There are a number of things that you should take into consideration when you are choosing window shutters for your home. Your personal preferences are important, as are the design of your home and your budget. You also need to determine whether you would prefer a functional or decorative solution and the type of material you want. Let's take a quick look at four window options.
Colonial shutters are divided into panels with louvers, with four panels being the most common version. As they are more functional, they will be a bit more expensive than merely decorative versions. They can help to give you privacy while still letting in light, and they can also help protect your windows during storms.
Those who live in the south will especially appreciate Bahama shutters. They open away from the house, so if you want to open your windows for a breeze but don't want to let in a lot of sunlight you can open them to a 45 degree angle. You can also open them to smaller angles in order to let in some light and breeze. When they are locked in place they provide excellent protection during hurricanes. Prices will vary based on the scope of the project.
Some people prefer to have cafe shutters which just cover either the top or bottom of their windows. You can get them in a number of different styles, including louvered, traditional, or colonial. They can be used in combination with a valance and provide privacy and light control at a lower expense.
If you prefer an indoor window solution, you might want to consider interior plantation shutters. They have movable louvers and make a room semi-opaque when the louvers are shut, allowing you to protect your furniture and carpeting from fading as well as letting you control the amount of light and privacy that you have.
Whatever style you choose, be sure to compare manufacturers, product features, installation support and prices online before making a final purchase decision.