How to Pick A Color Scheme for Your Shutters

When choosing window treatments for your new home or renovation project, it’s often difficult to determine what color your pieces should be. Should they be a neutral addition to the room, or pack a punch of color? I think it’s safe to say that curtains and shades are openly accepted and appreciated in a variety of colors. For the purpose of the article, let’s make things a little more difficult and talk about how to determine what color your shutters should be.

The first thing to consider is whether your shutters will be on the interior or exterior of your home.

First of all, let’s get one thing straight: shutters are not restricted only to the outside of your house. It’s a common misconception that shutters are only exterior decorations, but in fact, shutters are currently used inside just as often, if not more often, than outside. Whether you decide to place your shutters on the inside or out, they can still serve their principal purpose, which is to help keep the sun from heating up your house on a hot day, or bring in light and warmth on a cold one. 

If your shutters are going to be on the exterior of your house, you’ll definitely want to put a great amount of thought into the materials you’ll be using so that you know they are durable and will be able to withstand the elements. Once you’ve thought about materials, you may way to consult your manufacturer about any limitations the material might have on your color choices. Remember, lighter colors are less forgiving when it comes to wear and tear, but also don’t attract as much heat as a darker shade.

Shutters going on the inside? This is when you need to start making the decision about whether you’d like your window treatments to be statement pieces or to neutrally support the decorative themes already present in your home. Start by looking around the room where your shutters are being installed. If there’s already a lot of big eye-catchers in the room, you may want to opt for something more neutral. If everything blends together, you might want to play up a little more color.

If you think your room might need a little more drama, consider whether any colors stick out as primary or accent colors. If you already have one color that’s well represented, pick another color that works well within the room (perhaps it’s already present in smaller amounts), and use your window treatments to play up that accent color. Think about the mood you want to convey in the room: dark, rich colors convey romance, brighter blues and greens can have a playful effect, and pastels help to sooth and relax your guests. Some companies (like Danmer Custom Shutters: www.danmer.com) have wide varieties of stains and paints (as well as paint and stain matching) to help you accent every room perfectly, even with existing paint jobs.

If you’re still struggling with which route to take, you can also consider different rooms in your house as a good place to start. Try to find balance (not every room in your house should showcase neon-colored drapes) while also continuing themes (neon-colored drapes in one room and modern, structured furniture in the next makes a seamless transition).  You might also consider the region you live in, or a culture you celebrate, as a basis for a color palette.

Whatever you do, don’t be limited by a window treatment company that doesn’t provide a variety of options. There are many ways to make your window coverings unique. Some companies specialize in patterns, engraving, or even stained glass as embellishments (like Danmer Custom Shutters: www.danmer.com), so make sure you research your options and take time to consider your desired effect before making a purchase.