How to Choose the Right Shutter Color
9 min read
A variety of colorful shutters on a house
Adding shutters to your home’s exterior can greatly enhance its visual appeal, but choosing the right color is crucial to making them look their best. Whether you’re giving your home a facelift or simply replacing old, outdated shutters, selecting the right color is an important decision. Here are some tips to help you choose the perfect shutter color for your home.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Shutter Colors
The first thing to consider when choosing the right shutter color is the surrounding environment. Look at the colors adjoining your home, such as the roof and trim. Opt for a shutter color that complements those colors rather than clashes with them. Additionally, the architecture style of your home should also inform the color choice. For example, shutters that match the trim color will create a more unified look for traditional architecture styles, while a more contrasted color combination can be suitable for modern architectural styles. Your shutters’ material can also guide your color choice. Wooden shutters go well with softer pastels and natural wood tones, while metal or fiberglass shutters can support bolder colors and finishes.
Another factor to consider when choosing shutter colors is the climate in your area. If you live in a hot and sunny region, lighter colors can help reflect the sun’s rays and keep your home cooler. On the other hand, if you live in a colder climate, darker colors can absorb more heat and help keep your home warmer. Additionally, if you live in an area with a lot of rain or snow, you may want to choose a color that won’t show dirt or stains easily.
Finally, think about the overall aesthetic you want to achieve with your home’s exterior. Do you want your shutters to blend in or stand out? If you want a more subtle look, choose a color that is similar to your home’s siding. If you want your shutters to make a statement, consider a bold color that contrasts with your home’s exterior. Keep in mind that trends come and go, so choose a color that you will be happy with for years to come.
Understanding Color Theory for Shutters
Understanding color theory can also greatly affect your shutter color choice. Knowing what colors pair well and which ones are complementary can help you achieve the perfect shutter color for your home. A color wheel is a great tool to help you navigate the different shades and combinations to make an informed decision.
It’s important to consider the overall style and architecture of your home when choosing a shutter color. For example, if you have a traditional style home, a classic white or black shutter may be the best choice. However, if you have a more modern or contemporary home, you may want to consider a bold color like red or navy blue to make a statement. Additionally, the color of your home’s exterior should also be taken into account when selecting a shutter color to ensure a cohesive and harmonious look.
How to Match Your Shutter Color with Your Home’s Exterior
Matching your shutter color with your home’s exterior can be a bit tricky, but it is essential to create a cohesive and polished look. A good rule of thumb is to match the shutter color with the darkest accent color already present on your home’s exterior. This could be a shade of brown, gray, or even black that you find in your roof, door, or window trim. Creating a harmonious exterior color scheme will make your home feel more cohesive and appealing.
Another important factor to consider when matching your shutter color with your home’s exterior is the style of your home. For example, if you have a traditional style home, you may want to choose a classic color such as black, navy, or forest green for your shutters. On the other hand, if you have a modern style home, you may want to opt for a more bold and vibrant color such as red or bright blue. It’s important to choose a color that not only matches your home’s exterior but also complements its style.
Choosing the Best Shutter Color for Your Home’s Style
To ensure you’re making a great shutter color choice, consider the overall style of your home. Are you going for a farmhouse look or a more modern aesthetic? The color of your shutters can reflect the style you are aiming to achieve. For example, white or muted colors are perfect for traditional or historical homes. Black or deep brown shutters work well for modern homes. Lighter pastel shades can lend a beachy feel, while bolder hues like red and green shout a statement and can add vibrancy to an otherwise neutral façade.
Another important factor to consider when choosing the best shutter color for your home is the color of your exterior walls. If your walls are already a bold color, it may be best to choose a more neutral color for your shutters to avoid clashing. On the other hand, if your walls are a neutral color, you can use your shutters to add a pop of color and personality to your home.
It’s also important to consider the climate and environment in which your home is located. If you live in a hot and sunny area, darker colored shutters may absorb more heat and cause your home to become warmer. In this case, lighter colored shutters may be a better choice to reflect the sun’s rays and keep your home cooler. If you live in an area with a lot of foliage or trees, green shutters can blend in and complement the natural surroundings.
Popular Shutter Colors and Trends for 2021
If you’re wondering what colors are on-trend this year, earthy, grounded tones are in abundance. Olive green, navy blue, and shades of gray are especially popular. Bold colors like plum, red, and forest green are also making a comeback and creating a strong impact on the exterior of homes. Classic colors like white or black will always be relevant and can add a timeless elegance.
In addition to color trends, there are also some popular styles of shutters that are gaining popularity in 2021. Board and batten shutters, which feature vertical boards held together by horizontal battens, are a rustic and charming option. Raised panel shutters, which have a raised panel in the center of the shutter, are a more traditional and elegant choice. Louvered shutters, which have angled slats that allow for ventilation, are a classic and versatile option that can work with many different styles of homes.
When choosing shutters for your home, it’s important to consider both the style and color. You want to choose shutters that complement the overall aesthetic of your home and enhance its curb appeal. Whether you opt for a bold color or a classic style, the right shutters can make a big impact on the look and feel of your home.
Using a Color Wheel to Choose the Perfect Shutter Color
As previously mentioned, a color wheel can be a helpful tool to choose the perfect shutter color. Colors opposite each other on the wheel are complementary and can create a striking contrast. For example, blue and orange or yellow and purple are opposite each other on the color wheel, and these pairs complement each other and can create an eye-catching look.
Another useful tip when using a color wheel is to consider analogous colors. Analogous colors are those that are next to each other on the color wheel, such as blue and green or red and orange. These colors can create a harmonious and cohesive look when used together.
It’s also important to take into account the color of your home’s exterior when choosing shutter colors. If your home has warm tones, such as beige or brown, consider choosing shutter colors in warm tones as well, such as red or orange. If your home has cool tones, such as gray or blue, consider choosing shutter colors in cool tones, such as green or blue.
Tips for Creating a Cohesive Color Palette with Shutters
Harmonizing the color palette of your entire home, including shutters, can create a polished, cohesive look. Start with the color of your roof, then choose a trim color, followed by a shutter color. These colors should be in harmony and not overpower one another. Don’t be afraid to add bright colors as accents, but be mindful not to overdo it.
The Effect of Light on Your Shutter Color Choice
It’s worth considering how much natural light your home gets when selecting the right shutter color. South or west-facing homes get more sun, and warmer colors like yellows and oranges tend to look better in these situations. Cooler colors like blues and grays should be used for homes that face north or east and get less sunlight.
How to Coordinate Your Shutter Color with Other Exterior Elements
Coordinating your shutter color with other exterior elements like the front door and garage door can be a great way to create a cohesive look for your home. Consider matching the shutter color to the garage door or front door to create a more polished look. This can work especially well with classic colors such as white or black, where toning down one exterior element can make the other stand out.
Dos and Don’ts of Choosing a Shutter Color
When selecting a shutter color, it is essential to choose wisely. Do consider the style and architecture of your home as well as local color and design codes, climate, and the age of your home. Don’t be afraid to take a risk with a bold, unique color, but keep in mind the color should still harmonize with the rest of the home’s exterior. Avoid using too many colors that clash or confuses the eye and detracts from the architecture itself.
How to Test Different Shutter Colors Before Committing
Before committing, test different shutter colors, and finishes on your home to ensure you’re making a smart decision that looks good. Try using virtual painting tools online, or buy tester samples of the paint to test it in real life. A mock-up or a photo editing can help you see a color applied to the entire home for a better perspective.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Choosing a Shutter Color
Some common mistakes to avoid include not considering the local design trends, colors, and regulations, choosing a color that clashes with the surroundings, or choosing a color that is too trendy or bold. Avoid using too many colors or finishes that are trendy and overused. They might soon be out of style, leaving your home looking outdated and worn out before you know it.
How Your Location Influences the Best Shutter Colors
Where you live can inform the shutter color you choose. Bright colors are perfect for a beachfront home because they complement the natural environment and add positivity to the surroundings. On the other hand, muted blues and greens are ideal for homes in wooded areas. Keep in mind that the regional climate should also influence your color palette. Hotter climates call for lighter colors, while cooler climates can support darker colors.
Customizing Your Shutters with Unique Colors or Finishes
If you want your home to stand out, think about customizing your shutters with unique colors or finishes. Two-tone finishes create dimension and depth, while vinyl shutters can be easily painted any color. For a pop of color, opt for a bright or bold hue, or for a softer look, try a pastel shade. The world is your oyster when it comes to color choices for shutters.
Choosing the perfect shutter color can seem daunting, but with this guide, you’re ready to make an informed decision. Whether you’re looking for a timeless look or you’re going the trendy route, matching the shutters with the right color is the key to elevating the exterior of your home and improving its curb appeal.
