High Indoor Windows Get a New Look with Shutters

You know the type of windows: very high up in the den, living room, or bedroom, then a huge blank wall beneath. Curtains to fit seem to hang up in mid-air but floor-length curtains don’t look right when you open them and see that large, blank wall area beneath the window.

Here’s a solution: window shutters. Yank down the old drapes and toss them aside. Shutters will give the window a new treatment and a totally different look. But, add a twist and hang shutters below the window as well. Now the window will look much more appropriate and the room will have a cozy feel.

Sure, you can pay full price for shutters at a home improvement store, but look around at flea markets and secondhand stores first, since you’ll often see old shutters at a reasonable price. Redo the shutters or use them in a distressed manner. I personally think redoing them makes them look nice and new, but use the technique that’s best for your home’s decor.

Measure the shutters and purchase them in sizes where four will fit across the window. Small windows will only need two, larger ones will require four. Since you’ll be placing four shutters over the window you’ll need an additional four shutters to go below the window. Paint the shutters, if desired, or leave them unfinished.

Hinge two shutters together for one side of the window, two more for the opposite side. Hang the shutters on each side of the window. Close the shutters to make it easier to align the bottom set. Hinge the third set of shutters and hang them below the first two. Hinge the fourth set and hang them on the opposite side, below the window.

To achieve the maximum effect open the top shutters yet keep the bottom ones closed. Opening the top shutters gives the appearance of a huge window that has only part of its shutters open, but opening the bottom shutters will give away your little secret.

Since, upon close examination, one would be able to tell that there is no window behind the bottom shutters, it helps to somewhat conceal the bottom shutters. Do so by arranging a small table and two chairs, a chair and side table, or some other large furniture. It’s not necessary to completely camouflage the bottom shutters – just place an arrangement in front of them to partially take the focus off of the bottom shutters. Obviously, no light will come in through the bottom shutters, so opening the top shutters lets in light and lends to the overall look of the window shutter treatment.

Now you don’t have to wrestle anymore with how to update those old, high-up windows. Plantation shutters is just what the doctor ordered for these types of window arrangements. They’re easy to install and the look of the shutters makes the room seem much more inviting.