6 Types of Shutters | Complete Guide

Interior Shutters

Interior shutters do more than look good – they help manage light, boost privacy, and add insulation. 

Here are the main types to consider:

Plantation Shutters

Best for: Living rooms, bedrooms, kitchens

These are the most popular interior shutters in Florida homes, and for good reason. 

Their wide louvers (the horizontal slats) let in loads of natural light while giving you full control over airflow and privacy. They're a great fit for bright, open rooms and have a timeless look that suits most interiors. 

That said, the wider the louver, the more modern the look, so you can tweak the aesthetic depending on your style. 

Available in real wood, composite, and polystatin options.

What to know:

• Look great with tall windows

• Easy to clean and maintain

• Work well with smart/motorized systems

• Composite is the better choice in humid rooms like bathrooms

Full Height Shutters

Best for: Large windows, modern interiors

These cover the entire window from top to bottom, offering a clean, unified look. 

Great for rooms where you want maximum privacy and light control. They’re sleek and minimal, and often come with a mid-rail (horizontal divider) so you can tilt the top and bottom separately.

What to know:

• A practical all-rounder

• Can be paired with blackout blinds behind if total darkness is needed

• Mid-rail placement should align with window features like locks or handles

Tier-on-Tier Shutters

Best for: Street-facing windows, period homes

Split into two separate panels, tier-on-tier shutters give you loads of flexibility. 

Open the top for daylight, keep the bottom closed for privacy. They’re a favorite in bedrooms and bathrooms where you need both light and discretion at different times of the day.

What to know:

• Best suited to taller windows

• Slightly more visible framing than full height

• More moving parts means a touch more maintenance

Café Style Shutters

Best for: Ground-floor windows, kitchens

Covering only the bottom portion of the window, café shutters are ideal if you want privacy without blocking all your light. 

Popular in kitchens and dining rooms, especially those that face the street or neighbors.

What to know:

• Let in maximum daylight

• Often paired with curtains or a sheer top treatment

• Great for homes with character or traditional styling

Exterior Shutters

Exterior shutters serve different purposes – sometimes they’re purely decorative, but often in Florida, they need to pull their weight against storms and heat.

Decorative Exterior Shutters

Best for: Boosting curb appeal

These are fixed to the outside of your windows and don’t actually close, but they add charm and architectural detail. 

Board and batten, louvered, and raised-panel designs all bring different looks, from farmhouse to colonial.

What to know:

• Choose materials that resist UV fading and rot

• Often made from composite or aluminum for durability

• Can be customized to match window shapes

Hurricane Shutters

Best for: Storm-prone areas, added security

If you’re on the Gulf Coast or just want that extra peace of mind, hurricane shutters are a smart choice. Rolling shutters, Bahama shutters, and accordion shutters offer real protection against high winds, debris, and break-ins.

What to know:

• Often qualify for insurance discounts

• Can be manual or motorized

• Should be professionally installed and maintained

• Great for rental properties or holiday homes left unattended

Materials: What Each One Offers

Wood

Looks great but needs care. Offers classic beauty with custom stains and paints. Can warp in high humidity, so best kept to interior spaces with climate control.

Composite

Best of both worlds. Made from engineered wood or PVC blends – more stable in moisture, looks like painted wood, and needs less upkeep. Ideal for kitchens, bathrooms, or high-traffic rooms.

Polysatin

Waterproof and UV-resistant. These are the go-to in coastal or humid climates. Resistant to chipping, cracking, and fading. Easy to clean with a quick wipe down.

Metal (Aluminium)

Tough and durable. Mostly used for exterior or commercial applications. Great for storm protection or sleek industrial looks, but not for everyone stylistically.

What About Installation?

You can DIY install some basic shutters if you’ve got the tools and patience, but for a seamless fit, clean finishes, and motorisation options, professional installation is usually worth it. 

It also ensures your warranty stays valid and saves you from drilling in the wrong place (we’ve seen it happen!).

Long-Term Maintenance Tips

• Dust regularly with a soft cloth or vacuum brush

• Use proper cleaners (avoid harsh chemicals on wood or painted surfaces)

• Check hardware once or twice a year, especially for motorised or exterior shutters

• Seal or repaint wood shutters annually if needed

• Treat for mould/mildew in humid zones