The hardware styles you can choose for your exterior shutters are almost as varied as the shutters themselves. Just as the right accessories make your clothing look great, your shutter hardware will complete the look of these shutters in your home.
You want to choose colors and styles that complement your home rather than contrast it. For example, if you have a colonial-style home, you wouldn’t want to install hinge straps and shutter dogs, or tiebacks, with sleek, modern lines. Instead, you would select hinge straps in a traditional, tapered look with shutter dogs that have traditional finials on them such as floral motifs.
Here are some things to look for and keep in mind when selecting your hardware:
Keep the weather in your area in mind when choosing the finish. Use stainless steel or aluminum hinge straps and attachments if you live near the ocean where salt in the air can corrode the metals of the hardware. For other areas, powder coating provides adequate rust protection.
Make sure the hardware you choose is strong and sturdy enough to hold your shutters. If the shutters are extra-long, consider adding an extra hinge strap to help support the weight. Choose sturdy hinge straps and pintles if your home sits in a high-wind area.
Match the shutter dogs with the hinge straps and the shutters. They should complement the style and not stand out too much. For functional shutters, the shutter dogs should be easy to operate. Opt to install one on the side of each shutter or place shutter dogs at the top and bottom of each shutter.
If you have functional shutters, choose bolts that are sturdy enough to hold them together when they are closed. The bolts need to be easy to operate as well. If you live in a high-wind area, the shutter bolts need to be sturdy enough to secure the shutters and keep them from hitting the window glass.
You can buy sets that include dogs, hinge straps, pintles, and bolts but it is a lot more fun to mix and match to create your own custom look. Pick individual pieces to suit your home’s exterior decor. That is a less-expensive option than ordering custom-made hardware, and it allows you to express your style preferences.
Remember, choosing the right shutter hardware can have a dramatic impact on the overall feel of your home, so take the time to choose well.
