| Exterior and interior shutters have been used as | | | | often merely decorative and non-functional. Functional |
| window treatments since ancient times but are still | | | | shutters are difficult to incorporate into modern British |
| popular as interior design elements around the world, | | | | windows which tend to be wide and short with almost |
| including Tampa. | | | | no recess. Most windows also open outward, making |
| Shutters are window coverings made of solid frames | | | | exterior shutters quite impossible. |
| with horizontal or vertical louvers that are either fixed | | | | Non-functional shutters are often made out of |
| or controllable to close completely, open completely or | | | | fiberglass. Unlike wood, it does not rot or twist. Since it |
| stay at certain angles. They provide privacy and | | | | is a reinforced plastic, it does not warp or sag like vinyl |
| control light and ventilation. External shutters also | | | | or PVC. It is as strong as aluminum but does not |
| provide protection against the elements and against | | | | corrode or degenerate from electrolysis. It is also |
| small flying debris. | | | | stable and has very little contraction and expansion in |
| Exterior shutters are hinged to the outside of windows, | | | | any weather. |
| either at the sides or from the top. They swing out | | | | Shutters were brought to the United States as the |
| from the building and are swung shut. When intended | | | | British settled in the New World. Old homes in |
| as protection against extreme weather conditions, solid | | | | Charleston, Georgetown and Savannah still display this |
| panels are used with hardwood known to withstand | | | | element. Even today, when British type of architecture |
| weather well. They are commonly found either in very | | | | is employed, shutters are usually incorporated into the |
| hot locations or where storms are known to punish | | | | design. |
| buildings. For exterior shutters, louvers are more often | | | | In the Mediterranean, especially in Italy, shutters have |
| fixed. | | | | always been popular. Even today, fully functional |
| Sometimes non-functional exterior shutters are used | | | | exterior shutters are used. This is possible because |
| as aesthetic design elements for a building. | | | | their windows are tall, quite narrow and deeply |
| Interior shutters are hinged to the inside of windows | | | | recessed. They also open inwards. It is, therefore, |
| and swing open inwards. They most often have | | | | possible to operate outward-opening exterior shutters |
| operable louvered shutters that control visibility, light and | | | | from within rooms. |
| air flow. The advantage of having interior shutters is | | | | Even if you decide to use interior or exterior shutters in |
| that even if the louvers are completely open, those | | | | your home, this does not prevent you from also using |
| outside the house cannot see in while light and air is | | | | other window treatments. After all, shutters are usually |
| allowed free access. | | | | not used in all windows throughout the house. You can |
| In some buildings and homes, shutters are used on | | | | actually mix and match window treatments in the other |
| doors, as well. | | | | rooms instead, taking your interior design theme into |
| Window shutters are believed to have been invented | | | | consideration. Curtains and draperies can be used |
| in Greece long before the Romans had invented glass | | | | together. You may also combine curtains or draperies |
| as window coverings. Shutters were intended to keep | | | | with shades. For further protection against the sun, you |
| out the cold in winter and to keep out the sun in | | | | can use solar shades. Another alternative would be |
| summer. | | | | blinds. In bedrooms, you can match the bedding to the |
| British Georgian architecture in the 1700s and 1800s | | | | window treatment. You can choose from a wide |
| incorporated shutters as standard features. This has | | | | variety of such window treatments from reputable |
| persisted as a distinct element of British architecture. | | | | suppliers such as Hunter Douglas in Tampa. |
| In the United Kingdom today, though, shutters are more | | | | |