7 decor ideas to go with your shutters
- Wendy Roberts
- Consultant
In short
Shutters are a sophisticated, clean-lined window furnishing, and a few styling choices make them really stand out: hardwood or wood-look floors, large leafy plants, framing side curtains or a valance, batten-and-board walls in a bathroom, brick or brick-look walls for an industrial loft feel, matching slatted wardrobe doors in a bedroom, and small gallery lights above the window. Use PVC composite shutters in wet rooms so they do not warp.
Shutters are a sophisticated alternative to blinds, giving a home a touch of the genteel. Here are seven interior styling ideas to really make your shutters stand out.
Table of contents
Matching wardrobe doors
In the bedroom, commit to the look and tie the whole room together with matching slatted wardrobe doors that echo the shutters.
Hardwood floors
Rustic and natural, hardwood floors paired with shutters give an elegant, classic look. If real timber is not an option, wood-look luxury vinyl planking works well, in a light or dark tone to suit your decor. Continuing that natural, slightly old-world feel across both walls and floors brings a lovely balance to the home.
Plants
Plants bring shutters to life. Large potted greenery such as a palm, philodendron, ficus or monstera suits their simplicity, and orchids or vases of blooms work well too. Lifelike artificial plants are a low-maintenance option you can swap with the seasons.
Batten and board in the bathroom
Shutters and bathrooms are a natural combination. Add batten-and-board walls for an extra element of simple, elegant style. In a wet area, choose PVC composite shutters, which stand up to moisture far better than real timber, which can warp or stain.
Brick walls
For a soft industrial, New York loft feel, team your shutters with brick walls or a brick-look wallpaper.
Frame them with side curtains
Fixed side curtains frame and emphasise a shuttered window for a chic, elegant feel. They are there to soften the hard edges, not to be drawn, so they suit larger rooms; in a small room they can overwhelm the space. Do not be afraid to contrast with the wall colour, and decide between airy sheers or an opaque fabric for more colour and pattern. If full curtains feel like too much, a valance softens the look instead.
Lighting
Give your shutters a glow and make them a feature with small, gallery-style lights mounted above the window.
Tip
Shutters are also known as plantation shutters, a hallmark of classic Southern style. Lean into it with light walls, natural fabrics like cotton, silk and linen, nature-inspired patterns, and a mix of formal and relaxed furniture for a warm, timeless look.
Our shutters are made for your home in fixed, hinged, sliding or bi-fold configurations, so they are both functional and beautiful. If you are still choosing a material, our guide on what kind of window shutters you need can help, or request a free in-home consultation to talk through the options for your home.
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Guides
Choosing the right shutters for your home
Not sure which shutters will suit your home? From shutter styles and key features to room-by-room advice, this guide covers everything New Zealand homeowners need to know.
Frequently asked questions
What flooring goes best with shutters?
Hardwood floors are a classic match, pairing the clean lines of shutters with a natural, slightly old-world warmth. If real timber is not an option, a wood-look luxury vinyl plank gives the same effect, in a light or dark tone to suit your decor.
Can you use curtains with shutters?
Yes. Fixed side curtains frame and soften a shuttered window for a chic, elegant look. They are not meant to be drawn, just to soften the hard edges, so they suit larger rooms. Sheers keep it light and airy; opaque fabrics add colour and pattern. A valance is a lighter alternative.
Do plants suit a room with shutters?
Beautifully. Large potted greenery like a palm, philodendron, ficus or monstera complements the simplicity of shutters, and orchids or vases of blooms work well too. Lifelike artificial plants are a low-maintenance option you can change with the seasons.
What shutters are best for a bathroom?
Choose PVC composite shutters in a bathroom. Real timber can warp or stain in wet, humid areas, whereas PVC stands up to the conditions while still giving you the shutter look.
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