The Timeless Fairytale Window Treatment That Can Elevate Your Home's Design

When you think of a classic home that's been fleshed out of a storybook, one detail that usually comes to mind is the presence of window shutters. This window treatment has been around for a long time, dating as far back as the ancient times in Greece, Egypt, and Rome. But now, we mostly associate it with fairytale settings, possibly because it was a prominent feature in old England and across Europe – where most of these fairytales came from. Despite its long history, however, the window shutter remains timeless. It even complements today's home decor trends.

From quaint cottages to elegant residential estates, shutters instantly add a timeless quality to any home style. HGTV's Jenny Marrs even recommends it as a feature for classic farmhouses. Unlike trendy decorative window treatments, shutters come with an old-world charm that enhances the overall architecture of a property. "They add instant charm and architectural credibility to a home," design firm Cantley & Company founder Cyndy Cantley says of shutters via The Spruce. This is especially true for the classic louver shutters with individual slats. They may be the most traditional looking in terms of style, and they are also among the most popular due to their iconic appearance. But beyond the aesthetics, shutters come with a number of advantages.

Aesthetically speaking, shutters can bring the outside of a home to life and boost curb appeal, especially when painted in colors that complement the facade or overall exterior of the property. However, they offer more practical benefits aside from beauty. Since shutters are made of solid materials, like wood, metal, and composite, they are more durable and can outlast many other forms of window treatments, including curtains, blinds, and shades. They also retain their shape for many years when properly maintained, unlike fabric and plastic treatments that may easily fade, become brittle, and degrade due to sunlight, humidity, and improper washing or handling.

Another advantage window shutters have over other treatments is how easy they are to clean. Though they may accumulate dust on the slats, corners, and frames, removing the dirt is as easy as wiping with a damp cloth. Vacuuming with a brush attachment is also an option. There's no need to remove or disassemble them, like you would with curtains and blinds. Both indoor and outdoor shutters also provide control over sunlight, which in turn helps regulate the temperature inside the house. During harsh winters, they act as temperature-regulating barriers when shut, helping maintain the warmth inside when the heaters are on. The same is true for intense summers. Closed shutters help keep the cold inside the house when the air conditioning is on. Finally, shutters offer privacy and security since they can control visibility from the outside and provide protection to glass windows.

Shutters may still be considered one of the most traditional types of window treatments, but they have actually come a long way since the turn of the century. Modern technology has allowed them to go far beyond their conventional roots, especially with the introduction of the motorized mechanism. No longer limited to manual adjustments, many manufacturers now offer indoor shutters that can be shut via an app, an internet-powered system, or voice command, making them the perfect window treatment for smart homes. The high-tech control makes it easy for homeowners to schedule times for the shutters to open or close throughout the day.

Alongside this motorized mechanism, modern shutters have also seen an upgrade in design, with newer styles featuring hidden hinges, sleeker frames, and customizable finishes. With these alterations and customizations, modern homeowners wouldn't have to settle for just the dated-looking wood shutters. There are plenty of options to choose from, including PVC, aluminum, and steel. There are even faux wood shutters in case you really want to embody the fairytale appeal of traditional shutters.