Choose interior or exterior first
Interior shutters manage light, privacy, room appearance, and window access. Exterior shutters may be fixed decoration, traditionally operable panels, top-hinged shade, or a project-specific performance product. These categories use different measurements, materials, hardware, and installation details.
Match the style to the architecture
Plantation louvers, exterior fixed louvers, raised or flat panels, board-and-batten construction, Bahama shutters, and shaped panels change the proportions of a window. Rail locations, panel count, louver size, and shutter-pair width should relate to the opening rather than a stock photograph.
Select material by exposure and use
Wood offers natural grain and traditional joinery. Composite, PVC, fiberglass, vinyl, and aluminum systems have different size, heat, moisture, weight, finish, and operability limits. The material must fit the location, style, span, hardware, and maintenance plan.
Keep the full order together
Dimensions, mount, frame, panel layout, material, finish, hardware, room or elevation ID, freight, receiving, and installation should remain attached to one opening record. Final production begins only after those details agree.
Turn the guide into a complete opening schedule.
Keep every finished width and height, mounting surface, jamb depth, panel arrangement, material, finish, hardware part, photo, and delivery note connected to the same opening ID.
Start the configurationQuestions about this topic
What should I choose before measuring for shutters?
Identify interior or exterior use, inside or outside mount, the style, likely operation, window or door type, and any obstructions. Exact options can be refined after measurements and photos are reviewed.