If you are looking for custom shutters, you will find many different companies to choose from. Most of these custom shutters are pre-built shutters that have several stock sizes. They are then customized by cutting them down and hinging them together to create your custom-sized shutter.
Unfortunately, this means that they are not truly custom fitted to your home and they may not fit your windows well. They will not be in proportion to your window's size and may look out of place. Their durability may also be affected, depending upon how much of the shutter was cut off.
There are companies who make custom shutters specifically for your windows. You may think that this sounds good, but in actuality, the shutters may not be high quality and may look cheap and inferior next to your home. The shutters will be made so that the rails and stiles are the same on all of your windows, but they will still not look right for your home if they are not created especially for your window size. The size of window is important to the proportion of the shutters. If you are putting out that kind of money then you want quality shutters that enhance your home.
You may think that you would be better off buying synthetic custom shutters, but they may not be the best choice either. They will take the pre-made pieces and cut them down to your specific window measurements for quick turn-around. This can make the shutters look out of balance in comparison to the window and will throw the whole house out of proportion.
It is a good idea to steer away from companies that offer you custom window shutters. It is best that you measure your windows and buy shutters for each particular window, rather than take the chance on customized shutters, because you most likely will not be satisfied.
By measuring each of your windows, you will know exactly what shutters you will need to purchase for your home. Look at all the window shutters that are available so that you will find exactly the ones that fit your windows, your desires, and the style of your home. With just a little research and knowledge, you will have the window shutters that will make your home shine.
Things to Consider When Choosing Window Shutters
While wooden shutters are still considered the top of the line, there are other materials that are used for window shutters as well. It is important that you do your research before purchasing your shutters to make sure that you make a choice that you will be completely satisfied with.
What style?
Shutter styles are narrowed down to two different styles. Traditional shutters have louvers with 1-1/4″, which is narrow compared to the other style. The louvers are also thicker at the front of the louver and somewhat more narrow near the back. The other style of shutter is called a plantation shutter. These have larger louvers are about 1-18″ thick.
What finish?
There is a wide variety of finishes available for shutters. They can be painted, stained, or even painted and stained. Usually if shutters are painted they are white or ivory, but it is entirely up to you. If you like the look of the wood grain, then you will want to stick with a stain in either a light, medium, or dark tone to enhance the wood grain. It is important to note, however, that only 100% wood shutters can be stained.
What price?
Window shutters come in many different price ranges and some retailers will give you a price per square foot of shutter. Depending upon the material, window size, style, paint or stain finish, and number of shutters, your price will increase or decrease.
How many units?
The retailer will determine how many shutter units that you need for your particular window or windows. It is usually determined by the window’s width and the style of the shutter because they are different widths depending upon the shutter style.
The manufacturer’s each have different guidelines to determine the panels needed for a window. If you have an especially tall window then you can even get a double-tiered shutter that consists of two sets of shutters on top of each other.
How do I measure and purchase the shutters?
You need to make sure that you carefully measure your windows exactly as directed by the shutter’s manufacturer. The company that you choose for your shutters should have easy to follow, detailed instructions on how to measure your windows.