucky, West Virginia, Virginia, and Florida. We understand the attention and detail that homes in the South require. Come shop and price the right exterior shutter for your southern home.