A friendly guide to styling your shutters for the season while keeping them safe
Holiday decorating should feel joyful. Your home gets a little cozier, the lights feel brighter, and every corner picks up a bit of seasonal magic. If you have high-quality, whole wood shutters, especially the kind we install throughout California and Nevada, they can become a beautiful backdrop for your holiday style. The trick is choosing décor that brings cheer without harming the finish or interfering with how the shutters work.
Here is a simple, human, practical guide based on years of seeing what works and what does not.
Start With the Right Materials
Real basswood shutters are built to last for decades. They also respond to moisture, adhesives, and weight, so choose decorations that are gentle and easy to remove. Look for items that are:
- Lightweight
- Low tack or non-adhesive
- Easy to hang from existing hardware
- Simple to lift off at the end of the season
Skip strong tape, screws, nails, or anything you need to fasten directly into the wood. Your shutters have carefully milled joints and louvers. Even minor surface damage will show over time.
Use Ribbon, Garland, and Soft Textiles Instead of Sticky Hooks
Ribbon Across the Top Frame
A wide satin, velvet, or linen ribbon draped across the top of the shutter frame adds color without pressure or weight. Rich green, deep cranberry, soft gold, and winter white are all easy and elegant choices.
Lightweight Greenery
Faux pine, eucalyptus, or frosted winter greens can rest gently along the top of the frame or hang from a curtain rod above the shutters. This keeps all stress off the louvers and preserves full functionality.
Soft Ornaments
Felt stars, wooden charms, tiny bells, or dried oranges can hang on ribbons that loop around the frame. They add charm without touching the slats. These options let your shutters open and close normally, which is important for both light and ventilation.
Add Holiday Accents Without Covering the Louvers
Shutters are architectural. They look best when their shape and clean lines stay visible. Focus your décor around:
- The frame edges
- The top rail
- The wall surrounding the shutters
- The sill or console table beneath the window
A garland placed above the shutters looks better than one taped across the front. Candles or lanterns on a sill add warmth without creating clutter. A winter floral arrangement placed nearby can bring texture and color into the room while keeping the shutters open and airy.
Use Lights, but Keep Them Safe and Lightweight
Battery-powered micro LED strands are ideal for shutter styling. They produce almost no heat and weigh nearly nothing. Use them by:
- Draping across greenery that sits above the window
- Lining the sill for a soft glow
- Adding behind sheer curtains to create a warm silhouette
- Wrapping gently around a wreath hung above the shutter frame
Avoid older or heavier light strands that tug on louvers or frames.
Match Your Shutter Finish to Your Holiday Style
Your shutter finish can guide the rest of your holiday palette.
White or Soft Greige Shutters
Perfect for Scandinavian winter decor, minimal gold or silver, snowy whites, and natural greenery.
Espresso or Dark Stained Shutters
Rich jewel tones, lush greenery, warm lighting, and classic red and gold all pair beautifully.
Natural or Driftwood Finishes
Ideal for coastal tones like sage, pale blue, or ivory, along with woven textures and rustic details.
No matter the finish, the rule is simple. Let the shutters remain the architectural foundation. The holiday decor should feel like a soft complement, not camouflage.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
These issues come up often during service calls, especially after the holidays.
- Heavy wreaths hung directly on shutter panels
- Strong adhesives on the finish
- Real pine pressed against the wood
- Decorations that block the louvers
- Lights that get hot or pull down on frames
Treat your shutters like fine furniture. They reward gentle care with decades of beauty.
Create Holiday Moments Around Your Shutters
Some of the most charming setups do not involve attaching anything to the shutters at all. Try:
- Hanging a wreath above the window instead of on it
- Styling a holiday vignette on the console table below
- Using a garland across a nearby shelf or mantle
- Placing candles, lanterns, or winter florals near the window
- Adding holiday textiles that warm up the space around the shutters
This approach keeps the focus on the clean lines of your shutters while still creating a cozy holiday atmosphere.
Decorating your shutters for the holidays should be simple and enjoyable. The goal is to highlight the beauty of your home while protecting your investment. Real basswood shutters finished with durable acrylic urethane are designed to stand up to everyday life, but seasonal decor still deserves care. Light touches, soft materials, and frame-focused styling will protect the finish and keep your shutters looking their best.