Usually used more for decorative purposes, interior shutters provide functional benefits as well as style. While exterior shutters are used to protect your home from weather on the outside, interior shutters can be purely ornamental or provide some control over air flow, light, and privacy. There are several different types of interior window shutters available, each of which offers a different look and functionality.
The most common type of interior shutter is the louvered style. These provide more functional benefits than the other types, as they are movable. Since they are movable you can position the louvers for best control of airflow, direction of light, and privacy. Fixed louvered shutters are purely decorative only and when closed, block most of the airflow and light and cannot be controlled.
A plantation shutter is a type of louvered shutter. These have wider louvers than the standard size so they allow greater air flow. Plantation shutters are very popular in all climates for the breezy look they bring to your home.
Before central heating was standard in most homes interior paneled shutters were the traditional choice. Their main purpose was to trap heat and block drafts. Generally speaking, they offer little control over light and airflow and these days offer a purely decorative old-style look.
Bahama shutters (also called Bermuda) are commonly used in hot climates to block strong sunlight to keep homes cool. Bahama style shutters used to be more commonly used as exterior shutters but are increasingly being installed inside for their unique decorative qualities that bring to mind coastal and hot weather locations, especially in colder climates that require stronger exterior protection from the elements. These shutters hinge from the top of the window and pull away from the bottom. This allows them to keep the sun at bay while allowing cooling breezes to pass through the window.
You can get interior shutters even if you have odd or unique window shapes – circular, irregular, or custom. The shutters will need to be custom built to fit your windows, but they will provide some light and air control. All window shutters offer at least some control over light and air flow. The ability to keep out the hot sun, or let a cool breeze flow through, will have a tremendous effect on your energy usage as well. As people continue to be more and more energy efficient, the old ways of doing things like blocking the sun and keeping cold drafts at bay are coming back into fashion.
