Shutter Style Guide

Written By: Founder & CEO of Elizabeth Shutters

Whether your home is a classic inspired by Frank Lloyd Wright, a stately Colonial, a breezy Ranch, or a thoughtful blend of influences gathered over time, the right shutter style does more than complete the window.

It enhances the architecture. It balances proportion. It improves light, privacy, and livability. When selected thoughtfully, shutters feel as though they were always meant to be there.

This guide will help you:

Identify your home’s visual DNA
Understand how the floor plan influences shutter choice
Select louver size with confidence
Choose panel configurations that support both function and beauty
Use color intentionally to reinforce — or dramatically elevate — your architecture

Think of this as both inspiration and specification. A design conversation between your home’s history and how you live in it today.

Foundational Design Rules

Before identifying architectural style, it’s important to understand the structural principles that guide every successful shutter decision. These rules apply across all homes — traditional, transitional, and modern alike.

shutter close up white

Louver Size

Louvers are typically available in 2.5”, 3.5”, 4.5”, and 5.5” widths.

Smaller and skinnier windows (2’x2’, narrow sidelights, doorlites) → 2.5” louvers
Mid-sized windows (3’x5’, 4’x6’) → 3.5” or 4.5”
Large rectangles and picture windows → 4.5” or 5.5”
Traditional homes → generally 2.5”
Modern and open-concept homes → 3.5” minimum, often larger
Louver size should remain consistent throughout the home whenever possible

The larger the room and the cleaner the architecture, the larger the louver can be without feeling visually busy.

Panel Configurations

Swinging Shutters

Most common style for windows
Maximum width of a single panel is typically 36”
Windows 37”–72” wide typically use two panels
Require the most interior clearance
Wider openings can use T-posts
Preserve views when opened fully

Folding Shutters

Accordion-style panels
Ideal for wide spans and sliding glass doors
Require less wall clearance than swinging panels
Slightly reduce full view when stacked

Sliding Shutters

Very rarely used on windows
Reserved primarily for:
- Sliding glass doors
- Room dividers
- Barn-door style applications

Double Hung or Split Rail Shutters

Top and bottom sections operate independently
Ideal for privacy with natural light
Especially popular in first-floor rooms and bedrooms

Picture Windows

Typically use swinging or folding shutters

Color Guidance

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Color is architectural language.

Very traditional homes (Colonial, Federal, Georgian, Cape Cod) look most authentic in white
Modern Farmhouse looks especially strong in black (often matching black window frames)
For drama — in both traditional and modern homes:
- Deep red
- Navy and cobalt
- Slate blue
- Dark green

Color should either reinforce the home’s heritage — or intentionally elevate it.

Identifying Your Home’s Style

Many homes are hybrids. If your home reflects more than one category, lean toward the architectural influence that feels strongest in its structure and window proportions.

Traditional and Historical Styles

Colonial

Symmetrical, balanced, and quietly formal.

How to Identify It

Perfectly symmetrical front façade
Centered front door
Evenly spaced windows
Brick or clapboard exterior
Moderate roof pitch

Windows

3’x5’ or 3’x6’
Multi-pane grids (6-over-6 common)

Floor Plan

Formal center hallway
Living room on one side, dining on the other
Defined, rectangular rooms
8’–9’ ceilings

Shutters

Louvers: 2.5”
Two swinging panels
T-posts for wider spans
Double hung or split rail shutters ideal for first floor
Color: White preferred

Georgian

Colonial with greater scale and refinement.

Identify It

Larger footprint
Decorative crown moldings
Strong symmetry
Elevated entry detailing

Windows

Large and evenly spaced
9-over-9 grids common

Floor Plan

Wider center hall
More generous entertaining rooms

Shutters

Louvers: 2.5”
Two swinging panels
Double hung or split rail shutters
Color: White, navy, slate blue

Federal

Elegant and lighter in detail.

Identify It

Fanlight over the door
Palladian or elliptical windows
Refined trim

Windows

Tall 3’x6’
Graceful proportions

Shutters

Louvers: 2.5”
Tall swinging panels
Double hung or split rail shutters
Color: White or muted historic blues

Cape Cod

Cozy and practical.

Identify It

Steep roof
Dormer windows
1–1.5 stories

Windows

Smaller multi-pane windows

Shutters

Louvers: 2.5”
Two swinging panels
Double hung or split rail shutters
Color: White or navy

Greek Revival

Strong, rectangular, and temple-inspired.

Shutters

Louvers: 2.5”
Swinging panels
T-posts for larger openings
Double hung or split rail shutters
Color: White or deep blue

Victorian / Queen Anne

Ornate and highly detailed.

Identify It

Turrets or bay windows
Decorative trim
Varied window shapes

Shutters

Louvers: 2.5”
Custom swinging panels
T-posts for bays
Double hung or split rail shutters
Color: White, deep red, dark green

Tudor

Vertical emphasis and storybook charm.

Identify It

Steep roof
Half-timbering
Leaded glass windows

Shutters

Louvers: 2.5”
Narrow swinging panels
Double hung or split rail shutters
Color: White or dark green

European and Romantic

Mediterranean / Spanish

Stucco, arches, and courtyard living.

Identify It

Arched doors and windows
Wrought iron details
Tile roof

Windows

Arched openings
French doors
Sliding glass doors common

Shutters

Louvers: 3.5” minimum; 4.5” for large openings
Custom arched swinging panels
Folding or sliding for sliding glass doors
Picture windows: swinging or folding
Color: White, deep blue, dark green

Craftsman and Prairie

Craftsman

Handcrafted warmth and horizontal lines.

Identify It

Exposed beams
Tapered columns
Grouped windows

Shutters

Louvers: 2.5” or 3.5”
Two swinging panels
Double hung or split rail shutters
Color: White, dark green, brick red

Prairie

Horizontal emphasis and art glass influence.

Identify It

Low-pitched roof
Strong horizontal window bands

Shutters

Louvers: 3.5” or 4.5”
Multi-panel swinging
T-posts for wide spans
Folding for sliding glass doors
Color: White, dark green, muted red

Mid-Century and Modern

Ranch

Single-story living oriented toward the backyard.

Identify It

Long horizontal profile
Large front picture window
Sliding glass doors at rear

Shutters

Louvers: 4.5” or 5.5”
Swinging for windows
Folding or sliding for sliding glass doors
Picture windows: swinging or folding
Color: White, black, deep blue

Split-Level

Staggered floors and practical mid-century design.

Identify It

Entry between levels
Living room elevated
Lower-level family room

Shutters

Louvers: 4.5”
Swinging panels
T-posts as needed
Folding or sliding for sliding glass doors
Color: White, black, dark green

Mid‑Century Modern

Glass-forward and architecturally expressive.

Identify It

Low-pitched roof
Clerestory windows
Walls of glass

Shutters

Louvers: 4.5” or 5.5”
Wide swinging panels
Folding for large spans
Sliding or folding for sliding glass doors
Color: Black, white, navy

Contemporary

Minimal and light-filled.

Identify It

Large rectangular windows
Open floor plan
Minimal trim

Shutters

Louvers: 4.5” minimum; 5.5” for large spaces
Swinging for windows
Folding or sliding for sliding glass doors
Color: Black, white, jewel tones

International Style

Geometric purity and ribbon windows.

Identify It

Flat roof
Horizontal window bands
No decorative trim

Shutters

Louvers: 4.5” or 5.5”
Swinging panels with T-posts
Folding or sliding for sliding glass doors
Color: Black, white, deep navy

Modern Farmhouse

Bright, open, and warmly modern.

Identify It

Board and batten or shiplap
Black window frames
Large front porch
Open interior

Shutters

Louvers: 3.5” minimum; 4.5” or 5.5” for large rooms
Swinging panels
T-posts for wide spans
Double hung or split rail shutters popular
Folding or sliding for sliding glass doors
Color: Black (especially strong), white, deep blue, dark green

Founder's Perspective

When shutters feel perfectly at home, it’s because:

The louver scale matches the room scale
The panel configuration respects the window width
The color supports the architecture
And the entire home speaks in one consistent visual language

Shutters are not an afterthought. They are architectural decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What shutter louver size should I choose?

Choose louver size based on window scale and room scale. Smaller windows typically look best with smaller louvers, while large openings and open-plan rooms usually support wider louvers without looking busy.

Are 2.5-inch louvers still in style?

Yes, especially in traditional and historic architecture where smaller louvers align with classic proportions. In modern homes, wider louvers often feel cleaner.

Should louver size be consistent throughout the house?

Whenever possible, yes. Consistent louver sizing keeps the home’s visual language cohesive, especially when sightlines connect multiple rooms.

What are split-rail shutters and when should I use them?

Split-rail shutters allow the top and bottom sections to operate independently. They’re ideal for privacy while still letting in daylight, especially on first floors and in bedrooms.

What shutter style works best for sliding glass doors?

Wide openings typically require folding or sliding shutter systems designed for door traffic and stack-back space. The right choice depends on clearance, usage, and view priorities.

How to Match Your Home’s Architecture, Proportion & Personality